I started with long tracks from their A Farewell to Kings album...Xanadu is still my favorite. The final track Cygnus X1, Book 1 The Voyage is incredible...and it's followed by the title track Cygnus X1, Book 2 Hemispheres from the Hemispheres album. For instrumentals you must check out La Villa Strangiato and YYZ. If you like the deep lyrics of Rush, I think you'll also like the poetic lyrics of Poets of the Fall, a Finnish rock band...they've rereleased a number of older songs recorded as scaled down acoustic versions in the Alexander Theatre. Check out the song Angel for starters.
" I can't even explain what I just heard!" That pretty much sums up 40+ years of Rush. It defies explanation. Just three guys making all that music. Genius!
I would say, just dive in headfirst and listen to the entire Hemispheres album. The album has their best long song on it, and also has their best instrumental, the other two songs on the album are also outstanding.
I think that you described the subject matter perfectly! Neil wrote this song as a metaphor for how he'd struggled with growing up neurodiverse in a suburban community where you were expected to "conform or be cast out." I have Asperger's Syndrome, which is part of the autistic spectrum, and this one came out while I was in high school, and being constantly teased and bullied by my classmates because my brain worked differently. Moving forward from my diagnosis, I've come to recognize that I actually have many unique gifts and abilities that most neurotypical people cannot even begin to understand. For several more examples of how incredibly gifted Neil was, I'd like to add my votes for 2112, Cygnus X-1: Book 1 (A Farewell To Kings) and Book 2 (Hemispheres), La Villa Strangiato, and his Live In Frankfurt Drum Solo. Neil Peart R.I.P 🥁 🥁 🐐 🐐
3 musical geniuses who are all proficient with numerous instruments and with incredibly imaginative songwriting capabilities, who's endearing friendship had led them on a 40+ year journey that could be unmatched in the Arts and Entertainment field. They will inspire musicians for generations to come. 🇨🇦
RUSH ARMY REPORTING FOR DUTY! Signals. Smack in their synth-heavy mid-80s phase, social commentary that rings true 30+ years later, and supernatural musicality. The best 3-man band in history, with a richness of sound that many larger bands struggle to attain, each one a virtuoso of their respective instrument. Masters of transition. Grandfathers of prog rock. Scoffed at and mocked for being "too intellectual for rock music". Neil Peart - (peert-not-pert) Drums and lyrics. The quiet one. The Professor, your favorite drummer's favorite drummer. One of the best, most influential drummers in rock history. Died January 2020. :( Geddy Lee - Bass, vocals, keyboards, foot pedals (yes, frequently all at the same time) Simply an astonishing legendary bassist and multitasker with one of the most unique voices in the industry. Alex Lifeson - Guitar, pedals. The goofball. Possibly the most underrated guitarist in rock history. Shredding these amazing, thoughtful, soulful, sometimes face-melting solos from pretty much the beginning of his career. These men were born to greatness. It was programmed into them at the cosmic level. I don't mean in any way to downplay their hard work, dedication, practice, and self-improvement. They worked their asses off to be this great, but destiny put them on that path and kicked them hard in the ass. Suggestions: Working Man (studio first, for the original song that put them on the radio, then immediately the Live In Cleveland Time Machine Tour 2011), YYZ (Live in Rio), Xanadu (Live 1981 Exit Stage Left), The Spirit of Radio (official video), Freewill, Limelight, The Camera Eye, Red Barchetta, The Analog Kid, Digital Man, Countdown, Losing It, The Big Money, Bastille Day, 2112 (the whole thing, with lyrics, it's 20 minutes long and will blow your mind!), Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage, Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres, Cinderella Man, The Pass, Scars, The Weapon, Red Sector A, Where's My Thing? Here It Is., Leave That Thing Alone, any of Neil's drum solos, but the Live in Frankfurt iteration is amazing. This list is a good start, but you've got 41 years of awe and wonder to catch up on. Welcome to Rush.
@@dr.juerdotitsgo5119 Absolutely! That was in no way meant to disparage, just to inform! I am a child of the 80s, and Moving Pictures was my first Rush album, on vinyl. My Signals and Power Windows cassettes were very much worn and stretched when I replaced them with CDs. :D
@@somecallmetim2112 Ironically when young I just liked their first album because it was somewhat "proto-metal", I was in my metalhead era. Just began to enjoy their prog stuff after I discovered YES, and their 80's stuff after I discovered The Police. Still think "debut - power windows" is their truly relevant material though, aside from Counterparts.
@@dr.juerdotitsgo5119 I agree, though I would also include Presto and Roll The Bones. Some great tracks on those records. I think Counterparts was the last comprehensively really good album.
@@somecallmetim2112 Hell yes on Counterparts. And Roll the Bones (the song) is one of my favorites (especially the liveRio version), but the album itself is not that much of a ride, aside from "Neurotica" also one of their best.
Reacting to Rush "Xanadu", from their Exit stage left album, would be great. It's a 1981 live video masterpiece. Also, they have a " best intro ever" video that's great as well 👍🏽
This is the "middle" synth era of Rush. I you liked this, I can recommend not only the entire Signals album, but also the entirety of these albums: Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows, and Hold Your Fire. Extended jam sessions: "La Villa Strangiato", "Natural Science", "The Camera Eye", "Xanadu". It's a rabbit hole -- once you start down you won't be able to stop, you'll get lost and you won't care.
If you like the instrumentals: Working Man Live in Cleveland is one of the best just shredding on Bass and Guitar that you will find. If you like the drum watch Neil's drum solo live in Frankfurt.
La Villa Strangiato official music video which is amazing Xanadu from Exit Stage Left is a mind blower! The Main Monkey Business is another great instrumental. Working man live in Cleveland is another mind blower! Lots of great choices. Cheers
For many years I worked with stand up comedians in and around Los Angeles, taping various shows for agents, mangers, festival scouts... One night a well liked comic was introduced to the stage. He hesitated, struggled to get his act going, then stopped and apologized, saying he couldn't do his act right now, then explained why. On the way to the club, Subdivisions played on the radio, and while listening he had an emotional breakdown. He described listening to it as something along the lines of feeling as though he found himself in a state of "isolated beautiful imprisonment." He couldn't shake the feeling.
Care to share which 1? I wouldn't think less of this person if you named him. That was a gutsy thing to do in admitting he was having a moment of struggle. I imagine that's not easy to do in a comedy club.
