I have absolutely loved this song from the first time I heard it. The drums are amazing and the jam solo section is like being transported to Permanent Waves era Rush.
Great song. Think about this for just a moment. Three guys in their 60's that guys in the 20's that cant play or come up with. Yes during Clockwork Angels Tour he does sing it and play all the bass lines. Pretty amazing to hear and see live. Great vibe and great energy.
The part that seemed familiar to you at the start of this is the exact bass riff Geddy used during the opening section of "Bastille Day." And the middle jam section really reminds me of "By-Tor". This one is a real banger! I'm sure you'll really dig this one a lot with a few more listens. Great reaction, Justin.
What a great RUSH song. I mean, what other band could put something like this together and pull it off? That transition into "I have stoked the fires of the big steel wheels...." is just so awesome.
This is one of the most energetic songs they've recorded. The energy kicks in and keeps going! It's relentless. What I like is that it's more reminiscent of older Rush with fun chord work (Alex says he repurposed the riffs from Bastille Day), Geddy playing bass instead of rhythm, Neil's fills all over the place.... it's one of their more fun rockers!
This is the second single from Canadian rock band Rush's 20th album, Clockwork Angels. "'Headlong Flight' was one of those songs that was a joy to write and record from beginning to end," bassist Geddy Lee told Rolling Stone. "Alex [Lifeson] and I had blast jamming in my home studio one day before the second leg of the Time Machine tour, and I did not revisit that jam until a year later. Alex and I assembled the song to be an instrumental and its original title was 'Take That Lampshade Off Yo Head!', but once we saw the lyrics Neil [Peart] had written, I knew that the spirit of the lyrics matched the instrumental perfectly and it was just a matter of making them fit and writing the melodies."
What’s more impressive is he plays all the bass lines on an upright bass. 😀😉 That middle fill section from Neil is way more complicated and involved that I originally thought. Once I saw people covering this on drums, I was like “holy shit”. Great song imo. One of my favorites on the album.
Absolutely love this song, for me this is the last great epic Rush song. Headlong Flight hits all the marks for me, Geddy lets it all out here and he sounds amazing not to mention superb bass lines, Alex is doing amazing work on guitars and absolutely kills it and of course Neil does what he does best, killer drumming. Seriously great Rush song! The discography is coming to an end, a glorious end and as a day one Rush fan I am not disappointed. Cheers Justin, Rush ROCKS.
When I saw them play this live during this tour the energy level in the arena went thru the roof! If they kept touring this song definitely would've become a staple in their live shows!
They said the Bastille Day thing happened by accident and they decided it was a fun nod to the past and appropriate given the song's lyrics - "I wish I could live it all again" - I don't think they intended it to mean goodbye though 🙂
When this came out in 2012 I had a 150mile round trip to work...on the way home almost everyday for a good 3 months I would listen to this everyday usually about mid drive once I was on the interstate...never became tired of it and it gave me a boost for the remainder of the ride home🤘
What a great way to close a career. This sounds fully modern while evoking By-Tor, Anthem, and others from the early glory days. It's basically a *mic drop* song, and may be the last great hard rock song recorded -- in my lifetime anyways. I mean is *anyone* doing anything like this these days?
A song about reflecting back over one's life so RUSH did the same reflection and paid homage to Bastille Day. Loved this track from Day one, just not played live.
That's the thing about Rush. It always takes more than one or even two listens to realize, 1st, the instrumentation, always seamless, unexpected signature changes, and then...lyrics. That's when it all clicks, at least, in my case. It's been like that for over 40 years. I frequently watch your reaction to Natural Science live. Probably one of the few times I've seen you feel that way about a song from any band. That was cool to see, I must say. Take care, bro.
