Alex definitely is the most underrated guitarist in rock.

@donalddavid3431

2 ай бұрын

Alex then Page the Gilmour for my top 3 in that order ❤

@bobrush4217

Ай бұрын

I don't think Alex is underrated. Those of us Rush fans, who also play guitar, know how incredible he is. He doesn't shred on every song because hes the only guitarist in a 3 piece band and he does quite a bit of rythym work. If anyone doubts his talent, listen to "Freewill" or "La Villa Strangiato".

@michaelbarton888

26 күн бұрын

Amen.

I feel like most people get blown away by Geddy and Neil so much they forget how good Alex is! Please do limelight from Rush for one of Alex’s best and most unconventional solos

@caryd67

2 ай бұрын

I love that solo; for me it’s his greatest. It’s not super technical, it’s quite sparse, it’s very dynamic, he uses harmonics and has this wonderful jerkiness. Perfect.

@paulgarcia1566

2 ай бұрын

It’s because he was largely shelved for the mid 80 to early 90s period for the keyboards flavor.

@Mike80528

2 ай бұрын

@@paulgarcia1566 Nope. Not the case. In the late 70's and early 80's he was overlooked. Also, that synth era lead to some growth for Alex as he worked around the sonic space filled by the synths. Funny how few people I hear making this complaint about Van Halen, and Eddy was the one who pushed more keyboard...

@byronness7385

2 ай бұрын

Or freewill as that solo is nutz too… so chaotic

All three musicians are masters of their craft. Alex never got the recognition he deserves.

When we, people like me, say Rush comprises the best percussionist, the best lyricist, the best bassist and the best guitarist on the planet...we are *not* exaggerating.

Unfortunately, Alex and Geddy both are not recognized for their savant talent and they are ok with that. This is what makes RUSH so special. They are 3 extremely humble virtuosos making the music THEY wanted. They didn’t make music for the industry. They didn’t even make it for the fans. They hoped the fans liked it as much as they did, but at the end of the day, they just made music that they were proud of. Genius. Thanks for the reaction and God bless!

Such a great question. I've been a Rush fan for almost 45 years and I cannot figure out why Alex does not get the credit he deserves either.

It was Alex's solo on Limelight that got my attention in 1981. Not a fast solo, but a phenomenal one. Alex is incredible.

@ronlyster5667

2 ай бұрын

Absolutely!! Possibly my favourite solo of all time!! So much feel in his playing.

@LourivalVieira1988

Ай бұрын

​@@ronlyster5667Amo o solo de Limelight também, mas possivelmente o meu favorito está em The Camera Eye.

@kingdonta9707

Ай бұрын

It was The Necromancer for me

He's rank 3rd on Guitar World 100 greatest guitarist and Fmajor7#11 chord is known as the alex lifeson chord. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, so he gets plenty of recognition.

@erickrosito3659

2 ай бұрын

i looked it up, he was ranked 8th, Brian May of Queen no 1?

@HC-iu1vs

6 күн бұрын

He gets attention because of the bands success not his guitar playing.

Alex is easily the most underrated guitarist out there. I'm so glad you listened to this track in particular. You've heard Geddy and Neil throw down plenty, but that solo is one of Alex's finest.

This song is a reflection of Neil's time spent in the mid sixties on a holiday family vacation. Neil made a connection with a young girl he was enamored with, His first real crush, And never had a resolution... Been there, Done that.

Back this era of Rush, Neil had two bass drums. Later on he switched to a single bass drum with double pedals.

@markstromberg1148

2 ай бұрын

Right, and the removal of the second base drum - which supported the three rack toms in the center of the kit - coincided with his reconfiguration of the left side of his kit and the removal of the four concert toms that hung above his high hat. This also coincided with his sea-change to his drumming, taking lessons from Freddie Gruber, jazz drumming great, where he began to rely more on the traditional grip for his drumsticks (as opposed to the matched grip). This necessitated the shortening of the tom tom rotation on the left side because it is almost impossible to play them with your left hand if you have to swivel too far to the left. Interestingly, this was inspired by Steve Smith, the Journey drummer. When Peart asked Smith to play with the Buddy Rich Big Band in "Burnin for Buddy" he noticed how lyrically Smith played, and Smith recommended Peart visit with Gruber. Peart took a year away from the band to relearn his craft, reconfigure his kit, and to further utilize Gruber's drumming philosophy focusing less on the "point of attack" and more on the circularity occurring between the beats. Long digression, I know.

