Unbelievable songwriting and insight, 38 years on. We are blessed to have known and loved Neil Peart. What a lyricist, aside from being an amazing percussionist, writer and all-round human.
I consider this album to be Rush’s bridge between past and present Rush. They still sounded like ‘old Rush’, while incorporating synth sounds that would become part of their signature later on. I LOVE this album. When I hear it, I feel a sense of longing, which is aptly depicted in “The Analog Kid”. Great reaction Justin. 👍🏻 Time for that “Hemispheres” reaction, Books I & II. 😎
I think that you are right in a way, but not. Because of the career length of Rush, they went on to return to their basics w/out too much synth. Vapor trails Had 0 synth on it ! (for example). My favorite album Counterparts and 2nd CWAs are just great examples of what ALL The experiments would turn into. = The Best Musicians Ever Assembled together in a Rock/Prog/Classic Rock/Metal/Everything BAND !!!!!!
Brian Good points. I do contend that “Signals” marked a major trajectory change for the band, and it took them a few albums to get a perfect blend of keyboards with the rest of the band. 🙂
I think the "bridge" was Permanent Waves. To me, Signals is more of a "breakaway" album. For instance, PW still had a couple of their trademark old school "epics" (JL and NS) with a "more modern" prog rock sound in Spirit of Radio and Freewill. Synths were prominent in every song except Different Strings. Signals doesn't have that mix of old school epics and contemporaneous sounds. Signals turned a new leaf in their career 🍁. They floated off into synth land until the Caveman dragged them, kicking and screaming, back to their hard rock-prog roots sans synths: *Counterparts* 🤘
Signals was actually my first Rush album. It holds a special place in my heart. I think you've captured the essence of this song in your video, and looking back at the lyrics, I realize now why this song still moves me...
As I retrospectively wade through the Rush catalogue, this song continues to rise in my ranking of favourites. Top ten for sure, maybe top five. The chorus strikes me at an inner level and when Geddy sings, “You move me,” he does.
I swear, when I listen to this song I can actually feel the hot winds of summer on my face. This song is pretty emotional for me. Idk, the lyrics are just so relatable in my mind and the music is so fitting especially the atmospheric feeling the synths add. One of my all time favorite songs
That's about as hard as Rush rocked out in the 80's. Some really great gems from that decade. That guitar riff is a monster. Some really cool things Neil's doing with his tempo here, some cool polyrhythmic stuff. And that bridge is gorgeous. "Too many hands on my time, too many feelings" is probably one of my favorite encapsulations of what it feels like to be young. I teach high school, and that's definitely the sentiment of my kids. As explosive as this song is, it still has so much subtlety to it. Absolutely amazing stuff. I don't know if that, "Subdivisions," or "Losing It" is my favorite song off that album, because Signals is so damn good.
This song sounds so good live!! You're right about Geddy's talents. He is constantly multitasking on stage. It's amazing how easy he makes it look. Great reaction! Try reacting to Middletown Deams next from Rush.
You make some great points in your analysis. They way the music is either sped up or slowed down to fit the lyrical imagery is really well done. The are able to transition between time signatures so smoothly . Another excellent point you made was about Neil taking simple drum patterns burt adding little details and slight changes from verse to verse. I think he was one of the best compositional drummers to ever play. Lastly it is truly amazing how Geddy is able to play bass and synths while singing. For a three piece they create a sound that five piece bands don't always measure up to.
I can appreciate the observation that the lyrics “when I leave I don’t know what I’m hoping to find, when I leave I don’t know what I’m leaving behind” is suited to a kid transitioning to adulthood... I also like to think of the transitional moment we die, not looking back, but not knowing what to expect on our singular journey to the next life/afterlife, or nothingness. I’d consider these lyrics to be a great epitaph.
I greatly appreciate your reviews. Sometimes you make me go back and listen to songs that I've listened to multiple times and appreciate the intricacies and nuances that I've not picked up before. Keep up the great work!
Always appreciate the in-depth breakdowns of Rush. Would love for you to jump forward a decade & react to "Double Agent" from Counterparts. Another song that has a ton going on musically & lyrically.
Love your reactions JP...love how you show emotion when something is really getting to you and your breakdowns of the songs afterwords can be very insightful as apposed to most reactors. Also...YOU APPRECIATE THE BASS!!! Yes!!! So next from Rush I would submit you continue with Signals and take on SUBDIVISIONS (Neils lyrics are brilliant..a true rock masterpiece) or Im very curious to see what your reaction to their 16 minute prog epic CYGNUS X1 BOOK 2 HEMISPHERES would be ("Book 1" is on the previous album A Farewell To Kings...and although they are a set, to be honest Its not "mandatory" to listen that way). ...also your reaction to Yes Close to the edge was almost as epic as the song! Good stuff.
I like that you pulled up that live clip. This is a powerful song live... That synth right before the guitar solo fills up the arena. I agree with you about Geddy... He truly is a one man band with everything he is doing.
Gotta give Alex some credit on those synth as well. If you've sen his pedal board, he also doe s a lot of the foot work for the moog and midi tracks. Plus, what most people miss, is his use of effects on the guitar, double as an additional instrument; delay, flange, chorus, volume and pitch shifting, as well as his dual acoustic/electric pickups in later performances.
Ah, 80s Rush. Shorter songs. Shorter hair. Tighter compositions. More keyboards. Less Alex. More MYV. No mustaches! I remember the inner sleeve was thicker than the outer sleeve and the record was practically a floppy disk. We metal heads had some adjusting to do!
