Bryan, your story is almost exactly same as mine. My DAD bought me 'Signal' for my 16th birthday in 1982.i hadn't heard anything from the album before I played it. The second I heard the opening KEYBOARD SALVO I was mesmerized. This song made me a RUSH fan for life! My first name is Steve. Rock On Bro! 🎸🤟🤟🤟
This song illustrates why their fans call them "The world's smallest symphony orchestra." The song definitely speaks to me. I was the uncool kid that watched, as all the cool kids sped off to the party, I wasn't invited to. So much teen angst growing up.
Hey i just graduated high school listening to rush, where the songs I grew to relate and love the most were this and "Freewill". Because at times i wanted to be like everyone else to fit in, but also wanted to choose freewill and being just myself. Rush was an inspiration
Even though I'm a bigger fan of their '70s stuff, this is the one Rush song that I have an emotional reaction to, probably because it came out when I was a suburban, bullied, skinny kid in junior high. It will always be my favorite Rush song and one of my favorite all time songs. Neil nailed it.
Signals is my second favorite album from Rush. Favorite is Grace Under Pressure. I know a lot of people don't really dig their 80s synth/keyboard type stuff, but I love it. Rush is also my second favorite band. Tool is number one.
Presto is a great 80's album and has a bunch of super songs. The Pass... talking about the facade of suicide... another great one is Anagram... and all of the lyrics in the song are an anagram...Chain Lightning is crazy good and a really fun one is War Paint talking about kids in high school and how goofy we all were.
Preach Brother! I came here to watch this song for the millionth time, but instead I met a kindred spirit.. peace love and happiness to you sir. We need to lift one another.
I was 13 in a UK School at the Time I heard this. It brings back so many deep memories. The Band are My Favourite and the Genius of their skill is second to none.
It's not quite about teenage angst, though when I was a teenager I thought it was. Then as an adult this song worked as a cautionary tale about making unsavory compromises and getting caught in "ticking traps". Ultimately, after my stint in the Big City, I ended up somewhere straight out of my memory. Lighted, quiet streets and quiet nights, exactly in between the bright lights that I can see from my suburb, and the vast unlit countryside to the west. Neil Peart wrote about the course of my life (and I'm sure I'm not alone in this) way back when I was barely 14.
This is my old neighbourhood, the High School is L'Amoreaux Collegiate Institute, my older brother went there at the time this was filmed, the mall is Bridlewood Mall, most of the helicopter shots are just north of the High School and Mall north of McNicoll Drive, the other shots are the Don Valley Parkway and Yonge Street in Downtown Toronto, this is where I grew up. Also I have been to a house party with Geddy Lee at one time in my life, but I did not talk to him as typically Canadian as I am we never bother another persons privacy, we all good 👍
To me the all-time must-listen Rush song is Xanadu (Exit Stage Left album live version). It’s a long piece but you will find out why Rush fans gravitate to that specific performance when you listen to it.
Time signature at 5:41is just unbelievable when one considers what else Neil is doing! Not to mention 3 gents playing like there are 7 of them on stage! Magical.
Dude, react. Don't explain. We've been listening to this for 40 years. (Excepting those who watch just to see you. I know there must be many.) No explanation is necessary.
I always look forward to your reviews. 😁 Subdivisions is my favorite Rush song. I was 8 or 9 years old when it was released but it listened to the Signals album endlessly in high school. This song in particular affected me deeply because I was a loner with no real close friends who wanted to be accepted by my peers but wasn't willing to change who I was to fit in. When I hear it now it just brings me back. The nostalgia is real! I would definitely say that Rush was my gateway into Tool and prog rock.
I was in middle school when this came out, and was a complete outcast at the time. Its bittersweet in that the memories are still painful, but it was healing to hear this song and feel less alone.
rush was awesome. love your reaction. im right in that age, 46, where rush was a huge part of my life growing up. saw them live many times. such an amazing band. to see people younger than me discovering what was so great about them is fun and rewarding to see.
Probably the best analysis I have ever heard! Dig deeper into Rush, you will find so much more! I truly look forward to hearing the next generations input on Rush.
Great to see Rush making an appearance. Yours has quickly become one of my favorite reaction channels. Rush is my favorite band. Saw them 5 or 6 times over the years and Geddy Lee is my favorite musician, period. Anything from 2112 up to this album (Signals) would make for great run throughs like you've been doing with Tool. Once those are done you can dive deeper.
There's comfort and contentment in familiarity. Stepping outside of that zone requires courage. Thx for this Skullz...haven't heard it in so long! Was one of my favorites.
Dude, I've seen hundreds if not thousands of RUSH reactions. You are one of the tops. I love your insights. You might want to go on a journey from their beginnings. You won't be disappointed!
I love this song and I can relate to it so much. This was also one of the first RUSH songs I heard back in the day. Thank you for reacting to this. Peace and love.
