@@coryg7051 Agreed, however, Peart, along with his bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, received the award in recognition of their "significant and lasting contribution to live music and performing arts in Canada and worldwide". It was the first honorary Doctor of Music awarded by Nipissing University. So thats Doctor PEART. et. al. :)
Great, but the generations overrated him slightly. But still great as you need for the Rush style. . Real off the earth drumming of all time in technique and speed is buddy Rich, Vince Colaiuta and Virgil DOnati. Peart falls in the category of more popular drummer. If you look up the greatest drummers of all time, they have Ginger Baker in there, C'MON! Or Keith Moon, totally overrated just because he played for the Who,
@@BobBenson-qz8lp Need to look at a little history here...Neil had no ego and spent time with some of those OG drummers and continued to learn and improve on his already massive skillset. Please do a little research on that. Peart had a complete dummer redo late in life. And to say some of these guys are overrated is a bit pretentious and trite on your part.
@@TheLibraryChamber I'm a percussionist with a masters in performance. I memorized the black page number 2 by Frank Zappa, on marimba, as one of the prerequisites to my graduate study. Peart was a monster drummer. BUT, There are 3 guys who are off the charts in polyrhythmic phrasing and pure speed , clean and very difficult rudimental drumming skills, MUCH better than peart.Colaiuta, Buddy Rich and Virgil Donati . Peart was overrated a bit.
Seconded! I've known this song since it was first released and Sohum expressed quite a bit of insight that I hadn't previously considered. Nice work and quite impressive for a first listen!
The bassist you admire is also the vocalist and the keyboard player. The drummer is both the best drummer of all time and the chief lyricist. The guitar player (yes, you are right, he is a real player) is the founder of the band.
I don't know who told you Neil was the greatest ever but that is insanely wrong. He is in the top 1%. When you're in that group there is not a best drummer, just different styles, ideas and abilities.
@@mapexzildjian6361 YOU are insanely wrong. Neil could have very easily replicated note for note ANY drummer that ever lived and in any way, style, shape or form but no drummer that ever lived could replicate the Professor. Some say Bonham was the GOAT. That is ridiculous. He was a pretty good drummer but with nothing of over the top craftsmanship.
@JeanPaillard-to1hx I can play many Rush songs. So does that make me (also) the best drummer in the world?? Yet, there are many drummers (I can list) that I won't attempt to duplicate. You obviously know nothing about drums, and percussion. You don't think Neil was aware that Danny Carey is better than him? If you want I can give you a list of drummers that are better than Neil, they do things he was never even was able to approach. You want a long list or short?
@@mapexzildjian6361 There are lots of painters who could duplicate the Mona Lisa, but that doesn't make any of them the equal of Da Vinci. The same goes for you being able to play a Rush song on the drums. I don't think Danny Carey considers himself better than Neil Peart, one of his biggest influences. In the same way, Neil didn't think that he was better than Buddy Rich, one of his greatest influences.
@@kentgreer1079 Me "duplicating" Rush songs isn't the point. If he's the best in the world (no one) should be able to play his material. Right?? Again, do you want a long list or short list of drummers doing what Neil never got close to? It's all on youtube, you can prove it to yourself and quit looking like an idiot.
That place was called Le Studio, it was a world class recording studio approximately 60 miles (100 kilometres ) north of the city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Many big name artists recorded there in the 70's, 80's & 90's. It's all gone now. I was inside exploring every inch of the place around 6 years ago, and last year I went for a quick swim in the lake at that location.
That might have been your video I watched, tromping through the ruins of that iconic location before it was finally demolished. All things must pass, I guess. So sad that the shifts of the music industry couldn't keep that place afloat-- it looked so cool to create and record at. Changes aren't permanent, but change is... 😔
..."changes aren't permanent, but change is" - absolutely brilliant. I cite that lyric all the time and people unfamiliar with it mistake me for a genius so I always have to credit where I got it from. And so I too appreciated the pause-rewind-replay to recognize it's brilliance (warm memory chip - those who know will know).
...at the top of their game - from day one and progressively raised their game for 40 years! In my opinion they peaked on the last song of their final studio album, The Garden. Perhaps not as technically exciting as some of their previous work but that song is arguably their most beautiful melodically (I'd put Ghost Of A Chance at a close second) and lyrically has so much to say and it's theme is the absolute truth.
Welcome to Rush! Three master musicians from Toronto, Canada who had a 40 plus year career. Geddy Lee Vocals, Bass,keyboards and Pedals Alex Lifeson electric and acoustic guitar, mandola, pedals and later keyboards He is also a very good comedic actor. Neil Peart drums, percussion and main lyrist. He is considered one of the best drummers in rock. Unfortunately Neil Peart passed from brain cancer in January of 2020. You were pretty spot on as far as the lyrics go. Three geniuses that took their music but not themselves seriously. Song Suggestions Xanadu from Exit Stage Left YYZ live in Rio Digital Man from the Snakes and Arrows tour Cheers
we have to teach the next GENERATIONS, what music really was, is, and what it can be!!! THEN, maybe we'll get more and we'll be around to hear it, before we go!!
Welcome to Rush. They had 19 albums on ver a 40 year run. They are all top-tier musicians, and pushed themselves, never complacent with past formulas that brought success. They style you hear will depend greatly on the decade, but it’s always excellent. Give the song The Spirit of Radio a try next. Cheers!
The holy trinity from Toronto are the greatest power trio and best live band ever. Three musical geniuses that graced the planet with forty plus years of superior musicianship and deep lyrics, by the way thats Neil, the drummers, smaller studio kit, his stage setup is twice that size. 😊
Geddy Lee [Singer, Bass Player, Keyboardist], Neil Peart [drums and lyrics], Alex Liefson [guitar]. Geddy and Alex became friends at 12. The band holds the record for the 2nd longest band without a lineup change at 48 years.
