It's so strange that it's the perfect allegory for tribal groups who are envious of other tribal groups i.e. class war, race war, gender war (insanity), but then communism comes and fixes it all by attempting to force total and absolute equality, but that is literally impossible because no one is equal to another, and it just ends in insurmountable levels of bloodshed, paranoia and misery - that would be the trees all being cut down to size. But Neil just said it was about trees xd
You have to bite the bullet and do all of 2112. It’s over 20 minutes long but it’s pure perfection. It’s broken into shorter segments so you do get a lot of changes in tempo and texture.
agreed the bit on the album called discovery regarding the guitar and him bringing it to the powers that be and told it is a relic of the past and should be forgotten is an erasure of history, all music by rush has a message
This is Ayn Rand Rush. Funny thing, Rush got my oldest (now 23 and in a PhD program is neuropsychology) into Ayn Rand around the time I took him to R40. He also plays bass and Geddy is his hero!
I think with the amount of talent in all three of the guys (RIP Neil) each one is a hero for others on their respective instruments. Neil is my favorite drummer of all time.
SO they cut down the oaks to make them equally miserable, I mean short. Yep, sounds like "equity", today's new buzzword. Equal outcomes not equal opportunity, no matter how much contribultion, thus those who contribute say "why am I even doign this" and society collapses. The tree analogy is a bit off because the maples don't have equal opportunity they can't control how tall they are.
Agreed! Natural Science! I can't wait to see Jay listen to this song. He will LOVE it! And the LIVE version from the 1997/06/30 - Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, Ontario is even better than the studio recording. Geddy's voice is top notch (Jay will be sure to comment on it), the whole team is on their A game (including the sound crew), and Amber will love watching Neil drum this complex song. Rush is just more fun to watch live when the recording is good quality and this one is special. I wish they could go back in time and watch the Cleveland Live Working Man as opposed to when they listened to the studio recording, so I hope they do Natural Science the right way. Of course, I love The Trees, but I am not sure if this recording was the best way for a first time listen. The sound was just okay IMO. I hope it doesn't scare them away from the live version when they get to Natural Science.
Agreed. Title iX was passed to force equal scholarship opportunities in sports for women and men. Great concept. But the hard reality is that there is not a comparable women's sport to counteract the enormous numbers for the mens football team. Therefore, instead of adding a lot more womens sports teams, most colleges eliminated the less popular mens teams. Many schools eliminated the mens cross country, soccer, gymnastics, etc. This allowed them to comply with federal guidelines and receive federal funding. Hence, the unforeseen consequences that you mentioned.
With Neil… it could be anything!! What a talented intelligent man! Kudos to all 3 as usual! I read an interview with him and someone asked him if this was a metaphor for something else… and he replied “Not really, he was just thinking about trees and how they would behave if they could talk and behave like people”! Well, that’s kinda odd.. but Neil saw stories in everything that surrounded him, so I can kinda get that! But this is the professor.. so there’s the whole thing with Canada (maple leaves, right) was at some point governed by the King of England and the Royals (Oaks)…(” But the oaks can't help their feelings If they like the way they're made And they wonder why the maples Can't be happy in their shade”)! Ya know… it could go either way! And maybe Neil wanted us to figure it out for ourselves! Neil was just a great lyricist! Makes ya think! I LOVE YOUR RUSH REACTIONS! I think y’all ready, so I’m recommending the epic “2112”! (With lyrics) but anything by RUSH will be great! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
Have you noticed Rush fans are like children opening presents on Christmas morning? We are so excited about the presents, we don't fully enjoy the present just opened because we can't wait to open the next one. That's why so many comments aren't about your review, but wanting you to go on to the next one and the next one and the next one.
A story about the haves and the have nots. Of course, when Neil was asked about it, he always said its just a song about trees...lol Its been a while, but im putting in my request for 2112 again. Talk about story telling!
The animated version of 2112 is awesome and we'll be well worth the 20+ minute watch. The trees is a great example of the genius of the Professor's writing ability.
Mine was Billy Joel "Innocent Man", I was already a Junior in High School before I got a hand me down stereo from my cousin and could afford to buy an album.
I took a poetry class in college and wrote a whole paper about how Fish's lyrics to Marillion songs were akin to some past masters. My professor gave me an A and loved it. I don't think she bought any Marillion albums though.
@@LiberalsArePoop Grendel is a masterpiece. Also the longest non-album B-side ever (12" single). I would like to tie Taylor Swift to a chair (joking, of course) and force that obnoxious brat to listen to Marillion for 24 hours straight... Fish was accused of being a Peter Gabriel/Genesis era impersonator, which I can see to some extent, but he was original!