If you love that sound, you love 80's Rush like I do (not all Rush fans love 80's Rush). Signals, Grace Under Pressure and Power Windows albums are amazing imo. Watch live versions of Analog Kid and Digital Man from Signals, After Image and Between the Wheels from Grace Under Pressure, and Marathon, Big Money, Territories and Manhattan Project from Power Windows. As for the long instrumental...La Villa Strangiato live in Cleveland! Btw...Bass/keyboards/lead singer are the same guy :)
I'm a huge fan of Rush especially early Rush. The entire Hemispheres album is my favorite along with Permanent Waves. Xanadu from Exit stage left is my favorite song. Please give it a listen or the studio version of La Villa Strangiato from Hemispheres.
Enjoyed your reaction brother.. Take the Rush journey.. You'll be better for it on the other side!.. RUSH ARMY will ride with you for sure... A few suggestions for you.. SPIRIT OF RADIO.. LIMELIGHT.. FREEWILL.. Respect!
LA Villa Strangiato - studio version or Exit Stage Left version; The Necromancer (not an instrumental, but overlooked); YYZ (live in Rio is great, but not that long)... I could go on and on. Like Neil stated, "When Geddy isn't singing, we are soloing." I could be paraphrasing, but that was the spirit of the comment.
Short but powerful instrumental, -Jacob's Ladder ; other epic songs: Natural Science, Xanadu, Red Sector A, etc..just pick any song from their catalog or fan suggestion.
" I can't even explain what I just heard!" That pretty much sums up 40+ years of Rush. It defies explanation. Just three guys making all that music. Genius! Some great Jams? Xanadu live from Exit Stage Left, Working Man Live from the Time Machine tour, The song 2112 from the album of the same name. The song takes up the entire side, a seven part suite of sheer power and brilliance. If you're a rock or metal musician, your ears will never be the same! I promise!
To me Subdivisions is a perfect song. It still has many prog elements with shifting time signatures throughout and the lyrics are some of Neil’s best. They really resonate with my own adolescent experiences.
Nice reaction! I suggest continuing on with the Signals album, it's super smooth with no bad tracks. La Villa Strangiato off the Hemispheres album is a fantastic 9+ minute instrumental.
Great reaction - I’m late to the party here, but agree with the others that your prayers will be answered with La Villa Strangiato (subtitled on the album as “An exercise in self-indulgence”). I recommend the studio version as it’s very clean and super tight. It’s a little over nine minutes long and was recorded at Rockfield Studio in Wales. Enjoy this journey - with 19 studio albums, you’ve unlocked Pandora’s box here ✌🏻
They are not really a jamming band, they write these songs, and then pretty much stick to the arrangement, but they try to make the songs interesting and challenging to play. Many Rush fans know every note, every beat of their 19 studio albums, and then just watch in amazement as Geddy, Alex, and Neil play it perfectly live, night after night, for more than 40 years. Very sadly. for us Rush fans, it will never happen again. How lucky and blessed i am to have seen a show from every single tour since "A farewell to kings" in 1978, thats 19 times !
Actually your partly wrong Kevin. Geddy has mentioned that during warm-ups, practice, jamming that they do record them then listen to the tapes at home then take the best parts for a future project album. This aside from the actual composing.
@@ThunderZandor I didn't mean that they never jam, of course they jam to come up with ideas, and i know about them recording their sound check jams to see if they came up with good ideas, I meant that once they've put these ideas together, and made an arrangement for a song, for the most part, that's how they would play the song in concert, they would almost never wing it, and just jam and improvise like The Grateful Dead, or bands like that. That's why they wrote complicated challenging music, so they wouldn't get bored playing the same songs night after night
@@kevindohn6776 Ok got it. There's a youtube who listens to Rush for the 1st time. He's also a musician and he said that Red Lenses sounded like it was slapped together quickly to make it unto the record. I was surprised, that drum riff is very complex.
Yeah, the Signals album changed my life. The songs speak to both my heart and mind and inform many of my life decisions. Welcome to the Rush brotherhood. If you want good jam session songs, check out Natural Science, Jacob's Ladder, The Camera Eye and Xanadu.
20 minute jam session you say? La Villa Strangiato coming right up! (But like the other commenter said, just listen to the entire Hemispheres album. It’s all 🔥 🔥 🔥
You'll love La Villa Strangato from Rush's Hemispheres album.(not the "official" version but the original studio album version from Hemispheres). Rush was one of the best live rock bands ever but other then a couple of songs - (""Working Man" Live in Cleveland and "Xanadu" from Exit Stage Left), I would highly suggest that you listen to the studio versions of their music first. You can really hear the details in the drums and bass guitar in particular a lot better that way and gain a better understanding and appreciation for the live stuff as well. Rush was amazing. Great reaction! Enjoy the ride!
(The late) Neil Peart (drums) wrote the lyrics to 'Subdivisions' in 1982, just as Rush was phasing into a keyboard-heavy sound in the 80's decade... It was about Peart's experience in school - growing up in Canada. He was tall, awkward and shy as a teen and wasn't athletic, couldn't ice skate, and was picked on pretty hard by his peers... He once said that once he got into rock music in the 60's and grew his hair out long, it got worse... It was playing drums that gave him a purpose as a teen - he said it was the first time he was admired for anything... so he kept at it and eventually became a professional drummer. Before he joined Rush, he went to England to audition for bands, but soon came back to Canada. If you wanna hear 10 - 20 minute jam sessions by Rush, there are a a few gems in their arsenal - the '2112' epic, which is 20+ minutes... 'Xanadu' ... 'La Villa Strangiato' (instrumental) ... 'By-Tor and the Snow dog'... 'Natural science' ... 'The Necromancer' ... 'The Camera Eye'...🤘🤘
Three nerdy, intelligent guys who considered themselves cast-outs speaking for the millions who felt just like them. They have been our voice for over four decades. Neil was so incredibly brilliant in his use of words, but what else do you expect from a genius who always had his nose in a book? He was never comfortable being admired, avoided Meet & Greets while Geddy and Alex met with their fans. In "Limelight" he even said "I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend." They were family, and they embraced us as extended family.
I would say one of their best songs, Neil Peart, the drummer, has always supplied all the lyrics for be all songs, please, please, dive in to "Natural Science" from Permanent Waves" album
That first verse describes the suburbs in the most poetic way possible. I grew up in the suburbs and it is in between the city's bright lights and the far unlit unknown of the rural landscape...brilliant!!
