“They shoot without shame, in the name of a piece of dirt, for a change of accent or the color of your shirt. Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the world, than the pride that divides when a colorful rag is unfurled.” Great lyric
@@juliebrockett3471 I’m doing very well Julie, how are you?? I have a movie channel on RUclips called Jim’s Movie Channel if you’re interested. Take care my friend ❤️
Might be my favorite Rush lyric. I also just love the keyboard part after "undermined" and how it starts there, adds layers then spits-out "While" in the second verse. Always stop and pay attention to that little piece of genius.
Don’t ever worry about irritating RUSH fans. As RUSH fans, one of our favorite things is other RUSH fans! The live shows were a SCENE! A whole different concert vibe in the crowd. You could feel it before the show as everyone was going into the venue every time. It was an excitement of anticipation for us who’d seen them before and a big exciting expectation for those who hadn’t. It was different from all other Rock concerts. No dummies in a RUSH crowd. To say we were pumped is an understatement. We knew what was about to happen. They always delivered flawlessly every time! Fantastic live band! It’s what I refer to as ROCK PRIVILEGE.
@@robertpinazza4043, You know, looking back on it, we were really fortunate to have had those experiences. We knew how special it was at the time, but we didn’t realize just how special. I’ve commented to several of these younger reactors that it’s impossible for me to put it into words and that I wished I could be Their official Rock and Roll Time Machine tour guide to some of these Classic concert scenes from the 80’s. I would do it for some of them because I think they are deserving of it and I would really enjoy watching them freak out on the thousands of hard core party animals that we were. I know they would be scared and I’d laugh my ass off watching their mouths pop open, them freaking out on just how LOUD it used to be and enjoying the show as their brains melt out of their ears. I would insist on doing it Old School like we did. Mandatory smoking and drinking beforehand. We would have to carry them out! 😆👍
You know what's funny is that there are all of these comments about 'if you like the bass here, you should hear this song.' The reality is, if you really want to hear an amazing bass line, you absolutely have to listen to...........every single one of their songs.
"Turn the Page" another Rush song form this same era that will blow your mind with the bass riff. Watch it live and you can see Geddy sing, play synths and bass all at once. As for this song - "Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the world, than the pride that divides when a colorful rag (flag) is unfurled" sums up the entire thing. Think of the people and individuals on the global scale and what we have in common, not the constructs of governments, nations, or territories that divide us all.
Your enthusiasm for the music is infectious. This was an anti-tribalistic song. Started by pointing out that everyone thinks their home is the best and ends by saying there is more pride in being a human being than a citizen of a single country. Since I'm more a fan of the lyrics I'll let others recommend most things, but for a simple but profound song, check out Countdown. It's a tribute to the first Space Shuttle launch and contains one of my favorite lines. "This day when super science mingles with the bright stuff of dreams" Loving your reactions and I'm definitely here for the ride lol
"Mystic Rhythms " my kids have Instructions to play this song at my funeral, also "2112" and "Closer to the heart" and one that is not well known, but I like it ; called "Second Nature". The one I heavily encourage the most is "2112".
Digital man has a bass line you'll love for sure. He is all up and down the neck on that one while singing. Check it out live Snakes and Arrows tour. Great reaction.
Machines are war machines while people in our own countries starve. Unfurl a colourful rag= flag. Now the rest should fall in place. Toronto Canada band. (Scarborough) If you want to be blown away watch anything from Rush live in Brazil
Church Boy love your reactions to Rush and your love for music. Keep enjoying the ride.God Bless.Geddy plays bass snd keys with the pedels.All amazing musicians.
This song was always a personal favorite of mine. The song decries the tendency of people to make enemies of others. Whether as a country or as individuals, we define our own territories/homes and view people other than our loved ones/friends/family/countrymen as not welcome. "Why move around the world when Eden was so near" always meant to me that why would people want to go and invade other countries when they have what they want right there at home. "Don't feed the people but we feed the machines" is pretty simple, it means that we have hunger (and homelessness and poverty) in the world but still focus more on advancing our industries rather than directly helping people who do need assistance. And you didn't butcher the bassline, you got the gist of it right away.
Love your reaction. Can’t wait to see you react to some of my favorites like Middletown Dreams, Ghost Rider, Spindrift, The Weapon, The Main Monkey Business, Malignant Narcissism, Earthshine, The Analog Kid and any instrumentals, if you ever get to them. 🤞 Well I better stop here or I’ll list them all. 😂 My favourites songs are always changing throughout time, thanks to their huge catalog. I count myself lucky to have seen them more than a dozen times but I still beat myself to have skip some of their tours. What was I thinking 😲😂 Cheers! 🫡
This song was inspired by their time in Europe during the Hemispheres Tour in 1979. As Geddy recalled in his book My Effin Life: "On the way to a hotel in Lille, we passed monuments and memorials to the fallen heroes of both world wars, at Ypres and Flanders Fields and elsewhere, all familiar from our history books. On those memorials, by roadsides, town squares and churches, were listed the names of the citizens who'd lost their lives, and I realized that we were driving over the very battlefields where those men had fallen. It was an eerie feeling that stalked me as we moved across Europe. I related that to Neil, who one day turned it into a lyric about regional chauvinism in 'Territories': We see so many tribes--overrun and undermined; While their invaders dream of lands they've left behind; Better people--better food--and better beer; Why move around the world when Eden was so near?" For another powerful track from Power Windows, also inspired by events of WW2, I'd like to recommend Manhattan Project, which was based on the events surrounding the development and deployment of the first atomic bomb; if you'd like to see it done live, I highly recommend the performance from the Clockwork Angels Tour, where the string ensemble takes it to a whole new level. Cheers from Toronto! 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
All because Hitler didn't want to be part of the globalists' plan. "Gentlemen, I have come this morning to the inexcusable conclusion that we have fought on the wrong side. This entire war we should have fought with the fascists against the communists and not the other way around. I fear that perhaps in fifty years America will pay a dear price and become a land of corruption and degenerate morals." ---General George S. Patton (July 21, 1945)
The second half of the chorus is actually "indifferent circles", slightly different than "in different circles" to play on words and change the meaning
Great reaction Church Boy!! Such an amazing song - lyrics (as usual) on point for our society! Unsure of your misunderstanding of the lyric 'we don't feed the people, but we feed the machine' - it's the capitalist mentality - focused time, effort & resources applied to making money, while the people starve, go homeless, approach poverty. Conversely with a 'socialist' (I know, bad word in the U.S.) mentality - where the populace look after each other. Remember - Neil Peart & Rush are Canadian - social democracy is our thing. I love it when you try the bass lines Geddy dishes out! You're not 'butchering' it - but it's a great, play by ear attempt! Keep it up for ALL the Rush reactions! Another amazing track from this album is Mystic Rhythms (my personal favourite off Power Windows) - must listen! I'm absolutely LOVING your Rush journey! More, more, more please!