@caryd67

2 ай бұрын

@@markstromberg1148 you’re so right, I remember reading Neil saying “when did Steve Smith get so good?” I think he only knew about Steve’s work with Journey, and was unaware about his jazz background. Smith is one of the greatest drummers out there; always has been. He said that his work in Journey was exactly what he wanted to do at that time, and was striving to simply be a strong foundation for the band. Gruber observed Neil’s playing and said “You’re aiming for the floor!” He definitely had a major impact on Neil’s approach to the kit. What did surprise me recently was it took me years to notice that Neil was experimenting with traditional as far back as Exit Stage Left. Nice to meet you, fellow Rush fan ✌🏻

@vonmarko1363

2 ай бұрын

Neil Peart is considered to be one of, if not the greatest rock drummer; they don’t call him the Professor for nothing. And I grew, Alex doesn’t get the praise that Neil and Geddy gets, but he’s still considered to be a great guitarist. Just a quick note, if you haven’t read Geddys book, “My Effin’ Life”, you gotta check it out. It’s very enlightening.

@caryd67

Ай бұрын

@@vonmarko1363 starting chapter 17 tomorrow..

I think why Alex gets overlooked is because a lot of people don't appreciate how subtle and inventive he is. He is not as flashy as some but he is just blistering on this solo! Another song I really love Alex's solo on Secret touch from the Snakes and Arrows tour.

@nickavenoso7851

2 ай бұрын

I personally love guitars who play for the song rather than to show off and I think Alex Lifeson is one of those.

Alex could (can) seamlessly flow from subtle yet impactful rhythm playing into some of the greatest lead lines better than just about anyone who ever picked up a guitar. This solo is easily one of his best out of a very, very deep resume

The older I get the line "TOO MANY HANDS ON MY TIME" rings so true...

@lisak1928

2 ай бұрын

Agree! As we weee going through work transitions, I felt this way often and quoted these lines to my boss

Rush never got credit from mainstream media until late in their career. Musicians always loved them

@ronlyster5667

2 ай бұрын

... as evidenced at their R'n'R Hall of Fame induction.

For me, this song is about a boy coming of age, daydreaming about going to the big city, daydreaming about his girl, and just enjoying the summer day. Good to hear someone compliment Alex - he's so often overlooked.

This song gets better with more listens. The imagery, the nostalgia, the Alex shred. I tell you what, all you needed to confirm Alex’s Badassery was to see him live with RUSH once. He personally kicked my ass in concert more than once! His friends helped out too. 😉 Saw this exact tour among all the others. RUSH Night was always special. It was a RUSH!

The Analog Kid was a last minute addition and was written as a counterpart to Digital Man. The gold is in the lyrics. The boy lies in the grass, unmoving Staring at the sky His mother starts to call him As a hawk goes soaring by The boy pulls down his baseball cap And covers up his eyes Hearing that one can't help but reach up for an imaginary bill of a cap that isn't there and pull it down over the eyes. Yes, I'm biased, but I still believe this was/is one of the most talented, tightest, creative bands ever! RIP Neil. Thank you Alex and Geddy! God bless you all! Grace and peace.

This is one of my top ten Rush songs (and for those who have grown up with their music, limiting a most favoured list is nigh on impossible). Glad that my imploring you to give this song a listen worked!

@4randosutube

2 ай бұрын

The list of incredible Alex solos is long. But his solo on Analog Kid is one of his best in my opinion. Freakin’ genius.

@joshgrover6814

2 ай бұрын

I 100% agree with this statement, though, I definitely feel like the live version Clockwork Angels Tour would have been a better choice. Alex's guitar has a much crisper, fuller sound in that performance.