You can't listen to a couple song's like some other bands to decide what they are about, they changed so much during their long run. The Analogkid and Digitalman are fav's off this album, but there aren't any bad song's.
It's always great to see someone being turned onto Rush for the first time. Just proves the timelessness and the uniqueness of these three guys. You are in for a delightful Journey dude. Enjoy.
Great reaction. 40 years of fantastic musicianship from this band. If you want a long and epic song, 2112 is one song that is a multi-part story that is the entire first side of their 2112 album. It is right around 20 minutes and is epic. If you find the one with an accompanying video it kind of tells the story as well. Enjoy.
As a matter of fact they have 2112 which is 21 minutes. Hemispheres around 20 minutes. Lyric videos are recommended. La Villa Strangiato about 12 minute instrumental. Headlong Flight, One Little Victory or Far Cry for some newer. Big Money, Red Sector A or The Pass or Time Stand Still for middle 80’s. Big rabbit hole to go down. Good reaction. Thanks.
Nothing like the rush from listening to a new Rush song. The best three piece band ever , Canada's best export . Xanadu live 1981 exit stage left tour next , La Villa Strangiato , YYZ live in Rio a must even if you know the song.. When you are ready 2112 a 21 minute masterpiece . Spirit of Radio live R30 Overture best intro ever . enjoy the rabbit hole is deep , but worth the journey .
I heard this, but never ‘heard’ it til many years later. I’ve seen in comments that it’s helped people get through things. That makes this song more magi
Just found your channel J.S. and I like what I see and hear! Really enjoyed your breakdown of this song, which has been one of my favs for years. You might try "La Villa Stangiato" (official music video) if your looking for an extended instrumental. It's a studio track paired with a rehearsal, and it is outstanding. There are many LIVE versions of the song as well! Enjoy the ride! 😄 Oh, and I just "subbed".☮
I’ve seen a lot of bands live. A lot. Rush was by far the best live band I’ve ever seen. As a guitar player I was amazed by the guitar tone. It was like that’s what a guitar is supposed to sound like. So good. Spirit of radio is a killer track of theirs you should definitely check out. Porcupine Tree is another progressive band you might like. Anesthetize is a good start.
Welcome to the universe of Rush! As a musician you'll get a particular appreciation of their skills / mastery / genius. Words from a 68 year-old rocker: Forget the notion that studio recordings are superior to live ones when it comes to Rush. A huge part of their reputation is their capacity to deliver note-perfect renditions to stadiums of fans. The fills, riffs and vocals ( with apologies to Geddy's ageing voice ) are just as precise in person. But the energy of their live "versions" more than make up for the minor technical inferioritys. Recommendations for a "jam" would be: 1-La Villa Strangiato LIVE. Trust me. It might be a set piece but it was the result of a jam, and the live version is exact but full of visual buffoonery...while playing. 2- "Rush! The best Intro EVER!!!" [ that's how you'll find it on the TOOB ] It'a medley of the recognizable bits of some fan faves to start the show. 3- And for pure crowd buzzing energy [ again a faithful rendition in spite of the amazing audience frenzy ] "YYZ Live in RIO!" Enjoy...
your reaction and commentary is spot on! thank you. I love how you are noting the amazing musicianship of these 3 - it's been noted by many! I would like to recommend reviewing some Dave Mathews Band something off under the table and dreaming. I think you would enjoy those 5 musicians. "Ant's Marching" is the big commercial track from then - I think you would enjoy that.
If you want 20 min. You'll want to listen to 2112 - Either Comic Book or Lyric videos Cygnus-X1 - Lyric Video Hemispheres (Cygnus-X1 pt2)... Lyric Video If you want a little bit shorter then you'll want to listen to a few of my favorite longer tracks, but not quite 20 min. "Xanadu" - Exit Stage Left live Natural Science - Lyric Video Jacob's Ladder - The Camera Eye If you want instrumentals YYZ - Live in Rio La Villa Strangiato - Original Video Leave that thing Alone - Cleveland If you want just an outright jam Working Man - Live in Cleveland (recognize that this is the end of a 3 hour set when they play this and the beginning is not how the original was recorded) If you want to see the best drum solo start with Neil Peart - Live in Frankfurt... 8.5 minutes of pure drum composition that includes drumming from throught the ages and globe. That's a starting place.
Xanadu from Exit Stage Left is live and freaking amazing, as a musician I think you will be blown away, it has to be Exit Stage Left version, blows away studio version. You will find one posting of it, not best quality, RUSH themselves had it on you tube forever, some strange reason its gone, probably got copyright strike by their own label lol.
Rush army here, lifer. Xanadu is Neil drum roll heaven, and the band's most symphonic track. Witch Hunt is grand and sinister. You like synth, so all of Signals and Grace and Power Windows. I like Hold Your Fire, but best to keep that one to yourself for a bit. Yeah, 2112 is the 20 minute jam. Have fun!
Well now young man welcome to our 3 Canadian Masters 48 yrs of mastery..... La Villa Strangiato lord luvs flippin Ducks... Mr Geddy Lee Keys, vocals Bass..... Alex Lifeson on Guitar. The professor Mr Neil Peart. The rabbit hole is an awesome ride...... Cheers
You won't find a bad song by this band, and yes, the lyrics are not always uplifting...but you will never fail to feel real emotion that comes straight from your core. I've been a fan for over 45 years but had never listened to a song called Losing It. A few years ago I lost my wife and father within three months of one another, and when I heard Losing It, I actually lost it. All of their lyrics contain thoughts and feelings that most people can entirely relate to from their own personal life experiences. You want a "jam session", check out the link - ruclips.net/video/YSToKcbWz1k/видео.html
Subdivisions by Rush was a favorite. So good. Triumphs 'Fight the Good Fight' was good to. Steely Dan's Show Biz Kids( and many more).. Yes's 'Perpetual Change'.. Nice video..
You want just instrumentals? La Villa Strangiato, YYZ, and the beginning 2/3 of "The Greatest Intro Ever". And you mentioned the drummer....you are listening to probably the greatest drummer the rock world has ever seen.........and he wrote 95% of the lyrics.
