Power Windows is my all time favourite Rush album! Marathon is pretty much the pinnacle of the album. Its upbeat, high energy, inspiring lyrics is what it made this song. Rush is one of the few bands in music who can adapt with the times, and they adapted with the times in the 80's as a band from the 70's, and then managed to pull through the 90's up until the very end. Great reaction!
Anyone who plays back a Lifeson solo and can pick out the technical aspects and how well he fits his piece into the song gets a sub in my book. Lifeson is seriously one of the most overlooked!
Slunks Natural Science has one of Alex’s best solo’s even the solo’s on The Spirit Of Radio, and Freewill are great also. Natural Science is one of my top 10 Rush song’s if though I’d probably have like a thousands honorable mentions, and yes I agree Alex is one of the most underrated and overlooked guitarists of all time.
This is from 1985, and is part of the "Synth Era" of Rush that many early die-hard Rush fans don't like. Sometimes I feel like this album, Power Windows, and the one after this, Hold Your Fire are the best albums Rush put out. There are many similarly great songs from the 80's that you would love if you like this one so much (one of my favorites). Check out Mission, The Pass, Middletown Dreams, Losin it, Time Stand Still, Territories, The Enemy Within, Subdivisions, Bravado, Manhattan Project... I could go on and on. Great reaction, as usual. You definitely seem to appreciate great music.
Such a great tune. Totally 80s, but totally Rush. All 3 guys are on fire on this tune. The choir coming into the last chorus and the strings coming in at the modulation give me chills, especially on headphones. Great reaction!
This is one of my all-time favorites thank you so much for playing it. I love all Rush do not get me wrong but my favorite Rush has been from the past 30 years. You have to check out some of their "newer stuff" test for echo, driven, nobody's hero, mission, Resist, between the sun and Moon, ghost of a chance, roll the bones, far cry, and the big money
Released October 14, 1985 on the Power Windows album. This and the next album, Hold Your Fire mark the zenith of 80’s synthesizer use by Rush. This album is probably the one with the most “radio friendly” or pop-rock songs in sound and song length. YET, the heavier prog rock elements are still always there. As good as Alex’s linger solos were in the 70’s, by the 80’s he’d become so inventive in his soloing - packing more excitement into a shorter section of the song. Neil wrote some very uplifting lyrics during this time, like this song. It’s Rush - it’s amazing even when it’s happier and brighter!!! What’s wrong with that!!
This is my sixth most favorite Rush album and the first concert I saw live. So underrated. I agree about the positivity. Rush is always about overcoming adversity, the triumph of the human spirit over tyrants and naysayers. A few cautionary tales as well. Neil's songs never wallow in self pity or teen angst and never sweats the small stuff. There is a timelessness to Rush songs that keep them relative decades after they are written.
I saw Rush many times and love their music.. there is something about this particular tune that always brings me to tears.. if I only knew then what I know now!
You are most welcome :) I trust your opinion with Rush since you have been in every video comments for them ^^ So thank you for always coming to watch Tracey.
@@Detrucci No worries! I only discovered Rush in 2007 so I'm still a relative newbie but I'm getting there and enjoying seeing your journey with them too! 😁
This is the song I want playing when I cross the finish line. :) Definitely 80s. Heh. They crushed this in concert. It plays amazing live. Fantastic Alex Lifeson solo. Killer bass.
Nice job sir! You are correct in your observation that RUSH kept up with the times. I would call the 80’s their “songwriting” era as they really began writing some beautiful songs. Middletown Dreams from this same album is awesome, in fact there is NO bad songs on Power Windows. One of their strongest albums start to finish. If you want to check out another album from this era I would suggest “turn the page” from Hold your Fire. 🔥🎶🤘🙂🔥
Ah … yes you have done it (so watched this again). Further to my comment on your Middletown Dreams reaction …. I like that you're able to intuit Neil's fills now ... how his part develops through the track and the accents he provides seem so natural, to even a non-musician like myself!
I just want you to experience the entire Rush catalog at once! It's all so awesome. There is a lot of positivity in their '90s and 2000s work as well; especially in their 2002 comeback album Vapor Trails after Neil's personal tragedies. Can't wait for you to hear more. So love your reactions!
As long as he hears the remastered version. The original version of that album will make your ears bleed (I still have the CD for when I'm feeling especially masochistic)
Thank you Detrucci; was feeling anxiety tonight needing to feel some humanity in these crazy times we live in. Your passion and energy was contagious. And combined with a great Rush song really picked up my spirits; super appreciate it. As far as Rush goes, I find there 80's to early nineties stuff to be their best stuff BY FAR! I just love the melodies, and think Geddy's light, lyrical voice fits way better with this style of music than some of the earlier heavy riffs or much more recent Rush. Anyway, great stuff dude; thanks again!
Lots of people downplay the synth era of Rush but i think it's the most interesting work they did from around Moving pictures (81) until hold your fire (88).