Rush definitely moves me

Alex has always been widely considered as the most underrated guitarist, but in recent yrs he is finally receiving his street cred, some recent polls have him in top ten, where as for the first 3/4 quarters of their career he had a hard time breaking the top 100, but that being said the whole band was always maligned by the top music mags… Back to Alex’s playing… always so melodic, his solos are so controlled yet border on being chaotic, like you said… the dude can shred with the best

In the 80s, Alex was voted Best Rock Guitarist twice and came in second place five times by Guitar Player magazine. So.....7 out of 10 years he was 1 of the top 2 Guitarists. Voters were mainly guitarists.

Yes. The most underrated guitarist EVER. Many Rush fans feel that way. The Bottom line is that they are all craftsmen. Virtuosos, etc. etc. All top 5 in their respective fields.

Mike The Nurse here. Forever RUSH fan, 21 shows, bass player. Loving your RUSH journey. Neil always have used a double kick drum. You have to react to Geddys solo album, My Favorite Headache, song "My Favorite Headache" Alex doesn't get mentioned but he is always on the list. I think he doesn't get mentioned because his solos are fairly hard and not always easily identifiable on their own. Peace.

In the main parts of the song he's using single kick- and yes, he's flying with it! In a couple of spots in the song when he's on the ride cymbal, he does use double kick briefly. A legendary monster drummer, RIP to the Professor. And YES! Alex has always been severely underrated as a guitarist- not so much among musicians, but with the general musical listening public. The whole band is the best of the best.

You're not missing it, nor are you out of touch. Alex is criminally ignored and misunderstood. He shreds, sure, but his writing and phrasing over his career are unmatched in my opinion. Easily my favorite guitar player in all genres.

Alex doesn't get the credit because his two band mates tend to overshadow him, as they are considered by many to be among the best ever (if not the best) at their instruments. Alex certainly holds his own in the band, but in general, there are far more talented guitarists than bass players and drummers, so he gets overlooked. As for the lyrics, compare them with those from Digital Man. The Analog Kid is about the joys of life experienced by an innocent youth; Digital Man addresses the feeling of isolation and tedium that adult life can bring about in our ultra-fast moving modern society.

@Jonno2summit

2 ай бұрын

Neil and Geddy are the rhythm section and always play off each other, so Alex was kinda odd-man-out even though he also played off the other two at times. Is that a legit point or am I thinking too much?

"Here again" has an wonderfull solo. Alex Lifeson starts slow and builds slowly up. First Rush album.

I am always so happy to see your Rush reactions come out.... You get it Brother.... Prayers up ❤️🙏

Story goes that a reporter once asked Eddy Van Hallen how it felt to be the greatest guitar player in the world and his answer was " I don't know you would have to ask Alex Lifeson" True story !!! Even he recognized Lifeson's talent and brilliant guitar playing. That was around 1984-85 I believe.

@ruthylopez

2 ай бұрын

Except it’s not true. I mean the story is not true. But I DO think Alex is the best of all time.

Most guitarists don’t understand, you must LOVE music to understand. It amazes me how many musicians don’t truly love music. By the way, I’m a drummer.

No, you're not missing it at all. Alex is probably the most underrated guitarist ever. That key is perfect for Geddy's voice, a chance for him to show his full range. Neil is quite minimalist for him (and yes he does double pedal rolls when need be).

Dude. How do you get 3 of best of musicians in one band. The reason Alex is not brought up more often is because he plays guitar for the band. He is not an individualist. Everybody does their part to be one cohesive incredible unit. So much respect for each other. Left their egos at the door. This is one of many reasons why I love them so much!

Alex is an incredible guitarist, but because he plays his part within the context of the songs, rather than showing off and saying look at me, he's often overlooked. Eddie Van Halen was ranked the best guitarist by Rolling Stone magazine back in the day. An interviewer asked him how it felt to be the best. His response was 'I don't know, you should ask Alex Lifeson'

As Rush was transitioning into this eighties’ synth phase, Alex seemed to be taking a back seat to their new sound. The Analog Kid is a song about a summer love that Neil once had. This song Is probably one of Rush’s shortest transition songs!