Geddy is mostly known for playing Rickenbacker and Fender basses, but I truly love his Wal period. He and Jeff Berlin had became close friends, they shared a lot of knowledge between them, and it really shows on this album… Geddy, please bring back the Wal 🙏🏻
Dude, we are watching YOUR reaction, you are not irritating us! Keep it up! Play that bass, we don't mind! Geddy is a bass god, and it is delightful to see you grab your bass and try and put it down right then, truly a blast to see you go for it! Love these reactions!
YES! I have been waiting for this one :D If you like the bass line in this one, you should check out the song "Marathon" on the same album, Power Windows. There is another really busy Bass Line, but epic- in my opinion, the song "Turn the Page" from their 1987 album, Hold Your Fire. Always enjoy seeing your insight and joy discovering more of these tracks!
the grass ISN'T always greener on the other side... another gorgeous song from their mid times... also... all of Hold Your Fire and Presto are my favorites.
It’s cool you’re on the RUSH ride. There’s a lot to go through. One of the best, most unique Rock bands ever. I’ve been a lifelong, day one fan from the 70’s when I was a kid. Fortunate to see many of their tours over the decades. Phenomenal live band. They could play everything cleanly, live with no cheating at all. They prided themselves on being able to do that. I saw them in concert 18 times! Unbelievable! RUSH is special, that’s the simplest way to describe them. RUSH is special.
You’re a gifted musician, CB. You have a perfect pitch, and the ability to pick up a tune by ear that only comes with experience. The kind you probably get playing with different church groups, you know - no time to rehearse, can you sit with us this weekend?, sorry no sheet music, but we’re in B-flat. Lol, helps to know which notes to land on when you’re playing live. Cheers!
The whole album, Power Windows, was about the different ways in which power is manifest, used, and abused. You might call the songs, collectively, as "windows into power." Great choice with Territories, too! I still get a tingling scalp when I hear the bridge. Honestly, it took me a little while to like Power Windows, but it's become one of my favorite albums. Plenty of sick bass grooves to to absorb! Glad you're enjoying them!
Yep, our Ged is the beast of vocals , bass, pedals and keys. His stutter stops on the bass are a trademark. Try Vital Signs (please) Turn the Page, Force Ten..or The Body Electric. You won't be disappointed:) Nice review, loved seeing you diggin the Three Magi:)
This song was deep in their New Wave/Synthesizer/Electronica period. Guitarist Alex Lifeson often complained that he found it hard to find space in the mix since the synth was on the same frequencies. Early in their career, where it was just bass/drums/guitar it was easier.
Re: imho the word "machine" represents any/every system or bureaucracy that gulps down tax-dollars/resources while ignoring those in need. I LOVE watching you play the bass. Love it. And boy howdy, your reaction is shear joy to watch! More more more please..!
I was 16 in 1986 when this album was released. It remains firmly entrenched in my 'Top 3' Rush albums ever. Just the variety of music, the sounds....the '80's!!!! I wore my Jersey mullet proudly!! "Don't feed the people but we feed the machines" I believe - refers to the hunger issues that were going on in Africa at the time (Live-Aid" & Do They Know It's Christmas?") but yet in the beginning of the computer/information age. That's my take on it.
'The Machine' = Stock Markets + Military Spending. Pretty obvious. We allow the few at the top to dictate policy on the defenseless poor and those we deem too different. So for example: Southern Evangelicals want to 'shoot their way into Heaven', assuring themselves eternally belonging to Satan, doubling down whining about gender identity of bathroom signs. Well no bathroom sign mass killed students. But facts won't penetrate the Cult.
When one get's through analyzing the musical mastery of these three gentlemen.... the next phase is consuming and digesting the lyrics of each song, and absorbing it's meaning into your own lexicon. Music is very subjective.
Enjoying the reactions. Being the bass player you are, I'm a little surprised you haven't reacted to "Where's my thing." Check out the live in Dallas version with drum solo. You won't be disappointed...
Dude. That was the best reaction to Territories i have ever seen !! I was so excited to see you excited !! This song is the Jam !! I always play air bass, drums and guitar while I'm driving. Marathon is another good one. This whole album Power Windows is Awesome !! New Subscriber for that reaction alone.
In addition to Geddy’s picking, the sound of his Wal bass adds to the richness. The Wal is featured on this album (Power Windows, 1985) and Hold Your Fire (1987).