Thank you, Detrucci! This is one of my favorite Rush songs. This embodies the group so well... Song writing, lyrics, musicianship. Power Windows is an excellent album. Middletown Dreams is a Rush song no one tackles. It is my favorite Rush song. Manhattan Project, Territories, The Big Money, Mystic Rhythms, Emotion Detector, Grand Designs. 8 wonderful songs
great review Detrucci, Rush lost a lot of 70's fans when they shifted their musical style in the 80's but seeing you react to it 35 years down the road reinforces Rush's quest to continually be progressive and challenge themselves and not get stuck in any musical rut
you'd love the live version off "Show of Hands!" … Geddy's vocals really shine and Alex's solo is crisp (and I think a bit more complex than this one!) … and of course you see them all working hard! Have a look and report back! :)
Love how Neil changes up each verse on drums. Such a great track on a great album. I love every “style” they had throughout their career. It fits the times perfectly.
The synth era of Rush probably started with Signals, Grace Under Pressure, and here we are at Power Windows. Some synth incorporations are better than others in my opinion. I think that they were keeping up with the technology more than keeping up with the times. But that fat, juicy, bouncy bass, when it appears, was what caused me to start learning the bass back in the 80s. On some songs in this era, especially "The Big Money", the bass guitar acts as one of the percussion instruments, and it just cuts through everything.
I remember the first time I heard a song off this album - October 1985, waiting in the drive-thru line at Carls Jr in Costa Mesa CA - DJ comes on and says "the new Rush album just released! Here's a track..." Not sure which track was then played - probably The Big Money. But a memorable moment to the point I know right where I was the first time I heard it. I personally LOVE the "keyboard era", a sentiment not shared by all Rush fans. It's all good in my book. Rock on!
As always...excellent and enjoyable reaction! Been trying to pick out more Rush for you to react to....pretty much want to say start at the begging and don’t stop until the end! As I’ve said before, you clearly get and understand this band, and music and performance in general. Here are some of my favorites....Freewill and Jacob’s Ladder from Permanent Waves, Red Barchetta and Limelight from Moving Pictures, The Trees from Hemispheres, Subdivisions and New World Man from Signals. Hope to see you fit all of these in as you can! Thank you!
Whenever I have a lot of work to get done, this one goes on the playlist ... great beat - - and the message is really uplifting A lot of the 'younger' crowd got into Rush during this time, although a lot of the 'older' group didn't care for the sound. As usual, Rush evolved ... and kept evolving ... staying relevant for the times. Great reaction!!
To evolve and grow is just to live right Lauri?, Even Geddy talks about it in this song :) I remember the saame thing happened with Linkin Park (my era lol) and now looking back I think people can understand why it happened. At the time though, the diehard fans were not nice about it. Rush most likely knew that over time, sticking to the same style forever would limit them in terms of years of relevency. Era's change, time changes and even hearts change. To stay the same forever would be counter intuitive to the great minds that Rush are. To continue to be masters of the art and composition, they need to keep learning and experimenting with new things, new sounds and new ways to play. :)
@@Detrucci Absolutely!! They discovered what was relevant for the time ... perfected it ... then wrapped it into who they were, adding to their mastery. Such a spectacular group - - after all these years, their music (and their message) remains relevant!! Look forward to your further exploration - - I heard a few songs from Linkin Park ... I liked the few I heard :-)
I like the line: "In the long run" because that is just one example how Neil Peart wrote words with dual meaning where both meanings fit the context of the song.
Loved your reaction!...I knew you'd like 80's Rush Detrucci...Its awesome! Please try GRAND DESIGNS from Power Windows. I saw them twice on that tour. the first was an OK show...the second on Bastille Day at an amphitheatre in Sacramento was UNBELIEVABLE in comparison...They were all wearing shorts ...Geddy and Neil had loosely written out a little bass and drums jam that was fire. Neils solo was extra long and they played every song on the album beautifully except my favorite...GRAND DESIGNS untill ..The THIRD ENCORE (Rush almost never goes 3) they had it in their back pocket... my favorite song saved for last! Made this 16 year old bass players rock and roll dreams come true! 6 rows back, center right...and you know Geddy Lee was singing directly at me most of the time...seemed like it anyway! HaHa! Totally worth every second of being grounded for a month for sneaking out. More 80s Rush!!The Big Money music video is really good to ruclips.net/video/WQgu0MpnKq8/видео.html There were so many great songs written by Rush in this era...I feel sorry for the raw dog, guitar only enthusiasts who disavowed them for experimenting more with keys. They missed out on probably their best writing as a whole and certainly their best playing overall as well...I mean, They progressed as musicians ...They got BETTER at playing their instruments...more refined maybe. but better.
That does sound like a dream come true experience :) I am so happy for you. I too love this writing/composition style, It shows that Rush can adapt and also bring their own style in to the genre equally. Like I said in the video, It's not keybaords I dislike. I actually love keyboards. Its the one particular hammond style sound that irks me. But there haven't been too many reactions so far to trigger it in me, Yes - Roundabout just happened to be one and people get up in arms about it, But I think the keybaord is talented, just didnt like the sound is all. I am happy to hear Rush experimenting with new styles and new music, As much as its nice to have a band stay the same sound, it would also mean they dont grow and adapt over time, This would make them stuck in one era of music. We would never get something as beautiful as this or The Garden otherwise :) I really like the minds of Rush and I think they are some of the smartest/talented people in music.