Welcome to Rush! I am a new fan, myself. 'Tom Sawyer' is probably their most well-known song. Only three guys in the band producing all of that sound! The singer, Geddy Lee, is also the bass player (widely considered one of the best in rock) and keyboard player. Geddy and the guitarist, Alex Lifeson, have been best friends since they were 13 years old! Alex is an amazing guitar player; his solos are beautiful and emotional and always fit the song perfectly. (Alex is the one you saw on 'Trailer Park Boys'). Neil Peart joined Rush in 1974, shortly after the release of their first album when their first drummer left the band. Neil was intellectual and loved to read, so he became their lyricist as well. He is considered one of the best -- if not the best - rock drummers. Neil retired from Rush in 2015 and passed away from brain cancer in 2020. Meanwhile, Rush had 40 years of great music. You should definitely check out their live performances to watch them bring their music to life! One of my favorite live performances of theirs is 'Digital Man' live from the Snakes & Arrows tour.
I had a very unique English teacher in high school. He was a man in his 70s, still teaching. He was much loved, kids would stop at his house and visit him. He'd have the local rock station playing on the stereo. One day he greeted us for class and said "have you heard that new Rush song, Tom Sawyer? Then he just said "Oh!" He "got" Rush.
The ‘winter cabin’ was actually Le Studio in Quebec Canada. Many great recordings from many great bands came out of this studio.. unfortunately, it’s long abandoned and vandalized which is a shame, it was an iconic place to create music.
Not only many folks no1 drummer of all time but also a GREAT lyricist...improbable talent. RIP Neil ❤🤘 Check their magnificent 'Xanadu...Live Exit Stage Left 1981' a legendary performance 👌
Gotta love the sound of Rush, so unique. Definitely cannot mistake them for anyone else 🎉 original lyrics "were kind of a portrait of a modern day rebel, a free-spirited individualist striding through the world wide-eyed and purposeful."
Great reaction!!! You obviously appreciate artistical musicianship. Rush is absolutely the best 3-piece band ever (quite frankly top five best band ever, no matter the members). Pure musicianship and fluid artistry in each of them and their instruments along with the pure chemistry between them. Welcome aboard the Rush Train!!! Now time to venture down the RUSH rabbit hole. I would suggest the songs below to add to your Rush journey and reactions. All of these are absolutely fire!!! Especially all of the LIVE instrumentals with Geddy’s Bass, Alex’s Guitar, and Neil’s percussive artistry. - La Villa Strangiato - Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (Instrumental - custom "carnival" intro) - original was 1978. Pure musicianship!!! UNMATCHED - best instrumental EVER. - Working Man... Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (original studio version was in 1974)...The pure sight and performance of three men in their upper 50's take control of the stage and perform and play like they were in their 20's. - Xanadu...Live version 1981 Exit Stage Left tour...will leave you speechless from pure musicianship...original was 1977. - YYZ…live from Rio in 2002 (instrumental)…original was 1981 - Best Intro Ever - Live version (R30 tour 2004) - various riffs from their 1970's songs leading into Spirit of Radio - original was 1980 - Closer to the Heart (Live 1998 Different Stages) - original was 1977 - Limelight...studio version - original was 1981. - The Garden (Clockwork Angels tour live) - original was 2012 - Subdivisions...studio version or live version - original was 1982 - Freewill... Live from Snakes and Arrows Tour 2007 - original was 1980 - Fly by Night - original was 1975 - Leave that Thing Alone - Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (Instrumental) - original was 1993 - Malignant Narcissism (instrumental) and Drum Solo - Live 2008 Snakes and Arrows Tour - original was 2007 - Also...Neil Peart's Drum Solo Live from Frankfurt 2004. He was The Professor...a pure musician and percussionist...not just a "drummer". Be ready to be amazed by not just his hand coordination...but most of all his foot coordination...basically his feet being completely individual in timing from his hands during segments of this performance. He was the master of this technique.
That building is LeStudio in Morin Heights, Ontario, Canada! Lake Perry sat right behind it. It's no longer there due to a fire and then, later on, vandalization. So sad because so many great rock bands recorded there. Still trying to raise money to rebuild it.
Welcome to the Rush rabbit hole! Dude your in for one hella good ride, they have a 40yr discography of Insane lyrics that accompany possibly 3 of the greatest musicians to be in one band. Great breakdown of the lyrics so far 🤘 And when you get into their live performances your gonna loose your mind🙌 Enjoy my friend
Absolutely got the theme of this song. Many don't. If you liked this, you're going to love exploring their catalogue. Massive musical talent, thoughtful lyricism, and a unique sound that is distinctively theirs and yet still manages to evolve over time.
This was (some of) the great music I was raised on...the only complaint we had was that we weren't sure how they could do a live performance because of the nature of the album production (we didn't know any better then; As EVERYTHING was hard wired and backing tracks were viewed in a negative light). Rush is (was) a Canandian band. Imagine if you can...listening to this in 1980ish....it was pretty fkn great and has stood the test of time.
One thing you will find with Rush is many of the songs refer to other songs in their catalog as well. "Catch the Spirit" can also be a respectful reference to the first radio station in Toronto that played their music which was called "The Spirit" and was the emphasis behind their song "The Spirit of Radio" from Permanent Waves. The Analog Kid, The Digital Man, and the The New World Man all tie together across multiple albums and are indicative of the writing prowess of Neil Peart. The Fear series is another set of songs across four albums that tie together.
@@wchambers3849 The Police were a great band, but they only produced 5 studio albums and I can only think of a few songs of theirs off the top of my head. On the other hand, wikipedia says The Police sold almost twice as many albums worldwide, so there's that!
If you watch the animated show *Archer* (it was on FXx, and streams on HULU), the character "Krieger" was a huge Rush fan. Several times he has commented on drummer Neil Peart. (pronounce it as if it's spelled "Peert".) Also he drives a cargo/conversion van and usually gives it a Rush-themed name and paint design. His vans have been named Exit: Van Left, Vanispheres, Caress of Krieger, Van By Night, and another one with the word VAN done in the style of the band logo. Finally, his last one was a Judas Priest tribute named Screaming For Van-geance.
