What you hear Neil playing on these recordings is exactly how he played them live every single time, note for note, beat for beat. Dude was a beast. GOAT.
That was always the thing about Rush to those who know them. They are one of the few bands that could do exactly what they did in a studio live. Having the live feel energy makes it even better when they are playing a concert. They are very good at what they do.
I am a drummer. Saw them many times. He played it EXACTLY like it was played on the album. When you listened to him in concert you gained an even greater sense of awe at his talent.
Back in 1996 we had a 19 year old kid (Jerry) working for us at the shop. My friend and I were talking about if we thought we could still get tickets to the Rush show that night. Jerry asked "You guys like that band"? We asked him if he ever listened to Rush. He sad he had heard a couple of songs. Since Jerry was a Drummer for a Death Metal band we asked him what he thought of Neil Peart. He didn't know who Peart was, so we said that's it were going to see Rush tonight and your going with. He said he was broke ,so we said we would buy him a ticket and a couple beers. When we got to the show it was sold out, we were about to leave the lobby when a ticket window opened and the ticket guy said "You guy's need tickets? They just put these on sale". We ended up in the first row on the side of the stage 10 feet away from Geddy Lee. Our friend Jerry was blown away my Neil and has been a Rush fan ever since.
I saw Rush 3 times live. The first time I was sitting orchestra seats. Rushed the stage for the encore. I was up against the stage with the exception of some dude in front of me with big hair in my face. Its all good. I got to see the boys up close and personal at least once.
Yup. Great song, but this album was the beginning of the end for me - because they steadily de-emphasized Alex and his guitar, in favor of 80’s (ugh) synth to the forefront! I applaud them for trying to evolve and everything ; but you just don’t cut out a major strength of your band. Even Alex was on record not knowing where he fit anymore though the 80’s. By the 90’s when they went back to adding guitar to the fore again… They were oldish and I was already out …
This song changed my life back in the day. YES...the musicianship is a masterpiece, but the lyrics really capture the essence of growing up in the late 70's and 80's in suburban America. Brilliant.
As a 90s kid, it was still relevant to me as well. It's probably one of those songs that will always pertain to youth, especially the ones who consider themselves outcasts
I'm not sure how Neil Peart tapped into my angsty teenage mind in 1982 but he did. I would think about what click I want to fit into in High School, the athletes, the academics, the vocational shop kids? I dabbled in all the above because I could.
As a 60’s kid it’s still relatable to me. Neal’s lyrics are sometimes overshadowed by his playing . Even in interviews he was a fascinating individual as all three of them are
It's funny, I was going to include Geddy playing pedals, but I almost didn't believe he was doing that as well! I mean, DAMN! I have a hard time getting dressed if someone's talking to me! Love ALL Rush, even the more keyboard oriented years, as those albums have aged well, in my opinion. I have a huge 2112 album cover, framed under glass with a custom frame that hangs on the front of my bedroom door......BADASS! Thanks for giving Geddy full credit for his wizardly musicianship! Hope he and Alex get together and put something out in near future! Peace.@@Harmonic14
I remember my first Rush concert, Geddy balancing on one foot while he played the bass pedals with the other, all while playing bass and singing! Unreal!
@@chucklogan3133So cool you saw Rush live! Yeah, Chuck, Geddy is NOT from this planet, being able to play bass, keyboards, foot pedals and ALL WHILE SINGING is some supernatural, superhero type stuff! The sound that just three dudes could produce in concert will always blow my freakin' mind! I saw their Moving Pictures tour, front row for my birthday and it's no exaggeration to say that on that night, Rush changed my world, my jaw was on the floor, hearing musicians playing at a level I didn't know was possible.....life changing.
Stewart Copeland said recently in an interview with Rick Beato, he told Neil he wanted 40,000 air drummers at each concert when The Police played live, how did he get that reaction show after show and Neil told Stewart "You gotta play the same thing every night" and Peart did just that, his mission was to play as close or as correct to the studio version as possible.
King's X is close... better vocals by far, but the drumming... peart is so far above anyone.. but King's X... better guitar playing, bass is a personal choice, both amazing.
Steward Copeland......of The Police, one of the best drummers in music ever asked Neil Peart about the air drummers that play along with him at Rush concerts, "Dude....How do you get that? I want that." Neil: "You have to play it the same way every night. So they know it and they can play along with you." Steward: "Ok, well I ain't playing it the same every night. Can't do it."
Neil was INTP, meaning his "Action" function (eg. playing drums) was via introverted Sensing (Si), while his "Comedy/Deception" function was extraverted Sensing (Se). Neil taps into the audience's introverted Sense of music and extraverted sense of performance. Si functionality is very linear (by the book) while Se functionality is very much "in your face". Neil was the Shaman, his tribe acting synchronous ritual in the form of air drumming. As an INTP, Neil's Ne Observations and Ni "Critical" functionality relates directly to his lyrics.
Guys, you would be surprised (or maybe not) to see this song live. Yes, Neil nails his parts with precision every night. Geddy moves back and forth between playing keyboards and bass, and even Alex while playing guitar also plays bass for a few parts with foot pedals while Geddy is playing bass. They really are an incredibly talented band!!
Neil always approached the recordings as a test for him to play live. He's gone on record saying that Tom Sawyer is his ultimate test. He nails it live, he's satisfied.
@@jamespolnickif I remember correctly, Neil even went so far as to rig up a way to play the cowbell on Witch Hunt with a foot pedal for the live performances
Ive seen RUSH 14 times. Trust me, Niel pulled this stuff off perfectly EVERY SINGLE TIME! The whole band was the most professional and polished band in the game. They NEVER let their fans down!
Many many AZ nights in the 80's blaring this out of our clarion deck with pioneer speakers and the old school denon equalizer, pushing the speaker cones to their limit....! The poor dashboard of my buddy's Ford Granada was beaten to a pulp from my air drumming days...
@azdbuk ironically, I drove a used $200 1975 Ford Granada during my college years at BGSU ( 1984-1986 ) . The installed stereo was more than car was worth ;) .