This album has some of the most intricate drumming I have ever heard the hole album is like butter so smooth and so catchy I love it and always will this is what I think of in my head when I hear the word rush! They were so good, no great, or awesome I could go on they mean so Mitch to me I grew up with them through thick and thin stait or flush they were always there for me to listen to! RIP NEIL
Thanks for this review! Must say this album contains Rush's most profound lyric... found on the stellar track "Subdivisions," which is absolutely perfect in every way. Don't think you've reviewed it... but it's well-worth your time! Cheers!
Music APPRECIATION channel? THANK GOODNESS (pun intended). Love that. It's work. It's harder. Not just ripping a band or wanting to be fed your way. THANK YOU! :) Peace.
@JustJP The verse of this song is a great example of using a busy bass to make an open space interesting, but the style of playing still lends to the openness. Like a car engine powering one down a rural highway through farmland. Regarding synthesizers in Rush music, it has always been a feature. Camera Eye from their Moving Pictures LP showcased it prominently. Jacob's Ladder from the Permanent Waves LP is another synth-rich tune. If you haven't reacted to Losing It, please do so. The lyrics are profound and the music brilliantly lays a foundation.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. My absolute favourite song from this album! Out of context Justin: "I'm here to breed....... ......positivity." Every hot and windy August day, I crank this and imagine myself just running around in a field *being* that Analog Kid. You pretty much nailed it on the head again, Justin. There really isn't much for me to say outside of some more recommendations. Keep going later into Rush's catalog. I know you'll enjoy everything they had to offer. To go just after this album, check out Between the Wheels from Grace Under Pressure. For some other bands, go for Something About You by Level 42, In A Big Country by Big Country, or The Grand Illusion by Styx
I, too, listen to this with passion each hot & windy August afternoon, & I dream of a field near the house I grew up in... I’d ride my 10-speed out there, walk through the dry tall grass to the outer edge, climb over the rock wall & into the shade, and clamber up into a fallen old oak tree & daydream like only a teenager could. Rush -Signals was my first concert ever, when I was 16... floor seats, 8th row, and when they played Analog Kid I was hooked. Hooked on Rush, and hooked on the sensations you can only get at a live rock concert. When they reach the bridge with the rich full deep reverberating keyboards during “you move me, you move me...”... oh my God I just stood there with my mouth open letting the vibrations move from my feet to my head, relishing it, completely unaware of anyone around me. I wasn’t (didn’t have to be) high to get the euphoria I experienced at this pivotal music moment of my life.
You really captured the essence of the song. The lyrics are another masterwork from Peart. This is such a great album and I really liked Grace Under Pressure as well. Cheers!
This one always reminds me of being a freshman in Engineering school. Had just started college when this album dropped. The world seemed big and I was just discovering a larger world as an "Analog Kid." I like your "mini one man band" reference. Spot on regarding the overall impeccable cohesion of their compositions.
my boys rock... one of my favorite songs .. neils lyrics.. alex rips an awesome guitar solo at the end.... so visual... a great line .. a fawn eyed girl with sun browned legs...
One way that Geddy was able to do so much live was his use of Moog Taurus Bass Pedals to cover the bass parts when his hands were busy playing the keyboard, or rhythm guitar. Here he is talking about it : ruclips.net/video/T8uWrP1uD9U/видео.html
I've always marveled and been amazed at Geddy's multi-faceted talent... seen them 3x live and no other band comes even close. Keep up the great analyses-- reminds me of some of my old English teachers when we analyzed English literature.
This album has such personal meaning. I was a freshman in Highschool when this Signals came out, and I found solace in this album in particular ( I was already a fan/aspiring bassist). Still takes me right back there...
Glad you liked it. You may like to listen to the live version next from "Different Stages", where the bridge section "you move me, you move me..." gets repeated an additional time as a finale.
You made my day going to this pick. This song does not seem to get the reaction love I think it deserves. It is like the 'Red Barchetta' of Signals in that the song-writing it so tight. Most guitar driven song on Signals, BUT the synths are used for Maximum effect during the slow-down in the chorus. Rush does this very well in many songs, but this is maybe the quintessential example. The guitar solo is beyond tasty. One of Alex's most unique skills in my opinion is the note-bending he inserts even when in the course of a scorching run down the fretboard when soloing. (FreeWill solo is another great example of this). Geddy's voice and baseline both stand-out on this track and of Course NEIL. (no comment necessary). ..the lyrics always make me wax nostalgically about this time in my life. it's just a perfect song, from what is probably my favorite Rush album
Enjoyed the song and reaction. In my opinion you nailed my feeling and thoughts about the song and more, excellent review. I'd like to make a bigger request as you journey into more Rush. It would be awesome if you did a reaction to the 4 parts for Fear. The 4 songs that make up Fear are: The Enemy Within The Weapon Witch Hunt Freeze
@@jaybird4093 There were many who suggested TAK due to the relation to DM. Justin I'm sure would try and keep the relationship together by going back to back reactions. I was just merely pointing it out. Same goes for the parts of fear. I was thinking it would be great to react to the whole Signals album but that would separate the parts of Fear. Oh yeah memories, this song among others got a lot of drum play in my house. Drove my parents nuts LOL. By the way, working on the bass mostly around the 1,4,5. I'm way faster with a pick but I want to keep it traditional and use my fingers (Geddy style). It's way harder but I'm improving with my dexterity slowly.