The oak is considered a very strong tree. What country has a maple leaf on their flag? (hint: the country in which Rush lives). I see this as a metaphor for the power of one nation over another, even if it is beneficial. Neil was absolutely brilliant in writing in allegories and I have learned much from him, as I do the same in my poetry.
Seeing you two having a reaction video out always improves my day! And with a Rush song, so much the better! I remember reading an interview where Alex and Geddy said that they didn't really want to write lyrics, and not only didn't Neil mind, he was the most well-read person they had ever met. Obviously, Neil wrote some fantastic lyrics, but he eventually became the author of non-fiction books, journaling his world-wide travels, mostly on his motorcycle. In the late 90s, there was a really horrible time for Neil, where he lost his daughter in an auto accident, and less than a year later, his wife died of cancer and a broken heart. Already an extremely private person, Neil left, and wound up traveling North & Central America on his bike, alone, though he would sent notes and letters to the people who cared about him. Through those travels (some 55,000 miles,) and then writing about his experiences in his journals, and eventually, in his book "Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road," he was eventually able to work out his pain, and he was able to rejoin the world and Rush.
You will love "Red Sector A". It's about Geddy's parents who were holocaust survivors and were interned at Auschwitz and later Dachau and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps where they met. A masterpiece.
Old school Rush is my fav i spent many a night with the headphones on with this album spinning in the late 70s Every note and lyric are etched in my mind for ever
Loved Rush all my 50 years of life. I love a 3 Piece Band but there is one Band that keeps eluding you and you need to jump on them. Budgie from Wales of the 70s. You love a Bass so check them out. Napoleon Bona Part 1&2, In the Grip of a Tyre Fitters Hand is a good place to start.
This is one of my favorite song by Rush. As usual The Prefessor ( Neil Peart ) wrote some fantastic lyrics. Too often we praise him for his drumming, and why not, but it's often forgotten or unknown by casual fans that he wrote all these great lyrics. Geddy and Alex have often said that once they've realised how gifted he was, he became the official lyricist of the band.
Anything from the Power Windows album would work! That album is full of gems! Mystic Rhythms, The Big Money, The Manhattan Project, Middletown Dreams, it’s impossible to pick!
Careful what you asked for. The trees are all kept equal by hatchet ax, and saw You can’t have freedom and equality. If we’re free, we’re not equal. And if we’re equal, we’re not free.
OMG - I have been waiting so long for you guys to get to this one..... I think this is my favorite RUSH song of all time just because of the awesome metaphor....Next up should be New World Man or Jacob's Ladder.... You won't be disappointed.
The purpose of the lyrics is to point out that nature produces things with different attributes and capabilities and that some people will use violence (the axe) to make them “equal”. The end result is a dead forest.
I love the Rush reactions. My favorite band but I feel like you have covered the big songs. I think you need a deeper cut. I personally think some of their best songs never got radio play. I would like you to do the song " a farewell to kings". So relevant to our times now but written 40 years ago. Another good deep cut would be "by tor and the snow dog"
I would check out Available Light, Bravado, Nobody's Hero, Mission, and The Garden if you're looking for fantastic and deep lyrics (and the music is superb too!)
Fantastic reaction Amber and J!! Just an absolutely phenomenal piece of musicianship from a band of great guys that were tremendous friends!! RIP Neil 🙏 ... We all miss you!! ❤ @RobSquadReactions
You need to go on a whole bender of Rush. Excluding ones you've already done: Anthem, Bastille Day, 2112, A Farwell To Kings, Cygnus X-1 Book 1, Circumstances, La Villa Strangiato, Jacob's Ladder, Natural Science, Witch Hunt, YYZ. That will get you up through the guitar heavy era. Do those and I'll recommend a list for the next era.
Glad you did this song, I loved it when it came out and still love hearing it. The guitar reverses roles, it keeps the song pace as the drums and base get to be expressive then it flips back around to each instrument.
