The more I listen to Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and The Who, the more I appreciate the genius of RUSH.

Appreciate your acknowledging probably the greatest rock percussionist/lyric writer of our time, who just happened to end up with 2 other virtuoso's in the same band. The lyrics to "Subdivisions" are as pertinent in today's world, as they were when Neil wrote them back in 1982. As always, RIP to "The Professor". 😢

Rush Xanadu live exit stage left 1981 Natural Science live 97' Molson amphitheater, Neil Peart drum solo in Frankfurt. Some of the best live performances you'll ever see. Thanks for your reactions to RUSH. We're all really enjoying your journey.

@stunspot

Жыл бұрын

That is tied with that msg version of Moby Dick for greatest drum solo of all time. Never seen someone NOT have their jaw drop and be absolutely riveted.

Rush is top level greatness. If you likes lyrics, the song, by Rush, "Time stands still" haunting lyrics about life

@jpace4608

Жыл бұрын

That song makes my eyes tear every time I hear it.

@errose5967

Жыл бұрын

@@jpace4608 especially the last verse for me

@jpace4608

Жыл бұрын

“Old friends, growing older”

@NJNDZoo

Жыл бұрын

Especially the US Army band's version, wow, hits you in the feels.

YYZ live in Rio is an awesome song and amazing live performance, no lyrics, but it's them showcasing their instrumental genius, if you want to go down the rabbit hole 🤣

There's no bad answer here as to which tracks to tackle next... everyone has their favourites and nobody is wrong! :) My picks for some tracks where I think you'll appreciate both the music and the lyrics: THE TREES, FREEWILL, LIMELIGHT, RED BARCHETTA, XANADU

@christopherrobin6955

Жыл бұрын

I've come across very few people that like the trees, one of my favorites, great suggestions

@mikeevans1625

Жыл бұрын

Really? That's too bad, it's one of my favourites too!

@don-o-seven1437

Жыл бұрын

Solid list. Lyrically I think Red Sector A has some of the most poetic imagery. Also a big fan of Analog Kid hits me as a mirror of myself every time.

If you've got this album, I think it's impossible to hear the final strains of this song without immediately moving in to Analog Kid. Those two songs bookend beautifully.

@vizz2905

Жыл бұрын

hard to not listen to the whole album :D I was lucky enough to find an original vinyl of it a few months ago...

@omfgitzxjoshx

Жыл бұрын

This whole album is gold . Signals is my favorite

@ScottDeBerg

Жыл бұрын

Definitely true 👍

@baileesherman5727

Жыл бұрын

Back in the day,after discovering this incredible band and discovering their discography,Signals was the album I bought when it released,it holds a special place for me,my favorite……

I love that Geddy is singing, playing the Keyboard, and playing the bass line on another foot board at the same time. That's talent.

@jaemigoodings1054

3 ай бұрын

He’s an unbelievable musician. They all are. Three master musicians in one band and you get absolute greatness. Musicians music. I Fkn love them. Three kids from Canada , makes me super proud to be from the great white north.

You NEED to watch their live version of Xanadu ( pronounced Zanadu) from 1981 I believe. It will BLOW YOUR MIND. I promise. Keep up the great reactions bud.

Watching Geddy live was mesmerizing. So much talent in that skinny man!!! Sometimes singing, playing bass and foot pedals all at the same time. A pro beyond professional.

Every album Rush composed was completely different. They never compromised on their art and creativity. Neil wrote the lyrics, and put a lot of thought into how he wrote his drum and percussion charts. Alex and Geddy were responsible for all the music.

I was a sophomore in high school in the suburbs of Chicago when this song came out and I felt like it was written specifically about me.👍🔥🎧

"Knowing how you like helping people, you honestly MUST react to The PASS with the lyrics. (ALWAYS have lyrics with Rush,) Cheers! TY" (a song that has literally saved life's and helped those suffering from depression and suicide . Really think it may be helpful to those you connect with. Take care!

Living in a suburb outside a city in the early 80’s, this song was always relatable.