My all time favorite Rush song. When my son was 10 or 11 he had a lightbulb insight about this song - he said, "It's kind of like the story of the City mouse and the Country mouse - you don't like where you are at or used to, but when you finally get to that other environment that you dreamed of, you see the reality and you start to miss where you came from."
This song cemented Rush as a favorite. It came out as I was struggling to fit in 2000 miles from where I grew up. Struggling with my parent’s divorce. ‘Subdivisions’ spoke to how I felt at the time, and still do sometimes to this day. Thanks for reviewing.
I was a 15-year-old freshman in high school when this song came out and I felt like the lyrics were written specifically with me in mind. Rest in peace Neil, you are missed every day.😢
@@napalm6919 I live in Wisconsin now. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago about 10 miles south of the Wisconsin border. Signals was also the first tour I ever saw, and the first concert I ever saw.
I don't care how dated people would say about those synths, I tend to view it by taking off my 21st century mindset and listen as if it were a new sound. And this period of Rush is where Neil's lyrics REALLY start to hit you hard!
They just observed what was going on at the time and just made it their own. I used to absolutely HATE the synth period, I could only listen to about half of Signals before tuning out. I want to say after their documentary back in 2010, I decided to give it another go and Red Sector A...holy shit. The lyrics paired with that music, I kick myself for ignoring that era.
Those people dissing Rush after Moving Pictures due to synth use are not very observant. The entire Moving Pictures album is saturated with synthesizer use. It just sounds different than post M.P albums. Music started to change drastically in the early 80’s, and Rush started to change with it.
I just cannot help sailing away on The Professor's drumming with this song. (My head is bobbing along with you guys!) And the lyrics perfectly sums up the vibe I grew up with in the 80s. My uncle had a cattle ranch and sold a tract of land, which became a subdivision! I was crushed as a 10 year old. 😔
Seen Rush live over 30 times and they did this song pretty much every concert after 1984 and Neil played every lick exactly every night, like he did for every song. Peart never changed anything live except his drum solos, otherwise, every song sounded like the alum cut every night. Geddy’s bass, singing and keyboards were always identical and so was Alex Lifeson. There was a couple songs, like La Villa Strangiato, where Alex would improvise his guitar solo a bit, but 99% of the time, every guitar solo was the same, every note, every chord, every arpeggio, every harmonic and even every pinch harmonic was perfect, just like the original cut from the album. In fact, I don’t think I have ever heard many bands, other than Rush, who could faithfully reproduce their recordings as precisely as they could. They were amazing and I will miss them a lot. They’re one of a kind for sure.
Peart had memorized every nuance and every beat of these songs when performing them live. There were thousands of fans air-drumming right along with him in those shows, and they would know if even a single tom hit was missed. Phenomenal. Also, note that the lyrics also mention a person whom after moving into hectic city life, pauses to remember the quiet comfort of his suburban upbringing. It’s multi-layered, profound lyric writing at an unparalleled level.
It's hilarious that you say "no way he could play that the same way every night" because Neil is famous among drummers for doing exactly that. You guys should check out a live version of this song
This song has always had a special place in my heart. It came out when I was going to an arcade in my hometown called "Magic Galaxy" and one of my favorite games, and my buddy's absolute favorite, was a called "Tempest." We fed that game so many tokens it's crazy. The teenager in the Subdivisions video is playing it in some other arcade. Rush was already on my radar because I had recently been seeing the video for "Limelight" and was obsessed with Lifeson's solo in that song, but when I saw the Subdivisions video I felt an immediate connection to the band. They're still one of my favorite bands to this day. Just a great, great band.
Neil Peart was not just an incredible, technical drummer, but was also a well read intellectual who wrote all of Rush's lyrics. And during the choruses, it's Neil's voice you hear saying "Subdivisions".
RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR! With heart felt admiration and sincerity! Gary
When you listen to Rush, you don't sign up for the ride, you sign up for a journey. The video to this track truly encapsulates how that felt like at that time to those who lived in it. Also helps to explain the meaning of the lyrics. I'd suggest watching it 👍
Rush is never corny, they just have a way of putting songs together and playing them with precision live and in the studio. And the whole premise of the band is the cohesiveness of it. They found a way to give us what we were missing in a rock band. No false showmanship, nothing fake, funny but honest as musicians and people. I've loved them since 1974'( I'm 66,2024). So I know what I'm talking about.
Neil Peart’s nickname is “The Professor” for a reason. He was a living drum clinic for other percussionists to study. A masterful artist. As far as I’m concerned, he is the G.O.A.T., hands down. R.I.P.- Neil Peart; long live “The Professor”.
Love, love, love Neil. But that's not how he got the "Professor" as a name. He had long hair, and when he got it cut off, one of the members of the road crew, said that he looked like the professor from Gilligan's island, and it stuck. Now, when you see a pic of the professor from G I, it makes sense!
I love this song. It came out when I was 16. Lyrics and musicianship as always top notch, just a bit different sonically. Welcome to the 80's. I love what it says about growing up..... cruising the big city for action. Then once you're grown, you long for the peace and quiet of the suburbs. Excellent review!
The genius of Neil Peart's style comes from playing on and off the tempo, but it all makes sense, it's insane. And especially with this song, there's a point where Neil kinda just moves into cruise control, and being a drummer, this for me is the blueprint of what makes a legendary drummer.
It is actually a great idea to put a statue of Neal Peart at Pearson Airport (YYZ). Rush were one of the best things to come out of Canada, along with the Hip and Tea Party. The Tea Party has that same effect of sounding like an orchestra even though there's just three of them. Speaking of which, "Have we heard all the dope shit?" Hell no. Check out the Tragically Hip - New Orleans is Sinking, which you will love, and the Tea Party - Sister Awake, which I don't know what you'll think of but it's definitely unlike anything else you've listened to, and you'll appreciate the musicianship.
13:10 YES!! Yes yes yes! I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and was always jealous of those who got to live in busy cities where things are happening. That's exactly how this song always made me feel.