The synth riff represents Space Invaders arcade stand up version complete with bonus UFO. "Today's Tom Sawyer" is an arcade warrior. Very 80s even though it was written in 1980.
Neil Peart (drummer) wrote most of Rush's lyrics. I understand some of the lyrics from this song came from someone else but Neil is very clever and deep with his lyrics. All 3 of these guys are multi-talented and masters at those talents. 😍
Only seen Rush once at the Tarrant County Convention Center on the 2112 tour Top 10 live shows I've ever experienced seen Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd many others at the same venue in Fort Worth Texas in the 1970's I'd go back in a blink of a eye awesome times
The drummer is the lyricist , He is know as one of the Best lyric writer in all popular music, He does not write about sex , love , He was a very huge book worm , You have just touched a very deep rabbit whole of lyrical genius,, Try Natural Science next with lyrics ,, this was just out side of Montreal
That was recorded at a place called Le Studio in a tiny village called Morin Heights, Quebec, Canada about 45 minutes north of Montreal I bumped into Getty and crew sometimes in St-Sauveur where they used to go for a drink and hang out Getty is a real gentleman
The video was filmed at LeStudio, in, I think, Montreal (don’t take my word for it). It was a beautiful building but it has been abandoned and has fallen into disrepair. I would love to see it purchased and restored. Neal Peart (pronounced to rhyme with ear) is considered among the best rock drummers EVER. Check out YYZ to see what he can do! I also recommend Subdivisions, Mystic Rhythms, Red Sector A (written about Geddy Lee’s parents who survived being in a concentration camp) and best of all, Spiritual of Radio.
Neil is widely regarded as the greatest rock drummer of all time. Tom Sawyer was his favorite song to play live because it was his most difficult work to “play correctly”. If you keep digging in you will come to realize that the three of them are all virtuosos, who’s most empathetic characteristic was that the solos were frequently all three of them soloing at the same time, but still meshing together. No one else did it like them
"the solos were frequently all three of them soloing at the same time, but still meshing together". And a great example of that is the bridge in this very song Tom Sawyer! Alex is doing yet another one of his esoteric guitar solos while Geddy is shredding the melody on bass and Neil is laying down killer fills, a couple of times they sync up for three notes then go back to their soloing, and at the end they're all back in unison. Perfection!
Recorded and filmed at Le Studio. A residential recording studio in the Laurentian Mountains near the town of Morin-Heights, Quebec, Canada. Built in 1972 by recording engineer and producer André Perry, along with his wife Yaël Brandeis and Nick Blagona, the studio was seen as one of the top recording venues in North America during its existence, renowned for its retreat-like location and state-of-the-art equipment.[1] Numerous notable Canadian and international artists recorded and stayed at Le Studio, including Rush (most notably),[2] The Police, David Bowie, the Bee Gees, Cat Stevens, April Wine, Nazareth, Queensrÿche, and Celine Dion. Perry described the facility as "like the United Nations. I had people from London, New York, Quebec, all over the world. Wiki.
Your interpretation of the lyrics are 100% accurate. Great reaction! Your ear is very sophisticated and precise. As a lifelong Rush fan, it is pure joy to watch members of your generation realize what most of my generation is simply not capable of. If you enjoy having your mind blown over and over, Rush is the rabbit hole for you.
@@Sohum about 80% of Boomers and Gen-xers hated Rush. They mostly complained about Geddy's high voice and often his appearance. I suspect the true reason is they were too 'thinky-thinky' and they were always advocates for society's outsiders. The radio stations refused to play their music and the rock and roll hall of fame snubbed them for decades. Back then, to love Rush was to immediately make you an outsider. Your generation comes at them with a totally clean slate (as I did back in 1980) and see the true genius that is Rush. An example of Rush showing their stripes is in "Subdivisions" and/or "Marathon".
@@Berliozioz So true! Geddy had perfect control of that high voice and it fit the music perfectly but alot of my friends hated it. Very little radio play, particularly pre- Moving Pictures, but the fans recognized their greatness and their live shows always sold out. I remember camping out in the record store parking lot overnight to get tickets back in the day.
Sohum (my favorite mantra BTW), that was the best reaction of have seen to this song. I think you will fall down the rabbit hole and I look forward to watching you work with more of their lyrics. Neil Peart (drummer) is among the best lyricists of all time. I would love to see you react to Natural Science - one of RUSH's best both instrumentally and lyrically. Nice job!
Twain's Tom Sawyer character was an independent free spirit who went on a lot of adventures and got into various situations in his young life. That's probably why they chose to name the song after his character.
O.K. this song was my introduction to RUSH. It was on the jukebox in the place I hung out back in 1983- 1986 playing pinball and drinking milkshakes. I explored more. Your reference to Trailer Park Boys tells me the you are in Canada, and not knowing much about RUSH makes me wonder.... How? This is still my favorite song that they recorded but, there are many others that are worth listening to again and again. I just met you this morning but it's ironic you covered this song today because my wife is constantly referring to me as Tom Sawyer for various reasons which I could get into in conversation but not comments. Anyway, I'm sure that you noticed that the synth player is the same guy as the bass player and singer and can do it all live so, look into what they have done. The early albums up to and including this one are more guitar centered. My favorites include Xanadu and By-Tor and the Snow Dog. Had to pause to finish this comment on the second playthrough. Love your insight, keep going. Spiral out
Another drummer you might like as far as creativity and intricacy.... Stewart Copeland of The Police...coincidentally, another trio, very skilled and unique. A number of parallels.
Saw them live many times...This album was my Senior High School psychedelic jam... Do the whole album..then a deep dive into RUSH..you will enter in one space and exit from another...for sure friend. Cheers! .🍄🌲🍄💥✨🌈
@@Sohum Well it worked for me back in the day, they always went on the turntable whenever I was indulging in psychedelics.. Mostly cannabis at their live shows but I'll never forget experiencing Pink Floyd The Wall tour at Arrowhead Stadium (Go Chiefs!) on mushrooms!