As an American who grew up listening to RUSH, I only learned to appreciate elements of this song after I moved to Southern Ontario in Canada. While the themes of youth and conformity are universal, they stand out more in that part of the world, where the members of RUSH grew up, because Ontarians are among the most conformist people I've seen on the continent, and I say that as someone who lived in many American cities, towns and states -- especially at the time that Geddy, Alex and Neil were teenagers (Ontario and especially the region centered by Toronto has since become a far more diverse city with massive immigration from around the world). In Ontario, subdivisions refer to the way suburbs are built: Developers clear-cut and level lands, removing every hint of nature, and homebuilders use four or five cookie-cutter home models to crowd as many house as possible, with streets designed to separate each subdivision from other neighbours. It was done (and continues to be done and on an even scarier scale) on a scale I never saw living in New York, Ohio, Tennessee, California, Virginia and Massachusetts --> I grew up in a neighborhood where each house was individually designed and built, hills were left intact, many trees were left standing, and where you could easily walk from one neighborhood to another. So teens in the suburbs of Toronto would escape to the bright lights and craziness of downtown Toronto.
I agree with one of the replies. You are excellent at interpreting the lyrics, not only the meaning, but the emotion behind the song. I’m new to your channel, and this is the first reaction I watched. I’m 65 years old, and this music is from my generation. Keep up the good work.
it is interesting that you chose this song as your first reaction, as it represents a major shift away from the sound that made them the overlords they undoubtedly became. this is the first song on the first album after a crossroads decision to wholly embrace all the new synth technology that was beginiing to come through in the early '80s, and ditch their trademark prog opuses for a leaner and cleaner sound. a brave thing to do, as it would inevitably cause a rift among old skool fans. i think this song -dated as the synths sound- carries a lot of emotional weight musically, something in the progressions especially the keyboard solos and the majestic crescendo. as you say it's somehow filled with a nostalgia that goes way beyond the (now) retro sound of the synths. i'd say you could do a lot worse than calling this your start off point, and to work forwards from here. you will have skipped past what will forever be regarded as their golden years ('76-'81), but it may well be that there are more surprises in store for you working forwards rather than backwards. and if you make it all the way to The Garden. you can either go right back to the beginning, cherry pick the recommendations from their unbelievable early works or return to the crossroads and work backwards from there. all fine options, but as a huge Tool fan, i think it would be a logical, sensible and cool thing to do (a deep dive into the rabbit hole), as much for your own edification as our entertainment. again, opinion will be divided as to whether there is a drop off in quality and where along their timeline it is (golden years for me are '77-'89, but there is scarcely anything you would describe as less than interesting in their whole canon (apart from maybe 'I Think I'm Going Bald' - which was not only not their best, but also turned out not to be based on a prophetic notion. but hey, there'll be someone reading this going 'what, that's my all time favourite, who the fuck are you?'), but it really depends what you're into and when you got into them. as an appreciator of lyrics, you are on the verge of delving into the mind of one of the greatest musicians who ever lived, who for reasons beyond our imaginings also had a truly magic touch with the pen. and everything that's ever been written about their mastery of their instruments is true, true, true. my vote - next song; Analog Kid.
I can't like this comment enough. For me i drifted away after Roll the Bones. I felt they were getting to simple in composition and such. But there are real gems on almost every album. Red Barchetta and The Trees are my two favorites.
Geddy is the lead vocalists, bassist, and he plays Mini-Moog Synthesizer in addition to the foot organ. When Yes was indicted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he played the bass in it instead of the Yes bassist, who died before he was able to play with them in that induction ceremony.
I think the reason that this song is my favorite of all their songs is because I could relate so much to it at the time. I was about 14 or 15 years old when this song came out and basically everything that went on in the song happened in my life too. In my opinion this is the greatest rock band that has ever existed. R. I. P. Professor. The players, by the way: (Neil Peart) percussionist extraordinare, (Geddy Lee), lead vocals, filthy bass and kiss-ass keyboards and (Alex Lifeson) on lead guitar that's out of this world.
All of it…just start…even though you think you’ve heard the songs. You will discover something new in revisiting all of Rush’s song. Dive and feel the warmth!
Your comment about Neil Pearts drum parts being a bit subdued, yes they are. Go back and listen, each verse brings a different pattern before he explodes at the end. He’s absolutely BRILLIANT !!!
Rush actually broke a lot of boundaries for me when I was young I didn’t care for much synth or 80s pop it was the 90s live near Seattle was heavily into punk grunge and rock ….now I loved lots of music and especially synth tons of great 80s songs and genres i even own and collect a bunch of synth stuff even though I typically play guitar.
Great reaction! I love the way you are reading the songs. Very sharp and insightful. Keep going on all the Rush songs that you haven't heard yet. And, be sure to check out lyrics too! Neil Peart is a MASTER lyricist! Please list to this Rush song, which you might not have heard: "Digital Man". It's a super-cool, rocking song and it's on the same album as Subdivisions! You will love it!
I really enjoyed your analysis.. Saw them back in 1982 during the Signals tour (40 years ago!) I really identified with this song and still do. Still have a lot of good years left and am determined to make the most of them! Thank you
10:45 On point! When humans form groups we must give up a bit of our individuality to get along with each group...so our uniqueness erodes as we join more and more cliques...
I really appreciate your reactions. You give it thought and I like that when you pause you go through the lyrics. Mads props to you. An album reaction you say? Try Caress of Steel. Mixed reviews but my favorite at the time and still one of my all-time favorite RUSH albums.
Looking really forward to this one. If there is a band that will give you plenty to discover in the time signature, lyrical content, and sheer musician talent categories; Rush is absolutely it.