@nealm6764

Жыл бұрын

Same here, except now I am nostalgic for the safety and accessibility of suburbs. We went everywhere, and got into all kinds of things, and never once worried about getting killed for our sneakers, or picked up by a rapist or murderer, attacked by a gang or homeless druggie etc. Kids today would be so lucky to experience that.

All three members not only played their respective instruments but they would each hit triggers set up on stage to play parts they couldn’t play with their hands at the moment. Alex, the guitarist, would play bass pedals while Geddy, the bassist/singer/keyboardist, played keys. Neil, the drummer, would also hit triggers while playing his drum parts either with his feet or on pads placed between drums. Neil’s drum solo is always a good one and if you want to see what the band was summarized check out their last song on their last album called The Garden and watch the live version.

I see some great suggestions in the comments already. Xanadu is definitely a must see. The Garden from their final album-live version is such a beautiful, emotionally charged song.

The more you go down the Rush road the more you will enjoy !! " Freewill " is another lyrically great choice !! 😎🎸

Trees by Rush is a masterpiece of music and lyrics. It’s an absolute must.

Since the lyrics are one of the things you like the most, I think "The Trees" would be a great next one. (Although I will always like the comment request for YYZ in Rio for the musicianship.)

Eventually, you'll listen to "YYZ" off "Moving Pictures". There's a live recording from Rio that's great but many reaction channels do that version. There's a live version from the "Exit Stage Left" tour in the 1980's when they were in their prime. I usually recommend listening to studio versions for a first listen because live versions aren't as clear and may miss some detail. Rush's goal in the early years was to reproduce their songs live as close to the studio recording as possible and the "Exit Stage Left" videos demonstrate that. "Stick Hits" remastered that material so they look and sound very good for that time. There's a special treat in that song as well...

All their songs are deep. Marathon, Limelight and Spirit of Radio is a good start to scratch the surface.

Rush is one of the best Trinity bands out there, in my opinion. Drums, Guitar and Bass with Geddy Lee's vocals. For a song of their's about memory and the past, I'd recommend "Red Barchetta."

One of the most influential bands of my life.

When you think you're ready, the 7-movement rock opera "2112" will give you all the lyrics you can handle! But you can't go wrong with "The Trees" or "Red Barchetta" (one of my all time favorites), either.

“The Trees” great lyrics and story and easy listen. “Freewill” great lyrics and insane musicianship.

If you had any doubt those pictures weren’t an accurate reflection of HS life in 1982, please rest assured. 100% accurate. That’s why this song captured our Gen and is something y’all are able to understand as well. We needed this song so badly.

Rush had a whole career of striving to constant change along with constant improvement. Neil wrote (co-wrote on two songs) pretty much all but the first album.

Yes, more Rush! Freewill, 2112, Red Barchetta, Closer to the Heart, you cant go wrong with any of their stuff. It's all great.

Neil was a very well read and smart individual, spent many hours reading books and even wrote books. Ghost rider is one of his best written after loosing his daughter and wife within Couple years of each other. Smiles 😃 from Canada 🇨🇦

Rush is on a whole other level. Glad to see young folks enjoy these killer old tunes. Rock music seems dead so hopefully it will make a comeback with your generations twist.

You're on the usual trajectory for exposure to Rush. It's time for understanding how 3 guys can make this come to life on stage. Xanadu from Exit Stage Left is the required next track.

"Xanadu" Live, Exit Stage Left, 1981. Ridiculous talent on full display. Have a great day!

Rush is definitely the best Canadian band of all time next would be the tragically hip and then the tea party

@happywebster7151

Жыл бұрын

no love for the matthew good band?

@Fred-vy1hm

Жыл бұрын

The tea party? I doubt you will find very many people that would put them ahead of such bands as April Wine, BTO or The Guess Who, the rest of your statement is a fact though.

Rush, "Natural Science" from the album Permanent Waves. My all time favorite bass line.

This brings up nice memories of my older brother introducing Rush songs to me.

This song is a masterpiece, even without lyrics it would be a masterpiece. The lyrics are genius, with many different layers. RUSH songs bring back so many good memories and I know ppl from my time, growing up in the 70s, appreciate these bands and understand them more than the younger generation ever will. Just how it is. Peace.