Both of you are so highly intelligent in your analysis of Rush and art in general that I wish Geddy and Alex were to see this video. They would smile and cry. RIP Neil Peart.
Neil Peart's nickname was "The Professor" because he DID play it the same each time. If you watch a live performance when they scan to the audience, you'll see an army of "Air" drummers, all playing the exact same fills and bars in unison, because Neil played all embellishments the same way, each show.
@@rolandhouston3195 Ha! I didn't know that, thanks. I always assumed it was because of the near academic Doctoral precision and reproduction of the intricate parts he composed in the studio. Cheers!
Man this band means so much to me. I was lucky enough to see them 12 times before they packed it up. I know that’s not much compared to a lot of older fans but I was 22 years old when I saw them last so I’m pretty proud of how many of their concerts I made it to. They were my first concert ever when I was 9 years old. My dad took me and I saw every following show with him. We really bonded over this band and unfortunately he passed in 2016 so whenever I listen to them I just have memories of the shows I went to with him and listening to them in the car. It’s hard to listen to them without tearing up honestly. We went to Toronto for a show on their last tour and my dad and I made it to the R40 DVD that they recorded that night. I’m glad you guys enjoy Rush. They’ve been one of the biggest parts of my life.
This song shows off some of the things that I'm sure influenced Danny Carey, some of those fills and accents, and the syncopated odd-meter hit. Neil Peart opened up so many avenues of expression. One of my fav Rush tracks.
Gentlemen I am about to give you the biggest compliment i can. I have heard this song 1,000+ times and watching your review and analysis made it sound to me like it was the 1st time hearing it. I discovered different aspects I never noticed that you both pointed out. Love your reactions. Be well, keep doing what your doing and God bless.
Not only was Peart, maybe the greatest drummer of all time, he also was the lyricist for the band. So the corny stuff can also be attributed to Peart! Also, Geddy Lee was a phenomenal bassist!
This song is the definition of perfection-from the drumming to the lyrics to the bassline, the synths, and the tastefully beautiful guitar solo. Everything, absolutely everything is perfect.
THIS was the 1 Rush song I've been waiting for you guys to react to. Love the content, thanks for getting around to it, one of my favorite Rush songs. Pearts drumming is completely out of this world and drives the song start to finish.
This song, and Analog Kid off the same album really changed the way I experienced music when I discovered it at 15 years old. I didn’t even know music could sound like that. Everything changed
You asked if it sounds the same live - YES IT DOES. It is hard to comprehend that 3 guys with zero backing tracks or supporting musicians can pull this shit off, but they did. Their live shows the sound and mix is next level it is so good. I have seen then a few times and every single time they deliver.
Neil's "Corny lyrics" and making fun of Geddy's voice. These guys really don't understand what they're listening to. That's pretty unfortunate for them.
The instrumentation, syncopation and groove during Alex's guitar solo from all instruments was, as you say, 'nasty'. Unfrickingbelievable the sounds and technicality Rush created.
I just watched an interview with Stewart Copeland where he mentioned that Neil Peart played every fill exactly like the album every night because he didnt want to disappoint the fans that would air drum in the audience
I can't wait for ya'll to hear Red Barchetta, and Witch Hunt. Both very deep concepts, the first fun and exhilarating, the second dark and creepy. Neil Peart was also an incredible lyricist.
I fell into Rush with Moving Pictures and Permanent Waves but Subdivisions has become my favorite Rush song because it reminds me of my youth and how peer pressure ruled everyone.
My favourite Rush song. Song 2 on Signals is The Analog Kid and is basically a sequel to Subdivisions. The misfit dreamer dreams of escaping the suburbs. It’s more upbeat and positive and is my second favourite Rush song. Absolutely glorious. You should do that one next.
It’s my favorite album and I didn’t realize until this year that it’s actually a concept album. From being grounded in subdivisions to growing up as a kid to a digital man, all the way till losing it and being older, and finally the lift off. Incredible art
George singing "Chase your dreams and something your fears" in a cheesy Geddy voice made me laugh out loud!!! I love Rush, but yeah, they do be like that sometimes! Well done!!!
As a drummer, this is my favorite Rush song to play along to. Every part is so meticulously crafted, and as you guys pointed out at the end it is a perfect balance of groove and technicality. No one can do it like Neil could!
I saw RUSH in the 80s, 90s, and 00s. They ALWAYS sound perfect. They play exactly like the albums. They were one of the greatest live bands I've ever seen.
Just to clarify for Ryan. Yes, he played it note for note. Every time. That's why he was the professor. This is also during the 'no repetitive fills' era. Neil's goal was to do a different fill every time. That's why it sounds like mini-solos.
Rick Beato had a great interview recently with Stewart Copeland of the Police. And they discussed live drumming and how much is like the records and how much is improvised on the spot. Copeland mentioned speaking to Neil Peart years ago speaking on the same subject. Peart said he played it exactly the same at each show, to a point that fans air drummed the entire concert along with Peart.
Huge RUSH fan here. your description of Geddys voice is spot on, Ive always said their music takes me on a journey and Geddys voice has a kind of an innocence that helps the journey along. thank you much for the enjoyment.
Said exactly what I wanted to say. Their albums were like a journey. Better than a movie, better than a book because it came with an awesome soundtrack. Even now, 40 years later, this song opens up one of their best albums where each song had something deep to convey.
Rush's reputation for virtuosic performers and performances is well-earned. What this reaction highlights is what great composers they were - each of their parts integrate perfectly, even as they change time signatures and keys, and the drums always compliment Peart's musical counterparties. Great musicians, but also great creators.
Ahh, man…this is what I love about you guys. I’m 53. I’ve been listening to this since I was 11. I saw RUSH play this live at least 8 times, and was brought to damn tears every time. This music means so much to the fans….but after 40 fuckin years, you can start to take it for granted. You two help us to hear it for the first time again. THAT is music appreciation at its best. Just now when Alex’s guitar solo reached its peak, I got chills. Thank you for that.
Yes! I was just thinking how, while I've loved Rush since childhood, that I take their mastery for granted. This channel is always good for a refresher in perspective.