One of my fav bands they have tons of great songs to be honest the prog rock nature of rush is what really got me into tool. Rush is my parents music so we bond over both bands been to concerts with them for both bands this ones a great one! Really connected with me in highschool of course lol now I’m almost 40
Welcome to Rush. With a 40 year career, over 17 albums and 160 plus songs your journey has just begun. Try these gems, Lavilla strangiato, Freewill, Natural Science, YYZ,Red Barchetta, 2112, working man and on and on. Enjoy the journey.
I appreciate what you said about bolstering the savants of our society. We truly all benefit when this particular cut of our culture thrive. Keep up the struggle.
Wow. This is awesome. Rush was my band in high school. And then Tool became my new "Rush" in my late 30s and beyond. Two of the best bands in my life and here you are appreciating them. I love it. Carry on. I would love for you to react to Xanadu, Red Barchetta and The Camera Eye . In fact, go through their discography. Thanks for videos. I love your enthusiastic dissections of such great songs and albums!
You are great at interpreting songs, especially those with social commentary, so I recommend checking out 2112, The Trees, Nobody's Hero. But definitely check out YYZ and La Villa Strangiato to hear the mastery of their instruments and craft.
Rush is worth a deep dive like you did with Tool. Maybe not song for song, but there's a huge library to check out. As a bonus - check out Allegaeons version of this song. My dad is a bigger Rush fan than I am and he thinks it's almost better than the original. I'm not sure about that, but it's damn close.
This is my favorite Rush song! I just identify with it so much, having grown up as an awkward suburban kid in America. Second favorite is Witch Hunt. Hope you do a lot more Rush!
Used to love to play this song back when I was a terminally intermediate drummer back in HS. Such a fun song with dynamic intro, post-chorus, and lead rhythms. Like Danny Carey, Neil Peart belongs in any list of GOATs. Signature sound and ride. Great lyricist too. Tackles big themes, though not as complex as Maynard's. NO ROSETTA STONED LIPAN TRIPS! 😁
Excellent reaction! And I've seen a lot of reactions to this song. You have the name correct it's like it sounds. No worries for years I pronounced it wrong and pronounced it like purt
Not a song that gets reacted to very much so I had to check it out. I'm glad you liked it. There are plenty of "non-hit" bangers from Rush to keep you busy for quite a while. I'm happy to offer a few suggestions. Red Sector A from the `84 album Grace Under Pressure. A good video for the song is live from their Show of Hands tour. And from the 1985 album Power Windows I recommend The Big Money and Manhattan Project both of which have interesting original videos. For an entire album dive you should do Presto (1989). Doesn't get much love but it should. Every song is great, in my opinion. I think you'll enjoy it too. ✌
If you really want to scratch your head over how much sound just 3 people can put out, you owe it to yourself to watch their live Xanadu clip. Love to see full album review for Moving Pictures
Hey buddy, finally caught a premiere lol. I'm always busy or something.... looking forward to your introduction to rush.... No one song is the same with them. A timeless band.
Hello from Brasil! From Rush I also recommend the live videos of "Xanadu", "Red Barchetta" and "Freewill" from the show "Exit: Stage Left". And also the live version of "YYZ" from the show "Rush in Rio" (the crowd participation is impressive!).
Your comments on order vs. chaos were interesting, given the backstory of Rush as Boomers whose parents all escaped chaos for the relative safety of the Toronto suburbs. Lifeson’s parents emigrated after WW2 from Yugoslavia, a war zone that was then taken over by Communists and absorbed into Soviet Eastern Europe. Lee’s parents were Polish Jews who survived the freaking Holocaust. And Peart’s parents moved from a tamer but still uncertain life on a dairy farm in rural Ontario. All 3 families saw the suburbs as offering a better life to their kids, which it did - but at a cost. As you say, life is lived best when there’s a balance between order and chaos, and a life in music is certainly one way to do it! P.S. It is, indeed, “Peert.”
Biggest difference I hear between Tool and Rush is in their atmosphere. I was a Rush fan when Tool made their Grunge debut in the early 90's. Good music or not, I was struck by how they were "angry" in every song, and even live shows. Compared to Rush now - 3 dorky friends writing Sci Fi epics, goofy yet friendly, and dedicated family guys. And there's not a single Rush song that ever resorts to swear words. It cool to say you were a Tool fan back then when "Prison Sex" was being featured on Headbanger's ball at least once a week, it wasn't so cool to admit you were a Rush fan. In other words, Tool became famous because of being in the right place at the right time, Rush became famous for being brave enough and risking it all to take a massive chance.
Wow you are so right like me I just do all my music at home & use my Laptop. And i try to keep my music unique. But i get some Comments to have some one else to sing or play or whatever lol I'm not good at one particular thing but i hope the combination of all in the end there will be something special. Yeah some comment's try to change me to be regular like everyone else whatever that supposed to mean RUSH is one of my biggest inspiration of my music Especially to try to be unique with my music - Happy to hear you understand that :) take care
Another great reaction Skullz, love me some Rush. As far as "new" Rush goes I highly recommend checking out Clockwork Angels. That is the final record they made and, in my opinion, could not have been a better swan song to go out on. Fantastic album.
🤗 Hi & Welcome! 🥰 Fun Fact: Some of their best stuff 🤯 doesn't even have words! 🙋🏿♀️ May I suggest YYZ (Live in Rio) and/or La Villa Strangiato (Exit Stage Left). 🤩 Rush showing they can still kick butt: Working Man (Live in Cleveland) 😊🐰
Awesome song great choice!! New World Man song off this album is also a great song. Getty Lee -bassist and keyboard Alex Lifeson -guitarist And the late great Neil Peart -percussionist , lyricist
If you continue reacting to rush, I hope you check out the albums Power Windows and Grace Under Pressure. Both are perfect albums and every song is amazing.