No pick required -- he used crazy light gauge strings and just attacked it with his first two fingers on the right hand. Check out A Show of Hands and you'll get the idea -- the index finger is usually The Boss, but the middle finger will come in for faster stuff like those triplets. The Wal's bridge humbucker is RIGHT UP against the bridge -- with the bridge pickup filter knob pulled up, it just makes THIS aggressive, blorpey sound. The Wal we hear on Power Windows is a walnut-faced Mk1 belonging to producer Peter Collins. Geddy went up to High Wycombe and ordered the black one we started seeing on tour and we hear on Hold Your Fire and Presto. He got a maple-faced transparent red-finished Mk2 which we hear on Roll The Bones. To me the red one sounds a big beefier, but is missing the GNARLY midrange and aggression of the black one.
Alright Church Boy, I think it's time you watch a live performance from Rush from when they were in their late 20's (1981). And I promise the bass playing (and the guitar and drumming for that matter) will BLOW YOU AWAY. You'll want to watch this video: RUSH - By-Tor/ In The End/ In The Mood/ 2112 Medley - Live In Montreal 1981 (2021 HD Remaster 60fps) It's a medley - no keyboards, just the three of them jamming like no other three-piece could ever jam. Get on this as soon as possible! You're welcome in advance 😄
What’s up my man, I’m loving your reviews and when I first started watching this one and you paused early on in the song and commented on the base line I chuckled to myself and said “wait until you hear what’s coming”. The look on your face did not disappoint. As for the lyrics, the song is about how humanity wages war to capture land, nations conquer other nations and tear down other peoples cultures and identities and replace it with their own imposed ideology. “The whole wide world, an endless universe…” he’s basically saying that we have everything not only here on earth and beyond to discover and that we as humans are apart of, but we waste our time trying to dominate one another and never really move forward. “Don’t feed the people but we feed the machines”. While I don’t know specifically what was going through Neil’s brain when he wrote that, I can come up with an example that ties into the song. Think about NASA, our government will spend billions of dollars to build a telescope and launch it out into space, while at the same time we slash funding for school lunch programs to feed children, many of whom rely on their school to get the best meal of their entire day. I’mma keep listening to your reviews Bro, I’m enjoying them and I love that you are approaching your reviews from a bass player’s standpoint. I’ll need to check the rest of your reviews to see if you’ve listened to this song yet, so forgive me in advance if I recommend something you have already reviewed. Check out the song “Roundabout”, by the band Yes. As for the lyrics, I’m still lost on that one, but the first time I ever heard Chris Squires’s bass line in that song, I almost 💦 in my pants. Geddy Lee was heavily influenced by Squire’s playing and you will see why I promise! Have a great weekend Bro!
Power Windows - Great album. I like the sound of 'Grand Designs' but I love the message in 'Marathon' and the story in 'Manhattan Project.' I'm not crazy about the synth (I'm more old school), but I still enjoy the album. The basic idea of the song is how we are always so focused on our own things, getting more and better for ourselves, taking from others, feeding into the system, never seeing the bigger picture and how we are all connected in a beautiful universe.
Geddy Lee is always on fire !!!!! Never boring. This album (Power windows) addresses various facets and use of power. This one is about conquering territories for the single purpose of gaining power.
"Don't feed the people but we feed the machines"... has multiple meanings, one I saw in the comments on a "machines = "the powers that be"; but it also has a simpler meaning, we don't feed starving people (or generally, we (powers that be) don't take care of people's basic needs, while making sure that things like the oil/gas industries, consumeristic production processes, etc that keep the cash flowing for those who AREN'T starving, are well taken-care-of because heaven forbid we worry about people before "things".
I thought you'd like this tune! Bass is crazy. MANY songs on this album, POWER WINDOWS have Big Bass. Every time this tune comes on, I get energized - just keeps DRIVING the whole song, as opposed to many RUSH tunes that will have tempo changes.
I always viewed the chorus as saying that ultra-nationalism can be harmful. The line about looking at the eyeglass in reverse is saying that there is so much out there in the world, but yet many isolate themselves in a certain sector. The line about feeding the machines is talking about how governments often prioritize monetary gain and power over their own citizens. The theme of nationalism is very evident especially in the lines “Can’t really feel, what international means.”
Excellent reaction.I always loved any Rush pre-Presto album era.So speaking of great bass men..how about some Primus - Tommy the Cat live Bonnaroo festival ..amazing performance from Les Claypool (Singer,Bassist ) xoxox
It’s too bad you never got the opportunity to see them play live - this Friday April 19 is the 43rd anniversary of me seeing them for the first time in 1981.
Great reaction love your groove to the bass LOL, and picking out some notes quick and the key. you are going to find so much bass like that to come as long as its a good live recording. IF you only listened to hemispheres 18 minutes hes playing all over on the fret board on that song alone, but circumstances a short song, he puts a cool bass run unique like that for example God bless
@Church Boy...Do you know Fender has a line of Fender Jazz Basses endorsed by Geddy Lee with his name on back of head stock? Modeled after his fav black & white Jazz bass? BUT! No ebony fingerboard, big daawwwggg...only maple neck! Getcha one Church Boy!