Alex is the reason I got to love Rush when I first heard them 40+ years ago. Of course Neil followed after a while, but even today to me it is Alex that get most of my attention. Could never figure out why he was and still is underrated. 🤷‍♂️ I guess when there’s too many maestro in one group, one tends to be neglected. 🤪 But the most important thing is we, Rush fan, can recognize and appreciate all of them. Rock on 🎸🥁🎤🔥

I started watching your videos back when you first started reacting to Rush songs. I'm not sure what video it was on, but I definitely remember hearing you mention having Rush fans in your comments section telling you should have reacted to a live performance of a song. This is one of those times. 🤣 The guitar sound on Alex's solo on the album version always felt like there was something lacking. The Live version from the Clockwork Angels tour, on the other hand had a much fuller sound. I'll bet Alex's guitar tech got a huge bonus after that show. 🤣 Also, Newer Rush doesnt get as much love as the older stuff does I feel. The Anarchist would be a great one to do from Clockwor Angels.

Alex has never gotten the credit he deserves!! He is the most underratted guitar player EVER!!!

Great reaction! I just love your reactions!! This came out in 1982, (off their Signals album) so there weren’t a lot of gaming systems out there! This was when kids played outside and hung out with their friends all day! I can always visualize the “analog kid” lying out in a field behind his house, maybe over looking a pond, looking at the sky and daydreaming about growing up and shaking off the dirt of this crummy little town and the adventures of the unknown that await him!! Neil was brilliant at imagery and Geddy always sang from his heart! And YES… Alex is WAY UNDERRATED!! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!

This is one of my favourite solo’s from Alex 💜 thanks for doing this song

Alex can shred with the best of them, but for me, it’s all the other things he adds in along the way (bends, harmonics, dynamics, his masterful use of effects, etc!) that makes him special. He knows how to build a solo and his phrasing is always perfect for the song!

Most guitarist are one trick pony's. They do something really well and repeat it. One of the things that really makes Alex so special is that he reinvented his sound and style of every album.

the lyrics fit whit the music,,,,,musical genius,,, nothing compares,,,,,, live,, it was awesome,,top notch,,,,🤘🤘🤘

One of my favorite guitar solos. So amped up.

Alex is one of the best. You can't have created the music Rush has without everyone in the band being one of the best at their instrument.

These three guys were unquestionably among the best at their respective crafts. Alex may get overlooked, and in fact Rush itself has been arguably overlooked. But I don't let that bother me. And in fact, Alex did not let it bother him, and we are all lucky for that. The humble nature of these three virtuosos is what allowed them to stay together for so long. A more self-centered guitarist may have been unable to accept time in the shadows of his talented bandmates, but you get the sense with Rush that it was never a matter of personal glory for any of them. I am grateful for that and all the enjoyable music it brought us. Thanks guys.

Neil used double bass drums at that time in 1982. I hope you react to their Anthem studio video (1975) the one with them playing, you can see how young they look with Neil small drum set but they all still rock with a lot of bass work !

When Eddie van Halen was asked how it felt to be the greatest guitarist he replied I don't know go ask Alex lifeson

@dandiehm8414

2 ай бұрын

If true, that is a great comment.

My favorite part of the guitar solo here is Neal laying off the cymbal work, which really brings the guitar forward. Alex is so high and frenetic on this solo, I think a ride or a tight high hat would’ve diminished it. Even when Neal does go to the crash, it’s the China the most subtle crash. Peart was a real musician, the drummers hero!

WELCOME TO THE #RUSHFAMILY DUDE!!! Let's back to the 70's to see the band's changes. One of the best BASS songs of all time: CIRCUMSTANCES. Let's talk about the differences between Rush's 70's and 80's

I am so glad you mentioned Alex...people who know, know. The guy is a genius and his solo's however short are always well thought out and absolutely perfect for the mood of the song. This in my opinion makes him one of the greatest.

Neil Peart used a double kick bass drum setup. To see it was like watching someone peddling a bicycle while playing the rest of the drum kit. Alex has been rated the second most underrated guitarist after Prince. After listening to his entire repertoire, including his own album, "Victor," and his latest work on "Envy on None," I consider him the most versatile. I would also go as far (hurt feels incoming) as stating I consider him better overall than Eddy Van Halen. Consider giving a listen to "The Garden." It's the last song on their last studio album, "Clockwork Angels." The live performance provides the full ambience.