Great reaction. Love you two. We love 'Rush' up here. I've been wondering when you two would return to Canada for a tune, it's been awhile. I was going through my music the other day and I've got Horrible and Wonderful news for you. You two have heard 70 Songs from Canadian acts so far which is great but I have noticed no less than 73 incredible Canadian Acts you've yet too hear from Canada! It is my hope that you'll perhaps soon be blessed with some more of our amazing music. Groups from Canada still not on your playlist? '54-40', 'A Foot In Cold Water', 'Arcade Fire', 'Arkells', 'Avril Lavigne', 'Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts', 'The Bells', 'Big House', 'Blue Rodeo', 'Bruce Cockburn', 'Burton Cummings', 'Chilliwack', 'The Collector's', 'D.O.A.', 'Doug and the Slugs', 'Downchild Blues Band', 'Edward Bear', 'Finger Eleven', 'Fludd', 'Frozen Ghost', 'Gino Vannelli', 'Glass Tiger', 'Goddo', 'Gowan', 'Great Big Sea', 'Harlequin', 'The Headpins', 'Hoobastank', 'The Irish Rovers', 'Ironhorse', 'John Baldry (Long John Baldry)', 'Junkhouse', 'Lee Aaron', 'Lighthouse', 'Luba', 'Kim Mitchell', 'Martha and the Muffins', 'Mashmakhan', 'Matthew Good Band', 'Max Webster', 'Michael Bublé', 'Michel Pagliaro', 'Nickelback', 'The Northern Pikes', 'One Horse Blue', 'Our Lady Peace', 'Payolas', 'The Parachute Club', 'Platinum Blonde', 'The Poppy Family', 'The Powder Blues Band', 'Prairie Oyster', 'Prism', 'The Pursuit of Happiness', 'Robbie Robertson', Spirit of The West, 'Queen City Kids', 'The Rankin Family', 'Red Rider', Sass Jorden, 'The Sheepdogs', 'Steel River', 'Streetheart', 'Susan Jacks', 'The Tea Party', 'Teenage Head', 'Tegan and Sara', 'Terry Jacks', 'Theory of a Deadman', 'Tom Cochrane', 'Tom Northcott', 'Toronto' and 'Trooper'. Some will say Long John Baldry shouldn't be here as he is English but he moved to Canada in the 70's and to Vancouver in 1985 and became a Canadian citizen in 1980. I'm probably missing a bunch as well. Maybe we do need a 'Maple Monday'? From the list check out '54-40 - Since When' or 'A Foot In Cold water - (Make me do)Anything You Want'. Cheers.
This was Rush in their prime, the Hemispheres tour, which I was blessed to get to see in St Louis at the late, great Checkerdome, where the Blues hockey team used to play. I could watch Peart play drums for hours at a time. There's never been a better drummer than him (Carter Beauford of Dave Matthews Band comes close, as well as Bill Bruford, just for his unique style of playing.)
Love this song, it's one of my favourite to play on guitar!! Neil's lyrics can be seen as many things, a commentary on the relationship between Canada and the US...Canada are the Maples of course (See their national flag), and the US represented by the Oak. It's also an Ayn Randian commentary about Unions. It is also inspired by a Welsh Mythology where the legendary enchanter Gwydion animates the trees of the forest to fight as his army. Tolkien in Lord of the Rings has the Ents, which are animated intelligent trees..
The oak is an English symbol as the maple is Canadian. I always thought that it was an older way of looking at colonisation. It was always confusing because the Canada that we have today was created as a reaction to the US Civil War and UK reluctance to waste resources defending Canada.
@@davidsantor1760the concept he brings up in the song is the oaks are (capitalist) freedom lovers and the Maples form a union and pass a "Noble" law, (Communism) Since the maples can't be oaks, they'll rise up and cut the oaks down to their level with Hatchet Axe and saws (Guns & Rifles) a la revolution, very Ayne Rand
The reality is that as Neil said himself at the time he wrote the lyrics they were a literal response to a cartoon he had just seen on TV, he had no particular message at the time apart from that.
RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR! With heart felt admiration and sincerity! Gary
You can't go wrong with Rush. This was good. I do suggest "Fly By Night" "Distant Early Warning" "Roll The Bones" "A Farewell To Kings" "Mystic Rhythms" "Vital Signs" "The Body Electric" "The Big Money" "Countdown" "Red Sector A" "Superconductor" "Marathon." Just a few to choose from. I do personally pick "Superconductor" it's one of my favorites.
In 1982 as a senior in high school, this was one of my favorite songs. The much larger and oppressive oaks taking all the sunlight from the smaller maples. Brilliant lyrics from the professor on percussion ❤️.
So glad you did this one, got it and liked it. It has been a favorite of mine since it came out in 1978. I was already a big fan by then. The lyrics reminded me of a Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. short story called Harrison Bergeron, written in 1961 the year I was born, that I had read a few years before where everyone is equal. Hope you get to 2112 soon. You may be ready now. There is an illustrated version out there with lyrics. It is 20 minutes long and fills the entire side one of the album. You will be blown away.