As much as you two give props to Rush, you STILL underestimate how spot on perfect they always strive to be. If Neil had missed a single part you never noticed while playing a live show, he would be upset with himself. These guys know EVERY note, there is no improvisation with these guys, if one of them messed up live, the other two knew it instantly. They never bashed each other over that, but they knew. That is how it is with people this good.
What you hear Neil playing on these recordings is exactly how he played them live every single time, note for note, beat for beat. Dude was a beast. GOAT.
Every drum fill he ever did was composed.
Yep, they need to check out some Exit Stage Left footage. They sound even better than the recorded tracks
Live Rush was unbelievable.
That was always the thing about Rush to those who know them. They are one of the few bands that could do exactly what they did in a studio live. Having the live feel energy makes it even better when they are playing a concert. They are very good at what they do.
Impeccable
I am a drummer. Saw them many times. He played it EXACTLY like it was played on the album. When you listened to him in concert you gained an even greater sense of awe at his talent.
I totally agree. Neil played it exactly like the record every time.
Thirding this. He nailed it like the record, every time I saw them live.
Back in 1996 we had a 19 year old kid (Jerry) working for us at the shop. My friend and I were talking about if we thought we could still get tickets to the Rush show that night. Jerry asked "You guys like that band"? We asked him if he ever listened to Rush. He sad he had heard a couple of songs. Since Jerry was a Drummer for a Death Metal band we asked him what he thought of Neil Peart. He didn't know who Peart was, so we said that's it were going to see Rush tonight and your going with. He said he was broke ,so we said we would buy him a ticket and a couple beers. When we got to the show it was sold out, we were about to leave the lobby when a ticket window opened and the ticket guy said "You guy's need tickets? They just put these on sale". We ended up in the first row on the side of the stage 10 feet away from Geddy Lee. Our friend Jerry was blown away my Neil and has been a Rush fan ever since.
Yes, I would say Neil and all of Rush was only better live. Neil could play everything. It was freaking amazing!
I saw Rush 3 times live. The first time I was sitting orchestra seats. Rushed the stage for the encore. I was up against the stage with the exception of some dude in front of me with big hair in my face. Its all good. I got to see the boys up close and personal at least once.
Alex lifeson is one of the most underrated guitarist ever. He is brilliant
I finally realized that. I was always focused on Neil and Geddy. Now I have Alex in my top 5. Always so tasteful and perfect!
I always felt that the best Rush music was because of Alex. His guitar parts make or break the songs imo.
Yup. Great song, but this album was the beginning of the end for me - because they steadily de-emphasized Alex and his guitar, in favor of 80’s (ugh) synth to the forefront!
I applaud them for trying to evolve and everything ; but you just don’t cut out a major strength of your band.
Even Alex was on record not knowing where he fit anymore though the 80’s. By the 90’s when they went back to adding guitar to the fore again… They were oldish and I was already out …
I wish he would get more mention by other reactors and by reviewers generally. In my top guitar players.
blah blah blah
Neil played Subdivisions note for note, beat for beat, every single night.. No deviations.. That's why he was and will forever be THE PROFESSOR.... 🥁
REST IN PEACE NEIL
That is amazing
except the roll the bones tour intro!
Amen ❤
well, 99 percent note for note at least
Neil said playing a Rush concert was like running a marathon and doing math at the same time. Unreal, otherworldly talent
He was an alien
This song changed my life back in the day. YES...the musicianship is a masterpiece, but the lyrics really capture the essence of growing up in the late 70's and 80's in suburban America. Brilliant.
As a 90s kid, it was still relevant to me as well. It's probably one of those songs that will always pertain to youth, especially the ones who consider themselves outcasts
Agreed- always makes me think of my disconnected 80s suburban life as a kid
The whole album was a raw exposure of existence. I was still a teenager but the song, "Losing It" really made me think about my future.
I'm not sure how Neil Peart tapped into my angsty teenage mind in 1982 but he did. I would think about what click I want to fit into in High School, the athletes, the academics, the vocational shop kids? I dabbled in all the above because I could.
As a 60’s kid it’s still relatable to me. Neal’s lyrics are sometimes overshadowed by his playing . Even in interviews he was a fascinating individual as all three of them are
I've listened to Subdivisions over 1,000 times in last 40 years...this is still a stone cold masterpiece in songwriting, arrangement and performance.
Digital man always gives me a rush, lol
incredible on all fronts.
100% feeling the same way. One of my all-time favorites.
One of my favorite songs to air drum to especially with that high hat when it kicks in! In those moments,,, I'm Neil Peart😂
You underrated that figure. I’d guess over 10,000 times mate, in 40 years 😉
I hear this song and I’m instantly 10 years old at the arcade playing Centipede and Zaxon.
Wow! Zaxon!! that’s old school, how old are you? I’ll be 52 in November…
@@DPRyan-vd5pp I’ll be with you in a couple of weeks.
And I'm right next to you playing Qbert
Black and white asteroids or defender
Sinistar
"Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone."
That was my childhood.
Check out Bad Religion. The antithesis of Rush’s prog, but the same psychology.
Bad ass
@@whamsie4022I never thought about them that way but that is a brilliant observation.
This is my adulthood too.
My adulthood.
What is really mind-blowing is Geddy not only playing complex bass parts AND singing, but then playing keyboard parts AS WELL! TRIPLE THREAT!
Don't forget the Moog pedals
It's funny, I was going to include Geddy playing pedals, but I almost didn't believe he was doing that as well! I mean, DAMN! I have a hard time getting dressed if someone's talking to me! Love ALL Rush, even the more keyboard oriented years, as those albums have aged well, in my opinion. I have a huge 2112 album cover, framed under glass with a custom frame that hangs on the front of my bedroom door......BADASS! Thanks for giving Geddy full credit for his wizardly musicianship! Hope he and Alex get together and put something out in near future! Peace.@@Harmonic14
I remember my first Rush concert, Geddy balancing on one foot while he played the bass pedals with the other, all while playing bass and singing! Unreal!