Detrucci this is from 1985 and is considered part of their synth era of songwriting. This one in particular is one of there better-written songs of this era. Geddy was singing ina lower resister and you can appreciate how strong and melodic his voice is. This song also featured a nice guitar solo from Alex, which you broke down nicely. Sadly Alex's role in this synth era was somewhat diminished by the larger synth presence but on this one it was excellent. Another nicely blended song from this same album that I highly recoo=mmend is "Territories".
Personally, I love Alex's guitar work in their era far more than his earlier stuff or later songs. It took a lot more ingenuity and creativity to squeeze in as much sound as he did! Come the mid-90's though, is when I got outright pissed off at him... by Test For Echo, he abandoned guitar solos and as a guitarist since I became a fan 27 years ago, it was hard to overlook.
You just NAILED EVERY REASON I LOVE THIS ERA! 70's Rush is good, but it blends in too much with the rest of the Prog era. As a guitarist, I am MUCH more interested in everything Alex did in the 80's than anything he did in the 70's. Their lyrics are just plain inspirational, each of them carries over that same mastery of their instruments and Alex was a creative fucking genius on guitar when he embraced all of the technology available. To ease you into the era, I'd have to recommend the live version of Big Money, off their 1988 tour. ruclips.net/video/uyeeO8sb-A8/видео.html You get to see some of their humor and having fun playing on stage :)
I was a big fan of 70's Rush. I was also a big fan of this version of Rush, it had a lot more keyboards, Geddy loved them, Alex did not :D and they went back to more guitar based songs which I also thought were great. I thought Geddy was very tasteful with the keyboard sounds and they still sound good now.
The interesting thing about Marathon is if you listen to the live version of Marathon on “A Show of Hands,” it sounds like they actually finished the song. I think the studio version ending with fade out was just a tease to get you in the live venue so you could actually hear the real, intended ending. 🙂
Great reaction to one of my favorite Rush songs. If you like 80s Rush, then you should react to The Enemy Within and The Body Electric from the Grace Under Pressure album from 1984. I believe there are official videos for both songs. Thanks again.
I am so biased to the 80s Rush sound, which came during my teen years. However, it would be more accurate to say I was then, and am now, most in to the 80s Rush lyrics. All the songs in their 80s catalog have important topics, stories and meaning which I related to. Back then, I wrote the chorus on parchment in calligraphy, while in high school. I still have it over thirty years later.
Love the album from the fist time it came out and heard all the songs. Like Chaz is saying a truly underrated album just for the fact that the band used more and more keyboards.
Power Windows was a magical record. Neil was writing great, mature lyrics, Ged's voice and bass playing were at their peak, and Alex was cranking out great atmospheric tones and wicked solos.
Thank you Greg, I am actually trying to get better at talking about what is going on in my mind and not just say "oh wow, that is amazing" haha Slowly learning and improving I guess Middletown is definitely the most popular request at the moment huh :)
Thank you for liking Rush. They don't change for the times which is why they where never mainstream. They were constantly trying to develop for themselves. Their use of keyboards is not liked by some fans but I loved it. Subdivisions and Moving Pictures are other great Synth added Albums. Geddy & Neil are Masters , Alex is SO Underrated. 80's Rush was spectacular. All Rush every decade has so much to offer.
This album is amazing! It has become my most played Rush album over the years. I really want to see your reactions to these songs: Middletown Dreams Emotion Detector Mystic Rhythms Manhattan Project
Excellent choice of songs to pick for your synth Rush debut. I was a senior in high school when this album came out while I didn’t completely appreciate it then I certainly appreciate it now. I was always drawn to the cover art. Like, what is going on there? Who is that guy, and what is his deal? Anyway, My favorite part about this song is the lyrics and how the dreamy synth aspect connects everything together from Gettys thumping bass riffs, to Neil’s staccato style drums, and Alex’s accented guitar jams. The synth aspect of this song could have been a distraction but as always they seamlessly made it work. I want to put another plug in for “Natural Science” (studio version), which technically could be categorized as an 80’s album as it was released in 1980 (recorded in 1979 *cough cough*) . I’m really curious to get your take on that one so I’m going to keep pounding the drum for that song. As always, enjoyed your reaction. Keep em coming man! 👍🏻
This is the 4th time I have watched you react to Marathon. I love this song! I love to listen to your reaction! I think if you liked this I believe you should check out Mission live A Show of Hands so you can feel the emotion of the solo at tye end... Sometimes I'm moved to tears from the emotion
Yes and yes. I've re watched it a few times just because I enjoy watching someone "discover" Alex after they already heard Alex play before :) And, "Mission" is one of the most intense solos I've heard Alex play!
“I like 80s Rush!” 😎 I’d recommend Territories and Mystic Rhythms from this same album. Then Time Stand Still and Mission off of Hold Your Fire. Then New World Man from Signals.