Had the pleasure of seeing them in 83. One of the greatest live performances I've ever seen and the light show was spectacular! 🇨🇦

YYZ,. Especially with Neil Perart’s drum solo. Mad crazy.

Rush was my adolescence. They made beautiful music right to the end. The last album, Clockwork Angels, was a masterpiece. The Garden brings me to tears every time..they are madly missed.

So many Rush songs have already been suggested. Here's something a little different, Neil Peart did a drum solo as part of their Frankfurt concert. The musicianship will astound!

RIP Neil now he’s finely with his wife and daughter. Greatest song writer great song great reaction to the greatest rock band of all time

One of my favorite alltime lyrics is from this song. Some will sell their dreams for small desires Or lose the race to rats

ya, the drummer wrote all the lyrics, and a book or two.

“YYZ” live in Rio is an awesome performance! Check it out !

RUSH - Limelight

Rush - Working Man Live in Cleveland.

Man I love this whole band, but there's a special place in my heart for Neil, aka, The Professor, not just because he's probably one of the greatest percussionists/rock drummers ever to walk the face of the earth, which he is, but he was such a kind, unique soul, he truly was. He was a survivor too, I think you'd really dig him Cliff, especially with you being an advocate for mental health. In Aug. of 1997, Neil's (then) only daughter, 19, died in a motor vehicle accident up in Ontario, then 10months later his wife of 23yrs died, medical examiner had trouble ruling the cause of death, Neil said it was from a broken heart, plain and simple. He told Geddy and Alex he was done and couldn't be a musician any more. He spent the next couple years crisscrossing just about every bit of nowhere in North and Central America with nothing but a backpack and his Motorcycle, logging just over 55,000miles!!! When he finally returned home he wrote a book about his travels and journey towards healing, and luckily for us fans, was ready to get back to his passion. The book is amazing, it's called... Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road I'll leave the link at the bottom in case you're interested, he's an amazing author too, he's written like 6-7 other non-fiction biographical books, and I think a couple fiction sci-fi type books. Another great reaction, thanks Cliff!! www.amazon.com/Ghost-Rider-Travels-Healing-Road/dp/1550225480

When you see them playing live, you’ll be even more impressed with their virtuoso musicianship. As for the fact that the three songs you’ve heard have sounded so different from each other, the best part is that they were all written within a few years of each other, appearing on three of Rush’s 19 total studio albums.

Basically, Alex (guitar) and Geddy (bass, keyboards, vocals) write the music and Neil (drums & percussion) was the lyricist.

If you’re a car guy at all, listen to “Red Barchetta”. Lyrics are fantastic. Rush puts you in a vintage car driving through the countryside with the wind in your hair…

The Pass - with it's anti-suicide message is a must for a lyricist/songwriter such as yourself. Freewill (preferably the Time Machine edition) is great musically and lyrically. Red Sector A The Analog Kid Marathon Time Stand Still Dreamline Driven Xanadu The Trees Maybe most of them? So many great songs over 19 albums. All (97%?) of Rush's songs were Lyrics by Peart, Music by Lee & Lifeson.

Rush “Freewill”-stellar lyrics and music🇺🇸

"Witch Hunt", "Bravado", "The Pass", "One Little Victory", "The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)"... The list could be almost endless.

I'm all for a review of Xanadu, Live 1981. It's a soundscape, you HAVE to see how good they are in concert. Read the poem "Kublai Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge if you want to be prepared beforehand.

Glad you enjoy RUSH. They are incredible musicians individually, but collectively, they are iconic. A couple of great instrumental songs: La Villa Strangiato (live 1978) YYZ (live in Rio) The Garden (Clockwork Angels tour) is the last song from their final album. This is a song that has a great message.

Neil Peart's lyrics are just a masterpiece. Geddy Lee is the vocalist, bassist, and he plays the keys/synth. He doesn't play guitar normally, that's Alex Lifeson. Geddy literally did play bass, sing and play keyboard pedals to hit synth chords all at the same time in concert. I would highly recommend Rush's songs: Test For Echo, Driven, and Roll the Bones.