@@jaybird4093 While looking at info regarding the bass I came across the bass player Victor Wooten. It was interesting listening to his thoughts on bass guitar playing. Check out this vid: ruclips.net/video/PHdo1qWNWI4/видео.html
I enjoyed your opinion on this song and used to play it on my drums, but I saw Rush play this song live a few times including their recent tour. Thanks again.
Probably my fav Rush album from one of my favorite bands Amazing song As a drummer (certainly not of Neil's caliber) I have to say that every time I hear him now there is a pang of sadness and unbelief that he is gone from us But then he is not "You call me You call me" Great analysis I love that you give lyrics equal play Always 50-50 for me And Neil's lyrics among the best ever Thanks Justin and check out the drumming on The Weapon...same album
I’ve said it before, your reactions are the best on RUclips. Music appreciation at its best, and you have great ears. I really appreciate the thought you put into them. Curious if you’re a musician. It’s become a cliche, but Rush really is a musician’s band, and close listening brings great rewards to people who are attuned to those details.
NP's homage to the motherland: "You move me You move me With your buildings and your eyes Autumn woods and winter skies You move me You move me Open sea and city lights Busy streets and dizzy heights You call me You call me" Great read of this tune, music and lyrics. You do a great job with this format, some of these reaction channels are so pointless!
On the “slow down” the bass actually becomes bass pedal. Yes because, you have synth here and well, it has to be playable live! (So, on live presentations, Geddy or Alex play bass pedals on these kind of passage). They had it all figured out, always!
That was awesome to watch someone's first reaction to this song.....knowing in advance how rippin' that guitar solo is........priceless. Analog Kid and Digital Man are easily the best tracks on the album (Digital Man is the best track on the record....no doubt). Subdivisions is one I skip at least every other spin. Chemistry is cool, especially for drummers and those who like deep lyrical meaning. Side 2 is solid FIRE....Countdown is perhaps the most unconventional track on the record, but is a clinic on descriptive lyrical writing and musical dynamics. New World Man is hella good. The Weapon is another drum clinic and if you miss the Ben Mink violin solo on Losing It..well, that's your fault....LOL! Good one brother....Keep it up!
I repeatin myself all the Time but thats my favorite channel because of your analyses on the music and the Lyrics. Im here because of my love for music in general discover new songs i dont know or givin chance to the one i like less and for sure for my favorite band Rush. But i am listenin to a lot of différents types and era and si Nice to givin our opinions on it. Thanks JP.
Another favorite of mine, JP, tho I suppose I can say that about most of the Rush songs you've listened to. What can I say, your viewers have made good recommendations. I listened the fuck out of this album on my Walkman in the summer of 83. This song and Digital Man are my long term favorites, though "Losing It" is also very good, and features some great guest electric violin.
Bought this album the day it came out! I was late to the party on Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures. This one comes right after Subdivisions, which gets more attention. To me, they're a pair, but this is the better track.
The entire album hits on evolving and growing up . The song sequence of the album kind of hints at it. Subdivisions -dealing with teenage angst,this song Analog Kid,Chemistry ,and then Digital Man to round out the first half of the album.
@JustJP I noticed you got the Yes bug. If you get back to their music, use Yessongs as your guide to their early stuff. It is a live recording of most of their best early stuff and the performances are phenomenal. A few songs you haven't yet reacted to are Siberian Khatru, Mood For A Day (Steve Howe flamenco solo), Six Wives Of Henry The 8th (Rick Wakeman keyboard solo), I've Seen All Good People, Yours Is No Disgrace, and they are all played live brilliantly on Yessongs.
You nailed this reaction! The lyrics are so deep and poignant. This song is completely underrated and often looked past in a list of greatest Rush songs. I always felt almost guilty that I loved this song so much. I’m glad to see so many others who feel the same way I do!
Nice reaction, nice breakdown of this great, under-rated song imho. Excellent arrangement and instrumentation supporting the emotional content of the lyrics. Alex’s solo is some of his best shredding. They lost some metal-heads with this album but gained many more new listeners that sustained them through the 80’s. A great follow up to the massive Moving Pictures.
Love the way you talked about filling space. Learning more from new fans, and enjoying your discovery. One thing others notice is that the baseline behind songs can be any of them. Usually, one thinks of drums but not here. Can be the base, rhythm guitar and even low end synth. This then gives space for the other instruments tor vocals to take the lead. Your addition of slowing the overall pace of the song, also giving space, was a perfect add to their overall complexity/ability.
When this came out it made a great rift in alot of Rush fans. Some fans only cared for the harder edge music didn't like the direction. I loved it. I loved that they chose to grow and not be stagnant. That's what makes them one of the greatest bands ever. Great job with the appreciation, just a reminder. XTC- THE WHEEL AND THE MAYPOLE, when you have time.
I saw them on the Moving Pictures tour in high school. They came out for one final encore. That song was off the yet unreleased Signals. It was Subdivisions and the place ERUPTED.
Rush is just awesome and i miss them so much they have left a musical void as far as new music I can’t think of one band that exited me well foo fighters are good and one more Greta van something don’t know the last part but they are also fun to watch and listen but no one will ever come close to the excitement I would get around a new rush record all the fans would. Be talking and the excitement was just ahahahahha!!!! I miss it sooooo much please come out with something Alex and ged anything I’m suffocating for lack of new exiting music!!!
My apologies, I see that you responded to my comment about checking out Their Dogs Were Astronauts and realized I never subbed up. Time to fix that right now! Killer channel keep it up 🤙 Edit: it's crazy how good your production quality is, I feel like you are a hidden gem on RUclips and the community better wake up :p
The song is about a young man who dreams of leaving home and living an exciting epic adventure out in the big unexplored world until he actually does leave home and finds out the age old lesson that there is no place like home.