@@chucklogan3133So cool you saw Rush live! Yeah, Chuck, Geddy is NOT from this planet, being able to play bass, keyboards, foot pedals and ALL WHILE SINGING is some supernatural, superhero type stuff! The sound that just three dudes could produce in concert will always blow my freakin' mind! I saw their Moving Pictures tour, front row for my birthday and it's no exaggeration to say that on that night, Rush changed my world, my jaw was on the floor, hearing musicians playing at a level I didn't know was possible.....life changing.
@@treff9226 To be fair, I don't think any song has the pedals going at the same time as the bass. The pedals are almost always paired with keyboards.
Stewart Copeland said recently in an interview with Rick Beato, he told Neil he wanted 40,000 air drummers at each concert when The Police played live, how did he get that reaction show after show and Neil told Stewart "You gotta play the same thing every night" and Peart did just that, his mission was to play as close or as correct to the studio version as possible.
That was a great interview, just watched it last night.
@@NaturalMystic69 He's fun to listen to, so lively and he always rips on Sting
That is a really good tidbit of information that I have never heard and guess many other RISH fans have heard either.
To Stewart Copeland’s strengths, however, I think you can have all the air drummers, and still thrill them by throwing in some different things live.
Phenomenal interview. Stewart's big personality lends itself well to being entertaining while being incredibly informative.
This song is a masterpiece. Every part is composed and live... Neil plays every part as in the studio version.
The greatest 3 piece band in history. Hands down.
Nirvana
RUSH surely is…by far!
Second best, Motorhead's a thing
King's X is close... better vocals by far, but the drumming... peart is so far above anyone.. but King's X... better guitar playing, bass is a personal choice, both amazing.
Nirvana, muse, ZZ Top , Green Day Cream , the police, Jimi Hendrix experience, kings x, rush, Emerson lake and Palmer, motorhead… it’s a tough choice
Steward Copeland......of The Police, one of the best drummers in music ever asked Neil Peart about the air drummers that play along with him at Rush concerts, "Dude....How do you get that? I want that." Neil: "You have to play it the same way every night. So they know it and they can play along with you." Steward: "Ok, well I ain't playing it the same every night. Can't do it."
Stewart Copeland is my all time favourite drummer. The man is groove incarnate.
Neil was INTP, meaning his "Action" function (eg. playing drums) was via introverted Sensing (Si), while his "Comedy/Deception" function was extraverted Sensing (Se). Neil taps into the audience's introverted Sense of music and extraverted sense of performance. Si functionality is very linear (by the book) while Se functionality is very much "in your face". Neil was the Shaman, his tribe acting synchronous ritual in the form of air drumming. As an INTP, Neil's Ne Observations and Ni "Critical" functionality relates directly to his lyrics.
Copeland is one of the best.
Won't, not can't
@@matthewburkart7718 exactly!
Trust me.............Hearing it live is no different!
The GOAT has his own table!
RIP Neil
Guys, you would be surprised (or maybe not) to see this song live. Yes, Neil nails his parts with precision every night. Geddy moves back and forth between playing keyboards and bass, and even Alex while playing guitar also plays bass for a few parts with foot pedals while Geddy is playing bass. They really are an incredibly talented band!!
YES! I always heard a thing that RUSH won't have a sound in a song, that they can't reproduce live on stage by someone in the band.
Neil always approached the recordings as a test for him to play live. He's gone on record saying that Tom Sawyer is his ultimate test. He nails it live, he's satisfied.
@@jamespolnickif I remember correctly, Neil even went so far as to rig up a way to play the cowbell on Witch Hunt with a foot pedal for the live performances
Absolutely ❤
They remind me off tool live from the aspect of nailing their parts. They nail the parts technically, while delivering a live performance
Ive seen RUSH 14 times. Trust me, Niel pulled this stuff off perfectly EVERY SINGLE TIME! The whole band was the most professional and polished band in the game. They NEVER let their fans down!
Agree. I saw Rush 5 times. I've been a fan for 46 years. Rush are incredible musicians and Neil was the best of the best.
The 1st time I heard Working Man in Jr. High late 70's, I was hooked. Own every record, priceless.
Absolutely seen them several times.
58 times for me
@@robertguasto5872 Good lord! Now thats a fan !
This song.....on the car stereo....while driving on an empty highway at night....in the summer....!?! Stellar.....goosebumps!!
Many many AZ nights in the 80's blaring this out of our clarion deck with pioneer speakers and the old school denon equalizer, pushing the speaker cones to their limit....! The poor dashboard of my buddy's Ford Granada was beaten to a pulp from my air drumming days...
@azdbuk ironically, I drove a used $200 1975 Ford Granada during my college years at BGSU ( 1984-1986 ) . The installed stereo was more than car was worth ;) .
Dude… we’re you secretly hidden in my car all those nights driving home from work?! Haha. Was thinking the same thing
Wow!...if it was metallic green, I'll flip. @@todvball
@azdbuk
It had a dull candy apple "rusted red" ;)
...but it was great college car .
My all time favorite Rush song.
When my son was 10 or 11 he had a lightbulb insight about this song - he said, "It's kind of like the story of the City mouse and the Country mouse - you don't like where you are at or used to, but when you finally get to that other environment that you dreamed of, you see the reality and you start to miss where you came from."
iI was 14 and this song changed my life
That is an incredible kid
This song cemented Rush as a favorite. It came out as I was struggling to fit in 2000 miles from where I grew up. Struggling with my parent’s divorce. ‘Subdivisions’ spoke to how I felt at the time, and still do sometimes to this day. Thanks for reviewing.
I was a 15-year-old freshman in high school when this song came out and I felt like the lyrics were written specifically with me in mind. Rest in peace Neil, you are missed every day.😢
Same here, went to the tour opening night with friends. Crazy question, your name is familiar, are you from WI by chance?
@@napalm6919 I live in Wisconsin now. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago about 10 miles south of the Wisconsin border. Signals was also the first tour I ever saw, and the first concert I ever saw.