Rush: Limelight. One of their best. Maybe the best guitar solo ever recorded. Folks will flock

I've heard this song hundreds of times. But for some reason, watching with you was the first time I've noticed how similar Alex's guitar tone is to that synth. You almost don't hear the handoff when Geddy starts playing bass and the synth dissapears. These guys are next level.

All the three guys from Rush grew up in the suburbs and all of them felt like they didn't fit in. There is a segment of a Canadian documentary called Come On ye Children where at 17 Alex Lifeson the guitarist is discussing with his parents about leaving school early to pursue music. His parents are concerned about him leaving school as he had a son with his then girlfriend Charlene. They got married later when they were in their early 20's and are still married today. Geddy plays bass, keyboards and sings Alex plays guitar. mandola and later on keyboards. Geddy can play guitar as well but on rare occasions and this song wasn't one of them. He started out playing guitar but in the very early days of Rush they had a bass player but he wasn't that reliable in showing up for some gigs so Geddy learned how to play bass and became the bassist in the band. I would highly recommend Xanadu from Exit Stage Left. It is one of their masterpieces and this performance is outstanding! Cheers

They have a song about surviving the halocaust called Red Sector A which is about as goose bump enducing as it gets

The chief editor of rolling stone magazine once wrote an article to put together the greatest band ever by cherry picking the best singer, guitarist, drummer, bass player, lyricist, engineers, etc to create a super band. In the second paragraph ( I’m not making this up, I have the article clipped) he said “ I have to disqualify any member of Rush as it’s not fair to the other artists.” THAT is respect!

Oh yea... AND Fly by Night!

Rush: Roll the bones and Limelight!!!!!

Being open minded and broadening your horizons is a good thing

My first concert as an adult was Rush's Hold Your Fire tour. Every concert I went to after it was judged to to that, to their detriment.

Oh, and Geddy Lee plays the bass, keyboards, and vocals.....Alex Lifeson was on the 6 string. Neil wrote most all the lyrics, Alex & Geddy put most of it to music.

4:29 thats Bass. Geddy Lee plays bass keyboards & sings. 6:03 Blond hair is Alex Lifeson...lead guitars. That's a deep song. (Rush - Limelight) I promis you'll like that one too...

Rush is good.

When I was in school I had an English teacher who gave us the assignment of her giving us the lyrics to a current song and we had to break it down and explain what the lyrics were saying. I was given the song Limelight by Rush to break down and in doing that my English teacher gave me a new band to listen to and I've not stopped listening to them yet. 56 year old Rush fanatic here and I'm loving your reactions to their music. I consider Neil Peart, the drummer, to be an absolute genius with his lyrics and needless to say I would love to see your reaction to their song Limelight Cliff, take me back to my youth please!

When this song came out I was a teen & budding musician. Living in the suburbs of Boston. My favorite RUSH song I think. I really connected to it. RUSH made me a great musician (yep bragging!). I had to learn from the best. Eventually I was in a few RUSH tribute bands where I played bass & keys (tried singing also...nope!). Now I'm 55 and winding down musically. This song brings me back to my teen years every time!

I actually played this song on a cruise playing bass, keys, and vocals. I do it differently. I play bass one hand, keys with the other and sing. It’s my greatest accomplishment

the song is truer today then when it was made

Signals was my first Rush album. I was 14 when it came out. It felt like Subdivisions was both written for and to me, growing up in a distant Toronto suburb. I’m reminded of the observation made about Rush’s hyper-devoted fan base in the Beyond the Lighted Stage documentary about ten years ago, that the misfits and outsiders to whom Neil’s lyrics spoke so well eventually grew up and took leadership positions in society. Their most constant devotion to the holy trio ensured that Rush would eventually outlive the dismissive barbs of too-cool-for-school music critics.

Rush - Workin' Man

Closer To The Heart, Exit Stage Left - a timeless message that no matter what our station in life is, we can all play a part in making our world a better place, but it must start with those in charge. Cheers from Canada! 🇨🇦 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🔥 🔥 🔥

Rush puts everything they have into every song. Their respect among musicians is unmatched. Yes, Neil does all the lyrics. An especially good lyric effort is a song called Territories from the album Power Windows (1985 I think).