2112 is amazing. I never recommend anyone start with it. The whole crawl before you walk before you run before you fly angle. But sure, okay. They've done like 10 or so reactions to Rush. They're ready.
'Circumstances' and 'Fairwell to kings' are awesome too
If we don’t learn to live together with our differences in peace, well there’s hatchet, axe, and saw… Cautionary tale.
It's so strange that it's the perfect allegory for tribal groups who are envious of other tribal groups i.e. class war, race war, gender war (insanity), but then communism comes and fixes it all by attempting to force total and absolute equality, but that is literally impossible because no one is equal to another, and it just ends in insurmountable levels of bloodshed, paranoia and misery - that would be the trees all being cut down to size.
But Neil just said it was about trees xd
Yep.
You have to bite the bullet and do all of 2112. It’s over 20 minutes long but it’s pure perfection. It’s broken into shorter segments so you do get a lot of changes in tempo and texture.
agreed the bit on the album called discovery regarding the guitar and him bringing it to the powers that be and told it is a relic of the past and should be forgotten is an erasure of history, all music by rush has a message
+1 and the comic version of the vid brings it home.
Agreed!! I think they are ready for the epic journey!!
The Whole Experience of 2112 will blow there minds
Yes, 2112 is a must
"It is only a song about trees " - Neil Peart
Yeah, sure. English Oak. French Maple. Has nothing to do with Canada. Whatever
I'm pretty sure Neil was being a little bit disingenuous on that statement
This is Ayn Rand Rush. Funny thing, Rush got my oldest (now 23 and in a PhD program is neuropsychology) into Ayn Rand around the time I took him to R40. He also plays bass and Geddy is his hero!
I think with the amount of talent in all three of the guys (RIP Neil) each one is a hero for others on their respective instruments. Neil is my favorite drummer of all time.
MY FAVORITE RUSH SONG EVER!🤘 The symbolism with what is happening right now! The haves and have not's. You should try Free Will next.
The Oaks just can't understand why the Maples can't be happy in their shade.
SO they cut down the oaks to make them equally miserable, I mean short. Yep, sounds like "equity", today's new buzzword. Equal outcomes not equal opportunity, no matter how much contribultion, thus those who contribute say "why am I even doign this" and society collapses. The tree analogy is a bit off because the maples don't have equal opportunity they can't control how tall they are.
They already did Freewill.
Yes. Here in America:
we can’t see the forest,
…or, The Trees.
Free will is cool because not making a choice … is making a choice! Lol
Canadian band writing a song about trees, how fitting, by the way, the autumn trees are stunning up here in Canada right now 🍁🍁🍁🍁🇨🇦
Hey Canada from Wisconsin...our trees are starting to turn now..maples first. Rush is a great band. 🖐
@@carolmartin4413 oh thats nice, the fall is so pretty, enjoy !!
Haven't they all burned down by now??
@@DrChili44 yes, all of the trees in Canada have burned down, my bad, I forgot 🤔
However it's not about trees... They're being used as a metaphor/analogy.
For a very hidden gem, consider Rush / "Natural Science". You will not regret it. You will love the lyrics, the music, the time-changes, everything.
THEY WILL LOVE IT !!!
I second that choice!
Agreed! Natural Science! I can't wait to see Jay listen to this song. He will LOVE it! And the LIVE version from the 1997/06/30 - Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, Ontario is even better than the studio recording. Geddy's voice is top notch (Jay will be sure to comment on it), the whole team is on their A game (including the sound crew), and Amber will love watching Neil drum this complex song. Rush is just more fun to watch live when the recording is good quality and this one is special. I wish they could go back in time and watch the Cleveland Live Working Man as opposed to when they listened to the studio recording, so I hope they do Natural Science the right way. Of course, I love The Trees, but I am not sure if this recording was the best way for a first time listen. The sound was just okay IMO. I hope it doesn't scare them away from the live version when they get to Natural Science.
Couldn’t agree more. The studio version is a masterpiece and one of my all time favorites 👍🏻
@@amyperry7552 That is a great version ! And I actually saw that particular one live that night !!!
"The trees were all kept equal by hatchet, axe and saw." Is one of the best lines ever written. Love y'alls work. Thx.
The last line of Witch Hunt is another great one.
"Ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand"
The definition of equity.
They call him “the Professor” for a reason. RIP Professor. 😢
The looks on your faces when the final lyrics hit was absoLUTEly priceless!! The sudden turn sets The Trees at the very top of the RUSH songbook.
I also enjoyed their reactions to the cowbell parts after Alex's solo 😁
They actually played this on the radio!