Getty is the singer, the keyboardist, and the bass player. So much talent with these 3 guys. My first concert was in 1979. Every second still fresh in my mind. THEY ARE AMAZING LIVE. WELCOME TO RUSH. and by the way, they never tried to be cool. THEY JUST WERE.
If you haven't already heard Yes, check them out too. Yes is an inspiration to Rush, Rush inducted Yes into the R&R-HOF. Geddy sat in for Chris Squire. R.I.P. Chris Squire. Anything from Yes: Close to the Edge. Some songs are: Roundabout Starship Trooper Perpetual Change from YesSongs I've Seen All Good People If you love Rush, you'll love Yes. P.S. True Rush fans are also Yes Fans.
🤗 Totally looking forward to your Rush Rabbit hole journey! 🥰 Subbed for the ride. 😁 No suggestions since you'll rcv a ton of request! ☺️ Eagerly awaiting La Villa, 2112 & Cygnus Books 1 and 2 (Hemispheres). 🤗 Can't wait to see what's next! 🐰 #ENRGYZRBunny
Hey John, have you done a reaction to Show Me, Don't Tell Me by Rush from i believe 1991 album Presto. It's hard to remember since they made about 3 or 4 albums in 5 years. Hard working band non-stop.
There are about 20 20min songs for yah!! 2112, necromancer, bytor an the snow dog, Cygnus x1 book 1, Cygnus x1 book 2, Xanadu, YYZ, Jacobs ladder, leave that thing alone, natural science… just to name a few hahahaha This band will speak to you in volumes through the lyrics and through the music…. Prepare yourself for the journey
Dude... I'm so excited for your Discovery of Rush...their music has made decades of my life bearable...to escape to Rush becomes addictive...they put out so much good music with integrity and purpose. As a guitarist myself...I don't even try to play along...I just marvel at the absolutely capacity of human capabilities. Amazing!
Suggestion: Do Analog Kid from the same album. As for a jam session - try the intro from the 30th anniversary show in Frankfurt... ruclips.net/video/YSToKcbWz1k/видео.html
I just found your channel this evening, with some Primus - Tommy The Cat, then started binging on your Rush reactions. You have an awesome reaction style where you're actually jamming to the music most of the time, just like any fan of the band would do. Really enjoying, and subbed :)
So for 20 minute epic from Rush... 2112 is a 20:38 masterpiece, The Fountain of Lamneth is around 17 minutes and is beautiful. Cygnus X1 Book I and Book II are from two different albums. Book I (A Farewell to Kings album), our hero gets sucked into a black hole and he comes out on Book II (Hemispheres album) Lyrically and musically sone of my personal favorite. All the above songs have lyrics though. If you want straight long instrumental, La Villa Strangiato may make you tear up, but is a little over 10 minutes of pure genius. YYZ is much shorter but is a fun instrumental... Xanadu has a 5 min introduction and is bad ass. I would recommend, with any of these songs with lyrics, reading up on the background of the song or pulling up the lyric video. As great as the music is, the lyrics add even more to the song. 2112 is a 7 part suite, so you will want to know what's happening cuz it is a powerful story. Two more songs i would recommend are Leave That Thing Alone for instrumental and Natural Science. I would recommend lyrics the the second. All masterpieces. The Spirit of Radio and Red Barchetta are great also. Actually you really can't go wrong with any Rush period.
I grew up in the same town as Rush (Willowdale, Ontario c. Late 60s, early 70s). This song is about the soulless suburban sprawl in Toronto's suburbs in the 1980s.
Between this song and 2112, you've got my top 2 Rush songs. It pretty much epitomizes everything that they excelled at! Subdivisions always spoke to me, being the nerdy, misfit through school. The music video pretty much represented by my teenage years (albeit 10 years later, the look may have changed, but the feeling of high school was the same!) It was the PERFECT combination & balance of guitar, bass, drum & synth - I still get chills every time I hear the synth drone at the beginning of the song! No, I most certainly did not mind hearing it again with you!! Now on to 2112 good sir!
La Villa Strangiato…if you want a longer instrumental. It’s the best instrumental I’ve ever heard. Great reaction! 😎
I concur. I recommend the official video of La Villa Strangiato. I believe it will fulfill you. Just like every other Rush song.
Definitely. But please do the album track. There are nuances that can’t be captured in the stage performance. It’s an absolutely transformative piece…
Agreed. And that 20 min jam session you asked for is called “2112”. *grin*
This song is more realistic today then it was when it was written in the 80s
Welcome to the Love of Rush.
I started with long tracks from their A Farewell to Kings album...Xanadu is still my favorite. The final track Cygnus X1, Book 1 The Voyage is incredible...and it's followed by the title track Cygnus X1, Book 2 Hemispheres from the Hemispheres album. For instrumentals you must check out La Villa Strangiato and YYZ. If you like the deep lyrics of Rush, I think you'll also like the poetic lyrics of Poets of the Fall, a Finnish rock band...they've rereleased a number of older songs recorded as scaled down acoustic versions in the Alexander Theatre. Check out the song Angel for starters.
" I can't even explain what I just heard!" That pretty much sums up 40+ years of Rush. It defies explanation. Just three guys making all that music. Genius!
yes !!!! please continue with more RUSH. Do they have any 20 minutes songs??? yes, yes, yes ... you'll love 2112..
I would say, just dive in headfirst and listen to the entire Hemispheres album. The album has their best long song on it, and also has their best instrumental, the other two songs on the album are also outstanding.
+1
Yes, yes, yes and yes. Hemispheres will curl your hair.
I think that you described the subject matter perfectly! Neil wrote this song as a metaphor for how he'd struggled with growing up neurodiverse in a suburban community where you were expected to "conform or be cast out." I have Asperger's Syndrome, which is part of the autistic spectrum, and this one came out while I was in high school, and being constantly teased and bullied by my classmates because my brain worked differently. Moving forward from my diagnosis, I've come to recognize that I actually have many unique gifts and abilities that most neurotypical people cannot even begin to understand. For several more examples of how incredibly gifted Neil was, I'd like to add my votes for 2112, Cygnus X-1: Book 1 (A Farewell To Kings) and Book 2 (Hemispheres), La Villa Strangiato, and his Live In Frankfurt Drum Solo.
Neil Peart R.I.P 🥁 🥁 🐐 🐐
3 musical geniuses who are all proficient with numerous instruments and with incredibly imaginative songwriting capabilities, who's endearing friendship had led them on a 40+ year journey that could be unmatched in the Arts and Entertainment field. They will inspire musicians for generations to come. 🇨🇦
RUSH ARMY REPORTING FOR DUTY!