You're very good at this! Great detailed reaction on this song that is definitely one of my favorites. I hope you and your family are well. Cheers, Justin!
I GUESS YOU CAN SEE WHYYYYY THIS ALBUM IS IN MY TOP 3 HUH JUSTIN??? LOL :) IT'S CRAZY MAN, THE PROGGINESS, THE RHYTHMIC CHANGES, THE TRANSITIONS! GR8 WORK, GOOD TO SEE YOU, STAY SAFE.
A great song by Rush. Not one of my favorites, but very strong. React to the song "Childlike Faith in Childhood's End " from Van der Graaf Generator. Absolute epic and prog classic!
1) Thank you for pronouncing Neil's name correctly. 2) This song was one of my favorites as a teenager and inspired me to move from central FL to New York City when I was 17.
Probably my favorite Rush song from this era of their evolution. Still favor the longer prog 70s stuff, but they did some phenomenonal songs in the 80s
Peart was amazing so much fun to listen to he would putt little nuggets in all his music ! Nuggets are area’s were he changes and goes off just enough to make it super interesting or should i say Uber interesting!!
Great reaction JP! I really appreciate you breaking down the song to explain how you really like or maybe don’t like a certain part or whatever. I like your technical commentary. Please do Cygnus X-1 Book One & Book Two “Hemispheres”!!..
With this song I always thought about a boy who just graduated high school and it is now August and he is getting ready to leave home for the 1st time with all the possibilities his future has but is worried about leaving all that is good that he presently has.
What i like about this song is it beginning very fastly an the refrain go slowly with the synth Nice soundin as subdivision... Great album for me as good as the last one moving pictures. Great continuin and goin after on under pressure...
I like anything by Rush. I'm glad you're spending some time listening to them. Can I get you to return to Genesis? Try "The Battle of Epping Forest" from Selling England By The Pound. It's an interesting tale.
Hi Justin, hope you're well. I always liked this album. I had this on tape. Played it to death lol. Signals ended up being my favourite album by Rush. The sound... Production. Awesome. Great review too. If you haven't already heard Grace under pressure by Rush.. Check that album out. Very interesting piece of work by Rush too. All the best butty. From 🏴 🤟🙏🤟♥️
The lyrics "Too many hands on my time" refers to an adolescent having to many people in control of his time. Parents, teachers, coaches and others all giving him things to do to occupy his time. That's what that line means.
I don’t know how Alex was unhappy with the album, after doing solos like this. One of my favorite Rush’s albums. Chemistry and The Weapon are other great tracks from this album. There is also the great deep cut Countdown.
If you enjoyed that, you'd get a kick out of this one - It's Rush toning and slowing it down a bit from their norm, but then taking you on a roller coaster ride. "Available Light" off of one of their very, very, very underappreciated albums, 1989's Presto - ruclips.net/video/cKHp2tgYYxc/видео.html
Enjoyed your lyrical analysis, I've heard this song probably 500 times but you gave me some different thoughts. Also on that contrast between analog and digital, I've always seen it as analog being more natural/organic and digital being artificial and dehumanized.
Neil Peart , we miss you
❤
The fawn-eyed girl with sun-browned legs
Dances on the edge of his dream
And her voice rings in his ears
Like the music of the spheres
Unbelievable songwriting and insight, 38 years on. We are blessed to have known and loved Neil Peart. What a lyricist, aside from being an amazing percussionist, writer and all-round human.
I can’t tell you how many times that I reminded the tape to this verse.
My love for this track knows no bounds. Top 5 Rush for me.
I consider this album to be Rush’s bridge between past and present Rush. They still sounded like ‘old Rush’, while incorporating synth sounds that would become part of their signature later on. I LOVE this album. When I hear it, I feel a sense of longing, which is aptly depicted in “The Analog Kid”. Great reaction Justin. 👍🏻
Time for that “Hemispheres” reaction, Books I & II. 😎
I think that you are right in a way, but not. Because of the career length of Rush, they went on to return to their basics w/out too much synth. Vapor trails Had 0 synth on it ! (for example). My favorite album Counterparts and 2nd CWAs are just great examples of what ALL The experiments would turn into. = The Best Musicians Ever Assembled together in a Rock/Prog/Classic Rock/Metal/Everything BAND !!!!!!
Brian Good points. I do contend that “Signals” marked a major trajectory change for the band, and it took them a few albums to get a perfect blend of keyboards with the rest of the band. 🙂
I think the "bridge" was Permanent Waves. To me, Signals is more of a "breakaway" album. For instance, PW still had a couple of their trademark old school "epics" (JL and NS) with a "more modern" prog rock sound in Spirit of Radio and Freewill. Synths were prominent in every song except Different Strings. Signals doesn't have that mix of old school epics and contemporaneous sounds. Signals turned a new leaf in their career 🍁. They floated off into synth land until the Caveman dragged them, kicking and screaming, back to their hard rock-prog roots sans synths: *Counterparts* 🤘
@@RogueReplicant Also good points by you Rogue; will have to think about that. 🤔
Signals was actually my first Rush album. It holds a special place in my heart. I think you've captured the essence of this song in your video, and looking back at the lyrics, I realize now why this song still moves me...
My first Rush album too! Still one of my favorites.
This song has not one weakness, perfection.