I was 17 when this one came out, a couple of years away from studying international relations for my first degree. Just shy of 40 years (and six degrees) later, I'm a public international lawyer. While I certainly don't credit Rush for my career path, I can say that I share the perspective from which this song was written. I think Neil Peart (who wrote all of the lyrics after the 5th album [of a total 19]) was trying to explain the frustration of all cosmopolitan thinkers (who don't place their nationality above strangers from other countries). He expresses frustration with political leaders who use nationality to promote conflict in order to ensure their own successes, as well as with the business leaders who profit from military misadventures. He also expresses hope that people won't be fooled by these demagogues and will instead come to see themselves as citizens of the world, who won't be seduced by parochial appeals from leaders who ought to know better. Given how Peart was a confirmed atheist, this song was an example of how secular humanism can be used to reach the same goal as Christianity: viz. world peace. All three members of Rush ultimately rejected their parents' values, which in two cases involved stifling religiosity (Orthodox Judaism for Geddy Lee and [I suspect] a strict Methodist upbringing for Peart). I'm not sure whether Lifeson (legal name: Aleksandar Živojinović) had quite the same experience, because his parents immigrated from Communist Yugoslavia, but if he did, it would have been Serbian Orthodox Christianity. As a practising Catholic (which, by the way, has always been the majority faith in Canada), I have sometimes found Peart's lyrics (as well as his writing, in a half dozen NY Times best selling travelogues) to lack insight about true (or, perhaps, I should say "mature") faith, because he always seemed to be fighting against an infantilizing version of Christianity (where God sounds more like a mercurial Santa Klaus than a [the] [D]eity who reciprocally radiates love for His/Hercreation). None of them ultimately seemed able to delve more deeply into faith either - but that's fine. They are musicians, after all, not philosophers or theologians [and very worldly, intelligent ones at that!]. I was always there first for the music anyway - having been hooked on them since I was 12. I didn't even learn the names of many of their songs until this digital age came along and made it easy (i.e. making it so that I didn't have to locate my vinyl or cassette tapes to figure out which song was which!). And I've otherwise deeply appreciated the majority of Peart's lyrics too. The best song I could recommend, in this regard, is called "Free Will." Musically, it's so awe-inspiring that I almost always sing along to it, notwithstanding my disagreement with the lyrical thrust of the song. So, please react to Free Will (live or studio). And, if it helps, I also promise to keep requesting it until you have answered me positively. : )
Power windows and hold your fire imo is Rush’s pinnacle in terms of tech and musical prowl essence Peter Collins their producer just passed but think this combination was stellar in Rush catalog
Great reaction!! Resisting these songs, through your reactions, is a trip down memory lane for me. Their musicianship is just n a different level, than any other band. If you want another cool bass line, check out Marathon. See what you think...
“They shoot without shame, in the name of a piece of dirt, for a change of accent or the color of your shirt. Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the world, than the pride that divides when a colorful rag is unfurled.” Great lyric
Hi Jim! Hope you and yours are well!
@@juliebrockett3471 I’m doing very well Julie, how are you?? I have a movie channel on RUclips called Jim’s Movie Channel if you’re interested. Take care my friend ❤️
Sadly, 75% of humanity isn't there yet
@@mwfmtnmanThat was a popular idea in the sanctuary cities until the sanctuary cities said they didn't want to be sanctuary cities.
Might be my favorite Rush lyric. I also just love the keyboard part after "undermined" and how it starts there, adds layers then spits-out "While" in the second verse. Always stop and pay attention to that little piece of genius.
Don’t ever worry about irritating RUSH fans. As RUSH fans, one of our favorite things is other RUSH fans! The live shows were a SCENE! A whole different concert vibe in the crowd. You could feel it before the show as everyone was going into the venue every time. It was an excitement of anticipation for us who’d seen them before and a big exciting expectation for those who hadn’t. It was different from all other Rock concerts. No dummies in a RUSH crowd. To say we were pumped is an understatement. We knew what was about to happen. They always delivered flawlessly every time! Fantastic live band!
It’s what I refer to as ROCK PRIVILEGE.
So true brother, 24x for me and never disappointed! You could the air with a knife for how thick with anticipation it always was.
@@robertpinazza4043, You know, looking back on it, we were really fortunate to have had those experiences. We knew how special it was at the time, but we didn’t realize just how special. I’ve commented to several of these younger reactors that it’s impossible for me to put it into words and that I wished I could be Their official Rock and Roll Time Machine tour guide to some of these Classic concert scenes from the 80’s. I would do it for some of them because I think they are deserving of it and I would really enjoy watching them freak out on the thousands of hard core party animals that we were. I know they would be scared and I’d laugh my ass off watching their mouths pop open, them freaking out on just how LOUD it used to be and enjoying the show as their brains melt out of their ears. I would insist on doing it Old School like we did. Mandatory smoking and drinking beforehand. We would have to carry them out! 😆👍
You know what's funny is that there are all of these comments about 'if you like the bass here, you should hear this song.' The reality is, if you really want to hear an amazing bass line, you absolutely have to listen to...........every single one of their songs.
Absolutely
That bass line 😁, the whole Power Windows album has incredible bass lines…
The bass in Marathon is INSANE!
"Turn the Page" another Rush song form this same era that will blow your mind with the bass riff. Watch it live and you can see Geddy sing, play synths and bass all at once.
As for this song - "Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the world, than the pride that divides when a colorful rag (flag) is unfurled" sums up the entire thing. Think of the people and individuals on the global scale and what we have in common, not the constructs of governments, nations, or territories that divide us all.
You playing is definitely NOT irritating at all. I'm amazed how good you pick up the line so easy and remain so humble. Cheers! 😎
Your enthusiasm for the music is infectious.
This was an anti-tribalistic song. Started by pointing out that everyone thinks their home is the best and ends by saying there is more pride in being a human being than a citizen of a single country.
Since I'm more a fan of the lyrics I'll let others recommend most things, but for a simple but profound song, check out Countdown. It's a tribute to the first Space Shuttle launch and contains one of my favorite lines.