"It's gonna be awesome and prog metal-like." Well yes, but then no 😂. I know you don't care for fade-outs, so I might direct you to the live version on "A Show of Hands." The ending on that version is so much better. Love your reaction as always!
Try the track, "Grand Designs", from this album, "Power Windows", one of Alex's more 'instinctive', guitar solos, saw them play it live a few times, awesome.
With regards to Rush's album covers I love how they play on the words of the album title with the picture/painting they have decided to use. Very clever! ❤
It is an easy distinction to make when you dont understand the sub genre's of metal. When I was first introduced I though there was only 3: Rock, Heavy Metal and Death Metal. Once you dive deeper you start to see all the depth each genre has and it becomes like a book library but for rock and metal music
Great reaction from the underrated Power Windows. Marathon is my favorite Rush song (and maybe just favorite song full stop); propulsive, almost symphonic with lyrics that pay tribute to determination, endurance, and achievement. If I was trapped on a desert island and could only have one song to keep me going it would be this one.
70's Hammond tones can be amazing. Keep in mind that everything on a B3 is controlled on the fly with drawbars. AND it is not a stereo instrument by default. However, two microphones on a rotating Leslie (which is typically used in conjunction with a B3) can creating an aural image that is very difficult to reproduce with a synth. Additionally, a lot of the 70's producers wanted that B3 tone, as it was the 'cool' thing to do.....except for Rush!!
On the same 1985 album, Power Windows, I suggest to do reactions of the audio of Emotion Detector and the official videos of The Big Money and Mystic Rhythms ! For the 1984 album Grace Under Pressure watch the official video of Distant Early Warning and Afterimage. For the Grace Under Pressure Live Show in Toronto Maple Leaf Garden watch The Enemy Within, Red Sector A and The Weapon (from Signals but this live version is a killer !) ! From the 1987 Hold Your Fire watch the official videos of Time Stand Still (very commercial) and Lock And Key ! Thanks !
Middletown Dreams. Honestly check out all of these albums Signals Grace Under Pressure Power Windows Hold Your Fire Permanent Waves All genres of Rush are uniquely Rush
I may be in the minority on this, but I think Rush got ten times better once Geddy started treating his voice with the same respect he treated his bass.
![Quando Rondo - Grow Up [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8zFnCg3BO4Q/mqdefault.jpg)
Power Windows is my all time favourite Rush album! Marathon is pretty much the pinnacle of the album. Its upbeat, high energy, inspiring lyrics is what it made this song.
Rush is one of the few bands in music who can adapt with the times, and they adapted with the times in the 80's as a band from the 70's, and then managed to pull through the 90's up until the very end.
Great reaction!
Power Windows from first to last songs is one of the most unique albums ever made. So many layers and ahead of its time
Anyone who plays back a Lifeson solo and can pick out the technical aspects and how well he fits his piece into the song gets a sub in my book. Lifeson is seriously one of the most overlooked!
I appreciate that Slunks
@@Detrucci No prob! I'm going through your backlog now. I think Natural Science might be a next one that hits that 70's to 80's Rush bridge.
Slunks Natural Science has one of Alex’s best solo’s even the solo’s on The Spirit Of Radio, and Freewill are great also. Natural Science is one of my top 10 Rush song’s if though I’d probably have like a thousands honorable mentions, and yes I agree Alex is one of the most underrated and overlooked guitarists of all time.
This is from 1985, and is part of the "Synth Era" of Rush that many early die-hard Rush fans don't like. Sometimes I feel like this album, Power Windows, and the one after this, Hold Your Fire are the best albums Rush put out. There are many similarly great songs from the 80's that you would love if you like this one so much (one of my favorites). Check out Mission, The Pass, Middletown Dreams, Losin it, Time Stand Still, Territories, The Enemy Within, Subdivisions, Bravado, Manhattan Project... I could go on and on. Great reaction, as usual. You definitely seem to appreciate great music.
Nice! Power Windows is my personal favorite Rush album. I truly think it's great, start to finish.
Such a great tune. Totally 80s, but totally Rush. All 3 guys are on fire on this tune. The choir coming into the last chorus and the strings coming in at the modulation give me chills, especially on headphones. Great reaction!
Agree with everything you said.
Thank you :)
That drumming during the instrumental bridge. Pure Neil genius
yay Middletown is awesome! Agreed.
God I do love SYNTH 80's Rush
This is one of my all-time favorites thank you so much for playing it. I love all Rush do not get me wrong but my favorite Rush has been from the past 30 years. You have to check out some of their "newer stuff" test for echo, driven, nobody's hero, mission, Resist, between the sun and Moon, ghost of a chance, roll the bones, far cry, and the big money
Released October 14, 1985 on the Power Windows album. This and the next album, Hold Your Fire mark the zenith of 80’s synthesizer use by Rush. This album is probably the one with the most “radio friendly” or pop-rock songs in sound and song length. YET, the heavier prog rock elements are still always there. As good as Alex’s linger solos were in the 70’s, by the 80’s he’d become so inventive in his soloing - packing more excitement into a shorter section of the song. Neil wrote some very uplifting lyrics during this time, like this song. It’s Rush - it’s amazing even when it’s happier and brighter!!! What’s wrong with that!!