Welcome to the world of 3 of the most amazing musicians. I am proud to say they are Canadian You have to check out their live videos. Words can't describe the experience
Welcome to the Rush Rabbit Hole...you'll never escape, and you'll never regret it. These guy's have an amazing history and a huge catalog of amazing works. Check out all of the songs on this album and you will find every one of them a masterpiece in their own right. Then check out another, like 'Permanent Waves', full of great music and musical poetry, not a bad tune anywhere on that one either...the fact of the matter is, if you just randomly pick anything from their catalog, I can assure you it will be a great song. All three members are/were (RIP Neil) first class musicians, and first class human beings.
you dont need to over analyze all the lyrics just accept the greatness of rush for how untouchable and how its still 100 yrs ahead of itself musically it continues to remain
You seem to have a natural curiosity about song lyric meaning, if that's the case u will love Rush. They were very unique in many ways, one being their deeper, crafted lyrics, with song topics that were very different for a rock group. They were known as "the thinking man's" rock band. Adding to the uniqueness, the drummer (who is considered one of the greats) wrote nearly all the lyrics! RIP professor
Watch Neil Peart's drum solo live from Frankfort Germany it'll blow you away it's incredible. One of the best ever, it's aa ongoing argument who's the best, some say John bonham from Led Zepplin others say Neil both were great in their own way, just outstanding drummers.
The main meaning of the song is about individuality and independent thought. Freewill. It's about free thinking and rebelling against authority. Tom Sawyer in Huckleberry Finn was an independent thinker and rebelled against established norms. This song is about all of us. We all rebel against something. When he says "No his mind is not for rent to any God or government", he is saying that a free thinker is not going to be influenced by the Church or the political leaders. Free thinker. When he says "The world is the world is love and life are deep, maybe as his skies are wide". This is obviously sarcasm because we all see our own narrow view of the world. To fully understand Tom Sawyer as a song, you have to listen to The Camera Eye. This song explains what Tom Sawyer is about from observing people in the city. The word "mean" in Tom Sawyer has multiple meanings. Average, intent, purpose, malicious, etc... Let's examine some lyrical connections: Tom Sawyer "A modern day warrior, mean mean stride. Today's Tom Sawyer, mean mean pride." The Camera Eye " My feet catch the pulse and the purposeful stride."
Welcome to Rush. So many excellent songs to analyze. To see Neils brilliance, try "Neil Peart drum solo - Rush live in Frankfort". However, my favorite live performance (of anybody) is "Rush - Working Man live in Cleveland". You will be blown away with the talent of these three super musicians.
Excellent review! Enjoy your trip down the rabbit 🐇 🐇🐇 hole.. if you love that… hold on to the ride. Tip of the iceberg my friend. Neil Peart is the Professor (RIP) writing the lyrics. I recommend 2112 and Exit Stage Left and Moving Pictures album.
![Rush - La Villa Strangiato [GEN-Z REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4Sd2q-ZzZ5s/mqdefault.jpg)
![Rush - La Villa Strangiato [GEN-Z REACTION]](/img/tr.png)
![Rush - Limelight [GEN-Z REACTION]](/img/1.gif)
“This drummer is really good.” You have no idea yet how good. 😊
There would be no Danny Carey, Mike Portnoy, Gavin Harrison, if there wasn't' Mr. PEART.
@@coryg7051 you got it!
@@coryg7051 Agreed, however, Peart, along with his bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, received the award in recognition of their "significant and lasting contribution to live music and performing arts in Canada and worldwide". It was the first honorary Doctor of Music awarded by Nipissing University. So thats Doctor PEART. et. al. :)
He was the 🐐 goat and always will be. So sadly missed.
He has a shock coming
The drummer is The Professor, Neil Peart - RIP...
He is your favorite drummer's favorite drummer.
Drummers use a metronome to keep time...a metronome uses Neil Peart.
RIP
Great, but the generations overrated him slightly. But still great as you need for the Rush style.
. Real off the earth drumming of all time in technique and speed is buddy Rich, Vince Colaiuta and Virgil DOnati.
Peart falls in the category of more popular drummer. If you look up the greatest drummers of all time, they have Ginger Baker in there, C'MON! Or Keith Moon, totally overrated just because he played for the Who,
@@BobBenson-qz8lp Need to look at a little history here...Neil had no ego and spent time with some of those OG drummers and continued to learn and improve on his already massive skillset. Please do a little research on that. Peart had a complete dummer redo late in life. And to say some of these guys are overrated is a bit pretentious and trite on your part.
@@TheLibraryChamber I'm a percussionist with a masters in performance. I memorized the black page number 2 by Frank Zappa, on marimba, as one of the prerequisites to my graduate study. Peart was a monster drummer. BUT, There are 3 guys who are off the charts in polyrhythmic phrasing and pure speed , clean and very difficult rudimental drumming skills, MUCH better than peart.Colaiuta, Buddy Rich and Virgil Donati . Peart was overrated a bit.
You're the first reactor I've seen that nailed the meaning of the lyrics. Nice job.
Wow thank you
yup
Seconded! I've known this song since it was first released and Sohum expressed quite a bit of insight that I hadn't previously considered. Nice work and quite impressive for a first listen!
The bassist you admire is also the vocalist and the keyboard player. The drummer is both the best drummer of all time and the chief lyricist. The guitar player (yes, you are right, he is a real player) is the founder of the band.
I don't know who told you Neil was the greatest ever but that is insanely wrong. He is in the top 1%. When you're in that group there is not a best drummer, just different styles, ideas and abilities.
@@mapexzildjian6361
YOU are insanely wrong. Neil could have very easily replicated note for note ANY drummer that ever lived and in any way, style, shape or form but no drummer that ever lived could replicate the Professor. Some say Bonham was the GOAT. That is ridiculous. He was a pretty good drummer but with nothing of over the top craftsmanship.
@JeanPaillard-to1hx
I can play many Rush songs. So does that make me (also) the best drummer in the world?? Yet, there are many drummers (I can list) that I won't attempt to duplicate.