Great reaction, New subscriber! Look forward to the next Rush reaction! My top Rush: 1. Freewill 2. Working Man (My Name) 3. Analog Kid 4. Ghost Of A Chance 5. Vital Signs👍👍🎶
Yes, all the guys in Rush felt like they didn't fit in when they were younger in High school. Some earlier songs to check out Cygnus book 1 and Cygnus Book 2 Hemispheres Xanadu from Exit Stage Left La Villa Strangiato official music video Natural Science from the Molson Amphitheatre Toronto Later songs One Little Victory live in Rio Caravan from the Time Machine Tour Headlong Flight Cheers
You would really love the 1990s and beyond rush if you're into tool. Test for echo, far cry, driven, bu 2b2, and headlong flight right off the top of my head would blow you away!
I'm late to the party on your video. The Signals album IMHO is one of the best they ever released. Every track is a banger. I would put Rush within my top 3 bands of all time. Unfortunately as you said, we lost The Professor. His name is pronounced Pe-rrt.
Rush’s most misunderstood song. Most just see it as a criticism of the stifling suburbs and stop there. But Neil’s never that shallow. Yes, it’s about the sterility of the suburbs for youth, drawing them “like moths” to the excitement of the city. But the last stanza speaks of how “some will sell their dreams for small desires and lose the race to rats” and in the end, with maturity and experience, seek the solitude of the suburbs to “relax their restless flight, somewhere out of a memory of a lighted street on a quiet night”.
I grew up with Rush and Neil is a legend. There is another 3 pcs band who is managed by Quincy Jones that I would love for you to check out. The band is Dirty Loops and all 3 musicians are awesome. Whether you want to do a reaction or just want to check them out on your own, I think you will be amazed. There is a lot to chose from but maybe "Work Shit Out" would be a good jumping off point.
Wow 🤘 excellent breakdown. It's entirely possible you hadn't heard this, I guess you haven't spent enough time going through their 167 songs on 19 studio albums 🤣🤯 I would like to see you start that journey because there is a great deal more to discover 😀 👍
@@Skullzrapper Haha! No kidding 😁 I will assure you that at least half (wow 🤯 that's over 80 songs) are as good or better than Subdivisions and I know you haven't heard them. Good luck, as there are lots of Rush fans waiting in the wings to see what you think 🤔🤘
You're an extremely bright and interesting reactor compared to most. As intelligent as you are your Rush catalog needs to grow by a factor of about 50, so keep jamming to Rush. They have a huge catalog of really interesting music. I suggest the next one you should do with your proclivity for chaos is "Natural Science"... it's right in your wheelhouse.
Listen: Ghost Rider Limelight Bravado Afterimage Time Stand Still Nobody's Hero The Garden La Villa Strangiato A Farewell to Kings Closer to the Heart 2112
I was 11 when my dad bought me a used stereo, and this cassette was in the deck. Almost 40 years later, this album is still special to me.
A moment of silence for the guy that forgot to remove his ‘Signals’ cassette from the deck before selling his stereo…
Cool story, Bryan.
@@RDB93 Brilliant!!!!
Bryan, your story is almost exactly same as mine. My DAD bought me 'Signal' for my 16th birthday in 1982.i hadn't heard anything from the album before I played it. The second I heard the opening KEYBOARD SALVO I was mesmerized. This song made me a RUSH fan for life! My first name is Steve. Rock On Bro! 🎸🤟🤟🤟
@@steveschaff4620 super sweet. RAWK ON TO YOU TOO.
This song illustrates why their fans call them "The world's smallest symphony orchestra."
The song definitely speaks to me. I was the uncool kid that watched, as all the cool kids sped off to the party, I wasn't invited to. So much teen angst growing up.
Hey i just graduated high school listening to rush, where the songs I grew to relate and love the most were this and "Freewill". Because at times i wanted to be like everyone else to fit in, but also wanted to choose freewill and being just myself. Rush was an inspiration
Even though I'm a bigger fan of their '70s stuff, this is the one Rush song that I have an emotional reaction to, probably because it came out when I was a suburban, bullied, skinny kid in junior high. It will always be my favorite Rush song and one of my favorite all time songs. Neil nailed it.
Signals is my second favorite album from Rush. Favorite is Grace Under Pressure. I know a lot of people don't really dig their 80s synth/keyboard type stuff, but I love it.
Rush is also my second favorite band. Tool is number one.
RIGHT there with you on Grace Under Pressure! That album doesn't get enough love, as far as I am concerned.
Likewise!
Yep! Grace Under Pressure is fantastic. Picking a favorite Rush record is impossible, but it would be toward the very top of my list.
Presto is a great 80's album and has a bunch of super songs. The Pass... talking about the facade of suicide... another great one is Anagram... and all of the lyrics in the song are an anagram...Chain Lightning is crazy good and a really fun one is War Paint talking about kids in high school and how goofy we all were.
Right there with on the 80s Rush! Most of my favorite songs (that get the most replays) are on Signals, GUP, and PW.
Preach Brother! I came here to watch this song for the millionth time, but instead I met a kindred spirit.. peace love and happiness to you sir. We need to lift one another.