80's and early 90's Rush songs, especially Neil's lyrics, literally saved me...
This is my sixth most favorite Rush album and the first concert I saw live. So underrated. I agree about the positivity. Rush is always about overcoming adversity, the triumph of the human spirit over tyrants and naysayers. A few cautionary tales as well. Neil's songs never wallow in self pity or teen angst and never sweats the small stuff. There is a timelessness to Rush songs that keep them relative decades after they are written.
I saw Rush many times and love their music.. there is something about this particular tune that always brings me to tears.. if I only knew then what I know now!
Rush will never be matched in any aspect of the art form - fact !
THANK YOU!!!!!!! ❤ First reactioner to do one of my requests so we are friends for life! 😁 Great reaction Detrucci!
You are most welcome :) I trust your opinion with Rush since you have been in every video comments for them ^^ So thank you for always coming to watch Tracey.
@@Detrucci No worries! I only discovered Rush in 2007 so I'm still a relative newbie but I'm getting there and enjoying seeing your journey with them too! 😁
This is the song I want playing when I cross the finish line. :)
Definitely 80s. Heh.
They crushed this in concert. It plays amazing live. Fantastic Alex Lifeson solo. Killer bass.
Rush was always able to excel in taking the music of an era and making it there own.
Nice job sir! You are correct in your observation that RUSH kept up with the times. I would call the 80’s their “songwriting” era as they really began writing some beautiful songs. Middletown Dreams from this same album is awesome, in fact there is NO bad songs on Power Windows. One of their strongest albums start to finish.
If you want to check out another album from this era I would suggest “turn the page” from Hold your Fire. 🔥🎶🤘🙂🔥
Every day we're standing in a time capsule. Racing down a river from the past.
The synth tone in this one is phenomenal. 🔥
Any words about time are the wisest of words
Power Windows my favorite album, Geddy's vocals are amazing on this album.
Ah … yes you have done it (so watched this again). Further to my comment on your Middletown Dreams reaction …. I like that you're able to intuit Neil's fills now ... how his part develops through the track and the accents he provides seem so natural, to even a non-musician like myself!
You have a good ear for catching the things I have to point out to most people... well done
I just want you to experience the entire Rush catalog at once! It's all so awesome. There is a lot of positivity in their '90s and 2000s work as well; especially in their 2002 comeback album Vapor Trails after Neil's personal tragedies. Can't wait for you to hear more. So love your reactions!
As long as he hears the remastered version. The original version of that album will make your ears bleed (I still have the CD for when I'm feeling especially masochistic)
Thank you Detrucci; was feeling anxiety tonight needing to feel some humanity in these crazy times we live in. Your passion and energy was contagious. And combined with a great Rush song really picked up my spirits; super appreciate it. As far as Rush goes, I find there 80's to early nineties stuff to be their best stuff BY FAR! I just love the melodies, and think Geddy's light, lyrical voice fits way better with this style of music than some of the earlier heavy riffs or much more recent Rush. Anyway, great stuff dude; thanks again!
Lots of people downplay the synth era of Rush but i think it's the most interesting work they did from around Moving pictures (81) until hold your fire (88).
Marathon is a great track - thanks for the awesome reaction!
Thank you, Detrucci! This is one of my favorite Rush songs. This embodies the group so well... Song writing, lyrics, musicianship. Power Windows is an excellent album. Middletown Dreams is a Rush song no one tackles. It is my favorite Rush song. Manhattan Project, Territories, The Big Money, Mystic Rhythms, Emotion Detector, Grand Designs. 8 wonderful songs
IMO NP did his best lyrical work in the 80’s. Some of the Professors best lessons!
I do love the lyrics in this song, they really stand out to me and I love the message
great review Detrucci, Rush lost a lot of 70's fans when they shifted their musical style in the 80's but seeing you react to it 35 years down the road reinforces Rush's quest to continually be progressive and challenge themselves and not get stuck in any musical rut
I like 80s Rush too. Power Windows very good album. Marathon probably my top song on that album, but there’s other excellent ones.
I love 80s Rush too!! I enjoy how raw your reactions are. Keep it up! "Cough" Headlong Flight "Cough, throat clear"!
You should check out 'Marathon' on the Show of Hands concert video, my fave live performance of ANY song ever.
A truly underrated album. Check out Middletown Dreams.
This song on headphones is AMAZING!
Album version or live clockwork version with video? :)
Always start with the studio version ;)
Middletown Dreams seems to be the story of my life. Cuts me to the core.
It's understood
By every single person
Who'd be elsewhere if they could
you'd love the live version off "Show of Hands!" … Geddy's vocals really shine and Alex's solo is crisp (and I think a bit more complex than this one!) … and of course you see them all working hard! Have a look and report back! :)
… and the Time Machine version is pretty damn good too (just watched them both)
Show of hands version. I was going to say the same thing. 🤘
I bought that VHS tape in 1988. It is the the best version of all those songs IMO. I only want to hear those songs from that concert.