because you’re a bass player I never really comment on Geddy’s bass playing. Kind of like how you love drummers, but never comment on the drumming, Well, I’m a drummer, who loves bass players. I have got to say that some of my favorite Rush songs are the ones where I feel Geddys bass playing sticks out. Obviously, this is one of them. Beyond that, the drum fill during the instrumental highlights what Neil learned from Freddie Gruber. That drum roll fill is sick IMO. Add to that Alex’s cool riff and a proper guitar solo. The song is a banger. I don’t care what anyone says.🔥
I had a feeling that you were going to have a reasonably good reaction to this song. This is one of songs that grew on me through a hand full of listens. I find it reminds me a lot of By-Tor and the Snow Dog. As Stephen Colbert one said, you've been playing so long you're influencing yourself. But to answer a question you have. Yes Geddy plays and sings this live on Clockwork Angels and R40. But the opening lick of the song, is a track. And then he joins in. 😎☮️
This is the second single from Canadian rock band Rush's 20th album, Clockwork Angels. "'Headlong Flight' was one of those songs that was a joy to write and record from beginning to end," bassist Geddy Lee told Rolling Stone. "Alex [Lifeson] and I had blast jamming in my home studio one day before the second leg of the Time Machine tour, and I did not revisit that jam until a year later. Alex and I assembled the song to be an instrumental and its original title was 'Take That Lampshade Off Yo Head!', but once we saw the lyrics Neil [Peart] had written, I knew that the spirit of the lyrics matched the instrumental perfectly and it was just a matter of making them fit and writing the melodies."
The riff you mention is similar to what Neil and Geddy did in Bastille Day. They thought about not doing it because of the similarity, but the producer, Nick Raskulinecz, convinced them to keep it in because it worked with the theme of the lyrics.
I was fortunate to see this live and it didn’t disappoint!!! It was my 13 Rush concert (not a lot compared to some people) but as a Working Man with 3 girls that had to travel to Nashville or Atlanta for a show not too shabby. The only time they came to Chattanooga was ‘75 or ‘76 and I was 10!
I understand the people who encouraged you to read the story and the lyrics for this one but at the same time you've been VERY consistent with the fact you are NOT a lyrics guy and I think that is where the disconnect is coming from. Personally I would have suggested you do your initial reaction the same way you have for rest of the catalog and then go back and dig in to the story/lyrics. We'll see on your wrap up when you are able to just sit back and listen without being burdened by focusing on the part you're less interested in. Anyway... GREAT song and just as strong live IMO.
As far as the concept is concerned, don’t concern yourself with it, from the lyrics it doesn’t give you the whole story each song is just a snapshot along the way. If you want the actual story you have to read the book, which I have. If you like science fiction its ok, not a great book but not a terrible one either. Kevin J. Anderson is a great writer, I’ve read some of his other works. So for me it was fine while others think it sucked the backend of a hoarse.
Parts of this song I believe are homages to older songs. The opening guitar riff sounds like Bastille Day. The rap from roll the bones. Others also that I can’t describe….. paced cadence?! 🤷🏻♂️
One of the greatest alchemists, named Frederick Gruber, eh? Oh yeah, he's the one who convinced one of the world's greatest rock drummers that we was a jazz drummer, right?
“One of the great alchemists, Frederick Gruber.” Hahaha! “Jeeezus Chrrrrist, man! Didja hafta put my name in the friggin’ story? Now everybody’s gonna be buggin’ me for autographs!”
Ok, I have GOT to ask since you keep bringing up reconciling various parts of the story through the songs... Surely someone prior to myself has informed you that there is a novel that goes with the concept album, a collaboration between Neil Peart and a science fiction writer named Kevin J. Anderson. I don't think anyone on this channel expects you to read the book, but I'm just saying that is where all of your lyric questions get resolved. Anyway, thanks for your looooong Rush rabbit hole journey.
I think this song was a notch up. However, to me the guitar solo from Alex was about the least imaginable one I ever expected (and this comment is from a big fan of Alex). Ok, sure I don't play it and I don't sing it so what right do I have to be a critic? But what do you think about that solo?
Honestly a lot of Alex's solos don't blow me away. I think it's because of his soloing style. I have no problem with his solos pretty much ever. The one that always sticks out to me is Freewill cause I love that sliding chordal part he does (sliding chords, single note licks, sliding chords, single note licks etc). I really love that part. Maybe i'll listen again and try and put it down for overview notes.
@@JustinPanariello There's a lot of solos which fit the song very well. I'm not a "shredder" listener and I'm not usually impressed by that style of playing (I rarely find it musical or interesting - instead I just say, oh yeah, they can play fast)... I am ok listening to it but I more often will go for music with some space in it.
Unfortunately, this song, like a lot of the material in the middle of the album is bordering on a Rush pastiche. I get that it's about looking back on your life - and the little nods to Bastille Day were obviously intentional - but it takes away from any freshness. Also this song contributes to the monotony - CA gets fatiguing to listen to like Vapor Trails. I feel like they did a lot of this style on Counterparts and VT already. The first 2-3 songs on CA, along with Halo Effect and The Garden and their atmospheric approaches let the album breathe. These heavier songs are choking. Maybe they were trying too hard to be heavy, and a concept album by nature needs ebbs and flows, like 2112 has.