This song is a lesson in "be careful what you wish for" and unforeseen consequences.
Agreed. Title iX was passed to force equal scholarship opportunities in sports for women and men. Great concept. But the hard reality is that there is not a comparable women's sport to counteract the enormous numbers for the mens football team. Therefore, instead of adding a lot more womens sports teams, most colleges eliminated the less popular mens teams. Many schools eliminated the mens cross country, soccer, gymnastics, etc. This allowed them to comply with federal guidelines and receive federal funding. Hence, the unforeseen consequences that you mentioned.
With Neil… it could be anything!! What a talented intelligent man! Kudos to all 3 as usual! I read an interview with him and someone asked him if this was a metaphor for something else… and he replied “Not really, he was just thinking about trees and how they would behave if they could talk and behave like people”! Well, that’s kinda odd.. but Neil saw stories in everything that surrounded him, so I can kinda get that! But this is the professor.. so there’s the whole thing with Canada (maple leaves, right) was at some point governed by the King of England and the Royals (Oaks)…(” But the oaks can't help their feelings
If they like the way they're made
And they wonder why the maples
Can't be happy in their shade”)! Ya know… it could go either way! And maybe Neil wanted us to figure it out for ourselves! Neil was just a great lyricist! Makes ya think! I LOVE YOUR RUSH REACTIONS! I think y’all ready, so I’m recommending the epic “2112”! (With lyrics) but anything by RUSH will be great! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
It's so cool how the younger crowd is finding and enjoying these classics.
Have you noticed Rush fans are like children opening presents on Christmas morning? We are so excited about the presents, we don't fully enjoy the present just opened because we can't wait to open the next one. That's why so many comments aren't about your review, but wanting you to go on to the next one and the next one and the next one.
STRAP IN !!
Been waiting for this one!
Between the Wheels, Xanadu, Natural Science, Which Hunt, La Villa Strallio. There are so many more good ones from Rush.
I think that "Roll the bones", would be another great song to check out.
The live version of Between The Wheels is one of the absolute best.
La Villa Strangiato
Message is clear. Pursuit of Equal opportunity is the only way. Forced equal outcome is evil.
1000% correct
Subdivisions, Fly By Night, Roll The Bones. All great Rush songs
A story about the haves and the have nots. Of course, when Neil was asked about it, he always said its just a song about trees...lol
Its been a while, but im putting in my request for 2112 again. Talk about story telling!
I'm so glad you listened to this! Now, I would like to suggest my favorite Rush tune: La Villa Strangiato
I strongly second La Villa Strangiato
Shout out to Amber for giving The Professor his props
One of my favorites! Yay!
A Farewell to Kings!
Jay & Amber, you’ll love their "Circumstances " !!! Thank you for reacting to Trees!
👍👍💯💯
YES!
Yes!
The list never ends with Rush repertoire
The animated version of 2112 is awesome and we'll be well worth the 20+ minute watch. The trees is a great example of the genius of the Professor's writing ability.
“Natural Science” is a classic Rush song to react to!!!!
Yea! Rush is back!!
Also have you guys done 'Red Barchetta'? It's amazing.
2112, Mystic Rhythms, second nature.
I really could go on, Natural Science, Cygnus 1&2.....
Hemispheres was the first vinyl album I bought myself with my own money , I was 15, The Teees is still my favorite 💜
GREAT album!!!!!
You never forget that first album you bought with your own money. Mine was Billy Joel “The Stranger”.
Mine was Billy Joel "Innocent Man", I was already a Junior in High School before I got a hand me down stereo from my cousin and could afford to buy an album.
My favorite Rush album. My first album was Led Zeppelin II. It just blew me away.
The song 2112 has to be next.
We, the Rush fans, will thank you later
❤✌️
I wrote a paper on this song in high school. Only time I ever received an A+.
I took a poetry class in college and wrote a whole paper about how Fish's lyrics to Marillion songs were akin to some past masters. My professor gave me an A and loved it. I don't think she bought any Marillion albums though.
@@LiberalsArePoopVERY overlooked Band and Singer.
@@JasonSmith-jr7jh agree 1000%!
@@LiberalsArePoop Grendel is a masterpiece. Also the longest non-album B-side ever (12" single).
I would like to tie Taylor Swift to a chair (joking, of course) and force that obnoxious brat to listen to Marillion for 24 hours straight...
Fish was accused of being a Peter Gabriel/Genesis era impersonator, which I can see to some extent, but he was original!
The oak is considered a very strong tree. What country has a maple leaf on their flag? (hint: the country in which Rush lives). I see this as a metaphor for the power of one nation over another, even if it is beneficial. Neil was absolutely brilliant in writing in allegories and I have learned much from him, as I do the same in my poetry.