@@jimtatro6550Thanks for replying, I graduated Antigo high school in 83' with a Jim Tatro. It's been a pleasure. Go Brewers!
@@napalm6919 no problem, I didn’t realize it was such a common name. I graduated from Johnsburg high school in Illinois and 85. Have a great weekend.
I was in my twenties when it came out and felt the same way!!
To think that so many people stopped listening to Rush after Moving Pictures is a shame. Brilliant song from a gem of an album.
I don't care how dated people would say about those synths, I tend to view it by taking off my 21st century mindset and listen as if it were a new sound. And this period of Rush is where Neil's lyrics REALLY start to hit you hard!
They just observed what was going on at the time and just made it their own.
I used to absolutely HATE the synth period, I could only listen to about half of Signals before tuning out. I want to say after their documentary back in 2010, I decided to give it another go and Red Sector A...holy shit. The lyrics paired with that music, I kick myself for ignoring that era.
If you struggle listening to their synth stuff, listen to it live, and it becomes much more palatable.
At least it was for me.
Those people dissing Rush after Moving Pictures due to synth use are not very observant. The entire Moving Pictures album is saturated with synthesizer use. It just sounds different than post M.P albums. Music started to change drastically in the early 80’s, and Rush started to change with it.
I'm One of them... This and "New world man" was the last of the new stuff for me... And I was a HUGE RusH fan...! (And I still am, listen daily)
Finally, my favorite Rush song. Glad you guys loved it.
It's how I got into Rush finally, and remains my favorite as well. I know it's sacrilege to some, but 80s rush hits me so much harder.
I just cannot help sailing away on The Professor's drumming with this song. (My head is bobbing along with you guys!) And the lyrics perfectly sums up the vibe I grew up with in the 80s. My uncle had a cattle ranch and sold a tract of land, which became a subdivision! I was crushed as a 10 year old. 😔
Mne too!
I wish my dad were still alive to watch your reactions to Rush. Can't help but think he would love yall.
Seen Rush live over 30 times and they did this song pretty much every concert after 1984 and Neil played every lick exactly every night, like he did for every song. Peart never changed anything live except his drum solos, otherwise, every song sounded like the alum cut every night.
Geddy’s bass, singing and keyboards were always identical and so was Alex Lifeson. There was a couple songs, like La Villa Strangiato, where Alex would improvise his guitar solo a bit, but 99% of the time, every guitar solo was the same, every note, every chord, every arpeggio, every harmonic and even every pinch harmonic was perfect, just like the original cut from the album.
In fact, I don’t think I have ever heard many bands, other than Rush, who could faithfully reproduce their recordings as precisely as they could. They were amazing and I will miss them a lot. They’re one of a kind for sure.
Peart had memorized every nuance and every beat of these songs when performing them live. There were thousands of fans air-drumming right along with him in those shows, and they would know if even a single tom hit was missed.
Phenomenal.
Also, note that the lyrics also mention a person whom after moving into hectic city life, pauses to remember the quiet comfort of his suburban upbringing. It’s multi-layered, profound lyric writing at an unparalleled level.
Truth! Tell ‘em Joe
It's hilarious that you say "no way he could play that the same way every night" because Neil is famous among drummers for doing exactly that. You guys should check out a live version of this song
He and Danny Carey both can play their parts record perfect night after night.
They play this live just fine
RIP Neil. RIP John Rutsey. There will never be another band like Rush.
This song has always had a special place in my heart. It came out when I was going to an arcade in my hometown called "Magic Galaxy" and one of my favorite games, and my buddy's absolute favorite, was a called "Tempest." We fed that game so many tokens it's crazy. The teenager in the Subdivisions video is playing it in some other arcade. Rush was already on my radar because I had recently been seeing the video for "Limelight" and was obsessed with Lifeson's solo in that song, but when I saw the Subdivisions video I felt an immediate connection to the band. They're still one of my favorite bands to this day. Just a great, great band.
This song has a special place in my heart. My late brother and I shared a love for Rush and this song in particular. Thank you for the reaction
❤
Neil Peart was not just an incredible, technical drummer, but was also a well read intellectual who wrote all of Rush's lyrics. And during the choruses, it's Neil's voice you hear saying "Subdivisions".
Its Alex
Alex lip synced in the video but it is Neil who did the voice.
FYI Geddy Lee and Neil wrote the majority of songs. But Alex also assisted here and there. The new book My Effin life is really good listen
agree with you, except . it was alex who said that, not neil.
It was Neil. Alex butchers that lyric live lol...
10:29 One amazing thing about Neil is that, yes, he does play it the exact same way live. Literally hit for hit. He was a monster.
If I may ... note for note opposed to hit for hit.
RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR!
With heart felt admiration and sincerity!
Gary
When you listen to Rush, you don't sign up for the ride, you sign up for a journey. The video to this track truly encapsulates how that felt like at that time to those who lived in it. Also helps to explain the meaning of the lyrics. I'd suggest watching it 👍
Rush is never corny, they just have a way of putting songs together and playing them with precision live and in the studio. And the whole premise of the band is the cohesiveness of it. They found a way to give us what we were missing in a rock band. No false showmanship, nothing fake, funny but honest as musicians and people. I've loved them since 1974'( I'm 66,2024). So I know what I'm talking about.
Neil Peart’s nickname is “The Professor” for a reason. He was a living drum clinic for other percussionists to study.
A masterful artist. As far as I’m concerned, he is the G.O.A.T., hands down.
R.I.P.- Neil Peart; long live “The Professor”.
Love, love, love Neil. But that's not how he got the "Professor" as a name. He had long hair, and when he got it cut off, one of the members of the road crew, said that he looked like the professor from Gilligan's island, and it stuck. Now, when you see a pic of the professor from G I, it makes sense!
@@michaelpell9710I came here to say this. Fans took it much further and it came to mean something else, but it came from Gilligan's Island.
Neil Peart said this is his all time favorite song to play, and you can literally hear why. GOAT
Rush always prided themselves on being able to reproduce their studio work live. And they always did!