I think Alex might suffer a little when it comes to recognition because Geddy and Neil command so much attention. Truth is, all three of them are supremely talented. If you ask a master guitarist for their top influence or a “greatest” in their opinion, they will name Alex Lifeson. You should dig into his chord usage. He is one of a kind when it comes to voicings. Few use the unique chords he does. They are very difficult to play. And Alex blazes through them at light speed. Cleanly!

In any other band Alex would be the stand-out member, but he’s in there with two other top-tier musicians. Another factor is these guys had no huge egos amongst each other - it was all about making the best music and they all got their moments to shine. I heard another musician say it best - Alex is so underrated because “he served the song instead of stepping all over it.” Cheers!

Alex deserves an entire show dedicated to his playing throughout the years. Hes a great lead and rhythm player.

As a Toronto boy, Rush was and still is the soundtrack to my life. I worked with bands in the 70s that did Rush music, i did mixing & studio recording...Guitar players know their peers...Alex is not underrated amongst his peers, other guitar players know him & how good he is...I think there is a barrier between the public opinion of the goats of guitar & the guys that just plain killed it. Alex killed it for 40+ years, he didnt die at 27, he had a brilliant long career & by all accounts is a really nice, funny guy. I of course had the privilige of watching him & his band mates, also brilliant, do their thing here in Toronto...Alex is, in a nutshell, 1/3 of the greatest 3 pc band ever & is never underrated in my books. If you need some evidence, check out La Villa Strangiato, all 3 are at the peak of their musical genius.

IMHO: Alex gives some much needed life and atmosphere to the clinical precision of the Geddy and Neal combo. He is totally underrated and overshadowed. Kinda like George being overshadowed by Lennon and McCartney as a writer.

Dude, Geddy would be proud with that riff you just played having never heard the song 🎵 before!

Alex is my favourite guitar player. He’s so good! Underrated for sure!

Your absolutely correct . Alex is very underrated. And I'm a big rush fan and I was guilty of it myself for a long time. I agree with the last comment that I think so many are so taken away by Neil and Geddy that Alex gets put in the shadow. But that's the great thing about Rush that there's so much to rediscover by continuing to listen to them for years. Their talent runs deep . And that's what my thing was. But finally I came around and realized how great Alex really is. But when your great among greatness you don't stand out. You blend in. If Alex had been in any other band he would've stood out more. But when Geddy and Neil are your band mates it ain't quite as easy to stand out.

Another banger, Church Boy! Fountain of Lamneth please!

@omicron2018

2 ай бұрын

Especially "No One At The Bridge."

Alex Lifeson's solos make you FEEL! He has always been my favorite guitarist! So creative to fill the sonic space in a three-piece band. Just amazing!

Two of the things that I really like about your reactions are your ear and your stories. I like how you can immediately identify the key of the song and can often play riffs simply by ear. You are a real musician which makes a huge difference. Your stories are always enlightening, entertaining and tell a story. Thanks for appreciating the skills of all the members of Rush.

You're not missing anything, Alex is criminally underrated when talked about guitarist. I feel there's three reasons and it comes down to marketing and exposure. First, if you don't come from the US or the UK, it's very rare you are mentioned among the greats. There is a bias when people talk about the greats and US and UK tend to promote their own. Second, Rush throughout their careers were never a mainstream band, they might have just over a hand full of songs that were commercially successful. In contrast to a Rush fan, out of their 150 song discography, 100 or more songs would be considered bangers/hit songs. Lastly, in Rush's early years, the majority of their songs were not very radio friendly, due to song length. Speaking of underrated, another Canadian that's in my top 5 guitarist of all time is Frank Marino. Before there was an SRV or Van Halen, there was Frank. Check out "It's begun to Rain" live at the Agora. Another live performance that's a must watch is Gary Moore's (also in my top 5 guitarist) "The Messiah will Come Again"

Clearly one of Alex’s best solos. Since Neil and Geddy are such virtuosos with their instruments, his talents have been overshadowed. Also remember, he has to be lead and rhythm for this band. He is a stud and is very underrated.