"This day when super science mingles with the bright stuff of dreams"
Loving your reactions and I'm definitely here for the ride lol
"Mystic Rhythms " my kids have Instructions to play this song at my funeral, also "2112" and "Closer to the heart" and one that is not well known, but I like it ; called "Second Nature". The one I heavily encourage the most is "2112".
My kid has been instructed to save some of my ashes and pour them into the wind on Jan 1st, 2112.
Only eighty-eight years to go!
🤘
What's more amazing is that Geddy's using his Index finger flick method to play that riff is mental!!
Hes using his middle finger too here. I know, i play this bassline exactly as he does. You cant do this line with one finger. Impossible.
Digital man has a bass line you'll love for sure. He is all up and down the neck on that one while singing. Check it out live Snakes and Arrows tour. Great reaction.
Machines are war machines while people in our own countries starve.
Unfurl a colourful rag= flag. Now the rest should fall in place.
Toronto Canada band. (Scarborough)
If you want to be blown away watch anything from Rush live in Brazil
Territories is one of my all time favorites - and if you’re honest when you listen to it, you realize it’s a dance song.
Because Geddy Lee is the best bass player to ever live
Tell me that isn't one of the nastiest bass lines you've ever heard! GED!!!!!❤
That's awesome the way you can just pick up your bass and pay that line. Nice job!
Church boy you are a riot. Loving all the Rush reactions. Seen them 43 times in my life and I miss them more everyday.
Church Boy love your reactions to Rush and your love for music.
Keep enjoying the ride.God
Bless.Geddy plays bass snd keys with the pedels.All amazing musicians.
This song was always a personal favorite of mine. The song decries the tendency of people to make enemies of others. Whether as a country or as individuals, we define our own territories/homes and view people other than our loved ones/friends/family/countrymen as not welcome. "Why move around the world when Eden was so near" always meant to me that why would people want to go and invade other countries when they have what they want right there at home. "Don't feed the people but we feed the machines" is pretty simple, it means that we have hunger (and homelessness and poverty) in the world but still focus more on advancing our industries rather than directly helping people who do need assistance. And you didn't butcher the bassline, you got the gist of it right away.
It was eloquintly written, as always, by Neil. Unfortunately, this belief was pushed and driven by a nefarious agenda that is unraveling as we speak.
Loved it. Not sure if mentioned before. But 'prime mover' another great baseline
Love your reaction.
Can’t wait to see you react to some of my favorites like Middletown Dreams, Ghost Rider, Spindrift, The Weapon, The Main Monkey Business, Malignant Narcissism, Earthshine, The Analog Kid and any instrumentals, if you ever get to them. 🤞
Well I better stop here or I’ll list them all. 😂
My favourites songs are always changing throughout time, thanks to their huge catalog.
I count myself lucky to have seen them more than a dozen times but I still beat myself to have skip some of their tours.
What was I thinking 😲😂
Cheers! 🫡
Respect for choosing a deep cut! There are many similarly great Rush songs that never get heard...
You would love Geddy's book, Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass.
And his 2023 autobiography, "My 'Effing Life," too!
This song was inspired by their time in Europe during the Hemispheres Tour in 1979. As Geddy recalled in his book My Effin Life: "On the way to a hotel in Lille, we passed monuments and memorials to the fallen heroes of both world wars, at Ypres and Flanders Fields and elsewhere, all familiar from our history books. On those memorials, by roadsides, town squares and churches, were listed the names of the citizens who'd lost their lives, and I realized that we were driving over the very battlefields where those men had fallen. It was an eerie feeling that stalked me as we moved across Europe. I related that to Neil, who one day turned it into a lyric about regional chauvinism in 'Territories':
We see so many tribes--overrun and undermined;
While their invaders dream of lands they've left behind;
Better people--better food--and better beer;
Why move around the world when Eden was so near?"
For another powerful track from Power Windows, also inspired by events of WW2, I'd like to recommend Manhattan Project, which was based on the events surrounding the development and deployment of the first atomic bomb; if you'd like to see it done live, I highly recommend the performance from the Clockwork Angels Tour, where the string ensemble takes it to a whole new level. Cheers from Toronto!
🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
All because Hitler didn't want to be part of the globalists' plan.
"Gentlemen, I have come this morning to the inexcusable conclusion that we have fought on the wrong side. This entire war we should have fought with the fascists against the communists and not the other way around.
I fear that perhaps in fifty years America will pay a dear price and become a land of corruption and degenerate morals."
---General George S. Patton (July 21, 1945)
Geddy Triplets, baby!!!!!!! Once you learn 'em you'll play 'em for hours (or decades in my case lol).
I know you've been hearing it a lot, but the live version... Wow! Just wow!
Geddy Singing, playing bass, playing keyboards, and bass pedals!
The bass part on Digital Man is insanely good too! Love this track!
The way you’re able to pick up your bass and get those notes is awesome!
The second half of the chorus is actually "indifferent circles", slightly different than "in different circles" to play on words and change the meaning
Genius
YES, I was just going to comment this. I know Neil does this in a few songs but I can't think of them off the top of my head.
@@thomasallan1196 Vital signs is one for sure.
Peart was a poet.
I'm betting you took that to church!
Another great tune in this very deep Rush rabbit hole. Enjoy, Brother!
Great reaction Church Boy!! Such an amazing song - lyrics (as usual) on point for our society! Unsure of your misunderstanding of the lyric 'we don't feed the people, but we feed the machine' - it's the capitalist mentality - focused time, effort & resources applied to making money, while the people starve, go homeless, approach poverty. Conversely with a 'socialist' (I know, bad word in the U.S.) mentality - where the populace look after each other.