Signals. Smack in their synth-heavy mid-80s phase, social commentary that rings true 30+ years later, and supernatural musicality. The best 3-man band in history, with a richness of sound that many larger bands struggle to attain, each one a virtuoso of their respective instrument. Masters of transition. Grandfathers of prog rock. Scoffed at and mocked for being "too intellectual for rock music".
Neil Peart - (peert-not-pert) Drums and lyrics. The quiet one. The Professor, your favorite drummer's favorite drummer. One of the best, most influential drummers in rock history. Died January 2020. :(
Geddy Lee - Bass, vocals, keyboards, foot pedals (yes, frequently all at the same time) Simply an astonishing legendary bassist and multitasker with one of the most unique voices in the industry.
Alex Lifeson - Guitar, pedals. The goofball. Possibly the most underrated guitarist in rock history. Shredding these amazing, thoughtful, soulful, sometimes face-melting solos from pretty much the beginning of his career.
These men were born to greatness. It was programmed into them at the cosmic level. I don't mean in any way to downplay their hard work, dedication, practice, and self-improvement. They worked their asses off to be this great, but destiny put them on that path and kicked them hard in the ass.
Suggestions: Working Man (studio first, for the original song that put them on the radio, then immediately the Live In Cleveland Time Machine Tour 2011), YYZ (Live in Rio), Xanadu (Live 1981 Exit Stage Left), The Spirit of Radio (official video), Freewill, Limelight, The Camera Eye, Red Barchetta, The Analog Kid, Digital Man, Countdown, Losing It, The Big Money, Bastille Day, 2112 (the whole thing, with lyrics, it's 20 minutes long and will blow your mind!), Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage, Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres, Cinderella Man, The Pass, Scars, The Weapon, Red Sector A, Where's My Thing? Here It Is., Leave That Thing Alone, any of Neil's drum solos, but the Live in Frankfurt iteration is amazing. This list is a good start, but you've got 41 years of awe and wonder to catch up on. Welcome to Rush.
Sir, their 80's synth phase is just as good as their 70's prog rock phase, sir! At least during signals-power windows phase, sir!
@@dr.juerdotitsgo5119 Absolutely! That was in no way meant to disparage, just to inform! I am a child of the 80s, and Moving Pictures was my first Rush album, on vinyl. My Signals and Power Windows cassettes were very much worn and stretched when I replaced them with CDs. :D
@@somecallmetim2112 Ironically when young I just liked their first album because it was somewhat "proto-metal", I was in my metalhead era. Just began to enjoy their prog stuff after I discovered YES, and their 80's stuff after I discovered The Police. Still think "debut - power windows" is their truly relevant material though, aside from Counterparts.
@@dr.juerdotitsgo5119 I agree, though I would also include Presto and Roll The Bones. Some great tracks on those records. I think Counterparts was the last comprehensively really good album.
@@somecallmetim2112 Hell yes on Counterparts. And Roll the Bones (the song) is one of my favorites (especially the liveRio version), but the album itself is not that much of a ride, aside from "Neurotica" also one of their best.
Reacting to Rush "Xanadu", from their Exit stage left album, would be great. It's a 1981 live video masterpiece. Also, they have a " best intro ever" video that's great as well 👍🏽
This is the "middle" synth era of Rush. I you liked this, I can recommend not only the entire Signals album, but also the entirety of these albums: Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows, and Hold Your Fire. Extended jam sessions: "La Villa Strangiato", "Natural Science", "The Camera Eye", "Xanadu". It's a rabbit hole -- once you start down you won't be able to stop, you'll get lost and you won't care.
If you like the instrumentals: Working Man Live in Cleveland is one of the best just shredding on Bass and Guitar that you will find. If you like the drum watch Neil's drum solo live in Frankfurt.
Totally agree, probably the best live performance of any band, and they shreddddddd the base, guitar and drums
La Villa Strangiato official music video which is amazing
Xanadu from Exit Stage Left is a mind blower!
The Main Monkey Business is another great instrumental.
Working man live in Cleveland is another mind blower!
Lots of great choices.
Cheers
For many years I worked with stand up comedians in and around Los Angeles, taping various shows for agents, mangers, festival scouts... One night a well liked comic was introduced to the stage. He hesitated, struggled to get his act going, then stopped and apologized, saying he couldn't do his act right now, then explained why. On the way to the club, Subdivisions played on the radio, and while listening he had an emotional breakdown. He described listening to it as something along the lines of feeling as though he found himself in a state of "isolated beautiful imprisonment." He couldn't shake the feeling.
Care to share which 1? I wouldn't think less of this person if you named him. That was a gutsy thing to do in admitting he was having a moment of struggle. I imagine that's not easy to do in a comedy club.
this is how I feel when I hear this song
Best instrumental is La Villa Strangiato. I think the best rock instrumental of all time.
If you love that sound, you love 80's Rush like I do (not all Rush fans love 80's Rush). Signals, Grace Under Pressure and Power Windows albums are amazing imo. Watch live versions of Analog Kid and Digital Man from Signals, After Image and Between the Wheels from Grace Under Pressure, and Marathon, Big Money, Territories and Manhattan Project from Power Windows.
As for the long instrumental...La Villa Strangiato live in Cleveland!
Btw...Bass/keyboards/lead singer are the same guy :)
I'm a huge fan of Rush especially early Rush. The entire Hemispheres album is my favorite along with Permanent Waves. Xanadu from Exit stage left is my favorite song. Please give it a listen or the studio version of La Villa Strangiato from Hemispheres.
Enjoyed your reaction brother..
Take the Rush journey..
You'll be better for it on the other side!.. RUSH ARMY will ride with you for sure...
A few suggestions for you..
SPIRIT OF RADIO..
LIMELIGHT..
FREEWILL..
Respect!
LA Villa Strangiato - studio version or Exit Stage Left version; The Necromancer (not an instrumental, but overlooked); YYZ (live in Rio is great, but not that long)... I could go on and on. Like Neil stated, "When Geddy isn't singing, we are soloing." I could be paraphrasing, but that was the spirit of the comment.