IMO this is truly the Rushiest Rush song since the 80s.
I have absolutely loved this song from the first time I heard it. The drums are amazing and the jam solo section is like being transported to Permanent Waves era Rush.
Great song. Think about this for just a moment. Three guys in their 60's that guys in the 20's that cant play or come up with. Yes during Clockwork Angels Tour he does sing it and play all the bass lines. Pretty amazing to hear and see live. Great vibe and great energy.
Gary’s favorite song since Cinderella Man 😝😝😝🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🔥🔥🔥
One of my all time favourite Rush songs!!!
I saw them play this live. I remember it was very high energy and how impressed I was with NP drumming. Good song
The part that seemed familiar to you at the start of this is the exact bass riff Geddy used during the opening section of "Bastille Day." And the middle jam section really reminds me of "By-Tor". This one is a real banger! I'm sure you'll really dig this one a lot with a few more listens. Great reaction, Justin.
What a great RUSH song. I mean, what other band could put something like this together and pull it off? That transition into "I have stoked the fires of the big steel wheels...." is just so awesome.
This is one of the most energetic songs they've recorded. The energy kicks in and keeps going! It's relentless. What I like is that it's more reminiscent of older Rush with fun chord work (Alex says he repurposed the riffs from Bastille Day), Geddy playing bass instead of rhythm, Neil's fills all over the place.... it's one of their more fun rockers!
I had heard an interview from this album that Geddy said “This is what By-Tor would have sounded like if were written today”
The live version on the Clockwork Angels tour (live in Dallas) is amazing, probably the best song of the entire 3 hour show.
I got nothing...nothing but admiration and adulation for such a bad ass powerful song AKA musical statement at that age and point in their career.
Nice "Bastille Day" cameo!
One of my favorite songs in their catalog! It just rocks!! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
It's Geddy 😅 He has reproduced some of the most complex bass lines live while singing
This is the second single from Canadian rock band Rush's 20th album, Clockwork Angels. "'Headlong Flight' was one of those songs that was a joy to write and record from beginning to end," bassist Geddy Lee told Rolling Stone. "Alex [Lifeson] and I had blast jamming in my home studio one day before the second leg of the Time Machine tour, and I did not revisit that jam until a year later. Alex and I assembled the song to be an instrumental and its original title was 'Take That Lampshade Off Yo Head!', but once we saw the lyrics Neil [Peart] had written, I knew that the spirit of the lyrics matched the instrumental perfectly and it was just a matter of making them fit and writing the melodies."
Total Banger! Love this song! ❤❤❤
The effin drums in this one! Wowsers...not surprised...Neil let it all hang out! 💪
What’s more impressive is he plays all the bass lines on an upright bass. 😀😉
That middle fill section from Neil is way more complicated and involved that I originally thought. Once I saw people covering this on drums, I was like “holy shit”.
Great song imo. One of my favorites on the album.
Absolutely love this song, for me this is the last great epic Rush song. Headlong Flight hits all the marks for me, Geddy lets it all out here and he sounds amazing not to mention superb bass lines,
Alex is doing amazing work on guitars and absolutely kills it and of course Neil does what he does best, killer drumming. Seriously great Rush song! The discography is coming to an end, a glorious end and as a day one Rush fan I am not disappointed. Cheers Justin, Rush ROCKS.
You’ve GOT to see the flying squirrel suit video with this song! Amazing. Best song on the record.
ruclips.net/video/esFmUaz55VA/видео.htmlfeature=shared
Neil burns up the drums 🔥in this track! Holy cow!
When I saw them play this live during this tour the energy level in the arena went thru the roof! If they kept touring this song definitely would've become a staple in their live shows!
That opening paid a little homage to "Anthem"...They were saying goodbye, we just didn't want to accept it. Going out on a masterpiece of work. :)
I think it paid homage to "Bastille Day." I recently listened to "Bastille Day" and that little bass riff is exactly the one he used here.
@@TheReaperMan275 You might be right. I might've gotten that confused. I like that they did that, though.
They said the Bastille Day thing happened by accident and they decided it was a fun nod to the past and appropriate given the song's lyrics - "I wish I could live it all again" - I don't think they intended it to mean goodbye though 🙂
Watch it live Justin. Geddy plays that bass line and sings! Amazing
I can’t get enough of this song. My car cd player just starts it with this song because it has learned!! 🤦🏻♂️
A good one, for sure. It was an audience favorite. Fantastic live.