As I retrospectively wade through the Rush catalogue, this song continues to rise in my ranking of favourites. Top ten for sure, maybe top five. The chorus strikes me at an inner level and when Geddy sings, “You move me,” he does.
I swear, when I listen to this song I can actually feel the hot winds of summer on my face. This song is pretty emotional for me. Idk, the lyrics are just so relatable in my mind and the music is so fitting especially the atmospheric feeling the synths add. One of my all time favorite songs
Yes it feels very nostalgic!
Play this song loud on real speakers and feel it when the bass and synth drop for "you move me." One of the best things Rush ever recorded.
Haha, just did it! Love it🔊
This song live sounds Incredible!!! The power you can feel on the floor and in your chest when they played this in Concert I will never forget it!
That's about as hard as Rush rocked out in the 80's. Some really great gems from that decade. That guitar riff is a monster.
Some really cool things Neil's doing with his tempo here, some cool polyrhythmic stuff. And that bridge is gorgeous. "Too many hands on my time, too many feelings" is probably one of my favorite encapsulations of what it feels like to be young. I teach high school, and that's definitely the sentiment of my kids.
As explosive as this song is, it still has so much subtlety to it. Absolutely amazing stuff. I don't know if that, "Subdivisions," or "Losing It" is my favorite song off that album, because Signals is so damn good.
This song sounds so good live!! You're right about Geddy's talents. He is constantly multitasking on stage. It's amazing how easy he makes it look. Great reaction! Try reacting to Middletown Deams next from Rush.
You make some great points in your analysis. They way the music is either sped up or slowed down to fit the lyrical imagery is really well done. The are able to transition between time signatures so smoothly . Another excellent point you made was about Neil taking simple drum patterns burt adding little details and slight changes from verse to verse. I think he was one of the best compositional drummers to ever play. Lastly it is truly amazing how Geddy is able to play bass and synths while singing. For a three piece they create a sound that five piece bands don't always measure up to.
I can appreciate the observation that the lyrics “when I leave I don’t know what I’m hoping to find, when I leave I don’t know what I’m leaving behind” is suited to a kid transitioning to adulthood... I also like to think of the transitional moment we die, not looking back, but not knowing what to expect on our singular journey to the next life/afterlife, or nothingness. I’d consider these lyrics to be a great epitaph.
Very true Lavender!
As a true “latch-key kid,” this couldn’t ring more true.
Amazing song...My fav from the album
I greatly appreciate your reviews. Sometimes you make me go back and listen to songs that I've listened to multiple times and appreciate the intricacies and nuances that I've not picked up before. Keep up the great work!
This song is so underrated. It just barely misses out in being in my Rush top ten.
The song right after this on this record is the most underrated Rush song of all time. The song is called Chemistry.
I would have to agree.
Always appreciate the in-depth breakdowns of Rush. Would love for you to jump forward a decade & react to "Double Agent" from Counterparts. Another song that has a ton going on musically & lyrically.
Ty Alan! I may do that
Love your reactions JP...love how you show emotion when something is really getting to you and your breakdowns of the songs afterwords can be very insightful as apposed to most reactors. Also...YOU APPRECIATE THE BASS!!! Yes!!! So next from Rush I would submit you continue with Signals and take on SUBDIVISIONS (Neils lyrics are brilliant..a true rock masterpiece) or Im very curious to see what your reaction to their 16 minute prog epic CYGNUS X1 BOOK 2 HEMISPHERES would be ("Book 1" is on the previous album A Farewell To Kings...and although they are a set, to be honest Its not "mandatory" to listen that way).
...also your reaction to Yes Close to the edge was almost as epic as the song! Good stuff.
Opener of the album "Subdivisions" is as good as those two. Maybe even better. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Saw them live at the NEC in Birmingham UK in 1983 and remember loving this live, well loved the whole thing but have always loved this track.
I like that you pulled up that live clip. This is a powerful song live... That synth right before the guitar solo fills up the arena. I agree with you about Geddy... He truly is a one man band with everything he is doing.
Gotta give Alex some credit on those synth as well. If you've sen his pedal board, he also doe s a lot of the foot work for the moog and midi tracks. Plus, what most people miss, is his use of effects on the guitar, double as an additional instrument; delay, flange, chorus, volume and pitch shifting, as well as his dual acoustic/electric pickups in later performances.
@@surfeit5910 Agreed! These 3 guys are all stellar musicians.
Ah, 80s Rush. Shorter songs. Shorter hair. Tighter compositions. More keyboards. Less Alex. More MYV. No mustaches!
I remember the inner sleeve was thicker than the outer sleeve and the record was practically a floppy disk. We metal heads had some adjusting to do!
This album has some of the most intricate drumming I have ever heard the hole album is like butter so smooth and so catchy I love it and always will this is what I think of in my head when I hear the word rush! They were so good, no great, or awesome I could go on they mean so Mitch to me I grew up with them through thick and thin stait or flush they were always there for me to listen to! RIP NEIL
Thanks for this review! Must say this album contains Rush's most profound lyric... found on the stellar track "Subdivisions," which is absolutely perfect in every way. Don't think you've reviewed it... but it's well-worth your time! Cheers!
Music APPRECIATION channel? THANK GOODNESS (pun intended). Love that. It's work. It's harder. Not just ripping a band or wanting to be fed your way. THANK YOU! :) Peace.