Well, Alex has long gotten his due from music industry publications focused on the guitar. Nevertheless, the fact remains that Rush only had 1 top twenty Billboard hit single. The band's music also isn't as accessible as that of an AC/DC or Van Halen. It also appears that few of the band's contemporaries strove as much as Geddy, Alex, and Neil did to make music that would simultaneously speak to a large and loyal fan base whilst simultaneously being difficult enough to present a challenge to them in reproducing their music live, day-in and day-out (or, perhaps more appropriately for Rush, year-in and year-out). While I am not a musician myself, I have always had the sense that Alex was unique in that he always strove to serve the music rather than himself. I figure he must have had an ego healthy enough to accomplish such a feat, which is why I suspect he was unique amongst his peers. Alex has always seemed content enough to apply his talents to filling the soundscape rather than always seeking to play above or through it. Indeed, I bet you that if Rush had been a quartet or quintet, he'd have been even more under-rated than he already is. There are also many instances in which Alex would hold down the rhythm so that Geddy (or Geddy and Neil together) could explore the margins of what their instruments could do within the structure of a rock song. In recent years, I've even heard Alex say, in interviews, that he is now primarily interested in finding ways to make his guitars sound like they aren't even guitars, which one can hear in the two albums he has released as part of a band called Envy of None. Its music sounds nothing like Rush, which only makes his contributions to it that more impressive.

Classic Geddy on this tune… keep um comin’

Lifeson is arguably the most versatile rock guitarist of all time. His solos are always creative and his rhythm guitar is also underrated and extremely diverse in style and technique, and he's just a fabulous musician who can also write good tunes. One of the best ever.

Thank you for another thoughtful reaction - you nailed the meaning! I think Alex is underrated because Neil and Geddy are way out ahead of most drummers and bassists and overshadow him. I hear many reactors talk about Neil in the middle of a beautiful guitar solo - drives me a bit nuts. Alex isn't flashy and he doesn't shred just to impress - He creates within the context of the song. He's rated 98 on Rolling Stones list of 100 (nonsense), then he's #3 in a Guitar World Poll (also nonsense, I wouldn't say he's better than Stevie Ray Vaughan or Jimmy Page and many others). However, he's my favorite guitarist.

React to RUSH'S 'Countdown'

Clearly you interpreted the song correctly. The song fits into an album theme. Analog Kid is unlike the Digital Man that he can potentially become. The Analog Kid lives in the moment and appreciates the beauty of the world around him. The Digital Man is like a workaholic who constantly lives for the future where he hopes to find happiness some day. Never stops to smell the roses. Then the song Losing It describes a dancer and writer who have lost their gift and constantly live in the past or their glory days. The song Subdivisions sets the overview of the entire album and hints at the aspects of the other songs. Analog Kid is the youth who is living in the Now and appreciates the beauty in everyday simple things. The album needs to be heard straight through with lyrics in order to fully appreciate the significance, even though each song stands on it's own.

I always get chills listening to this song. It's a perfect summation of distant adolescent memories.

You nailed it man, that's what they meant to do. Take you back to your teenage years, sitting on your porch, day dreaming. This song is about the dreaming, it's about youth. You got it, really appreciate your review. Take a listen to the earlier albums if you want to hear his vocal range! Alex is one of the GOATs, no question, at all. Keep them coming, thanks!

Neil used double bass drums up to and including the Presto album, in 1989. In 1991, he switched to a single bass drum with a double pedal for the Roll the Bones album, and has used that setup ever since.