You obviously know nothing about drums, and percussion. You don't think Neil was aware that Danny Carey is better than him? If you want I can give you a list of drummers that are better than Neil, they do things he was never even was able to approach. You want a long list or short?
@@mapexzildjian6361 There are lots of painters who could duplicate the Mona Lisa, but that doesn't make any of them the equal of Da Vinci. The same goes for you being able to play a Rush song on the drums. I don't think Danny Carey considers himself better than Neil Peart, one of his biggest influences. In the same way, Neil didn't think that he was better than Buddy Rich, one of his greatest influences.
@@kentgreer1079
Me "duplicating" Rush songs isn't the point. If he's the best in the world (no one) should be able to play his material. Right??
Again, do you want a long list or short list of drummers doing what Neil never got close to? It's all on youtube, you can prove it to yourself and quit looking like an idiot.
One of their most resonating lyric pieces is “if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice”
Ah, Freewill. My favorite Rush song.
Which is, interestingly, completely wrong... lol
That place was called Le Studio, it was a world class recording studio approximately 60 miles (100 kilometres ) north of the city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Many big name artists recorded there in the 70's, 80's & 90's. It's all gone now. I was inside exploring every inch of the place around 6 years ago, and last year I went for a quick swim in the lake at that location.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Studio
That might have been your video I watched, tromping through the ruins of that iconic location before it was finally demolished. All things must pass, I guess. So sad that the shifts of the music industry couldn't keep that place afloat-- it looked so cool to create and record at. Changes aren't permanent, but change is... 😔
The giveaway is the neon signs in the studio.
Ok, You fit right in. I always say no dummies in a RUSH crowd. You are in for a ride with this band. Guaranteed.
hahah, well thanks
I have watched lots of people react to this song and your the first to acknowledge the brilliance of the lyric...but change is ... good job dude
..."changes aren't permanent, but change is" - absolutely brilliant. I cite that lyric all the time and people unfamiliar with it mistake me for a genius so I always have to credit where I got it from. And so I too appreciated the pause-rewind-replay to recognize it's brilliance (warm memory chip - those who know will know).
Rush is a deep rabbit hole. Three amazing musicians at the top of their game.
i love excellence
@ well then listen to more Rush, they are an excellent band.
...at the top of their game - from day one and progressively raised their game for 40 years! In my opinion they peaked on the last song of their final studio album, The Garden. Perhaps not as technically exciting as some of their previous work but that song is arguably their most beautiful melodically (I'd put Ghost Of A Chance at a close second) and lyrically has so much to say and it's theme is the absolute truth.
Welcome to Rush! Three master musicians from Toronto, Canada who had a 40 plus year career.
Geddy Lee Vocals, Bass,keyboards and Pedals
Alex Lifeson electric and acoustic guitar, mandola, pedals and later keyboards
He is also a very good comedic actor.
Neil Peart drums, percussion and main lyrist.
He is considered one of the best drummers in rock.
Unfortunately Neil Peart passed from brain cancer in January of 2020.
You were pretty spot on as far as the lyrics go.
Three geniuses that took their music but not themselves seriously.
Song Suggestions
Xanadu from Exit Stage Left
YYZ live in Rio
Digital Man from the Snakes and Arrows tour
Cheers
we have to teach the next GENERATIONS, what music really was, is, and what it can be!!! THEN, maybe we'll get more and we'll be around to hear it, before we go!!
@anthonywilson7681 There is a really good Canadian rock duo called Crown Lands. They are huge Rush fans.
I would suggest checking them out.
Cheers
Totally agree with your suggestion list as well as it's order. Plenty more to add, of course, but we don't want to overwhelm the guy!
LeStudio. It's where they recorded their biggest records. In Canada. You've found them, my no.#1 band since first i heard them in 1976.
Your a very bright fellow
Stay on this journey you won't regret
Great review, I like your insight. Rush is an incredible band, lyrically and musically.
thanks, im looking forward to more
You’re gonna love Rush ….. deep lyrics and 3 master musicians
im ready for this
Welcome to Rush. They had 19 albums on ver a 40 year run. They are all top-tier musicians, and pushed themselves, never complacent with past formulas that brought success. They style you hear will depend greatly on the decade, but it’s always excellent. Give the song The Spirit of Radio a try next. Cheers!
The holy trinity from Toronto are the greatest power trio and best live band ever. Three musical geniuses that graced the planet with forty plus years of superior musicianship and deep lyrics, by the way thats Neil, the drummers, smaller studio kit, his stage setup is twice that size. 😊
I love that you picked up on the "changes" lyric. One of my all time favourities!
its a great one
The "cabin" was "Le Studio". A famous recording studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, Canada .
Geddy Lee [Singer, Bass Player, Keyboardist], Neil Peart [drums and lyrics], Alex Liefson [guitar]. Geddy and Alex became friends at 12. The band holds the record for the 2nd longest band without a lineup change at 48 years.
Welcome to Rush! I am a new fan, myself. 'Tom Sawyer' is probably their most well-known song. Only three guys in the band producing all of that sound! The singer, Geddy Lee, is also the bass player (widely considered one of the best in rock) and keyboard player. Geddy and the guitarist, Alex Lifeson, have been best friends since they were 13 years old! Alex is an amazing guitar player; his solos are beautiful and emotional and always fit the song perfectly. (Alex is the one you saw on 'Trailer Park Boys'). Neil Peart joined Rush in 1974, shortly after the release of their first album when their first drummer left the band. Neil was intellectual and loved to read, so he became their lyricist as well. He is considered one of the best -- if not the best - rock drummers. Neil retired from Rush in 2015 and passed away from brain cancer in 2020. Meanwhile, Rush had 40 years of great music. You should definitely check out their live performances to watch them bring their music to life! One of my favorite live performances of theirs is 'Digital Man' live from the Snakes & Arrows tour.