Love how Neil changes up each verse on drums. Such a great track on a great album. I love every “style” they had throughout their career. It fits the times perfectly.
I'm lucky enough to have seen them on many tours, including power windows, just blows you away
Great reaction! There is so much going on in this song, like all Rush songs. 80s Rush is awesome, so is the 90s, 00s and 10s ;)
The synth era of Rush probably started with Signals, Grace Under Pressure, and here we are at Power Windows. Some synth incorporations are better than others in my opinion. I think that they were keeping up with the technology more than keeping up with the times. But that fat, juicy, bouncy bass, when it appears, was what caused me to start learning the bass back in the 80s. On some songs in this era, especially "The Big Money", the bass guitar acts as one of the percussion instruments, and it just cuts through everything.
I remember the first time I heard a song off this album - October 1985, waiting in the drive-thru line at Carls Jr in Costa Mesa CA - DJ comes on and says "the new Rush album just released! Here's a track..." Not sure which track was then played - probably The Big Money. But a memorable moment to the point I know right where I was the first time I heard it. I personally LOVE the "keyboard era", a sentiment not shared by all Rush fans. It's all good in my book. Rock on!
As always...excellent and enjoyable reaction! Been trying to pick out more Rush for you to react to....pretty much want to say start at the begging and don’t stop until the end! As I’ve said before, you clearly get and understand this band, and music and performance in general. Here are some of my favorites....Freewill and Jacob’s Ladder from Permanent Waves, Red Barchetta and Limelight from Moving Pictures, The Trees from Hemispheres, Subdivisions and New World Man from Signals. Hope to see you fit all of these in as you can! Thank you!
Whenever I have a lot of work to get done, this one goes on the playlist ... great beat - - and the message is really uplifting
A lot of the 'younger' crowd got into Rush during this time, although a lot of the 'older' group didn't care for the sound. As usual, Rush evolved ... and kept evolving ... staying relevant for the times.
Great reaction!!
To evolve and grow is just to live right Lauri?, Even Geddy talks about it in this song :)
I remember the saame thing happened with Linkin Park (my era lol) and now looking back I think people can understand why it happened. At the time though, the diehard fans were not nice about it.
Rush most likely knew that over time, sticking to the same style forever would limit them in terms of years of relevency. Era's change, time changes and even hearts change. To stay the same forever would be counter intuitive to the great minds that Rush are. To continue to be masters of the art and composition, they need to keep learning and experimenting with new things, new sounds and new ways to play.
:)
@@Detrucci Absolutely!! They discovered what was relevant for the time ... perfected it ... then wrapped it into who they were, adding to their mastery. Such a spectacular group - - after all these years, their music (and their message) remains relevant!! Look forward to your further exploration - -
I heard a few songs from Linkin Park ... I liked the few I heard :-)
Exactly!!! Evolve or die, and they could evolve and still be RUSH! They freaking killed it, one of my favorite albums.
The Big Money and Mystic Rhythms from this album are great!
80's Rush FTW!!! ❤
Great song. Great to watch them play it live. 😉
Perfect balance between synth and rock, don't know of a better record.
I like the line: "In the long run" because that is just one example how Neil Peart wrote words with dual meaning where both meanings fit the context of the song.
Another on-the-nail reaction Detrucci, from a superb album. Mystic Rhythms is even more 80s sounding, almost like Tears for Fears.
This album came out on my birthday back in the day. It was a present to myself!!😄
Thanks for giving Alex props, he is always so overlooked in this group. You don't have to shred to make a massive statement.
Loved your reaction!...I knew you'd like 80's Rush Detrucci...Its awesome! Please try GRAND DESIGNS from Power Windows. I saw them twice on that tour. the first was an OK show...the second on Bastille Day at an amphitheatre in Sacramento was UNBELIEVABLE in comparison...They were all wearing shorts ...Geddy and Neil had loosely written out a little bass and drums jam that was fire. Neils solo was extra long and they played every song on the album beautifully except my favorite...GRAND DESIGNS untill
..The THIRD ENCORE (Rush almost never goes 3) they had it in their back pocket... my favorite song saved for last! Made this 16 year old bass players rock and roll dreams come true! 6 rows back, center right...and you know Geddy Lee was singing directly at me most of the time...seemed like it anyway! HaHa! Totally worth every second of being grounded for a month for sneaking out. More 80s Rush!!The Big Money music video is really good to ruclips.net/video/WQgu0MpnKq8/видео.html There were so many great songs written by Rush in this era...I feel sorry for the raw dog, guitar only enthusiasts who disavowed them for experimenting more with keys. They missed out on probably their best writing as a whole and certainly their best playing overall as well...I mean, They progressed as musicians ...They got BETTER at playing their instruments...more refined maybe. but better.
That does sound like a dream come true experience :) I am so happy for you.
I too love this writing/composition style, It shows that Rush can adapt and also bring their own style in to the genre equally.