😄
@JustJP The verse of this song is a great example of using a busy bass to make an open space interesting, but the style of playing still lends to the openness. Like a car engine powering one down a rural highway through farmland. Regarding synthesizers in Rush music, it has always been a feature. Camera Eye from their Moving Pictures LP showcased it prominently. Jacob's Ladder from the Permanent Waves LP is another synth-rich tune. If you haven't reacted to Losing It, please do so. The lyrics are profound and the music brilliantly lays a foundation.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. My absolute favourite song from this album!
Out of context Justin: "I'm here to breed.......
......positivity."
Every hot and windy August day, I crank this and imagine myself just running around in a field *being* that Analog Kid. You pretty much nailed it on the head again, Justin. There really isn't much for me to say outside of some more recommendations. Keep going later into Rush's catalog. I know you'll enjoy everything they had to offer. To go just after this album, check out Between the Wheels from Grace Under Pressure. For some other bands, go for Something About You by Level 42, In A Big Country by Big Country, or The Grand Illusion by Styx
I, too, listen to this with passion each hot & windy August afternoon, & I dream of a field near the house I grew up in... I’d ride my 10-speed out there, walk through the dry tall grass to the outer edge, climb over the rock wall & into the shade, and clamber up into a fallen old oak tree & daydream like only a teenager could. Rush -Signals was my first concert ever, when I was 16... floor seats, 8th row, and when they played Analog Kid I was hooked. Hooked on Rush, and hooked on the sensations you can only get at a live rock concert. When they reach the bridge with the rich full deep reverberating keyboards during “you move me, you move me...”... oh my God I just stood there with my mouth open letting the vibrations move from my feet to my head, relishing it, completely unaware of anyone around me. I wasn’t (didn’t have to be) high to get the euphoria I experienced at this pivotal music moment of my life.
Great and detailed analysis...keep it up!
Ty John!
You really captured the essence of the song. The lyrics are another masterwork from Peart. This is such a great album and I really liked Grace Under Pressure as well. Cheers!
Ty Matthew!
This one always reminds me of being a freshman in Engineering school. Had just started college when this album dropped. The world seemed big and I was just discovering a larger world as an "Analog Kid." I like your "mini one man band" reference. Spot on regarding the overall impeccable cohesion of their compositions.
my boys rock... one of my favorite songs .. neils lyrics.. alex rips an awesome guitar solo at the end.... so visual... a great line .. a fawn eyed girl with sun browned legs...
Who else knew JP was gonna love that 1/2 time breakdown?...RIP Neil ✌ ❤ 🎶 👏
😄😄😄
@@JustJP 😃
One of my favourite Rush songs.
One way that Geddy was able to do so much live was his use of Moog Taurus Bass Pedals to cover the bass parts when his hands were busy playing the keyboard, or rhythm guitar. Here he is talking about it : ruclips.net/video/T8uWrP1uD9U/видео.html
I've always marveled and been amazed at Geddy's multi-faceted talent... seen them 3x live and no other band comes even close. Keep up the great analyses-- reminds me of some of my old English teachers when we analyzed English literature.
Epic unforgettable song. Signals has a place in my memory, a different time, but defining moment's in my life. I will always listen.
Great song. Thanks much!
This album has such personal meaning. I was a freshman in Highschool when this Signals came out, and I found solace in this album in particular ( I was already a fan/aspiring bassist). Still takes me right back there...
Glad you liked it. You may like to listen to the live version next from "Different Stages", where the bridge section "you move me, you move me..." gets repeated an additional time as a finale.
You made my day going to this pick. This song does not seem to get the reaction love I think it deserves. It is like the 'Red Barchetta' of Signals in that the song-writing it so tight. Most guitar driven song on Signals, BUT the synths are used for Maximum effect during the slow-down in the chorus. Rush does this very well in many songs, but this is maybe the quintessential example. The guitar solo is beyond tasty. One of Alex's most unique skills in my opinion is the note-bending he inserts even when in the course of a scorching run down the fretboard when soloing. (FreeWill solo is another great example of this). Geddy's voice and baseline both stand-out on this track and of Course NEIL. (no comment necessary). ..the lyrics always make me wax nostalgically about this time in my life. it's just a perfect song, from what is probably my favorite Rush album
Enjoyed the song and reaction. In my opinion you nailed my feeling and thoughts about the song and more, excellent review. I'd like to make a bigger request as you journey into more Rush. It would be awesome if you did a reaction to the 4 parts for Fear. The 4 songs that make up Fear are:
The Enemy Within
The Weapon
Witch Hunt
Freeze
DukesRocks Great choice, Dukes! (I know you had something to do with his one being chosen). Brings back memories of listening, learning, and playing.
@@jaybird4093 There were many who suggested TAK due to the relation to DM. Justin I'm sure would try and keep the relationship together by going back to back reactions. I was just merely pointing it out. Same goes for the parts of fear. I was thinking it would be great to react to the whole Signals album but that would separate the parts of Fear. Oh yeah memories, this song among others got a lot of drum play in my house. Drove my parents nuts LOL. By the way, working on the bass mostly around the 1,4,5. I'm way faster with a pick but I want to keep it traditional and use my fingers (Geddy style). It's way harder but I'm improving with my dexterity slowly.
@@jaybird4093 While looking at info regarding the bass I came across the bass player Victor Wooten. It was interesting listening to his thoughts on bass guitar playing. Check out this vid: ruclips.net/video/PHdo1qWNWI4/видео.html
'Signals' is a Masterpiece!
I enjoyed your opinion on this song and used to play it on my drums, but I saw Rush play this song live a few times including their recent tour. Thanks again.