I had a very unique English teacher in high school. He was a man in his 70s, still teaching. He was much loved, kids would stop at his house and visit him. He'd have the local rock station playing on the stereo. One day he greeted us for class and said "have you heard that new Rush song, Tom Sawyer? Then he just said "Oh!" He "got" Rush.
Rush was always considered the thinking man’s band. And now you understand why!
im a big fan of thinking
Always have the lyrics up when listening to Rush.
💯 %
“Like it? Well, I don’t see why I oughtn’t to like it. Does a boy get a chance to whitewash a fence every day?”
Oooops. You just tripped into a huge rabbit hole
The ‘winter cabin’ was actually Le Studio in Quebec Canada. Many great recordings from many great bands came out of this studio.. unfortunately, it’s long abandoned and vandalized which is a shame, it was an iconic place to create music.
One of the finest bands in history
Not only many folks no1 drummer of all time but also a GREAT lyricist...improbable talent. RIP Neil ❤🤘 Check their magnificent 'Xanadu...Live Exit Stage Left 1981' a legendary performance 👌
Gotta love the sound of Rush, so unique. Definitely cannot mistake them for anyone else 🎉
original lyrics "were kind of a portrait of a modern day rebel, a free-spirited individualist striding through the world wide-eyed and purposeful."
Great reaction!!! You obviously appreciate artistical musicianship. Rush is absolutely the best 3-piece band ever (quite frankly top five best band ever, no matter the members). Pure musicianship and fluid artistry in each of them and their instruments along with the pure chemistry between them.
Welcome aboard the Rush Train!!! Now time to venture down the RUSH rabbit hole.
I would suggest the songs below to add to your Rush journey and reactions. All of these are absolutely fire!!! Especially all of the LIVE instrumentals with Geddy’s Bass, Alex’s Guitar, and Neil’s percussive artistry.
- La Villa Strangiato - Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (Instrumental - custom "carnival" intro) - original was 1978. Pure musicianship!!! UNMATCHED - best instrumental EVER.
- Working Man... Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (original studio version was in 1974)...The pure sight and performance of three men in their upper 50's take control of the stage and perform and play like they were in their 20's.
- Xanadu...Live version 1981 Exit Stage Left tour...will leave you speechless from pure musicianship...original was 1977.
- YYZ…live from Rio in 2002 (instrumental)…original was 1981
- Best Intro Ever - Live version (R30 tour 2004) - various riffs from their 1970's songs leading into Spirit of Radio - original was 1980
- Closer to the Heart (Live 1998 Different Stages) - original was 1977
- Limelight...studio version - original was 1981.
- The Garden (Clockwork Angels tour live) - original was 2012
- Subdivisions...studio version or live version - original was 1982
- Freewill... Live from Snakes and Arrows Tour 2007 - original was 1980
- Fly by Night - original was 1975
- Leave that Thing Alone - Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (Instrumental) - original was 1993
- Malignant Narcissism (instrumental) and Drum Solo - Live 2008 Snakes and Arrows Tour - original was 2007
- Also...Neil Peart's Drum Solo Live from Frankfurt 2004. He was The Professor...a pure musician and percussionist...not just a "drummer". Be ready to be amazed by not just his hand coordination...but most of all his foot coordination...basically his feet being completely individual in timing from his hands during segments of this performance. He was the master of this technique.
That building is LeStudio in Morin Heights, Ontario, Canada! Lake Perry sat right behind it. It's no longer there due to a fire and then, later on, vandalization. So sad because so many great rock bands recorded there. Still trying to raise money to rebuild it.
That drummer is the greatest to do it!
Welcome to the Rush rabbit hole! Dude your in for one hella good ride, they have a 40yr discography of Insane lyrics that accompany possibly 3 of the greatest musicians to be in one band.
Great breakdown of the lyrics so far 🤘
And when you get into their live performances your gonna loose your mind🙌
Enjoy my friend
Absolutely got the theme of this song. Many don't. If you liked this, you're going to love exploring their catalogue. Massive musical talent, thoughtful lyricism, and a unique sound that is distinctively theirs and yet still manages to evolve over time.
Any Reactions should be live shows. You need to see what these 3 genius' can do on stage
This was (some of) the great music I was raised on...the only complaint we had was that we weren't sure how they could do a live performance because of the nature of the album production (we didn't know any better then; As EVERYTHING was hard wired and backing tracks were viewed in a negative light). Rush is (was) a Canandian band. Imagine if you can...listening to this in 1980ish....it was pretty fkn great and has stood the test of time.
Good job! You just touched the tip of the iceberg with this band.
One thing you will find with Rush is many of the songs refer to other songs in their catalog as well. "Catch the Spirit" can also be a respectful reference to the first radio station in Toronto that played their music which was called "The Spirit" and was the emphasis behind their song "The Spirit of Radio" from Permanent Waves. The Analog Kid, The Digital Man, and the The New World Man all tie together across multiple albums and are indicative of the writing prowess of Neil Peart. The Fear series is another set of songs across four albums that tie together.
Rush is the best 3 man band!
Do you think The Police give Rush a run for their money? 🤔
@@wchambers3849 The Police were a great band, but they only produced 5 studio albums and I can only think of a few songs of theirs off the top of my head. On the other hand, wikipedia says The Police sold almost twice as many albums worldwide, so there's that!
@@wchambers3849 I do like their tune about mixing concrete - Rock Sand! 😜
Neil Peart also wrote travel books based on his bike/motorcycle trips across the world. I've read or listened to all of them. Amazing and insightful.
If you watch the animated show *Archer* (it was on FXx, and streams on HULU), the character "Krieger" was a huge Rush fan. Several times he has commented on drummer Neil Peart. (pronounce it as if it's spelled "Peert".) Also he drives a cargo/conversion van and usually gives it a Rush-themed name and paint design. His vans have been named Exit: Van Left, Vanispheres, Caress of Krieger, Van By Night, and another one with the word VAN done in the style of the band logo. Finally, his last one was a Judas Priest tribute named Screaming For Van-geance.