Haha Much love! Always happy to meet like minded people 💯
I was 13 in a UK School at the Time I heard this. It brings back so many deep memories. The Band are My Favourite and the Genius of their skill is second to none.
This track is about Teenage Angst, that we ALL have experienced, and Neil Peart's Lyrics are AMAZING!
Always are
It's not quite about teenage angst, though when I was a teenager I thought it was. Then as an adult this song worked as a cautionary tale about making unsavory compromises and getting caught in "ticking traps". Ultimately, after my stint in the Big City, I ended up somewhere straight out of my memory. Lighted, quiet streets and quiet nights, exactly in between the bright lights that I can see from my suburb, and the vast unlit countryside to the west. Neil Peart wrote about the course of my life (and I'm sure I'm not alone in this) way back when I was barely 14.
@HC-sb1ru ?
Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart. The Holy Trinity. G.O.A.T. Left their egos at the door and concentrated on making the best music possible.
This is my old neighbourhood, the High School is L'Amoreaux Collegiate Institute, my older brother went there at the time this was filmed, the mall is Bridlewood Mall, most of the helicopter shots are just north of the High School and Mall north of McNicoll Drive, the other shots are the Don Valley Parkway and Yonge Street in Downtown Toronto, this is where I grew up. Also I have been to a house party with Geddy Lee at one time in my life, but I did not talk to him as typically Canadian as I am we never bother another persons privacy, we all good 👍
Great powerful Canadian progressive Rock Song - love it
To me the all-time must-listen Rush song is Xanadu (Exit Stage Left album live version). It’s a long piece but you will find out why Rush fans gravitate to that specific performance when you listen to it.
Without question. Xanadu from E...SL. Put La Villa Strangiato and Jacobs Ladder in there as well.
Watch or listen? StickHits (channel), has remastered the video. Album version is a different performance from the video (still excellent)
@@chalfo Yeah. I found that a couple of months ago and it it really does sound great!
He has to make more though!
I first saw RUSH in Toronto August '77. It was the "Farewell to Kings" tour... I was 13 years old, changed my outlook FOREVER!!!
That transition to bass for the chorus is just KILLA
Time signature at 5:41is just unbelievable when one considers what else Neil is doing! Not to mention 3 gents playing like there are 7 of them on stage! Magical.
Dude, react. Don't explain. We've been listening to this for 40 years. (Excepting those who watch just to see you. I know there must be many.) No explanation is necessary.
Peart rhymes with ear. 👍🏽😁
Check out, Xanadu from the LIVE concert, Exit Stage Left. It'll bake your noodle! 🔥🤘🏽🔥🤘🏽
Growing up in the suburbs outside of New Haven Connecticut had this feel.
A fellow CT head! Cheers!🤘
@@Skullzrapper hey!
I always look forward to your reviews. 😁 Subdivisions is my favorite Rush song. I was 8 or 9 years old when it was released but it listened to the Signals album endlessly in high school. This song in particular affected me deeply because I was a loner with no real close friends who wanted to be accepted by my peers but wasn't willing to change who I was to fit in. When I hear it now it just brings me back. The nostalgia is real! I would definitely say that Rush was my gateway into Tool and prog rock.
Still one of my all time favorite songs!! Dropping truth that is still relevant in 2022.
Totally agree everyone is unique an have a purpose. You are s beautiful person so enjoyed this thanku so much love an God bless always from Cyprus x
I'm thankful to see this band twice. Rip the Goat
I was in middle school when this came out, and was a complete outcast at the time. Its bittersweet in that the memories are still painful, but it was healing to hear this song and feel less alone.
rush was awesome. love your reaction. im right in that age, 46, where rush was a huge part of my life growing up. saw them live many times. such an amazing band. to see people younger than me discovering what was so great about them is fun and rewarding to see.
Probably the best analysis I have ever heard! Dig deeper into Rush, you will find so much more! I truly look forward to hearing the next generations input on Rush.
Appreciate you 🤘
Dude ! "Red Barchetta"
You'll love the story.
Trust me !
Great to see Rush making an appearance. Yours has quickly become one of my favorite reaction channels. Rush is my favorite band. Saw them 5 or 6 times over the years and Geddy Lee is my favorite musician, period. Anything from 2112 up to this album (Signals) would make for great run throughs like you've been doing with Tool. Once those are done you can dive deeper.
There's comfort and contentment in familiarity. Stepping outside of that zone requires courage. Thx for this Skullz...haven't heard it in so long! Was one of my favorites.
Dude, I've seen hundreds if not thousands of RUSH reactions. You are one of the tops. I love your insights. You might want to go on a journey from their beginnings. You won't be disappointed!
Rush is another band got millions of faithfully who will stop and watch to see how you react
I love this song and I can relate to it so much. This was also one of the first RUSH songs I heard back in the day. Thank you for reacting to this. Peace and love.
As an American who grew up listening to RUSH, I only learned to appreciate elements of this song after I moved to Southern Ontario in Canada. While the themes of youth and conformity are universal, they stand out more in that part of the world, where the members of RUSH grew up, because Ontarians are among the most conformist people I've seen on the continent, and I say that as someone who lived in many American cities, towns and states -- especially at the time that Geddy, Alex and Neil were teenagers (Ontario and especially the region centered by Toronto has since become a far more diverse city with massive immigration from around the world).