Probably my fav Rush album from one of my favorite bands Amazing song As a drummer (certainly not of Neil's caliber) I have to say that every time I hear him now there is a pang of sadness and unbelief that he is gone from us But then he is not "You call me You call me" Great analysis I love that you give lyrics equal play Always 50-50 for me And Neil's lyrics among the best ever Thanks Justin and check out the drumming on The Weapon...same album
❤
Ty Snow!
I’ve said it before, your reactions are the best on RUclips. Music appreciation at its best, and you have great ears. I really appreciate the thought you put into them. Curious if you’re a musician. It’s become a cliche, but Rush really is a musician’s band, and close listening brings great rewards to people who are attuned to those details.
Thanks so much Ron!
NP's homage to the motherland:
"You move me
You move me
With your buildings and your eyes
Autumn woods and winter skies
You move me
You move me
Open sea and city lights
Busy streets and dizzy heights
You call me
You call me"
Great read of this tune, music and lyrics. You do a great job with this format, some of these reaction channels are so pointless!
Love it! This is definitely one of Rush's most RIPPING tracks, for sure!
Thé most
On the “slow down” the bass actually becomes bass pedal.
Yes because, you have synth here and well, it has to be playable live! (So, on live presentations, Geddy or Alex play bass pedals on these kind of passage).
They had it all figured out, always!
That was awesome to watch someone's first reaction to this song.....knowing in advance how rippin' that guitar solo is........priceless. Analog Kid and Digital Man are easily the best tracks on the album (Digital Man is the best track on the record....no doubt). Subdivisions is one I skip at least every other spin. Chemistry is cool, especially for drummers and those who like deep lyrical meaning. Side 2 is solid FIRE....Countdown is perhaps the most unconventional track on the record, but is a clinic on descriptive lyrical writing and musical dynamics. New World Man is hella good. The Weapon is another drum clinic and if you miss the Ben Mink violin solo on Losing It..well, that's your fault....LOL! Good one brother....Keep it up!
Thanks so much Bear!
I repeatin myself all the Time but thats my favorite channel because of your analyses on the music and the Lyrics. Im here because of my love for music in general discover new songs i dont know or givin chance to the one i like less and for sure for my favorite band Rush. But i am listenin to a lot of différents types and era and si Nice to givin our opinions on it. Thanks JP.
Good, the prog is back!
One of my favorite Rush songs. The main riff with all those pull-offs is like a proto Megadeth riff.
Another favorite of mine, JP, tho I suppose I can say that about most of the Rush songs you've listened to. What can I say, your viewers have made good recommendations. I listened the fuck out of this album on my Walkman in the summer of 83. This song and Digital Man are my long term favorites, though "Losing It" is also very good, and features some great guest electric violin.
Bought this album the day it came out! I was late to the party on Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures. This one comes right after Subdivisions, which gets more attention. To me, they're a pair, but this is the better track.
The entire album hits on evolving and growing up . The song sequence of the album kind of hints at it. Subdivisions -dealing with teenage angst,this song Analog Kid,Chemistry ,and then Digital Man to round out the first half of the album.
Love the bass in this song!
❤🎸
@JustJP I noticed you got the Yes bug. If you get back to their music, use Yessongs as your guide to their early stuff. It is a live recording of most of their best early stuff and the performances are phenomenal. A few songs you haven't yet reacted to are Siberian Khatru, Mood For A Day (Steve Howe flamenco solo), Six Wives Of Henry The 8th (Rick Wakeman keyboard solo), I've Seen All Good People, Yours Is No Disgrace, and they are all played live brilliantly on Yessongs.
Agree on that one. In fact I think all songs on Yessongs are better than the studio versions!
I love this song! Signals is my 2nd favourite Rush album after Power Windows.
Great analysis! Glad you enjoyed it!
Ty barkeep😁
You nailed this reaction! The lyrics are so deep and poignant. This song is completely underrated and often looked past in a list of greatest Rush songs.
I always felt almost guilty that I loved this song so much. I’m glad to see so many others who feel the same way I do!
Thanks Mark!
Best song éver recorded! Not only by Rush, just éver.
A true transition from the teen analog kid to a digital man
Nice reaction, nice breakdown of this great, under-rated song imho. Excellent arrangement and instrumentation supporting the emotional content of the lyrics. Alex’s solo is some of his best shredding. They lost some metal-heads with this album but gained many more new listeners that sustained them through the 80’s. A great follow up to the massive Moving Pictures.
Opening comment: it's good. And I thought we British were masters if understatement! Musical and lyrical beauty at every moment for me 😍.
Love the way you talked about filling space. Learning more from new fans, and enjoying your discovery.
One thing others notice is that the baseline behind songs can be any of them. Usually, one thinks of drums but not here. Can be the base, rhythm guitar and even low end synth. This then gives space for the other instruments tor vocals to take the lead.
Your addition of slowing the overall pace of the song, also giving space, was a perfect add to their overall complexity/ability.
Ty Steve!
Great analysis, rarely do reviewers go in such details, love it, great work, keep at it more Rush please!
Ty Carl!
Love this song and most of this album.
A fawn eyed girl with sun brown legs, dances on the edge of his dreams..., cannot beat that.
When this came out it made a great rift in alot of Rush fans. Some fans only cared for the harder edge music didn't like the direction. I loved it. I loved that they chose to grow and not be stagnant. That's what makes them one of the greatest bands ever. Great job with the appreciation, just a reminder. XTC- THE WHEEL AND THE MAYPOLE, when you have time.
I saw them on the Moving Pictures tour in high school. They came out for one final encore. That song was off the yet unreleased Signals. It was Subdivisions and the place ERUPTED.