Yes. Change is the only constant. Rush makes us think. ❤
The synth riff represents Space Invaders arcade stand up version complete with bonus UFO. "Today's Tom Sawyer" is an arcade warrior. Very 80s even though it was written in 1980.
The drummer is widely considered one of the best there ever was
If you want to appreciate the best drummer ever, check out his drum solo from Frankfurt, Germany.
The rush drummer wrote most of the songs and was quite a poet.
That was Le Studio recording studio in Canada. They are Canadian.
ahh that makes sense, i shouldve put it together with the trailer park boys being canadian too
The drummer wrote all their lyrics
@SOHUM...BE READY TO MEGA-HUM...with Rush. You got lucky, Holmes!
This is not only one of their best songs, but it's a rock classic. It's a timeless song.
Neil Peart (drummer) wrote most of Rush's lyrics. I understand some of the lyrics from this song came from someone else but Neil is very clever and deep with his lyrics. All 3 of these guys are multi-talented and masters at those talents. 😍
Only seen Rush once at the Tarrant County Convention Center on the 2112 tour Top 10 live shows I've ever experienced seen Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd many others at the same venue in Fort Worth Texas in the 1970's I'd go back in a blink of a eye awesome times
The drummer is the lyricist , He is know as one of the Best lyric writer in all popular music, He does not write about sex , love , He was a very huge book worm , You have just touched a very deep rabbit whole of lyrical genius,, Try Natural Science next with lyrics ,, this was just out side of Montreal
That drummer is Mr Neil Peart. He is currently considered one of the greatest drummers of all time. Check out his solo live in Rio.
reaction was awesome! Thanks!!
The location was "le studio," a recording studio in southern Quebec Canada
french?
@Sohum Yes, the province of Quebec Canada is one of two who speak french,while the rest of the country speaks English.
There is every other band in the world , and then there is Rush. I recommend checking out Neil's drum solo
The drummer is the GOAT!!!!
The studio was LeStudio, in Morin Heights, Quebec. It no longer exists, as it burned to the ground in the mid 2010s.
Im from hometown of RUSH..TORONTO...im 57 been a RUSH fan since i was 10....I'll take rush music in to the afterlife..
That was recorded at a place called Le Studio in a tiny village called Morin Heights, Quebec, Canada about 45 minutes north of Montreal
I bumped into Getty and crew sometimes in St-Sauveur where they used to go for a drink and hang out
Getty is a real gentleman
Neil has a great Keith Moon style performance here, fun to watch. Great reaction.
The video was filmed at LeStudio, in, I think, Montreal (don’t take my word for it). It was a beautiful building but it has been abandoned and has fallen into disrepair. I would love to see it purchased and restored.
Neal Peart (pronounced to rhyme with ear) is considered among the best rock drummers EVER. Check out YYZ to see what he can do!
I also recommend Subdivisions, Mystic Rhythms, Red Sector A (written about Geddy Lee’s parents who survived being in a concentration camp) and best of all, Spiritual of Radio.
Watch Neil Peart’s drum solo, I believe it’s from their concert in Frankfurt.
It is their old studio where rolling stones and billy idle also recorded songs. The home is in Canada and is abandoned.
Working Man Live In Cleveland: Three guys in their late 50s at the end of a 3 hour show; fasten your seatbelt!!
🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
Nice interpretation. You're spot on. Also, one of the world's top 3 drummers.
Neil is widely regarded as the greatest rock drummer of all time. Tom Sawyer was his favorite song to play live because it was his most difficult work to “play correctly”. If you keep digging in you will come to realize that the three of them are all virtuosos, who’s most empathetic characteristic was that the solos were frequently all three of them soloing at the same time, but still meshing together. No one else did it like them
"the solos were frequently all three of them soloing at the same time, but still meshing together".
And a great example of that is the bridge in this very song Tom Sawyer! Alex is doing yet another one of his esoteric guitar solos while Geddy is shredding the melody on bass and Neil is laying down killer fills, a couple of times they sync up for three notes then go back to their soloing, and at the end they're all back in unison. Perfection!
Recorded and filmed at Le Studio. A residential recording studio in the Laurentian Mountains near the town of Morin-Heights, Quebec, Canada. Built in 1972 by recording engineer and producer André Perry, along with his wife Yaël Brandeis and Nick Blagona, the studio was seen as one of the top recording venues in North America during its existence, renowned for its retreat-like location and state-of-the-art equipment.[1] Numerous notable Canadian and international artists recorded and stayed at Le Studio, including Rush (most notably),[2] The Police, David Bowie, the Bee Gees, Cat Stevens, April Wine, Nazareth, Queensrÿche, and Celine Dion. Perry described the facility as "like the United Nations. I had people from London, New York, Quebec, all over the world. Wiki.
Your interpretation of the lyrics are 100% accurate. Great reaction! Your ear is very sophisticated and precise. As a lifelong Rush fan, it is pure joy to watch members of your generation realize what most of my generation is simply not capable of. If you enjoy having your mind blown over and over, Rush is the rabbit hole for you.
im curious, why do you think most your generation is not capable?
@@Sohum about 80% of Boomers and Gen-xers hated Rush. They mostly complained about Geddy's high voice and often his appearance. I suspect the true reason is they were too 'thinky-thinky' and they were always advocates for society's outsiders. The radio stations refused to play their music and the rock and roll hall of fame snubbed them for decades. Back then, to love Rush was to immediately make you an outsider.
Your generation comes at them with a totally clean slate (as I did back in 1980) and see the true genius that is Rush. An example of Rush showing their stripes is in "Subdivisions" and/or "Marathon".
@@Berliozioz So true! Geddy had perfect control of that high voice and it fit the music perfectly but alot of my friends hated it. Very little radio play, particularly pre- Moving Pictures, but the fans recognized their greatness and their live shows always sold out. I remember camping out in the record store parking lot overnight to get tickets back in the day.
One of the deepest and most rewarding "rabbit holes" on RUclips. 3 Virtuoso musicians creating music for over 40 years.