In Ontario, subdivisions refer to the way suburbs are built: Developers clear-cut and level lands, removing every hint of nature, and homebuilders use four or five cookie-cutter home models to crowd as many house as possible, with streets designed to separate each subdivision from other neighbours. It was done (and continues to be done and on an even scarier scale) on a scale I never saw living in New York, Ohio, Tennessee, California, Virginia and Massachusetts --> I grew up in a neighborhood where each house was individually designed and built, hills were left intact, many trees were left standing, and where you could easily walk from one neighborhood to another.
So teens in the suburbs of Toronto would escape to the bright lights and craziness of downtown Toronto.
Dreamline by Rush is another must do!!
Rush, for me has always had such incredible lyrics. Making statement after statement. I haven't heard this in a while. Thanks!
I agree with one of the replies. You are excellent at interpreting the lyrics, not only the meaning, but the emotion behind the song. I’m new to your channel, and this is the first reaction I watched. I’m 65 years old, and this music is from my generation. Keep up the good work.
You nailed the meaning to a T!! Thank you for actually listening to the words too.
Loved your analysis. Time for more Rush!
it is interesting that you chose this song as your first reaction, as it represents a major shift away from the sound that made them the overlords they undoubtedly became. this is the first song on the first album after a crossroads decision to wholly embrace all the new synth technology that was beginiing to come through in the early '80s, and ditch their trademark prog opuses for a leaner and cleaner sound. a brave thing to do, as it would inevitably cause a rift among old skool fans. i think this song -dated as the synths sound- carries a lot of emotional weight musically, something in the progressions especially the keyboard solos and the majestic crescendo. as you say it's somehow filled with a nostalgia that goes way beyond the (now) retro sound of the synths.
i'd say you could do a lot worse than calling this your start off point, and to work forwards from here. you will have skipped past what will forever be regarded as their golden years ('76-'81), but it may well be that there are more surprises in store for you working forwards rather than backwards. and if you make it all the way to The Garden. you can either go right back to the beginning, cherry pick the recommendations from their unbelievable early works or return to the crossroads and work backwards from there. all fine options, but as a huge Tool fan, i think it would be a logical, sensible and cool thing to do (a deep dive into the rabbit hole), as much for your own edification as our entertainment. again, opinion will be divided as to whether there is a drop off in quality and where along their timeline it is (golden years for me are '77-'89, but there is scarcely anything you would describe as less than interesting in their whole canon (apart from maybe 'I Think I'm Going Bald' - which was not only not their best, but also turned out not to be based on a prophetic notion. but hey, there'll be someone reading this going 'what, that's my all time favourite, who the fuck are you?'), but it really depends what you're into and when you got into them. as an appreciator of lyrics, you are on the verge of delving into the mind of one of the greatest musicians who ever lived, who for reasons beyond our imaginings also had a truly magic touch with the pen. and everything that's ever been written about their mastery of their instruments is true, true, true.
my vote - next song; Analog Kid.
I can't like this comment enough.
For me i drifted away after Roll the Bones. I felt they were getting to simple in composition and such. But there are real gems on almost every album.
Red Barchetta and The Trees are my two favorites.
Wow!It took a lot of words to say you like Analog Kid
My favorite Rush song.
Geddy is the lead vocalists, bassist, and he plays Mini-Moog Synthesizer in addition to the foot organ. When Yes was indicted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he played the bass in it instead of the Yes bassist, who died before he was able to play with them in that induction ceremony.
I think the reason that this song is my favorite of all their songs is because I could relate so much to it at the time. I was about 14 or 15 years old when this song came out and basically everything that went on in the song happened in my life too. In my opinion this is the greatest rock band that has ever existed. R. I. P. Professor. The players, by the way: (Neil Peart) percussionist extraordinare, (Geddy Lee), lead vocals, filthy bass and kiss-ass keyboards and (Alex Lifeson) on lead guitar that's out of this world.
All of it…just start…even though you think you’ve heard the songs. You will discover something new in revisiting all of Rush’s song.
Dive and feel the warmth!
What a video! I look like the lonely guy in the video. Rush on!! Butt for an old Rush fan I treasure just listening to it period.
Your comment about Neil Pearts drum parts being a bit subdued, yes they are. Go back and listen, each verse brings a different pattern before he explodes at the end. He’s absolutely BRILLIANT !!!
Long Live Rush... the Greatest of the Greats !!
Rush actually broke a lot of boundaries for me when I was young I didn’t care for much synth or 80s pop it was the 90s live near Seattle was heavily into punk grunge and rock ….now I loved lots of music and especially synth tons of great 80s songs and genres i even own and collect a bunch of synth stuff even though I typically play guitar.
Great reaction! I love the way you are reading the songs. Very sharp and insightful. Keep going on all the Rush songs that you haven't heard yet. And, be sure to check out lyrics too! Neil Peart is a MASTER lyricist! Please list to this Rush song, which you might not have heard: "Digital Man". It's a super-cool, rocking song and it's on the same album as Subdivisions! You will love it!
I really enjoyed your analysis.. Saw them back in 1982 during the Signals tour (40 years ago!) I really identified with this song and still do. Still have a lot of good years left and am determined to make the most of them! Thank you
There you go!!! Love to hear that!
10:45 On point! When humans form groups we must give up a bit of our individuality to get along with each group...so our uniqueness erodes as we join more and more cliques...