They have many instrumentals for you. One of my favorites is where's my thing here it is and you have to check out LA villa strangiato
Short but powerful instrumental, -Jacob's Ladder ; other epic songs: Natural Science, Xanadu, Red Sector A, etc..just pick any song from their catalog or fan suggestion.
" I can't even explain what I just heard!" That pretty much sums up 40+ years of Rush. It defies explanation. Just three guys making all that music. Genius! Some great Jams? Xanadu live from Exit Stage Left, Working Man Live from the Time Machine tour, The song 2112 from the album of the same name. The song takes up the entire side, a seven part suite of sheer power and brilliance. If you're a rock or metal musician, your ears will never be the same! I promise!
To me Subdivisions is a perfect song. It still has many prog elements with shifting time signatures throughout and the lyrics are some of Neil’s best. They really resonate with my own adolescent experiences.
Nice reaction! I suggest continuing on with the Signals album, it's super smooth with no bad tracks. La Villa Strangiato off the Hemispheres album is a fantastic 9+ minute instrumental.
Great reaction - I’m late to the party here, but agree with the others that your prayers will be answered with La Villa Strangiato (subtitled on the album as “An exercise in self-indulgence”). I recommend the studio version as it’s very clean and super tight. It’s a little over nine minutes long and was recorded at Rockfield Studio in Wales. Enjoy this journey - with 19 studio albums, you’ve unlocked Pandora’s box here ✌🏻
I always called this the anthem for all square pegs 🙋♂️
Enjoyed!
Take care ✌
2112 was my intro to Rush in '76. 40 yrs of the best music I've ever experienced.
Awesome reaction, coming from a fan of Rish since 1981.👍🏽
The bassist is so good... Totally agree and he is singing and playing keyboards with both hands and feet at the same time......
They are not really a jamming band, they write these songs, and then pretty much stick to the arrangement, but they try to make the songs interesting and challenging to play. Many Rush fans know every note, every beat of their 19 studio albums, and then just watch in amazement as Geddy, Alex, and Neil play it perfectly live, night after night, for more than 40 years. Very sadly. for us Rush fans, it will never happen again. How lucky and blessed i am to have seen a show from every single tour since "A farewell to kings" in 1978, thats 19 times !
Thank you for sharing! I'm glad to have found such a powerful band and an engaging community! 19 times live, just wow.
Actually your partly wrong Kevin. Geddy has mentioned that during warm-ups, practice, jamming that they do record them then listen to the tapes at home then take the best parts for a future project album.
This aside from the actual composing.
@@ThunderZandor I didn't mean that they never jam, of course they jam to come up with ideas, and i know about them recording their sound check jams to see if they came up with good ideas, I meant that once they've put these ideas together, and made an arrangement for a song, for the most part, that's how they would play the song in concert, they would almost never wing it, and just jam and improvise like The Grateful Dead, or bands like that. That's why they wrote complicated challenging music, so they wouldn't get bored playing the same songs night after night
@@kevindohn6776 Ok got it. There's a youtube who listens to Rush for the 1st time. He's also a musician and he said that Red Lenses sounded like it was slapped together quickly to make it unto the record. I was surprised, that drum riff is very complex.
Yeah, the Signals album changed my life. The songs speak to both my heart and mind and inform many of my life decisions. Welcome to the Rush brotherhood. If you want good jam session songs, check out Natural Science, Jacob's Ladder, The Camera Eye and Xanadu.
20 minute jam session you say? La Villa Strangiato coming right up! (But like the other commenter said, just listen to the entire Hemispheres album. It’s all 🔥 🔥 🔥
You'll love La Villa Strangato from Rush's Hemispheres album.(not the "official" version but the original studio album version from Hemispheres). Rush was one of the best live rock bands ever but other then a couple of songs - (""Working Man" Live in Cleveland and "Xanadu" from Exit Stage Left), I would highly suggest that you listen to the studio versions of their music first. You can really hear the details in the drums and bass guitar in particular a lot better that way and gain a better understanding and appreciation for the live stuff as well. Rush was amazing. Great reaction! Enjoy the ride!
(The late) Neil Peart (drums) wrote the lyrics to 'Subdivisions' in 1982, just as Rush was phasing into a keyboard-heavy sound in the 80's decade... It was about Peart's experience in school - growing up in Canada. He was tall, awkward and shy as a teen and wasn't athletic, couldn't ice skate, and was picked on pretty hard by his peers... He once said that once he got into rock music in the 60's and grew his hair out long, it got worse... It was playing drums that gave him a purpose as a teen - he said it was the first time he was admired for anything... so he kept at it and eventually became a professional drummer. Before he joined Rush, he went to England to audition for bands, but soon came back to Canada.
If you wanna hear 10 - 20 minute jam sessions by Rush, there are a a few gems in their arsenal - the '2112' epic, which is 20+ minutes...
'Xanadu' ... 'La Villa Strangiato' (instrumental) ... 'By-Tor and the Snow dog'... 'Natural science' ... 'The Necromancer' ... 'The Camera Eye'...🤘🤘
Great reaction. Got a Like.
Starting down the Rush rabbit hole. Got a subscribe. Looking forward to seeing your journey discovering Rush.
Three nerdy, intelligent guys who considered themselves cast-outs speaking for the millions who felt just like them. They have been our voice for over four decades. Neil was so incredibly brilliant in his use of words, but what else do you expect from a genius who always had his nose in a book? He was never comfortable being admired, avoided Meet & Greets while Geddy and Alex met with their fans. In "Limelight" he even said "I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend." They were family, and they embraced us as extended family.
Welcome to the wonderful music of Rush!! Be prepared to be blown away many times...👍🙂
I would say one of their best songs, Neil Peart, the drummer, has always supplied all the lyrics for be all songs, please, please, dive in to "Natural Science" from Permanent Waves" album
That first verse describes the suburbs in the most poetic way possible. I grew up in the suburbs and it is in between the city's bright lights and the far unlit unknown of the rural landscape...brilliant!!
You can't listen to a couple song's like some other bands to decide what they are about, they changed so much during their long run. The Analogkid and Digitalman are fav's off this album, but there aren't any bad song's.
LA Villa Strangiato
My favorite instrumental of theirs is The Main Monkey Business, although I think a better alternative title would be A Day in the Andes.
La Villa Strangiato now their is an instrumental
A 20 minute piece you say?? 🤔...… I will recommend Rush- 2112
Well.. you definitely need some La Villa Strangiato. Its even ironically called "an excersice in self indulgence".