Analog kid, Subdivisions, Spirit of the Radio, Entrez Nous... Peart was a brilliant song writer as well as drummer
Seeing you two having a reaction video out always improves my day! And with a Rush song, so much the better! I remember reading an interview where Alex and Geddy said that they didn't really want to write lyrics, and not only didn't Neil mind, he was the most well-read person they had ever met. Obviously, Neil wrote some fantastic lyrics, but he eventually became the author of non-fiction books, journaling his world-wide travels, mostly on his motorcycle. In the late 90s, there was a really horrible time for Neil, where he lost his daughter in an auto accident, and less than a year later, his wife died of cancer and a broken heart. Already an extremely private person, Neil left, and wound up traveling North & Central America on his bike, alone, though he would sent notes and letters to the people who cared about him. Through those travels (some 55,000 miles,) and then writing about his experiences in his journals, and eventually, in his book "Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road," he was eventually able to work out his pain, and he was able to rejoin the world and Rush.
❤❤❤
I have not read the book but my mother has and said it was excellent. I will read it.
So, the question becomes: Is it fair? Is it right? Is it Constitutional to chop down the successful ones so that they are equal to the less fortunate?
You will love "Red Sector A". It's about Geddy's parents who were holocaust survivors and were interned at Auschwitz and later Dachau and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps where they met. A masterpiece.
Losing It by Rush has a good story
So haunting, too. That’s a good one! 🩰
That is an amazing song.
J, you gotta stop closing your eyes during these performances. You know damn well you want to see them play this live.
Old school Rush is my fav i spent many a night with the headphones on with this album spinning in the late 70s Every note and lyric are etched in my mind for ever
Loved Rush all my 50 years of life. I love a 3 Piece Band but there is one Band that keeps eluding you and you need to jump on them. Budgie from Wales of the 70s. You love a Bass so check them out. Napoleon Bona Part 1&2, In the Grip of a Tyre Fitters Hand is a good place to start.
This is one of my favorite song by Rush. As usual The Prefessor ( Neil Peart ) wrote some fantastic lyrics. Too often we praise him for his drumming, and why not, but it's often forgotten or unknown by casual fans that he wrote all these great lyrics. Geddy and Alex have often said that once they've realised how gifted he was, he became the official lyricist of the band.
React to Roll the Bones! Amazing lyrics and amazing song!!
all of Rush songs are great. Next I think should be " the big money " what say the other Rush fans?
Big money goes around the world
Big money underground
Anything from the Power Windows album would work! That album is full of gems! Mystic Rhythms, The Big Money, The Manhattan Project, Middletown Dreams, it’s impossible to pick!
Middle section goes from 4/4 to 5/4….as a drummer if the instruments could talk they would say: Fiiivvveee…let’s play in FIVE….
One of my many favorite Rush songs! Rush would never be Rush without Professor Neil Peart!
RUSH baby!!!!!!
THIS IS "LIVE ON THE FLOOR"! This video as well as Circumstances and La Villa Strangiato are LIVE performances. Incredible!
Revolutionary!
Careful what you asked for.
The trees are all kept equal by hatchet ax, and saw
You can’t have freedom and equality. If we’re free, we’re not equal. And if we’re equal, we’re not free.
Church
... and the trees are all kept equal by hatchet, axe and saw. what an amazing lyric
You need to do The Pass. Geddy has said this is a favorite of his.
Recommend to infinity! One of my favorite Rush songs, that has got me through some dark times!
The Pass yes, Very deep song!
Presto is a criminally underrated album. Presto, Show Don't Tell, Warpaint.
@@moleman1976 "The pass" and "nobody's hero" are two of my favorites. Amazing songs with very deep meaning
Nobody’s Hero too,
Was blessed, to witness Rush twice! It was my first concert. Perfection!!
FINALLY!!! YEAAAA!!! Love the lyrics to this tune, and: you CANNOT go WRONG with RUSH, RIGHT!??!?! Ya'll are gonna enjoy this one!! HUGS!!! ❤
OMG - I have been waiting so long for you guys to get to this one..... I think this is my favorite RUSH song of all time just because of the awesome metaphor....Next up should be New World Man or Jacob's Ladder.... You won't be disappointed.
Greatest band ever.
Led Zeppelin. Rush is my second favorite band. But Zeppelin can’t be touched.
Rush all the way for me 👍
Also for Jay's Metal music ... Holy Diver by DIO (Ronnie James Dio) was in Rainbow and Black Sabbath!!!