Hey @churchboy I’m loving your Rush journey. As a 63 year old fan of theirs since the late 70’s I have appreciated most of their musical evolution with very few misses along the way. Analog Kid has been one of my favourites to rock out to since it came out on Signals, which I bought (on vinyl, of course) as soon as it came out. I picture myself at 7 years old lying in a field, just beside a brook, near our house on a summer day looking up at the sky and my Mother calling me in for dinner from a long ways away. (Man, her voice carried!) You might be Interested in seeing them play this live 30 years later during the Clockwork Angels tour in 2012 and see the (much older) boys shred this. Geddy’s voice wasn’t the same by then but he did a good job nonetheless, and seeing him playing the Bass, the keys and the pedals while singing is awesome. Then there is Alex just killing the guitar parts and that solo! I don’t think you have followed up a studio version with a live one before so, I suggest checking it out. Peace from the Toronto suburb of Ajax.

The solo in this song has been my favorite Alex solo since like 1987 or so.

Neil plays 2 pedals. And a lot more. Every limb is working it! 😎😁👍 My favorite song on this awesome album!

Great reaction Church Boy! This song (like so many) has such a phenomenal groove! It's what Rush does best! Plus their transitions are some of the smoothest in rock - and much of that comes down to Neil! Imagine being a guitarist, who is an expert in atmospherics & subtle, tasteful chords, but can shred a solo like a Canadian Grizzly whenever he wishes - but you're grouped with one of THE best rhythm sections in rock - two individuals who are often claimed as the or close to the best in their respective instruments? It's easy to get overshadowed... For me - and many others that 'know' Rush's catalogue - Alex is a 'god' of guitar! He always, ALWAYS services the song - never overblown or 'too much'. There is a reason why plenty of fans call these guys 'The Holy Trinity from Toronto' - 3 guys who act as one mind! Cheers.

Neil has always used double bass. He started with two bass drums, but then moved to the double kick peddle on a single bass.

I always get chills when they drop to the "You move me" section. Not sure why. Been that way since I first heard it in '83. Signals is an interesting album. Some songs seem to be a progression towards more of their synth period, but parts of other songs seem to pull back just a little from the synth style. It's a good blend. This transition and sort of a musical re-evaluation of synth/processed vs. "natural" sounds and approaches continued on Grace Under Pressure, but with a bit more of the former. I do like the duo of Signals and Grace. And then of course Power Windows was the surrender to more of a processed, polished, synth sound. But done Rush's way so it's still head and shoulders above what anyone else was doing in that space at that time.

Alex is the ultimate team player. Alex can shred but he takes the role of rhythm player a lot of the time while the bass or keys take the lead. Simply put, rhythm players aren't as flashy and don't get the credit they deserve. Alex has some of the most interesting chords and riffs of any artist though. He may be underrated among casuals but he's one of the most respected guitarists in music. Those who know, know.

In reference to why Alex is overlooked- it will happen in a 3 piece band when the bassist is the best in the world and the drummer is the best in the world. I saw an interview with Alex and Geddy and each was asked who’s the best musician in Rush - you can’t vote for yourself… Alex went first and he said - Geddy… and when Geddy was asked he said Neil… Alex cracked up laughing

When Eddie Van Halen was asked what it was like to be the best rock guitarist in the world, his response was, "I don't know. Ask Alex Lifeson." That could be apocryphal, but I believe he probably said it.

@benredmond6636

2 ай бұрын

I have read it somewhere in print years ago

@batman1169

2 ай бұрын

Lol😂 urban legend. Lots of version of the same story with other artist or bands. Nice but fake.

Read a column one time that summed it up. (Paraphrasing) “you’re confusing good with popular, some of the unknown talent out there would blow page, vai, and Eddie to pieces” Alex serves the music. However, listen specifically to the “exit stage left” version of “la villa strangiato” case closed.

Neil is writing about LONGING. Longing for new experiences, new challenges, new horizons. Something that surprises you in a wonderous way when as a teenager kid nothing is surprising no more in your suburban neighborhood. You just want to run away and experience life...

Thanks for getting to this favorite of mine. Just like in Freewill, Alex really stands out on this track. Most people recognize Neil as a top drummer in rock. Many people recognize Geddy as a top bass player in rock. But few people recognize Alex as a top guitarist. Alex is not just about playing a lot of notes and shredding. He serves the song. That may mean playing sparsely to convey a mood, (like on Limelight, La Villa Strangiato, or Ghost of a Chance), or just filling up the rhythm section while Geddy takes lead on bass or keys. Alex can be the center and shred (See Working Man live in Cleveland), but he is more than that in Rush, and its why this band is great. They all know when to stand out and when to just keep the melody moving.