Great reaction and analysis, very appreciated.
I really appreciate your reactions. You give it thought and I like that when you pause you go through the lyrics. Mads props to you.
An album reaction you say? Try Caress of Steel. Mixed reviews but my favorite at the time and still one of my all-time favorite RUSH albums.
Geddy can play Bass while playing the synth with his feet. Saw it live on their R40 tour!
🤯🤯🤯
One of my favorite songs from my all-time favorite band! So glad you chose this one. :)
YES!!!! RUSH!!!
Damn i forgot how good this is! Thanks
One of their best songs ever-LIVE it was a whole nother beast but equally as great.🤘🖖✌️🎹🥁🎸🎤🎼
Looking really forward to this one. If there is a band that will give you plenty to discover in the time signature, lyrical content, and sheer musician talent categories; Rush is absolutely it.
One of my fav bands they have tons of great songs to be honest the prog rock nature of rush is what really got me into tool. Rush is my parents music so we bond over both bands been to concerts with them for both bands this ones a great one! Really connected with me in highschool of course lol now I’m almost 40
Welcome to Rush. With a 40 year career, over 17 albums and 160 plus songs your journey has just begun. Try these gems, Lavilla strangiato, Freewill, Natural Science, YYZ,Red Barchetta, 2112, working man and on and on. Enjoy the journey.
I appreciate what you said about bolstering the savants of our society. We truly all benefit when this particular cut of our culture thrive. Keep up the struggle.
The whole Signals album, very solid
I love this song. Everyone makes the same face. Everyone! It’s a good thing 👩🦳👍
Wow. This is awesome. Rush was my band in high school. And then Tool became my new "Rush" in my late 30s and beyond. Two of the best bands in my life and here you are appreciating them. I love it. Carry on. I would love for you to react to Xanadu, Red Barchetta and The Camera Eye . In fact, go through their discography. Thanks for videos. I love your enthusiastic dissections of such great songs and albums!
You are great at interpreting songs, especially those with social commentary, so I recommend checking out 2112, The Trees, Nobody's Hero. But definitely check out YYZ and La Villa Strangiato to hear the mastery of their instruments and craft.
I stopped to watch tool then saw your rush reaction would love to see more
Rush is worth a deep dive like you did with Tool. Maybe not song for song, but there's a huge library to check out. As a bonus - check out Allegaeons version of this song. My dad is a bigger Rush fan than I am and he thinks it's almost better than the original. I'm not sure about that, but it's damn close.
This is my favorite Rush song! I just identify with it so much, having grown up as an awkward suburban kid in America. Second favorite is Witch Hunt. Hope you do a lot more Rush!
Love the sound of the MiniMoog on this track. It’s ripping.
Used to love to play this song back when I was a terminally intermediate drummer back in HS. Such a fun song with dynamic intro, post-chorus, and lead rhythms. Like Danny Carey, Neil Peart belongs in any list of GOATs. Signature sound and ride. Great lyricist too. Tackles big themes, though not as complex as Maynard's.
NO ROSETTA STONED LIPAN TRIPS! 😁
Excellent reaction! And I've seen a lot of reactions to this song. You have the name correct it's like it sounds. No worries for years I pronounced it wrong and pronounced it like purt
Not a song that gets reacted to very much so I had to check it out. I'm glad you liked it. There are plenty of "non-hit" bangers from Rush to keep you busy for quite a while. I'm happy to offer a few suggestions. Red Sector A from the `84 album Grace Under Pressure. A good video for the song is live from their Show of Hands tour. And from the 1985 album Power Windows I recommend The Big Money and Manhattan Project both of which have interesting original videos. For an entire album dive you should do Presto (1989). Doesn't get much love but it should. Every song is great, in my opinion. I think you'll enjoy it too. ✌
If you really want to scratch your head over how much sound just 3 people can put out, you owe it to yourself to watch their live Xanadu clip. Love to see full album review for Moving Pictures
Hey buddy, finally caught a premiere lol. I'm always busy or something.... looking forward to your introduction to rush.... No one song is the same with them. A timeless band.
"Headlong Flight" slipped under the radar if you get enough requests. From A Clockwork of Angels.
Hello from Brasil! From Rush I also recommend the live videos of "Xanadu", "Red Barchetta" and "Freewill" from the show "Exit: Stage Left". And also the live version of "YYZ" from the show "Rush in Rio" (the crowd participation is impressive!).
Your comments on order vs. chaos were interesting, given the backstory of Rush as Boomers whose parents all escaped chaos for the relative safety of the Toronto suburbs. Lifeson’s parents emigrated after WW2 from Yugoslavia, a war zone that was then taken over by Communists and absorbed into Soviet Eastern Europe. Lee’s parents were Polish Jews who survived the freaking Holocaust. And Peart’s parents moved from a tamer but still uncertain life on a dairy farm in rural Ontario. All 3 families saw the suburbs as offering a better life to their kids, which it did - but at a cost. As you say, life is lived best when there’s a balance between order and chaos, and a life in music is certainly one way to do it! P.S. It is, indeed, “Peert.”