It's always great to see someone being turned onto Rush for the first time. Just proves the timelessness and the uniqueness of these three guys. You are in for a delightful Journey dude. Enjoy.
La villa strangiato
Great reaction. 40 years of fantastic musicianship from this band. If you want a long and epic song, 2112 is one song that is a multi-part story that is the entire first side of their 2112 album. It is right around 20 minutes and is epic. If you find the one with an accompanying video it kind of tells the story as well. Enjoy.
BTW, you may already know this, but the genius drummer for Rush was also its primary lyric writer. Neil Peart was a true Renaissance man.
As a matter of fact they have 2112 which is 21 minutes. Hemispheres around 20 minutes. Lyric videos are recommended. La Villa Strangiato about 12 minute instrumental. Headlong Flight, One Little Victory or Far Cry for some newer. Big Money, Red Sector A or The Pass or Time Stand Still for middle 80’s. Big rabbit hole to go down. Good reaction. Thanks.
Rush speaks about life. Their synergy of words to music is unparalleled.
Nothing like the rush from listening to a new Rush song. The best three piece band ever , Canada's best export . Xanadu live 1981 exit stage left tour next , La Villa Strangiato , YYZ live in Rio a must even if you know the song.. When you are ready 2112 a 21 minute masterpiece . Spirit of Radio live R30 Overture best intro ever . enjoy the rabbit hole is deep , but worth the journey .
I heard this, but never ‘heard’ it til many years later. I’ve seen in comments that it’s helped people get through things. That makes this song more magi
Good on you to clock the drummer Neil Peart right off the bat. One of the greatest overall drummers of all time.
The necromancer rush early deep cut
Just found your channel J.S. and I like what I see and hear! Really enjoyed your breakdown of this song, which has been one of my favs for years. You might try "La Villa Stangiato" (official music video) if your looking for an extended instrumental. It's a studio track paired with a rehearsal, and it is outstanding. There are many LIVE versions of the song as well! Enjoy the ride! 😄 Oh, and I just "subbed".☮
Welcome to Rush! Love that you started with my favourite song of theirs.
React to Rush… ‘Best Intro Ever’! It’s a jam and you’ll love it!
If like RUSH's instrumentals by listening to "La Villa Strangiato" or "YYZ". Mind Blowing!
One of the most powerful trios on earth!! Amazing reaction!!! Subscribing now!!
Masterpiece. Universal truths amid poetry…
If you like this one may I suggest Roll the Bones its got a little surprise in the middle. 😊
I’ve seen a lot of bands live. A lot. Rush was by far the best live band I’ve ever seen. As a guitar player I was amazed by the guitar tone. It was like that’s what a guitar is supposed to sound like. So good. Spirit of radio is a killer track of theirs you should definitely check out. Porcupine Tree is another progressive band you might like. Anesthetize is a good start.
Welcome to the universe of Rush! As a musician you'll get a particular appreciation of their skills / mastery / genius. Words from a 68 year-old rocker: Forget the notion that studio recordings are superior to live ones when it comes to Rush. A huge part of their reputation is their capacity to deliver note-perfect renditions to stadiums of fans. The fills, riffs and vocals ( with apologies to Geddy's ageing voice ) are just as precise in person. But the energy of their live "versions" more than make up for the minor technical inferioritys.
Recommendations for a "jam" would be:
1-La Villa Strangiato LIVE. Trust me. It might be a set piece but it was the result of a jam, and the live version is exact but full of visual buffoonery...while playing.
2- "Rush! The best Intro EVER!!!" [ that's how you'll find it on the TOOB ] It'a medley of the recognizable bits of some fan faves to start the show.
3- And for pure crowd buzzing energy [ again a faithful rendition in spite of the amazing audience frenzy ] "YYZ Live in RIO!"
Enjoy...
I started listening to Rush when I was 17. I'm now 58 and still listen to their music and I've seen them over 60 times in 40 years!!!🤘🏿
your reaction and commentary is spot on! thank you. I love how you are noting the amazing musicianship of these 3 - it's been noted by many! I would like to recommend reviewing some Dave Mathews Band something off under the table and dreaming. I think you would enjoy those 5 musicians. "Ant's Marching" is the big commercial track from then - I think you would enjoy that.
as for a 20min track by these 3 masters check out 2112 - the intro parts (chapters) is almost 20 mins
I believe I've heard ants marching! But you know I've always wanted to get into them. The production sounds crystal clear.
RUSH are in the musicians, musicians category.
If you want 20 min. You'll want to listen to 2112 - Either Comic Book or Lyric videos
Cygnus-X1 - Lyric Video
Hemispheres (Cygnus-X1 pt2)... Lyric Video
If you want a little bit shorter then you'll want to listen to a few of my favorite longer tracks, but not quite 20 min.
"Xanadu" - Exit Stage Left live
Natural Science - Lyric Video
Jacob's Ladder -
The Camera Eye
If you want instrumentals
YYZ - Live in Rio
La Villa Strangiato - Original Video
Leave that thing Alone - Cleveland
If you want just an outright jam
Working Man - Live in Cleveland (recognize that this is the end of a 3 hour set when they play this and the beginning is not how the original was recorded)
If you want to see the best drum solo start with Neil Peart - Live in Frankfurt... 8.5 minutes of pure drum composition that includes drumming from throught the ages and globe.
That's a starting place.
Thank you very much! This is very helpful and I will use this as a guide of sorts!! Appreciate the feedback!
2112 listen to that first then la villa strangiato
A small local act? What the hell planet do you live on?
Are u in a band u should be a
Lead singer.....the women would love 💘u ....and that
Sells music !!!
Haha thank you I've been trying to get one going for a while, but struck out a few times with bad luck! Hopefully soon. Thanks :)
Xanadu from Exit Stage Left is live and freaking amazing, as a musician I think you will be blown away, it has to be Exit Stage Left version, blows away studio version. You will find one posting of it, not best quality, RUSH themselves had it on you tube forever, some strange reason its gone, probably got copyright strike by their own label lol.
Listen to "The Best Intro Ever"
Rush army here, lifer.
Xanadu is Neil drum roll heaven, and the band's most symphonic track. Witch Hunt is grand and sinister.
You like synth, so all of Signals and Grace and Power Windows. I like Hold Your Fire, but best to keep that one to yourself for a bit.