I love this song. It came out when I was 16. Lyrics and musicianship as always top notch, just a bit different sonically. Welcome to the 80's. I love what it says about growing up..... cruising the big city for action. Then once you're grown, you long for the peace and quiet of the suburbs. Excellent review!
The genius of Neil Peart's style comes from playing on and off the tempo, but it all makes sense, it's insane. And especially with this song, there's a point where Neil kinda just moves into cruise control, and being a drummer, this for me is the blueprint of what makes a legendary drummer.
Every time a Rush album came out, the bar on drumming was raised.
It is actually a great idea to put a statue of Neal Peart at Pearson Airport (YYZ). Rush were one of the best things to come out of Canada, along with the Hip and Tea Party. The Tea Party has that same effect of sounding like an orchestra even though there's just three of them. Speaking of which, "Have we heard all the dope shit?" Hell no. Check out the Tragically Hip - New Orleans is Sinking, which you will love, and the Tea Party - Sister Awake, which I don't know what you'll think of but it's definitely unlike anything else you've listened to, and you'll appreciate the musicianship.
Good call on the Tea Party...another great Canadian trio. Fire in the Head, The Bazaar, Psychopomp....etc
That's such an amazing idea. Maybe just Rush in general, would be so cool.
Neil nailed it live every night.
He did!
Yes he did.
And he played every song nearly identically every time. As a drummer, I loved it. What you heard on the album is what you get live.
13:10 YES!! Yes yes yes! I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and was always jealous of those who got to live in busy cities where things are happening. That's exactly how this song always made me feel.
Both of you are so highly intelligent in your analysis of Rush and art in general that I wish Geddy and Alex were to see this video. They would smile and cry. RIP Neil Peart.
Suburbia in the early 80's. This music brings me right back to those days.
You are so right!
Neil Peart's nickname was "The Professor" because he DID play it the same each time. If you watch a live performance when they scan to the audience, you'll see an army of "Air" drummers, all playing the exact same fills and bars in unison, because Neil played all embellishments the same way, each show.
He was actually called the Professor because the guys thought he looked like the Professor on Gilligan's Island. There is definitely a resemblance.
@@rolandhouston3195 Ha! I didn't know that, thanks. I always assumed it was because of the near academic Doctoral precision and reproduction of the intricate parts he composed in the studio. Cheers!
I mean really its just a great nickname for him anyway. He literally is a professor at percussion and songwriting.@@willharm6143
Man this band means so much to me. I was lucky enough to see them 12 times before they packed it up. I know that’s not much compared to a lot of older fans but I was 22 years old when I saw them last so I’m pretty proud of how many of their concerts I made it to. They were my first concert ever when I was 9 years old. My dad took me and I saw every following show with him. We really bonded over this band and unfortunately he passed in 2016 so whenever I listen to them I just have memories of the shows I went to with him and listening to them in the car. It’s hard to listen to them without tearing up honestly. We went to Toronto for a show on their last tour and my dad and I made it to the R40 DVD that they recorded that night. I’m glad you guys enjoy Rush. They’ve been one of the biggest parts of my life.
I love watching these dudes react to RUSH.
The song deals with growing up in the suburbs. The teen age years...the pressures. Saw that tour...my first of many tours.
He sounded the same on tour...thats what was so great ...he reproduced it live exactly....perfect.....
This song shows off some of the things that I'm sure influenced Danny Carey, some of those fills and accents, and the syncopated odd-meter hit. Neil Peart opened up so many avenues of expression. One of my fav Rush tracks.
Neil Peart really paved the way for other great drummers.
I've always said Tool is the R Rated version of Rush.. I wouldn't be surprised either if there was influence ..Danny is pretty awesome as well
@@ryancampbell4445I haven't thought about the comparison in that way. But I definitely cannot imagine Geddy singing the lyrics to Prison Sex 😂😂
@@jamesb0255 no definitely not.. Tool is Rush after dark lol
@@ryancampbell4445 😂😎
Gentlemen I am about to give you the biggest compliment i can. I have heard this song 1,000+ times and watching your review and analysis made it sound to me like it was the 1st time hearing it. I discovered different aspects I never noticed that you both pointed out. Love your reactions. Be well, keep doing what your doing and God bless.
Watch it live .....it's ALWAYS the same every time ....that is what is incredible
Great breakdown of the lyrics! Drums live were spot on to the recordings.
Not only was Peart, maybe the greatest drummer of all time, he also was the lyricist for the band. So the corny stuff can also be attributed to Peart! Also, Geddy Lee was a phenomenal bassist!
This song is the definition of perfection-from the drumming to the lyrics to the bassline, the synths, and the tastefully beautiful guitar solo. Everything, absolutely everything is perfect.
They could play this song 1000 times and Neil would play it note for note every single time, that was what he was.
THIS was the 1 Rush song I've been waiting for you guys to react to. Love the content, thanks for getting around to it, one of my favorite Rush songs. Pearts drumming is completely out of this world and drives the song start to finish.
This song, and Analog Kid off the same album really changed the way I experienced music when I discovered it at 15 years old. I didn’t even know music could sound like that. Everything changed
You asked if it sounds the same live - YES IT DOES. It is hard to comprehend that 3 guys with zero backing tracks or supporting musicians can pull this shit off, but they did. Their live shows the sound and mix is next level it is so good. I have seen then a few times and every single time they deliver.
They are very sincere in their “corny” lyrics.
They mean it
Actually Neil admitted that he hated the Ayn Rand themed stuff from their early albums. He said he grew out of that pattern of thinking as he matured.
@@daveattheholdensdidn't realize that. Always found his lyrics to be very socially conscious and inclusive
Exactly🙄 ! Rush is never corny
Neil's "Corny lyrics" and making fun of Geddy's voice. These guys really don't understand what they're listening to. That's pretty unfortunate for them.
The instrumentation, syncopation and groove during Alex's guitar solo from all instruments was, as you say, 'nasty'. Unfrickingbelievable the sounds and technicality Rush created.
With Rush, it was never just a guitar solo, it was an everybody solo. And the genius was three guys all soloing and it fit together perfectly.