Biggest difference I hear between Tool and Rush is in their atmosphere. I was a Rush fan when Tool made their Grunge debut in the early 90's. Good music or not, I was struck by how they were "angry" in every song, and even live shows. Compared to Rush now - 3 dorky friends writing Sci Fi epics, goofy yet friendly, and dedicated family guys. And there's not a single Rush song that ever resorts to swear words. It cool to say you were a Tool fan back then when "Prison Sex" was being featured on Headbanger's ball at least once a week, it wasn't so cool to admit you were a Rush fan. In other words, Tool became famous because of being in the right place at the right time, Rush became famous for being brave enough and risking it all to take a massive chance.
Rush certainly don't do music videos thankfully they knew how to entertain in many other ways Rip Neil
Wow you are so right like me I just do all my music at home & use my Laptop. And i try to keep my music unique. But i get some Comments to have some one else to sing or play or whatever lol I'm not good at one particular thing but i hope the combination of all in the end there will be something special. Yeah some comment's try to change me to be regular like everyone else whatever that supposed to mean RUSH is one of my biggest inspiration of my music Especially to try to be unique with my music - Happy to hear you understand that :) take care
Another great reaction Skullz, love me some Rush.
As far as "new" Rush goes I highly recommend checking out Clockwork Angels. That is the final record they made and, in my opinion, could not have been a better swan song to go out on. Fantastic album.
🤗 Hi & Welcome! 🥰 Fun Fact: Some of their best stuff 🤯 doesn't even have words! 🙋🏿♀️ May I suggest YYZ (Live in Rio) and/or La Villa Strangiato (Exit Stage Left). 🤩 Rush showing they can still kick butt: Working Man (Live in Cleveland) 😊🐰
If you’re looking for more rush you’ve probably never heard, check out the Necromancer on their Caress of Steel album. Amazing song and album.
Awesome song great choice!! New World Man song off this album is also a great song.
Getty Lee -bassist and keyboard
Alex Lifeson -guitarist
And the late great Neil Peart -percussionist , lyricist
If you continue reacting to rush, I hope you check out the albums Power Windows and Grace Under Pressure. Both are perfect albums and every song is amazing.
Great reaction, New subscriber! Look forward to the next Rush reaction!
My top Rush:
1. Freewill
2. Working Man (My Name)
3. Analog Kid
4. Ghost Of A Chance
5. Vital Signs👍👍🎶
Rush on!
Yes, all the guys in Rush felt like they didn't fit in when they were younger in High school.
Some earlier songs to check out
Cygnus book 1 and Cygnus Book 2 Hemispheres
Xanadu from Exit Stage Left
La Villa Strangiato official music video
Natural Science from the Molson Amphitheatre Toronto
Later songs
One Little Victory live in Rio
Caravan from the Time Machine Tour
Headlong Flight
Cheers
You would really love the 1990s and beyond rush if you're into tool. Test for echo, far cry, driven, bu 2b2, and headlong flight right off the top of my head would blow you away!
*Subdivisions* is the song that, decades ago, converted me to a Rush fan.
I don't know if you should go through all the albums, but I think you should certainly do 2112.
Neil peart top 5 best drummers if you haven't check out live from Frankfurt
I'm late to the party on your video.
The Signals album IMHO is one of the best they ever released. Every track is a banger. I would put Rush within my top 3 bands of all time.
Unfortunately as you said, we lost The Professor. His name is pronounced Pe-rrt.
Rush’s most misunderstood song. Most just see it as a criticism of the stifling suburbs and stop there. But Neil’s never that shallow. Yes, it’s about the sterility of the suburbs for youth, drawing them “like moths” to the excitement of the city. But the last stanza speaks of how “some will sell their dreams for small desires and lose the race to rats” and in the end, with maturity and experience, seek the solitude of the suburbs to “relax their restless flight, somewhere out of a memory of a lighted street on a quiet night”.
I grew up with Rush and Neil is a legend. There is another 3 pcs band who is managed by Quincy Jones that I would love for you to check out. The band is Dirty Loops and all 3 musicians are awesome. Whether you want to do a reaction or just want to check them out on your own, I think you will be amazed. There is a lot to chose from but maybe "Work Shit Out" would be a good jumping off point.
Wow 🤘 excellent breakdown. It's entirely possible you hadn't heard this, I guess you haven't spent enough time going through their 167 songs on 19 studio albums 🤣🤯 I would like to see you start that journey because there is a great deal more to discover 😀 👍
Damn that's A LOT of reaction videos on my part 😮 lol
@@Skullzrapper Haha! No kidding 😁 I will assure you that at least half (wow 🤯 that's over 80 songs) are as good or better than Subdivisions and I know you haven't heard them. Good luck, as there are lots of Rush fans waiting in the wings to see what you think 🤔🤘
You're an extremely bright and interesting reactor compared to most. As intelligent as you are your Rush catalog needs to grow by a factor of about 50, so keep jamming to Rush. They have a huge catalog of really interesting music. I suggest the next one you should do with your proclivity for chaos is "Natural Science"... it's right in your wheelhouse.
Oh and by the way, what is that song playing at the end of your videos?
"P-ear-t. Peer t. Lol. Any Rush I'm in!
I suggest "The Big Money" from their Power Windows album.
RIP Drummer Neil Peart.
Listen:
Ghost Rider
Limelight
Bravado
Afterimage
Time Stand Still
Nobody's Hero
The Garden
La Villa Strangiato
A Farewell to Kings
Closer to the Heart
2112
well you've heard my favorite: THE SPIRIT OF RADIO.
You must do Xanadu exit stage left.