Rush is just awesome and i miss them so much they have left a musical void as far as new music I can’t think of one band that exited me well foo fighters are good and one more Greta van something don’t know the last part but they are also fun to watch and listen but no one will ever come close to the excitement I would get around a new rush record all the fans would. Be talking and the excitement was just ahahahahha!!!! I miss it sooooo much please come out with something Alex and ged anything I’m suffocating for lack of new exiting music!!!
The most underrated Rush song of all time
My apologies, I see that you responded to my comment about checking out Their Dogs Were Astronauts and realized I never subbed up. Time to fix that right now! Killer channel keep it up 🤙
Edit: it's crazy how good your production quality is, I feel like you are a hidden gem on RUclips and the community better wake up :p
The song is about a young man who dreams of leaving home and living an exciting epic adventure out in the big unexplored world until he actually does leave home and finds out the age old lesson that there is no place like home.
" The music of the spheres " = Manhood
Thank you for this. Rush is my favorite band, but at 3:07.., explains it all 😊
Neil said it himself. He first lays down a simple groove that people can get attracted to. Then He plays around with it differently every time.
Makes sense now that I'm listening
thanks man,one of my faves !!!!!
You're very good at this! Great detailed reaction on this song that is definitely one of my favorites. I hope you and your family are well. Cheers, Justin!
Ty Quinton, you as well!
I GUESS YOU CAN SEE WHYYYYY THIS ALBUM IS IN MY TOP 3 HUH JUSTIN??? LOL :) IT'S CRAZY MAN, THE PROGGINESS, THE RHYTHMIC CHANGES, THE TRANSITIONS! GR8 WORK, GOOD TO SEE YOU, STAY SAFE.
Haha yup!
A great song by Rush. Not one of my favorites, but very strong. React to the song "Childlike Faith in Childhood's End
" from Van der Graaf Generator. Absolute epic and prog classic!
OMG, yeah!
1) Thank you for pronouncing Neil's name correctly. 2) This song was one of my favorites as a teenager and inspired me to move from central FL to New York City when I was 17.
No problem 😄
Probably my favorite Rush song from this era of their evolution. Still favor the longer prog 70s stuff, but they did some phenomenonal songs in the 80s
Peart was amazing so much fun to listen to he would putt little nuggets in all his music ! Nuggets are area’s were he changes and goes off just enough to make it super interesting or should i say Uber interesting!!
Great reaction JP! I really appreciate you breaking down the song to explain how you really like or maybe don’t like a certain part or whatever. I like your technical commentary. Please do Cygnus X-1 Book One & Book Two “Hemispheres”!!..
Ty Rick!
With this song I always thought about a boy who just graduated high school and it is now August and he is getting ready to leave home for the 1st time with all the possibilities his future has but is worried about leaving all that is good that he presently has.
Ahh that works too!
What i like about this song is it beginning very fastly an the refrain go slowly with the synth Nice soundin as subdivision... Great album for me as good as the last one moving pictures. Great continuin and goin after on under pressure...
Honesty is more important the positivity.
More Rush: please react to "Anthem" and "Bastille Day".
OH YEAH, YOU MIGHT HAFTA DO THAT 9 MIN. AND CHANGE INSTRUMENTAL: LA VILLA STRANGIATO :) , ALLLLLL ABOUT ALEX'S DREAMS / NIGHTMARES. FROM HEMISPHERES
I like anything by Rush. I'm glad you're spending some time listening to them. Can I get you to return to Genesis? Try "The Battle of Epping Forest" from Selling England By The Pound. It's an interesting tale.
Thx Daniel! I'll have more Genesis this week🙂
@@JustJP Yes, Rush to Genesis! #diduseewhatijustdidthere 😎
The Analog Kid becomes the Digital Man.
Their most under-appreciated song imo
Best song éver recorded. Not only by Rush, just éver.
Positivity, yes / have you had your plus sign today?
- Prince: Positivity
Justin, you've had your plus sign today.
Hi Justin, hope you're well.
I always liked this album.
I had this on tape. Played it to death lol. Signals ended up being my favourite album by Rush. The sound... Production.
Awesome.
Great review too.
If you haven't already heard Grace under pressure by Rush.. Check that album out. Very interesting piece of work by Rush too.
All the best butty. From 🏴
🤟🙏🤟♥️
The lyrics "Too many hands on my time" refers to an adolescent having to many people in control of his time. Parents, teachers, coaches and others all giving him things to do to occupy his time. That's what that line means.
Oooo I like that John
👍nice breakdown
Damn, I’m glad I found you. I love everything you’re saying especially about my favorite band in the whole wide world dammit…lol
Thank you Bobby, I really appreciate the kindness :D
I don’t know how Alex was unhappy with the album, after doing solos like this. One of my favorite Rush’s albums. Chemistry and The Weapon are other great tracks from this album. There is also the great deep cut Countdown.
If you enjoyed that, you'd get a kick out of this one - It's Rush toning and slowing it down a bit from their norm, but then taking you on a roller coaster ride. "Available Light" off of one of their very, very, very underappreciated albums, 1989's Presto - ruclips.net/video/cKHp2tgYYxc/видео.html
Love Available Light! ❤
Analog Kid..then. Digital Man..NOW ✌❤🎶
Enjoyed your lyrical analysis, I've heard this song probably 500 times but you gave me some different thoughts. Also on that contrast between analog and digital, I've always seen it as analog being more natural/organic and digital being artificial and dehumanized.
Very true Dan, I like that!