Alex's contributions are "hidden" to some extent by the greatness that is Rush. Not just because of the prodigious talents of his bandmates, but because his parts fit so tightly into the structure of the songs. They are an integral part of the fabric and do not "stand out" like some of the more celebrated guitarists. In some of those other bands, the rest of the band drops back to let the guitar solo shine through. Often, though, with Rush, the other two guys are back there filling in the entire soundscape with semi-solos of their own while Alex is killing it (Free Will, Limelight, Tom Sawyer, just to name a few of the more radio-friendly examples).

Neil was one of the BEST in HISTORY - R.I.P. Professor..

Chuch boi (LOL) … I am a vocalist/drummer/percussionist (working pro) and have been a fan of Rush since I saw them in 1980 (87 shows). I believe Alex is off the radar because he spends so much time in rhythm. And, his solos are not flashy they are precise and accurate to the songs; unlike EVH (RIP) or Randy Rhodes … and, of course, Steve Vai is in his own stratosphere (Zappa, DLR, & solo). Alex is Carlos Santana-like … their solos are clean and they do not overtly take over the stage diva-like. Thus, I think they tend to get overlooked for their prowess and caliber. (Just one man’s opinion.)

If you watch the live version of this song, keep focused on geddys feet. The choral keyboard part during and after Alex’s solo. HE PLAYS THAT WITH HIS FREAKING FOOT!!!!! Who does that? No one!!!

This is my favorite song off of Signals and it’s top 20 Rush song on my list, definitely one of Alex’s best solos 🔥

YYZ Live In Rio; Leave That Thing Alone, Time Machine Tour - two great insteumental performances with really sick bass lines, not to mention two more great performances from Alex. Cheers from Toronto! 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🔥 🔥 🔥

I feel like people expect rock bands to have incredibly talented guitar players, but it's more unusual to have outstanding bass players (who also sing!) and drummers so they get a lot more attention. So when you put them all in the same band, it's less "Geddy and Neil are amazing...and also Alex was there", and more "Of course Alex is amazing but they have Geddy and Neil, too?! Wow!"

😂 Laughed out loud cause before Internet 🤗 all we had was a blade of grass, some marbles & a Spalding handball or Basketball. We were Analog Kids with rotary phones & 📻knobs on our radios instead of 🎚️slides! 😏 We even jumped rope! #Memories 🥰🐰

It's hard for Alex to get the credit he deserves when you play with Neil and Geddy. He is a great guitar player but he is overshadowed by their greatness. It's unjust for sure.

You gotta listen to "The Twilight zone" by Rush next. It doesn't get enough shine on here. The basslines are 🔥🔥🔥😤

I’ve been watching your Rush reactions and love it, you are so right Alex doesn’t get the credit he really deserves, he is such a vertous player. You now have a new subscriber and welcome to the Rush family.

I really can't wait for your next reaction, man. I think you have become my favorite reactor. I have never understood why Alex isn't as highly regarded on best of lists. I think I have seen him as high as #8 on some publication all time great guitarists list. The Necromancer is a great bass song I think you will enjoy.

I'm not a 'Guitar Guy', but I think A.L. isn't the 'fastest/flashiest', and that's what the 'common guy' is drawn to, if it's a POPULARITY POLL. RUSH has also never been a 'Mainstream' band. We all know there's some UNKNOWN GUY somewhere that's probably the best ever, right? I don't think A.L. has the cleanest runs ever. But he USES the guitar fantastically. I think he plays Lead and Rhythm simultaneously, and is very creative within his abilities. Imaginative using sounds/effects, everything at his disposal. And a creative COMPOSER.

Great to hear you as a talented musician say that Alex doesn't get mentioned as much as other guitar legends. I like his humour, his distinct sound & his complete lack of ego. He did a short series of how he plays certain songs & actually said that "I play it like this but other people play using different positions, & they are right, it's easier to play it their way than how I wrote it." So he changed to & kept other peoples versions. A very classy guy is Alex.