When this came out in 2012 I had a 150mile round trip to work...on the way home almost everyday for a good 3 months I would listen to this everyday usually about mid drive once I was on the interstate...never became tired of it and it gave me a boost for the remainder of the ride home🤘
2nd best song on album for me and one Alex's best solo's reminds of 80s Rush, and yes live amazing
In my top 5... love it!
Great song, especially live. And yes, Geddy played all his licks. The main rift harkened back to Anthem.
This song was a highlight of the Toronto CA show for me.
This is one of those songs that, to paraphrase Colbert, they were influenced by themselves.😂 Great, great tune.
What a great way to close a career. This sounds fully modern while evoking By-Tor, Anthem, and others from the early glory days. It's basically a *mic drop* song, and may be the last great hard rock song recorded -- in my lifetime anyways. I mean is *anyone* doing anything like this these days?
Yeah, the part that was familiar was an intentional homage to Bastille Day. Really cool song IMO.
A song about reflecting back over one's life so RUSH did the same reflection and paid homage to Bastille Day. Loved this track from Day one, just not played live.
That's the thing about Rush. It always takes more than one or even two listens to realize, 1st, the instrumentation, always seamless, unexpected signature changes, and then...lyrics. That's when it all clicks, at least, in my case. It's been like that for over 40 years. I frequently watch your reaction to Natural Science live. Probably one of the few times I've seen you feel that way about a song from any band. That was cool to see, I must say. Take care, bro.
because you’re a bass player I never really comment on Geddy’s bass playing. Kind of like how you love drummers, but never comment on the drumming, Well, I’m a drummer, who loves bass players. I have got to say that some of my favorite Rush songs are the ones where I feel Geddys bass playing sticks out. Obviously, this is one of them. Beyond that, the drum fill during the instrumental highlights what Neil learned from Freddie Gruber. That drum roll fill is sick IMO. Add to that Alex’s cool riff and a proper guitar solo. The song is a banger. I don’t care what anyone says.🔥
This song is great live on their 40th aniverary concert DVD!
The Bastille Day quote. 😂
This is my favorite on the album
I had a feeling that you were going to have a reasonably good reaction to this song. This is one of songs that grew on me through a hand full of listens. I find it reminds me a lot of By-Tor and the Snow Dog. As Stephen Colbert one said, you've been playing so long you're influencing yourself. But to answer a question you have. Yes Geddy plays and sings this live on Clockwork Angels and R40. But the opening lick of the song, is a track. And then he joins in. 😎☮️
Bastille Day is what the intro sounded like, that's why its familiar
This is a top 10 all time track a modern classic
I believe this song was originally supposed to be an instrumental.
This is the second single from Canadian rock band Rush's 20th album, Clockwork Angels. "'Headlong Flight' was one of those songs that was a joy to write and record from beginning to end," bassist Geddy Lee told Rolling Stone. "Alex [Lifeson] and I had blast jamming in my home studio one day before the second leg of the Time Machine tour, and I did not revisit that jam until a year later. Alex and I assembled the song to be an instrumental and its original title was 'Take That Lampshade Off Yo Head!', but once we saw the lyrics Neil [Peart] had written, I knew that the spirit of the lyrics matched the instrumental perfectly and it was just a matter of making them fit and writing the melodies."
The riff you mention is similar to what Neil and Geddy did in Bastille Day. They thought about not doing it because of the similarity, but the producer, Nick Raskulinecz, convinced them to keep it in because it worked with the theme of the lyrics.
And a callback to "By-Tor"!
Everyone talks about the obvious nod to Bastille Day but I thought I was the only one hearing By-Tor 😄
Great tune did it at r40
This is hands down my favorite track on this album. I might like it even more than "Territories."
I was fortunate to see this live and it didn’t disappoint!!! It was my 13 Rush concert (not a lot compared to some people) but as a Working Man with 3 girls that had to travel to Nashville or Atlanta for a show not too shabby. The only time they came to Chattanooga was ‘75 or ‘76 and I was 10!
Yeah, that works. As others said theresx littke elements of Bastille Day & By-Tor in there as well.