Like I said in the video, It's not keybaords I dislike. I actually love keyboards. Its the one particular hammond style sound that irks me. But there haven't been too many reactions so far to trigger it in me, Yes - Roundabout just happened to be one and people get up in arms about it, But I think the keybaord is talented, just didnt like the sound is all.
I am happy to hear Rush experimenting with new styles and new music, As much as its nice to have a band stay the same sound, it would also mean they dont grow and adapt over time, This would make them stuck in one era of music. We would never get something as beautiful as this or The Garden otherwise :)
I really like the minds of Rush and I think they are some of the smartest/talented people in music.
They used an actual choir in the last chorus, pretty cool
Detrucci this is from 1985 and is considered part of their synth era of songwriting. This one in particular is one of there better-written songs of this era. Geddy was singing ina lower resister and you can appreciate how strong and melodic his voice is. This song also featured a nice guitar solo from Alex, which you broke down nicely. Sadly Alex's role in this synth era was somewhat diminished by the larger synth presence but on this one it was excellent. Another nicely blended song from this same album that I highly recoo=mmend is "Territories".
Personally, I love Alex's guitar work in their era far more than his earlier stuff or later songs. It took a lot more ingenuity and creativity to squeeze in as much sound as he did! Come the mid-90's though, is when I got outright pissed off at him... by Test For Echo, he abandoned guitar solos and as a guitarist since I became a fan 27 years ago, it was hard to overlook.
You just NAILED EVERY REASON I LOVE THIS ERA! 70's Rush is good, but it blends in too much with the rest of the Prog era. As a guitarist, I am MUCH more interested in everything Alex did in the 80's than anything he did in the 70's. Their lyrics are just plain inspirational, each of them carries over that same mastery of their instruments and Alex was a creative fucking genius on guitar when he embraced all of the technology available.
To ease you into the era, I'd have to recommend the live version of Big Money, off their 1988 tour. ruclips.net/video/uyeeO8sb-A8/видео.html You get to see some of their humor and having fun playing on stage :)
for 90's Rush check out "Color of Right" and "Virtuality" from 1997 Test for Echo album.
Masterpiece. This album totally rulez!
You are gonna LOVE Manhattan Project! ❤
I was a big fan of 70's Rush. I was also a big fan of this version of Rush, it had a lot more keyboards, Geddy loved them, Alex did not :D and they went back to more guitar based songs which I also thought were great. I thought Geddy was very tasteful with the keyboard sounds and they still sound good now.
The interesting thing about Marathon is if you listen to the live version of Marathon on “A Show of Hands,” it sounds like they actually finished the song. I think the studio version ending with fade out was just a tease to get you in the live venue so you could actually hear the real, intended ending. 🙂
Great reaction to one of my favorite Rush songs. If you like 80s Rush, then you should react to The Enemy Within and The Body Electric from the Grace Under Pressure album from 1984. I believe there are official videos for both songs. Thanks again.
Rush rocks and they really don't make bad songs.
Wish you would just do more Rush. This song live "Show of Hands" tour I think, Geddy's voice was awesome there, check it out.
I am so biased to the 80s Rush sound, which came during my teen years. However, it would be more accurate to say I was then, and am now, most in to the 80s Rush lyrics. All the songs in their 80s catalog have important topics, stories and meaning which I related to. Back then, I wrote the chorus on parchment in calligraphy, while in high school. I still have it over thirty years later.
Love the album from the fist time it came out and heard all the songs. Like Chaz is saying a truly underrated album just for the fact that the band used more and more keyboards.
Power Windows was a magical record. Neil was writing great, mature lyrics, Ged's voice and bass playing were at their peak, and Alex was cranking out great atmospheric tones and wicked solos.
Power Windows is my favorite Rush album. The production is so dense and energetic, it just rewards me for re-listening to it so many times.
You'd love the Hold Your Fire album, it's very much this style.
Dude. Great observations. You're getting really good and descriptive. The others are right. Middletown Dreams with lyrics.
Thank you Greg, I am actually trying to get better at talking about what is going on in my mind and not just say "oh wow, that is amazing" haha
Slowly learning and improving I guess
Middletown is definitely the most popular request at the moment huh :)
@@Detrucci I definitely enjoy your insights! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for liking Rush. They don't change for the times which is why they where never mainstream. They were constantly trying to develop for themselves. Their use of keyboards is not liked by some fans but I loved it. Subdivisions and Moving Pictures are other great Synth added Albums. Geddy & Neil are Masters , Alex is SO Underrated. 80's Rush was spectacular. All Rush every decade has so much to offer.
This album is amazing! It has become my most played Rush album over the years.
I really want to see your reactions to these songs:
Middletown Dreams
Emotion Detector
Mystic Rhythms
Manhattan Project
Don't forget Territories!!!!
Great reaction!
I am so glad that you found RUSH. THEY ARE THE BEST...
Rush said let's add hard rock\prog to the post punk New Wave movement.