Yeah, 2112 is the 20 minute jam.
Have fun!
Haven't seen anything else you did but hopefully somebody already recommended La Villa Strangiato.
Try YYZ, Where's My Thing, Leave That Thing Alone. All instrumentals that you'll love
If you like this great Canadian band you should check out TRIUMPH another great rock band.
Well now young man welcome to our 3 Canadian Masters 48 yrs of mastery.....
La Villa Strangiato lord luvs flippin Ducks...
Mr Geddy Lee Keys, vocals Bass..... Alex Lifeson on Guitar.
The professor Mr Neil Peart. The rabbit hole is an awesome ride......
Cheers
Can't wait till u listen to moving pictures, grace under pressure, presto, young man RUSH WILL BECOME YOUR #1 BAND......
Check out Xanadu
Check out Pearts drum solo if you haven't seen it... it's Amazing! ruclips.net/video/LWRMOJQDiLU/видео.html
You won't find a bad song by this band, and yes, the lyrics are not always uplifting...but you will never fail to feel real emotion that comes straight from your core. I've been a fan for over 45 years but had never listened to a song called Losing It. A few years ago I lost my wife and father within three months of one another, and when I heard Losing It, I actually lost it. All of their lyrics contain thoughts and feelings that most people can entirely relate to from their own personal life experiences. You want a "jam session", check out the link - ruclips.net/video/YSToKcbWz1k/видео.html
Subdivisions by Rush was a favorite. So good. Triumphs 'Fight the Good Fight' was good to. Steely Dan's Show Biz Kids( and many more).. Yes's 'Perpetual Change'.. Nice video..
Oh yeah...their live concerts...now of the past...are spot on with the studio recordings.
A good jam...try Natural Science
Hi, hope you're doing well.
Thank you very much for reacting to subdivisions.
I just subscribed !.
You want just instrumentals? La Villa Strangiato, YYZ, and the beginning 2/3 of "The Greatest Intro Ever". And you mentioned the drummer....you are listening to probably the greatest drummer the rock world has ever seen.........and he wrote 95% of the lyrics.
Getty is the singer, the keyboardist, and the bass player. So much talent with these 3 guys. My first concert was in 1979. Every second still fresh in my mind. THEY ARE AMAZING LIVE. WELCOME TO RUSH. and by the way, they never tried to be cool. THEY JUST WERE.
If you haven't already heard Yes, check them out too.
Yes is an inspiration to Rush, Rush inducted Yes into the R&R-HOF.
Geddy sat in for Chris Squire.
R.I.P. Chris Squire.
Anything from Yes: Close to the Edge.
Some songs are:
Roundabout
Starship Trooper
Perpetual Change from YesSongs
I've Seen All Good People
If you love Rush, you'll love Yes.
P.S. True Rush fans are also Yes Fans.
🤗 Totally looking forward to your Rush Rabbit hole journey! 🥰 Subbed for the ride. 😁 No suggestions since you'll rcv a ton of request! ☺️ Eagerly awaiting La Villa, 2112 & Cygnus Books 1 and 2 (Hemispheres). 🤗 Can't wait to see what's next! 🐰 #ENRGYZRBunny
Hey John, have you done a reaction to Show Me, Don't Tell Me by Rush from i believe 1991 album Presto. It's hard to remember since they made about 3 or 4 albums in 5 years. Hard working band non-stop.
There are about 20 20min songs for yah!!
2112, necromancer, bytor an the snow dog, Cygnus x1 book 1, Cygnus x1 book 2, Xanadu, YYZ, Jacobs ladder, leave that thing alone, natural science… just to name a few hahahaha
This band will speak to you in volumes through the lyrics and through the music….
Prepare yourself for the journey
Dude... I'm so excited for your Discovery of Rush...their music has made decades of my life bearable...to escape to Rush becomes addictive...they put out so much good music with integrity and purpose. As a guitarist myself...I don't even try to play along...I just marvel at the absolutely capacity of human capabilities. Amazing!
Suggestion: Do Analog Kid from the same album. As for a jam session - try the intro from the 30th anniversary show in Frankfurt... ruclips.net/video/YSToKcbWz1k/видео.html
2112 side 1, Hemispheres, Cygnus X-1, The Fountain of Lamneth, By-Tor and the Snow Dog....
I just found your channel this evening, with some Primus - Tommy The Cat, then started binging on your Rush reactions. You have an awesome reaction style where you're actually jamming to the music most of the time, just like any fan of the band would do. Really enjoying, and subbed :)
Try Working Man live in Cleveland. Roll the Bones is amazing. Well so is 2112. Power windows, the whole album. YYZ live in Rio is killer!
So for 20 minute epic from Rush... 2112 is a 20:38 masterpiece, The Fountain of Lamneth is around 17 minutes and is beautiful. Cygnus X1 Book I and Book II are from two different albums. Book I (A Farewell to Kings album), our hero gets sucked into a black hole and he comes out on Book II (Hemispheres album) Lyrically and musically sone of my personal favorite. All the above songs have lyrics though. If you want straight long instrumental, La Villa Strangiato may make you tear up, but is a little over 10 minutes of pure genius. YYZ is much shorter but is a fun instrumental... Xanadu has a 5 min introduction and is bad ass. I would recommend, with any of these songs with lyrics, reading up on the background of the song or pulling up the lyric video. As great as the music is, the lyrics add even more to the song. 2112 is a 7 part suite, so you will want to know what's happening cuz it is a powerful story. Two more songs i would recommend are Leave That Thing Alone for instrumental and Natural Science. I would recommend lyrics the the second. All masterpieces.
The Spirit of Radio and Red Barchetta are great also. Actually you really can't go wrong with any Rush period.
I grew up in the same town as Rush (Willowdale, Ontario c. Late 60s, early 70s). This song is about the soulless suburban sprawl in Toronto's suburbs in the 1980s.
Between this song and 2112, you've got my top 2 Rush songs. It pretty much epitomizes everything that they excelled at! Subdivisions always spoke to me, being the nerdy, misfit through school. The music video pretty much represented by my teenage years (albeit 10 years later, the look may have changed, but the feeling of high school was the same!) It was the PERFECT combination & balance of guitar, bass, drum & synth - I still get chills every time I hear the synth drone at the beginning of the song!
No, I most certainly did not mind hearing it again with you!! Now on to 2112 good sir!