I understand the people who encouraged you to read the story and the lyrics for this one but at the same time you've been VERY consistent with the fact you are NOT a lyrics guy and I think that is where the disconnect is coming from. Personally I would have suggested you do your initial reaction the same way you have for rest of the catalog and then go back and dig in to the story/lyrics. We'll see on your wrap up when you are able to just sit back and listen without being burdened by focusing on the part you're less interested in.
Anyway... GREAT song and just as strong live IMO.
I didnt read along on my first listen of this album and I like lyrics. Lyrics come later 🐾🐾🐾
this song is great fun!
As far as the concept is concerned, don’t concern yourself with it, from the lyrics it doesn’t give you the whole story each song is just a snapshot along the way. If you want the actual story you have to read the book, which I have. If you like science fiction its ok, not a great book but not a terrible one either. Kevin J. Anderson is a great writer, I’ve read some of his other works. So for me it was fine while others think it sucked the backend of a hoarse.
Parts of this song I believe are homages to older songs. The opening guitar riff sounds like Bastille Day. The rap from roll the bones. Others also that I can’t describe….. paced cadence?! 🤷🏻♂️
Love that song, kicks a$$!
Yes, Geddy has the same kind of limbs that Neil did. The kind that have their own brain.
It's the riff from Bastille Day .
If I have a problem with this album, it’s that a whole third of it is our protagonist reminiscing.
Kinda like this song. A little Bastille Day and By-Tor certainly helped.
One of the greatest alchemists, named Frederick Gruber, eh?
Oh yeah, he's the one who convinced one of the world's greatest rock drummers that we was a jazz drummer, right?
Alchemist "Frederick Gruber"... a nod to Neil's teacher, Freddie Gruber.
&
Best song on the album. Some others come close but I wish the album overall was most like Headlong Flight. Minus the concept.
Geez Justin...temper the enthusiasm lol...hopefully it's better and you "dig" it even more. It really is a killer Rush song and live it is 🔥🤘
JPan, I have those same questions about the bomb and wreck. Maybe you could buy that book and fill in all those gaps for us. Thanks in advance!
“One of the great alchemists, Frederick Gruber.” Hahaha! “Jeeezus Chrrrrist, man! Didja hafta put my name in the friggin’ story? Now everybody’s gonna be buggin’ me for autographs!”
CLOCKWORK ANGELS = THE LAMEST STORY EVER TOLD
That evil sounding voice right at 4:20, coincidence?
I think it was a nod to Bastille Day
Lead bass baby!
This is officially the last time I listen to this album. Not my Rush. Glad a lot of people like it.
On est d'accord, Jacques!
😎😎🧡🧡
Ok, I have GOT to ask since you keep bringing up reconciling various parts of the story through the songs... Surely someone prior to myself has informed you that there is a novel that goes with the concept album, a collaboration between Neil Peart and a science fiction writer named Kevin J. Anderson. I don't think anyone on this channel expects you to read the book, but I'm just saying that is where all of your lyric questions get resolved. Anyway, thanks for your looooong Rush rabbit hole journey.
I think this song was a notch up. However, to me the guitar solo from Alex was about the least imaginable one I ever expected (and this comment is from a big fan of Alex). Ok, sure I don't play it and I don't sing it so what right do I have to be a critic? But what do you think about that solo?
Honestly a lot of Alex's solos don't blow me away. I think it's because of his soloing style. I have no problem with his solos pretty much ever. The one that always sticks out to me is Freewill cause I love that sliding chordal part he does (sliding chords, single note licks, sliding chords, single note licks etc). I really love that part. Maybe i'll listen again and try and put it down for overview notes.
@@JustinPanariello There's a lot of solos which fit the song very well.
I'm not a "shredder" listener and I'm not usually impressed by that style of playing (I rarely find it musical or interesting - instead I just say, oh yeah, they can play fast)... I am ok listening to it but I more often will go for music with some space in it.
Flagged! Lol kidding
Unfortunately, this song, like a lot of the material in the middle of the album is bordering on a Rush pastiche. I get that it's about looking back on your life - and the little nods to Bastille Day were obviously intentional - but it takes away from any freshness. Also this song contributes to the monotony - CA gets fatiguing to listen to like Vapor Trails. I feel like they did a lot of this style on Counterparts and VT already. The first 2-3 songs on CA, along with Halo Effect and The Garden and their atmospheric approaches let the album breathe. These heavier songs are choking. Maybe they were trying too hard to be heavy, and a concept album by nature needs ebbs and flows, like 2112 has.
Great song. The live version is good but doesn't reach the level of this studio recording for me .