Peak 80's sound. Can't get any better than this
We have a Neil Peart statue by Lakeside Park in his hometown of Port Dalhousie Ontario. We love Neil and Rush more than most people could grasp.
The dude nailed it every night. A total master class clinic every song, every night, every time and I only saw them 25 times to test this theory.
I just watched an interview with Stewart Copeland where he mentioned that Neil Peart played every fill exactly like the album every night because he didnt want to disappoint the fans that would air drum in the audience
That was a great interview!
George nailed it. This is one of the best drum performances from Neil and probably my favorite Rush song.
I can't wait for ya'll to hear Red Barchetta, and Witch Hunt. Both very deep concepts, the first fun and exhilarating, the second dark and creepy.
Neil Peart was also an incredible lyricist.
LOVE Red Barchetta, such amazing storytelling
HUGE song, man.
Red Barchetta is a great call.
Witch Hunt is definitely a deep concept lyrically...
I have listened to Red Barchetta a thousand times, and it still feels like a sci fi thriller.
one of my favorite rush albums...
I fell into Rush with Moving Pictures and Permanent Waves but Subdivisions has become my favorite Rush song because it reminds me of my youth and how peer pressure ruled everyone.
I had the privilege to see Rush live. Neil was such a perfectionist he was almost note for note to the studio version.
My favourite Rush song. Song 2 on Signals is The Analog Kid and is basically a sequel to Subdivisions. The misfit dreamer dreams of escaping the suburbs. It’s more upbeat and positive and is my second favourite Rush song. Absolutely glorious. You should do that one next.
It’s my favorite album and I didn’t realize until this year that it’s actually a concept album. From being grounded in subdivisions to growing up as a kid to a digital man, all the way till losing it and being older, and finally the lift off. Incredible art
RUSH and TOOL-insane lyricism, amazing guitar and base and two of the best drummers ever.
George singing "Chase your dreams and something your fears" in a cheesy Geddy voice made me laugh out loud!!! I love Rush, but yeah, they do be like that sometimes! Well done!!!
This song really captures that High School feeling of being an outsider or just feeling like you don't fit in or are just different.
Neil plays every note of this song live to perfection! It was amazing to see live (twice).
The great NEIL PEART
The live versión in Cleveland "Time Machine tour" IS glorious. Three men playing like gods
Same here in New Orleans.I was blessed to see the Professor
yes
My absolute favorite Rush song! The beat is sick. Still, in my 50's, when this comes on the volume goes up to 11. Thanks guys!!
I love how they use the term geometric order. And he drums in a patrern that sounds geometrically square...Amazing.
The Neil Peart statue idea is brilliant! It NEEDS to happen! Or even a Rush statue!
A theme for Gen-X Latchkey Kids.
As a drummer, this is my favorite Rush song to play along to. Every part is so meticulously crafted, and as you guys pointed out at the end it is a perfect balance of groove and technicality. No one can do it like Neil could!
Agreed
He plays it EXACTLY the same. It's crazy!
They are perfect live. Saw them many times.
Its funny they site Reading Rainbow, because it was about 10 years after this and this was the sound they were trying to copy at that point.
I saw RUSH in the 80s, 90s, and 00s. They ALWAYS sound perfect. They play exactly like the albums. They were one of the greatest live bands I've ever seen.
Just to clarify for Ryan. Yes, he played it note for note. Every time. That's why he was the professor.
This is also during the 'no repetitive fills' era. Neil's goal was to do a different fill every time. That's why it sounds like mini-solos.
Rick Beato had a great interview recently with Stewart Copeland of the Police. And they discussed live drumming and how much is like the records and how much is improvised on the spot. Copeland mentioned speaking to Neil Peart years ago speaking on the same subject. Peart said he played it exactly the same at each show, to a point that fans air drummed the entire concert along with Peart.
I love watching you two get it, over and over, like all the res of us Rush fans have done :)
Huge RUSH fan here. your description of Geddys voice is spot on, Ive always said their music takes me on a journey and Geddys voice has a kind of an innocence that helps the journey along. thank you much for the enjoyment.
His voice is so unique and full of personality. I know people who hate it but I love it.
Said exactly what I wanted to say. Their albums were like a journey. Better than a movie, better than a book because it came with an awesome soundtrack. Even now, 40 years later, this song opens up one of their best albums where each song had something deep to convey.
Geddy's bass line taking us into the chorus is so nice.
Rush's reputation for virtuosic performers and performances is well-earned. What this reaction highlights is what great composers they were - each of their parts integrate perfectly, even as they change time signatures and keys, and the drums always compliment Peart's musical counterparties. Great musicians, but also great creators.
Favorite intro to any song ever. What a sound!
Neil's drums sounded EXACTLY the same live. He was a machine.
Some Rush songs you should check out:
Red Brachetta
Roll the Bones
Show Don't Tell
Ahh, man…this is what I love about you guys. I’m 53. I’ve been listening to this since I was 11. I saw RUSH play this live at least 8 times, and was brought to damn tears every time. This music means so much to the fans….but after 40 fuckin years, you can start to take it for granted. You two help us to hear it for the first time again. THAT is music appreciation at its best. Just now when Alex’s guitar solo reached its peak, I got chills. Thank you for that.
Same here; I nearly cried during their reaction to La Villa Strangiato 🤧
Yes! I was just thinking how, while I've loved Rush since childhood, that I take their mastery for granted. This channel is always good for a refresher in perspective.
Yes, it does sound the same live!
I say this on every Rush reaction, Brandon Toews on Drumeo plays 175 Rush songs in 25 minutes... IT'S AMAZING!!!! It's a prefect tribute to Neil!
As much as you two give props to Rush, you STILL underestimate how spot on perfect they always strive to be. If Neil had missed a single part you never noticed while playing a live show, he would be upset with himself. These guys know EVERY note, there is no improvisation with these guys, if one of them messed up live, the other two knew it instantly. They never bashed each other over that, but they knew. That is how it is with people this good.
Never really got into Rush but I've always loved this song! Glad you guys enjoyed it.