Remember - Neil Peart & Rush are Canadian - social democracy is our thing.
I love it when you try the bass lines Geddy dishes out! You're not 'butchering' it - but it's a great, play by ear attempt! Keep it up for ALL the Rush reactions!
Another amazing track from this album is Mystic Rhythms (my personal favourite off Power Windows) - must listen!
I'm absolutely LOVING your Rush journey! More, more, more please!
This comment is spot on. Thank you Church Boy!
Geddy is mostly known for playing Rickenbacker and Fender basses, but I truly love his Wal period. He and Jeff Berlin had became close friends, they shared a lot of knowledge between them, and it really shows on this album… Geddy, please bring back the Wal 🙏🏻
There is a great live version of this recorded in Dallas on the Clockwork Angels tour. Stunning visuals as well.
Loving your love for this band 💜 they truly are something else
Dude, we are watching YOUR reaction, you are not irritating us! Keep it up! Play that bass, we don't mind! Geddy is a bass god, and it is delightful to see you grab your bass and try and put it down right then, truly a blast to see you go for it! Love these reactions!
You immediately picked up on the killer bass line he plays while singing. So dope.
Of course, you are loving your voyage down the Rush rabbit hole. You are a true musician.
Rush on eh!!!
Peace ☮️ Love ❤️ and Joy 😊
YES! I have been waiting for this one :D
If you like the bass line in this one, you should check out the song "Marathon" on the same album, Power Windows. There is another really busy Bass Line, but epic- in my opinion, the song "Turn the Page" from their 1987 album, Hold Your Fire.
Always enjoy seeing your insight and joy discovering more of these tracks!
the grass ISN'T always greener on the other side...
another gorgeous song from their mid times... also... all of Hold Your Fire and Presto are my favorites.
Wish you could have experienced them live. I saw them a bunch of times! It was always an excellent show.
I’m glad you found Rush, my friend. I’m still sharing your “Tom Sawyer” reaction vid, love the joy and enthusiasm.
Thanks again, for the reaction, and commentary ...it was really sweet when you grabbed that bass...go back ,love tha A's hat,need one...Todd from...
And Geddy is singing while playing that riff.
It’s cool you’re on the RUSH ride. There’s a lot to go through. One of the best, most unique Rock bands ever. I’ve been a lifelong, day one fan from the 70’s when I was a kid. Fortunate to see many of their tours over the decades. Phenomenal live band. They could play everything cleanly, live with no cheating at all. They prided themselves on being able to do that. I saw them in concert 18 times! Unbelievable! RUSH is special, that’s the simplest way to describe them. RUSH is special.
You'll love the bass in Fountain of Lamneth! Much love, keep the RUSH coming!
You’re a gifted musician, CB. You have a perfect pitch, and the ability to pick up a tune by ear that only comes with experience. The kind you probably get playing with different church groups, you know - no time to rehearse, can you sit with us this weekend?, sorry no sheet music, but we’re in B-flat. Lol, helps to know which notes to land on when you’re playing live. Cheers!
the best intro should be next,,,,,just like that,,,,and there;s no lyrics,,,get ready for next level,,,l.o.l🤘🤘🤘
The whole album, Power Windows, was about the different ways in which power is manifest, used, and abused. You might call the songs, collectively, as "windows into power." Great choice with Territories, too! I still get a tingling scalp when I hear the bridge. Honestly, it took me a little while to like Power Windows, but it's become one of my favorite albums. Plenty of sick bass grooves to to absorb! Glad you're enjoying them!
Geddy Lee + Bass= GOAT 🙂
Yep, our Ged is the beast of vocals , bass, pedals and keys. His stutter stops on the bass are a trademark. Try Vital Signs (please) Turn the Page, Force Ten..or The Body Electric. You won't be disappointed:) Nice review, loved seeing you diggin the Three Magi:)
Dude enjoying these reactions. You need to do Marathon next. From the same album and as a bass player, his bass riffs are 🔥
This song was deep in their New Wave/Synthesizer/Electronica period. Guitarist Alex Lifeson often complained that he found it hard to find space in the mix since the synth was on the same frequencies. Early in their career, where it was just bass/drums/guitar it was easier.
I think the Eden they're singing about is Canada. The better beer line is what gives it away.
Re: imho the word "machine" represents any/every system or bureaucracy that gulps down tax-dollars/resources while ignoring those in need. I LOVE watching you play the bass. Love it. And boy howdy, your reaction is shear joy to watch! More more more please..!
I never cared about the Rush synth era but there are exceptions like this tune. The bass line is what really elevates this song.
I'm a big rush fan and I've never heard
That song before.....
Sounds late 80s great song😊😊😊
I recommend their song Marathon next. The bass lines in it are over the top!
I was 16 in 1986 when this album was released. It remains firmly entrenched in my 'Top 3' Rush albums ever. Just the variety of music, the sounds....the '80's!!!! I wore my Jersey mullet proudly!!
"Don't feed the people but we feed the machines" I believe - refers to the hunger issues that were going on in Africa at the time (Live-Aid" & Do They Know It's Christmas?") but yet in the beginning of the computer/information age. That's my take on it.
'The Machine' = Stock Markets + Military Spending. Pretty obvious. We allow the few at the top to dictate policy on the defenseless poor and those we deem too different. So for example: Southern Evangelicals want to 'shoot their way into Heaven', assuring themselves eternally belonging to Satan, doubling down whining about gender identity of bathroom signs. Well no bathroom sign mass killed students. But facts won't penetrate the Cult.