Awesome reaction . You should do Territories and Middletown Dreams both on Power Windows
Excellent choice of songs to pick for your synth Rush debut. I was a senior in high school when this album came out while I didn’t completely appreciate it then I certainly appreciate it now. I was always drawn to the cover art. Like, what is going on there? Who is that guy, and what is his deal? Anyway, My favorite part about this song is the lyrics and how the dreamy synth aspect connects everything together from Gettys thumping bass riffs, to Neil’s staccato style drums, and Alex’s accented guitar jams. The synth aspect of this song could have been a distraction but as always they seamlessly made it work. I want to put another plug in for “Natural Science” (studio version), which technically could be categorized as an 80’s album as it was released in 1980 (recorded in 1979 *cough cough*) . I’m really curious to get your take on that one so I’m going to keep pounding the drum for that song. As always, enjoyed your reaction. Keep em coming man! 👍🏻
Great tune. Great reaction!!
This is the 4th time I have watched you react to Marathon. I love this song! I love to listen to your reaction! I think if you liked this I believe you should check out Mission live A Show of Hands so you can feel the emotion of the solo at tye end... Sometimes I'm moved to tears from the emotion
Yes and yes. I've re watched it a few times just because I enjoy watching someone "discover" Alex after they already heard Alex play before :) And, "Mission" is one of the most intense solos I've heard Alex play!
“I like 80s Rush!” 😎 I’d recommend Territories and Mystic Rhythms from this same album. Then Time Stand Still and Mission off of Hold Your Fire. Then New World Man from Signals.
rush----digital man
Great song. Great reaction.
"It's gonna be awesome and prog metal-like." Well yes, but then no 😂. I know you don't care for fade-outs, so I might direct you to the live version on "A Show of Hands." The ending on that version is so much better. Love your reaction as always!
Love this song.
In the lyrics "The heartbreak climb uphill", I like the reference to the Boston Marathon's Heartbreak Hill, a well-known part of the running route.
And yes, they do this live! It's incredible 👍👍
This would be such an energy adrenaline risk live
Came late to the"Rush Party" in 1987. Kid Gloves caught my attention. This one blew me away. A reaction just as I felt it ....
Try the track, "Grand Designs", from this album, "Power Windows", one of Alex's more 'instinctive', guitar solos, saw them play it live a few times, awesome.
Try out Show Don't Tell from the Presto album! Nice review!
Great reaction. All the songs on this album are great but Middletown Dreams is my favorite. You got to listen to Signals, and Grace Under Pressure.
With regards to Rush's album covers I love how they play on the words of the album title with the picture/painting they have decided to use. Very clever! ❤
Anne Hegarty from The Chase described Rush as a "Canadian Heavy Metal band" the other day. I just thought "Okaaaaaaaaay!" lol!
It is an easy distinction to make when you dont understand the sub genre's of metal. When I was first introduced I though there was only 3: Rock, Heavy Metal and Death Metal. Once you dive deeper you start to see all the depth each genre has and it becomes like a book library but for rock and metal music
@@Detrucci Very true! Rush do have some heavy songs, not sure I would class them as metal but is a fiddly genre sometimes!
Live version rocks.. I only like live versions when they are exceptional.. it is.
Check out Manhattan Project and Mystic Rhythms, also from Power Windows
Great reaction from the underrated Power Windows. Marathon is my favorite Rush song (and maybe just favorite song full stop); propulsive, almost symphonic with lyrics that pay tribute to determination, endurance, and achievement. If I was trapped on a desert island and could only have one song to keep me going it would be this one.
Subdivisions was made in 1982 its more relevant today
70's Hammond tones can be amazing. Keep in mind that everything on a B3 is controlled on the fly with drawbars. AND it is not a stereo instrument by default. However, two microphones on a rotating Leslie (which is typically used in conjunction with a B3) can creating an aural image that is very difficult to reproduce with a synth. Additionally, a lot of the 70's producers wanted that B3 tone, as it was the 'cool' thing to do.....except for Rush!!
A Minimoog and a B3 have a lot of similarities in their operation. No patch memories or stereo on a mini.
On the same 1985 album, Power Windows, I suggest to do reactions of the audio of Emotion Detector and the official videos of The Big Money and Mystic Rhythms ! For the 1984 album Grace Under Pressure watch the official video of Distant Early Warning and Afterimage. For the Grace Under Pressure Live Show in Toronto Maple Leaf Garden watch The Enemy Within, Red Sector A and The Weapon (from Signals but this live version is a killer !) ! From the 1987 Hold Your Fire watch the official videos of Time Stand Still (very commercial) and Lock And Key ! Thanks !
Middletown Dreams.
Honestly check out all of these albums
Signals
Grace Under Pressure
Power Windows
Hold Your Fire
Permanent Waves
All genres of Rush are uniquely Rush
you have to watch the live version for show of hands to see exactly how Noel gets off at the end..., honestly my favorite of all time.
You have the best reaction videos I’ve seen!
That is so nice of you to say :) Thank you
I may be in the minority on this, but I think Rush got ten times better once Geddy started treating his voice with the same respect he treated his bass.
I'd also recommend a song from the next album Hold your Fire The song is "Turn The Page" alot like Marathon great syth work and guitaring as usual.