Geddy plays Bass, Synth, Foot pedals and occasionally guitar....AND sing!!

What you're seeing is Toronto and the Toronto east 'burbs, back in the day. BTW: That drummer is widely known as one of the greatest drummers of all time.

Great reaction and commentary!! This album is my sentimental favorite. I could totally relate to this song, these lyrics, when I was teenager...even now, as an adult. The next song to check out, is The Analog Kid. It's an absolute banger!! Please give it a listen...see what you think.

art that stands the test of time

Rush-the garden is another one to listen too

Too many comments to read through them all, but in case no one mentioned there's a great overhead video of Neil Pert on the drums for the duration of the song - absolutely amazing. Neil said it was the most technically difficult song he performed.

Rush's first album is turning 50 next year. Over their amazing career they have 19 studio albums spanning from 1974- 2012 plus many live albums and compilations. They have had such staying power because they have not only evolved with the times but also stayed true to the music and to the fans that are some of the most loyal you'll ever find. As a wordsmith, you will be unavoidably drawn to Rush's lyrics so you may want to have a second screen or your phone on the side with the lyrics pulled up as you watch. Just a suggestion. Sitting at the feet of Professor Peart is a masters class in song writing. I'm sure you'll get requests for all of their hits and they are that for good reason but I'm more likely to suggest a deep cut or something that other reactors haven't done. Here's a few: The Big Money, Red Sector A, Manhattan Project, Scars, and the instrumental Leave That Thing Alone (Time Machine 2011 DVD) just to start. Enjoy your journey. ✌

"YYZ" live in Rio is the one you need to see. Originally an instrumental, but the Brazilian crowd isn't willing to accept that.... Realize that in concert, Geddy will sometimes play the keyboard part with his feet while continuing to play the bass part. Rush gives you a top-10 bassist, one of the best technical guitarists ever, and the reason that god created drums.

One of the reasons I love this band so much is how nerdy they are. This song has a hidden double entendre. This song has a lot of syncopation, meaning they are sub-dividing the time signatures. A song about subdivisions is played mostly in sub-divisions. Similarly, the song YYZ contains a hidden Morse code message. The rhythm of part of the song is the letters YYZ played in Morse code.

Thanks for a great reaction. These are amazing musicians. The rabbit hole is deep and a fantastic journey. Check out Working Man live in Cleveland.

If you want incredible storytelling, you want Rush - 2112 (it's a longer one) If you want impactful lyrics, you want Rush - The Trees If you want three guys just shredding incredible instrumentals, Rush - YYZ

I highly recommend their song Limelight. The song is about Neil's struggles with fame.

Neil wrote about 95% of the lyrics after joining the band after their first album. Sometimes he would collaborate with Pye Dubois (who wrote for the band Max Webster), and even Geddy and Alex would dabble with lyric writing. During the 1970s, most of Neil's lyrics dealt with fantasy themes and topics (with a healthy dose of individualism). Around the time of Permanent Waves (where "The Spirit of Radio" is from), he became more introspective and concerned with social commentary--but he would never entirely leave fantasy, culminating in their final studio album, Clockwork Angels. For the music video, though you see Alex say, "Subdivisions," it's actually Neil's voice.

Working Man Live In Cleveland !!! They are incredible live.

Know what? You show humility and respect in your learning path. You'll be fine!

Yes to the trees

It's hard to go wrong with Rush. For additional songs: Limelight, Red Barchetta, Freewill, Working Man (their first big hit if I recall correctly), Roll The Bones, Nobody's Hero, Fly By Night,

rush working man live in cleveland is a MUST watch! love seeing new people enjoy the music that got me through allot! cheers

One of the songs that I really like from Rush and hat doesn't get much attention is "Cold Fire"... one of the best conversation songs I've ever heard.

Rush - Natural Science

Rush is best

This is my favourite Rush song, and everything in this video is so familiar to me, from the light orange lockers, Willowdale, the bridge over the DVP, going to Yonge St. on the weekend with my friends and always going to Sam's and A&A Records.

As a lyricist you need to listen to rush "countdown" and "losing it". These are both epic poetry.

Best drummer in the world