Another song the bass will blow you away is called "Middletown Dreams."
Probably my fav... the extra grind when he digs in harder for the second verse...
When one get's through analyzing the musical mastery of these three gentlemen.... the next phase is consuming and digesting the lyrics of each song, and absorbing it's meaning into your own lexicon. Music is very subjective.
Imagination is the best instrument. Geddy`s bass lines, along with Mark King`s (of Level 42) , are my very favourites.
Enjoying the reactions. Being the bass player you are, I'm a little surprised you haven't reacted to "Where's my thing." Check out the live in Dallas version with drum solo. You won't be disappointed...
You didn't butcher it. Sounds killer. Lifelong RUSH fanatic here, and you have a new subscriber. Rock on.
From Power Windows, the first time I saw Rush on tour. You should listen to the whole album ,it Is excellent
Dude. That was the best reaction to Territories i have ever seen !! I was so excited to see you excited !! This song is the Jam !! I always play air bass, drums and guitar while I'm driving. Marathon is another good one. This whole album Power Windows is Awesome !! New Subscriber for that reaction alone.
In addition to Geddy’s picking, the sound of his Wal bass adds to the richness. The Wal is featured on this album (Power Windows, 1985) and Hold Your Fire (1987).
No pick required -- he used crazy light gauge strings and just attacked it with his first two fingers on the right hand. Check out A Show of Hands and you'll get the idea -- the index finger is usually The Boss, but the middle finger will come in for faster stuff like those triplets.
The Wal's bridge humbucker is RIGHT UP against the bridge -- with the bridge pickup filter knob pulled up, it just makes THIS aggressive, blorpey sound.
The Wal we hear on Power Windows is a walnut-faced Mk1 belonging to producer Peter Collins. Geddy went up to High Wycombe and ordered the black one we started seeing on tour and we hear on Hold Your Fire and Presto. He got a maple-faced transparent red-finished Mk2 which we hear on Roll The Bones. To me the red one sounds a big beefier, but is missing the GNARLY midrange and aggression of the black one.
@@jeffcullen6573 I didn't say he used a pick. I've been a Rush fan since the early 80s.
Alright Church Boy, I think it's time you watch a live performance from Rush from when they were in their late 20's (1981). And I promise the bass playing (and the guitar and drumming for that matter) will BLOW YOU AWAY. You'll want to watch this video:
RUSH - By-Tor/ In The End/ In The Mood/ 2112 Medley - Live In Montreal 1981 (2021 HD Remaster 60fps)
It's a medley - no keyboards, just the three of them jamming like no other three-piece could ever jam. Get on this as soon as possible! You're welcome in advance 😄
Geddy is very impressive. They All are. A true Power trio.
What’s up my man, I’m loving your reviews and when I first started watching this one and you paused early on in the song and commented on the base line I chuckled to myself and said “wait until you hear what’s coming”. The look on your face did not disappoint. As for the lyrics, the song is about how humanity wages war to capture land, nations conquer other nations and tear down other peoples cultures and identities and replace it with their own imposed ideology. “The whole wide world, an endless universe…” he’s basically saying that we have everything not only here on earth and beyond to discover and that we as humans are apart of, but we waste our time trying to dominate one another and never really move forward. “Don’t feed the people but we feed the machines”. While I don’t know specifically what was going through Neil’s brain when he wrote that, I can come up with an example that ties into the song. Think about NASA, our government will spend billions of dollars to build a telescope and launch it out into space, while at the same time we slash funding for school lunch programs to feed children, many of whom rely on their school to get the best meal of their entire day. I’mma keep listening to your reviews Bro, I’m enjoying them and I love that you are approaching your reviews from a bass player’s standpoint.
I’ll need to check the rest of your reviews to see if you’ve listened to this song yet, so forgive me in advance if I recommend something you have already reviewed. Check out the song “Roundabout”, by the band Yes. As for the lyrics, I’m still lost on that one, but the first time I ever heard Chris Squires’s bass line in that song, I almost 💦 in my pants. Geddy Lee was heavily influenced by Squire’s playing and you will see why I promise! Have a great weekend Bro!
There's a lot of hunger in the world, yet our TV's computers, cars we keep fueled.
Power Windows - Great album. I like the sound of 'Grand Designs' but I love the message in 'Marathon' and the story in 'Manhattan Project.' I'm not crazy about the synth (I'm more old school), but I still enjoy the album. The basic idea of the song is how we are always so focused on our own things, getting more and better for ourselves, taking from others, feeding into the system, never seeing the bigger picture and how we are all connected in a beautiful universe.
God bless you brother, am glad I found your channel.
Rush .. keep it comin 😎👍 Lovin your reactions man
Geddy Lee is always on fire !!!!! Never boring. This album (Power windows) addresses various facets and use of power. This one is about conquering territories for the single purpose of gaining power.
Re: how low Alex could get on his guitars, all I can say is "Working Man" live in Cleveland (2011).
"Don't feed the people but we feed the machines"... has multiple meanings, one I saw in the comments on a "machines = "the powers that be"; but it also has a simpler meaning, we don't feed starving people (or generally, we (powers that be) don't take care of people's basic needs, while making sure that things like the oil/gas industries, consumeristic production processes, etc that keep the cash flowing for those who AREN'T starving, are well taken-care-of because heaven forbid we worry about people before "things".
I thought you'd like this tune! Bass is crazy. MANY songs on this album, POWER WINDOWS have Big Bass. Every time this tune comes on, I get energized - just keeps DRIVING the whole song, as opposed to many RUSH tunes that will have tempo changes.