You know Rush is a great band when you could have 100 different songs suggested and all of them are great.
The purpose of the lyrics is to point out that nature produces things with different attributes and capabilities and that some people will use violence (the axe) to make them “equal”. The end result is a dead forest.
Of course you guys got it.
Finally.......................More RUSH !!!
It seems clear, 2112 should be next. Its well worth the investment in time. Great reaction.
You can NEVER go wrong, with ANY RUSH song. PERIOD.
Literally this. 100%
Mystic Rhythms is a must :)
Love RUSH....great band..Neil Perts is that drummer in rock and roll...PERIOD!
I love the Rush reactions. My favorite band but I feel like you have covered the big songs. I think you need a deeper cut. I personally think some of their best songs never got radio play. I would like you to do the song " a farewell to kings". So relevant to our times now but written 40 years ago.
Another good deep cut would be "by tor and the snow dog"
I have always loved the drums that sound like woodpeckers in the forest.
Temple blocks
@@Augfordpdoggie thanks for identifying them
Its about time!!! Thanks for this reaction!! DEEPER DIVE!! GIVE US MORE!!!!
I would check out Available Light, Bravado, Nobody's Hero, Mission, and The Garden if you're looking for fantastic and deep lyrics (and the music is superb too!)
Fantastic reaction Amber and J!! Just an absolutely phenomenal piece of musicianship from a band of great guys that were tremendous friends!!
RIP Neil 🙏 ... We all miss you!! ❤
@RobSquadReactions
Hell yeah😎I see Amber getting into the drummer , very moving lyrically.
The new age Poet that is Neil Peart, sadly gone but will never be forgotten, salut !
Only Rush could write a song about trees unionizing and fighting for rights. 😉
by becoming union murderers?
And then the union cutting everyone down to the lowest common denominator...
"The Enemy Within" is another great song that doesn't get much play. Really rockin'!
You need to go on a whole bender of Rush. Excluding ones you've already done: Anthem, Bastille Day, 2112, A Farwell To Kings, Cygnus X-1 Book 1, Circumstances, La Villa Strangiato, Jacob's Ladder, Natural Science, Witch Hunt, YYZ. That will get you up through the guitar heavy era. Do those and I'll recommend a list for the next era.
Rush, very cool, was raised on this :)
Great song
🤗 Love your Reactions to Rush! 🥰🐰
Underrated song off of hemispheres
You haven’t even scratched the surface yet. If you want to hear the ultimate Rush listen to 2112, the greatest 20 minute song ever created
Tremendously powerful song
Glad you did this song, I loved it when it came out and still love hearing it. The guitar reverses roles, it keeps the song pace as the drums and base get to be expressive then it flips back around to each instrument.
Great reaction. Love you two. We love 'Rush' up here. I've been wondering when you two would return to Canada for a tune, it's been awhile.
I was going through my music the other day and I've got Horrible and Wonderful news for you. You two have heard 70 Songs from Canadian acts so far which is great but I have noticed no less than 73 incredible Canadian Acts you've yet too hear from Canada! It is my hope that you'll perhaps soon be blessed with some more of our amazing music.
Groups from Canada still not on your playlist? '54-40', 'A Foot In Cold Water', 'Arcade Fire', 'Arkells', 'Avril Lavigne', 'Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts', 'The Bells', 'Big House', 'Blue Rodeo', 'Bruce Cockburn', 'Burton Cummings', 'Chilliwack', 'The Collector's', 'D.O.A.', 'Doug and the Slugs', 'Downchild Blues Band', 'Edward Bear', 'Finger Eleven', 'Fludd', 'Frozen Ghost', 'Gino Vannelli', 'Glass Tiger', 'Goddo', 'Gowan', 'Great Big Sea', 'Harlequin', 'The Headpins', 'Hoobastank', 'The Irish Rovers', 'Ironhorse', 'John Baldry (Long John Baldry)', 'Junkhouse', 'Lee Aaron', 'Lighthouse', 'Luba', 'Kim Mitchell', 'Martha and the Muffins', 'Mashmakhan', 'Matthew Good Band', 'Max Webster', 'Michael Bublé', 'Michel Pagliaro', 'Nickelback', 'The Northern Pikes', 'One Horse Blue', 'Our Lady Peace', 'Payolas', 'The Parachute Club', 'Platinum Blonde', 'The Poppy Family', 'The Powder Blues Band', 'Prairie Oyster', 'Prism', 'The Pursuit of Happiness', 'Robbie Robertson', Spirit of The West, 'Queen City Kids', 'The Rankin Family', 'Red Rider', Sass Jorden, 'The Sheepdogs', 'Steel River', 'Streetheart', 'Susan Jacks', 'The Tea Party', 'Teenage Head', 'Tegan and Sara', 'Terry Jacks', 'Theory of a Deadman', 'Tom Cochrane', 'Tom Northcott', 'Toronto' and 'Trooper'.