Sohum (my favorite mantra BTW), that was the best reaction of have seen to this song. I think you will fall down the rabbit hole and I look forward to watching you work with more of their lyrics. Neil Peart (drummer) is among the best lyricists of all time. I would love to see you react to Natural Science - one of RUSH's best both instrumentally and lyrically. Nice job!
All 3 are virtuosos on their instruments, the greatest band of all time lyrically and musically drummer gr,bass player greatest guitar player greatest
Great reaction!
That is IMO the GOAT on drums.
You just leveled up.
Twain's Tom Sawyer character was an independent free spirit who went on a lot of adventures and got into various situations in his young life. That's probably why they chose to name the song after his character.
O.K. this song was my introduction to RUSH. It was on the jukebox in the place I hung out back in 1983- 1986 playing pinball and drinking milkshakes. I explored more.
Your reference to Trailer Park Boys tells me the you are in Canada, and not knowing much about RUSH makes me wonder.... How?
This is still my favorite song that they recorded but, there are many others that are worth listening to again and again. I just met you this morning but it's ironic you covered this song today because my wife is constantly referring to me as Tom Sawyer for various reasons which I could get into in conversation but not comments.
Anyway, I'm sure that you noticed that the synth player is the same guy as the bass player and singer and can do it all live so, look into what they have done. The early albums up to and including this one are more guitar centered. My favorites include Xanadu and By-Tor and the Snow Dog. Had to pause to finish this comment on the second playthrough. Love your insight, keep going. Spiral out
Rush is the greatest band ever. It’s not rocket appliances.
Saw these guys back in the 80’s. Great show.
my 1st time here...I subbed and I look forward to hearing more ! Keep on brother!
Another drummer you might like as far as creativity and intricacy.... Stewart Copeland of The Police...coincidentally, another trio, very skilled and unique. A number of parallels.
And recorded at LeStudio.
Great reaction. Well done done .
Thanks so much
Saw them live many times...This album was my Senior High School psychedelic jam...
Do the whole album..then a deep dive into RUSH..you will enter in one space and exit from another...for sure friend.
Cheers! .🍄🌲🍄💥✨🌈
psychedlics and rush would go crazy haha
@@Sohum Well it worked for me back in the day, they always went on the turntable whenever I was indulging in psychedelics.. Mostly cannabis at their live shows but I'll never forget experiencing Pink Floyd The Wall tour at Arrowhead Stadium (Go Chiefs!) on mushrooms!
The recording was done at Le Studio in Morin Heights , Quebec
You nailed it , way to go!!!!
thank ya
This house in Toronto was also used by April Wine. Another Great concert I've seen. Nature of the Beast. 😊😊😊
I think it was demolished a year or 2 ago.
Actually located in Morin heights, Quebec, near Montreal. but not a big deal.
3 man power pack. One of the greatest of all time.
Welcome to the world of 3 of the most amazing musicians. I am proud to say they are Canadian
You have to check out their live videos. Words can't describe the experience
Good work Sohum, Thankyou for your insight, Cheers bud.
Welcome to the Rush Rabbit Hole...you'll never escape, and you'll never regret it. These guy's have an amazing history and a huge catalog of amazing works. Check out all of the songs on this album and you will find every one of them a masterpiece in their own right. Then check out another, like 'Permanent Waves', full of great music and musical poetry, not a bad tune anywhere on that one either...the fact of the matter is, if you just randomly pick anything from their catalog, I can assure you it will be a great song.
All three members are/were (RIP Neil) first class musicians, and first class human beings.
you dont need to over analyze all the lyrics just accept the greatness of rush for how untouchable and how its still 100 yrs ahead of itself musically it continues to remain
You seem to have a natural curiosity about song lyric meaning, if that's the case u will love Rush. They were very unique in many ways, one being their deeper, crafted lyrics, with song topics that were very different for a rock group. They were known as "the thinking man's" rock band. Adding to the uniqueness, the drummer (who is considered one of the greats) wrote nearly all the lyrics! RIP professor
Watch Neil Peart's drum solo live from Frankfort Germany it'll blow you away it's incredible. One of the best ever, it's aa ongoing argument who's the best, some say John bonham from Led Zepplin others say Neil both were great in their own way, just outstanding drummers.
The main meaning of the song is about individuality and independent thought. Freewill. It's about free thinking and rebelling against authority. Tom Sawyer in Huckleberry Finn was an independent thinker and rebelled against established norms. This song is about all of us. We all rebel against something. When he says "No his mind is not for rent to any God or government", he is saying that a free thinker is not going to be influenced by the Church or the political leaders. Free thinker. When he says "The world is the world is love and life are deep, maybe as his skies are wide". This is obviously sarcasm because we all see our own narrow view of the world. To fully understand Tom Sawyer as a song, you have to listen to The Camera Eye. This song explains what Tom Sawyer is about from observing people in the city. The word "mean" in Tom Sawyer has multiple meanings. Average, intent, purpose, malicious, etc...
Let's examine some lyrical connections:
Tom Sawyer
"A modern day warrior, mean mean stride. Today's Tom Sawyer, mean mean pride."
The Camera Eye
" My feet catch the pulse and the purposeful stride."
The rush rabbit hole is very deep, and the deeper you go the less you will want to get out
Several songs during live performances, the bass player is singing, playing bass & playing keyboard football pedals at the same time.
Welcome to Rush. So many excellent songs to analyze. To see Neils brilliance, try "Neil Peart drum solo - Rush live in Frankfort". However, my favorite live performance (of anybody) is "Rush - Working Man live in Cleveland". You will be blown away with the talent of these three super musicians.
Excellent review! Enjoy your trip down the rabbit 🐇 🐇🐇 hole.. if you love that… hold on to the ride. Tip of the iceberg my friend. Neil Peart is the Professor (RIP) writing the lyrics. I recommend 2112 and Exit Stage Left and Moving Pictures album.
Yeah, he was pretty good.
Canada has the two best trios, RUSH and Triumph.