This is the era where many Rush fans like myself checked out. I later came to appreciate it, but I still prefer the earlier Rush.
Very true. Even being an old fan, I need a newcomer to tell me, this is great stuff!
Play and to sing those beast lines, that's GEDDY. Church Boy you have dam good chops.
Another great reaction ! Great tune, lyrics and bass line .....check out The Big Money ( a Show of Hands video, 1988). Rush on !!!
I always viewed the chorus as saying that ultra-nationalism can be harmful. The line about looking at the eyeglass in reverse is saying that there is so much out there in the world, but yet many isolate themselves in a certain sector. The line about feeding the machines is talking about how governments often prioritize monetary gain and power over their own citizens. The theme of nationalism is very evident especially in the lines “Can’t really feel, what international means.”
Just went through your RUSH reactions. That and the Braves hat deserves a Sub! Great stuff, and loving you grabbing your bass while listening!
Excellent reaction.I always loved any Rush pre-Presto album era.So speaking of great bass men..how about some Primus - Tommy the Cat live Bonnaroo festival ..amazing performance from Les Claypool (Singer,Bassist ) xoxox
Who's his idol ....Geddy Lee😊
Geddy Lee [Bass Solo] (Time Machine 2011) ♥
It’s too bad you never got the opportunity to see them play live - this Friday April 19 is the 43rd anniversary of me seeing them for the first time in 1981.
Geddy’s bass lines are unreal. I’d suggest “Marathon” - one of my favorites.
Love it that you pick up your bass! Lifelong RUSH fan, love watching you discovering the magic.
Great reaction love your groove to the bass LOL, and picking out some notes quick and the key. you are going to find so much bass like that to come as long as its a good live recording. IF you only listened to hemispheres 18 minutes hes playing all over on the fret board on that song alone, but circumstances a short song, he puts a cool bass run unique like that for example God bless
The analog kid has one of his best bass lines .
Anyone brave enough to take on this album, let alone this song, deserves my upvote and I clicked the subscribe button too. THANK YOU!
@Church Boy...Do you know Fender has a line of Fender Jazz Basses endorsed by Geddy Lee with his name on back of head stock? Modeled after his fav black & white Jazz bass? BUT! No ebony fingerboard, big daawwwggg...only maple neck! Getcha one Church Boy!
to me, the line about feeding machines and not people is the analogy of the person ignoring the homeless man on the way to the fuel pump
I was 17 when this one came out, a couple of years away from studying international relations for my first degree. Just shy of 40 years (and six degrees) later, I'm a public international lawyer. While I certainly don't credit Rush for my career path, I can say that I share the perspective from which this song was written.
I think Neil Peart (who wrote all of the lyrics after the 5th album [of a total 19]) was trying to explain the frustration of all cosmopolitan thinkers (who don't place their nationality above strangers from other countries). He expresses frustration with political leaders who use nationality to promote conflict in order to ensure their own successes, as well as with the business leaders who profit from military misadventures. He also expresses hope that people won't be fooled by these demagogues and will instead come to see themselves as citizens of the world, who won't be seduced by parochial appeals from leaders who ought to know better.
Given how Peart was a confirmed atheist, this song was an example of how secular humanism can be used to reach the same goal as Christianity: viz. world peace. All three members of Rush ultimately rejected their parents' values, which in two cases involved stifling religiosity (Orthodox Judaism for Geddy Lee and [I suspect] a strict Methodist upbringing for Peart). I'm not sure whether Lifeson (legal name: Aleksandar Živojinović) had quite the same experience, because his parents immigrated from Communist Yugoslavia, but if he did, it would have been Serbian Orthodox Christianity.
As a practising Catholic (which, by the way, has always been the majority faith in Canada), I have sometimes found Peart's lyrics (as well as his writing, in a half dozen NY Times best selling travelogues) to lack insight about true (or, perhaps, I should say "mature") faith, because he always seemed to be fighting against an infantilizing version of Christianity (where God sounds more like a mercurial Santa Klaus than a [the] [D]eity who reciprocally radiates love for His/Hercreation). None of them ultimately seemed able to delve more deeply into faith either - but that's fine. They are musicians, after all, not philosophers or theologians [and very worldly, intelligent ones at that!].
I was always there first for the music anyway - having been hooked on them since I was 12. I didn't even learn the names of many of their songs until this digital age came along and made it easy (i.e. making it so that I didn't have to locate my vinyl or cassette tapes to figure out which song was which!). And I've otherwise deeply appreciated the majority of Peart's lyrics too.
The best song I could recommend, in this regard, is called "Free Will." Musically, it's so awe-inspiring that I almost always sing along to it, notwithstanding my disagreement with the lyrical thrust of the song.
So, please react to Free Will (live or studio). And, if it helps, I also promise to keep requesting it until you have answered me positively.
: )
Once again, I just love your Rush reactions.... Prayers up Brother ❤️🙏
Thank you, Love the reaction, and Go Braves!
Great reaction! Keep it going man.
Power windows and hold your fire imo is Rush’s pinnacle in terms of tech and musical prowl essence
Peter Collins their producer just passed but think this combination was stellar in Rush catalog
Great analysis and reaction sir.....funny how these lyrics are more relevant than ever.
The machines line that had you confused was saying we care more about production and money than our own people on earth
Great song...another great reaction. Suggest (again) Digital Man - Excellent drum and bass work. More bass less synth 👍
@HC-sb1ru You're right. Another great bass line!
Great reaction!! Resisting these songs, through your reactions, is a trip down memory lane for me. Their musicianship is just n a different level, than any other band. If you want another cool bass line, check out Marathon. See what you think...