Some will say Long John Baldry shouldn't be here as he is English but he moved to Canada in the 70's and to Vancouver in 1985 and became a Canadian citizen in 1980. I'm probably missing a bunch as well.
Maybe we do need a 'Maple Monday'?
From the list check out '54-40 - Since When' or 'A Foot In Cold water - (Make me do)Anything You Want'.
Cheers.
Holy cow! Glad you mentioned Bruce Cockburn. Is Leonard in there?!
Triumph.
The Band
They have done 3 Triumph tunes. This is just Bands they haven't done. @@kdm71291
They have done 2 songs by the Band. @@lindaward5376
This was Rush in their prime, the Hemispheres tour, which I was blessed to get to see in St Louis at the late, great Checkerdome, where the Blues hockey team used to play. I could watch Peart play drums for hours at a time. There's never been a better drummer than him (Carter Beauford of Dave Matthews Band comes close, as well as Bill Bruford, just for his unique style of playing.)
Love this song, it's one of my favourite to play on guitar!! Neil's lyrics can be seen as many things, a commentary on the relationship between Canada and the US...Canada are the Maples of course (See their national flag), and the US represented by the Oak. It's also an Ayn Randian commentary about Unions. It is also inspired by a Welsh Mythology where the legendary enchanter Gwydion animates the trees of the forest to fight as his army. Tolkien in Lord of the Rings has the Ents, which are animated intelligent trees..
All of this from the fertile mind of the late great Neil Peart.
Owner class / oak trees, working class / maples
The oak is an English symbol as the maple is Canadian. I always thought that it was an older way of looking at colonisation. It was always confusing because the Canada that we have today was created as a reaction to the US Civil War and UK reluctance to waste resources defending Canada.
@@davidsantor1760the concept he brings up in the song is the oaks are (capitalist) freedom lovers and the Maples form a union and pass a "Noble" law, (Communism) Since the maples can't be oaks, they'll rise up and cut the oaks down to their level with Hatchet Axe and saws (Guns & Rifles) a la revolution, very Ayne Rand
The reality is that as Neil said himself at the time he wrote the lyrics they were a literal response to a cartoon he had just seen on TV, he had no particular message at the time apart from that.
RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR!
With heart felt admiration and sincerity!
Gary
Yes, thank you! I requested this song quite a few times! Great metaphor song! Love that last line! 😊 Love to hear "Subdivisions" next. Thanks.
I think they did subdivisions already, but I could be wrong.
Best band in the world
You can't go wrong with Rush. This was good. I do suggest "Fly By Night" "Distant Early Warning" "Roll The Bones" "A Farewell To Kings" "Mystic Rhythms" "Vital Signs" "The Body Electric" "The Big Money" "Countdown" "Red Sector A" "Superconductor" "Marathon." Just a few to choose from. I do personally pick "Superconductor" it's one of my favorites.
One of my favorites!
Someone may have suggested it, but Anthem is a must!
La villa strangiato is a must as is 2112 you guys will love them
Great song!!!
In 1982 as a senior in high school, this was one of my favorite songs. The much larger and oppressive oaks taking all the sunlight from the smaller maples. Brilliant lyrics from the professor on percussion ❤️.
Amber nailed the meaning of the song
According to Neil Peart "it is only a song about trees".
So glad you did this one, got it and liked it. It has been a favorite of mine since it came out in 1978. I was already a big fan by then. The lyrics reminded me of a Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. short story called Harrison Bergeron, written in 1961 the year I was born, that I had read a few years before where everyone is equal.
Hope you get to 2112 soon. You may be ready now. There is an illustrated version out there with lyrics. It is 20 minutes long and fills the entire side one of the album. You will be blown away.
I'd love to see you react to 2112.
Yeah, they need to do 2112. They've never heard anything like that.
YES!
2112 is amazing. I never recommend anyone start with it. The whole crawl before you walk before you run before you fly angle.
But sure, okay. They've done like 10 or so reactions to Rush. They're ready.
that and RED BARCHETTA and 20 other Rush Songs!
Great one, great reaction.
If you haven’t done a review on this one yet,Xanadu from this same timeframe is absolutely amazing!! It’s a must!!!!