Toronto kid here, born 1968. So I grew up with Rush constantly in the background, and it was both exciting and "normal" ... excitinig in that Rush was always considered the best of the best; but normal in the sense that you heard the band on the radio easily five or ten times every day, depending on whether they had a new album out. I love seeing you guys react to the time signature changes, because my teenage friends and I knew most of the instrumental parts by heart ... Even those of us who didn't know what a time signature even was! In other words, we were spoiled, and we loved it. So part of your mystery is solved by the fact that kids are almost supernaturally able to learn new things that adults will never be able to do with equal proficiency. Starting as teenagers, these guys just persisted until they were an unbeatable unit. I am a bit surprised, though, that no bands today, that I know of, can even come close to this level of musicianship. Where the fuck is today's Rush?
This song almost destroyed the band because they originally tried to record this song in one take and they were pushing the absolute limits of their capabilities as musicians. This is the greatest rock instrumental of all time imo.🔥🤘🏻🎧
their most creative and difficult piece to write, learn and perform it was almost too hard for Rush. Never played Book II again in its entirety after that tour 78-79.
As a 59 year old Rush fan since '77, it was a different time back when Rush created this masterpiece. It was a time when talented musicians skillfully wielded musical instruments to craft songs. A time when there was no auto tune and vocalists could actually sing. No tricks, no cheats, no sampling, you actually had to be a real musician and such.
don't underestimate that the whole music world wasn't explored as wide as today. since the early/late 90s bands really struggle to find creative musical ways which weren't already explored. in the 70s there were still a whole lot of new, unique and harmonizing sounds in the open.
Seeing so many young people hearing Rush for the first time and seeing their reactions as they go through the Rush rabbit hole like all of us Rush old timer did decades ago is almost like reliving that day when a new Rush album was release all over again. I truly believe that in a couple of hundred years from now Rush will be looked at like Mozart and Beethoven are looked at today, as total musical creative genius.
Attention Trash Talkers: you have GOT to see the RUSH movie “Beyond the Lighted Stage”! It is the story of RUSH, and it answers a lot of questions you have brought up on your show
I remember I was a Rush fanatic in high school and my parents bought me that documentary on dvd after it came out and I no joke watched it to fall asleep on repeat for weeks. It’s gotten to the point where I can quote the documentary like it were a normal movie.
@@52ndWarhawkGerbil That bit in the restaurant where the waitress asked Geddy for an autograph and didn't recognize Alex always kills me. 🤭 It's like damn, that's cold. 🥶
Alex by far an away is the most underrated/under appreciated guitarist in rock history. In my opinion an I’m sure a few others see it that way too. The thing about rush, was the musicality was everything to them, they didn’t do outlandish stage sets, unless you feel a washer an dryer is outlandish lol, they didn’t get known for trashing hotels, smashing guitars or throwing outlandish parties… they didn’t need makeup or a 20 semi truck load of lights an pyrotechnics… They just got on stage, an laid down track after track of music that took you on a journey, their lyrics made you think, an feel, the riffs, base lines an drum fills that allowed you to close your eyes an be carried away… By far an away the most humble men who are legends 💪
@@RyneMurray23 they made seem so easy but yet so complicated i had the pleasure to see them 23 times live to me the best band ever RIP NEIL PEART 😢 💔 we miss you Play The Garden such a sad but yet a beautiful swan song in my opinion NEIL new the end was near after listening to that song.
“La Villa Strangiato” subtitle of "An Exercise in Self-Indulgence". According to Lifeson, it is based on the various nightmares he would have, particularly while on tour, which provided the theme to what he described as a "musical re-creation" of them.The track was the sole piece that developed from the two-week rehearsal period the group had prior to entering the studio.Rush encountered great difficulty in recording it, as the band wanted it put down as a single live performance, rather than a more produced and edited piece. Lee said it took them around 40 takes to produce a take they were satisfied with.Peart and Lee pointed out that they spent more time recording "La Villa Strangiato" than they did recording the entire Fly by Night (1975) album. Peart recalled the group spent four days and nights playing it repeatedly, playing while their hands were sore and their minds tired. "We were determined to get the whole thing perfect, but in the end I just couldn't do it, and we ended up putting it together from a few different takes."
I feel for Rush fans who weren’t old enough or even born yet, and therefore unable to experience this as it was unfolding (my sons included). There was something magical about that time period. Maybe it was because I still had hair.
It was a shared journey with Rush about ten years ahead of me in life experiences. By the time they’d filtered things, wrote and recorded it and it got to me the new material would mirror my current experiences. Not every song, but often enough that it really became part of the listening experience. It really was a privilege to be there to experience their career in real-time. The music means so much more with context.
Ya, growing up with Rush, literally meant waiting with baited breath for months and months wondering exactly what the next journey a new Rush album would take you on. EVERY Rush album I bought, and thats all of them, the first listen always said to me, "YOUR NOT GETTING ALL THIS YET. LISTEN AGAIN. THEN AGAIN, THEN AGAIN, and you will get it." It was that ability Rush had to practically unwire your mind just a little with each new record and make you dig into your understanding of music a little deeper and different every new time around that helped make them as incredible as they are.
You’re doing yourselves a disservice if you don’t react to the official video to this masterpiece!!! Listening to them do this song is an experience, BUT WATCHING them play this masterpiece is a whole different experience!! It’s truly one of those videos that begs to be watched multiple times to take in every note and every visual to truly appreciate it. Do not hesitate to do this. Just do it.
My man, with all due respect, no! The video doesn't do this song and Rush justice. It's either going to be the album version OR one of their live concert videos. Not the official video though. The sound is not good enough, the cameras are not catching Neil from good angles (for a drummer), Alex is kind of "trying stuff" when the solo(s) come... In general, their later live clips are a far superior experience. And of course the album version is OMG (listen to the isolated drums track too, it's emotional!!!) Peace and love ✌️
I've been listening to Rush since 1976 when I first saw them live in Houston. There is no 'star' of this band. Alex, Geddy and Neil contribute their genius and perfection equally and there is no 'Rush' without each of the members contributions.
I agree completely. T hat's why I always say fly by night is the first Rush album. (Rutsey was good but he was no where even close to Neil and the lyrics are night and day.)
Rush is the truth, plain and simple. Without Rush, there is no Tool. Y’all should try A Passage to Bangkok, Earthshine, Subdivisions, The Trees or Distant Early Warning as well. All of those tracks are different from the rest.
Your Rush reactions bring me so much joy. I have been a fan for over 40 years and it's been hard to listen since we lost Neil. It makes me sad now, but I can enjoy it again seeing your enthusiasm. They just blow you away, don't they? They are masters. I love that people are finally recognizing Lifeson! I don't know if he'll win, but he's certainly my favorite and I love Jimmy Page. BTW it's Italian, not Spanish. :)
This song took three months for Rush to perfect and record. They said it was so arduous, they were burned to a crisp, and , so, they backed off f rom epics like this thereafter. What a true BAND! Pound for pound, man for man, the most talented band ever.
Funny it comes down to Page and Lifeson. There's a video on YT that talks about Alex meeting Page for the first time. Alex was saying he was like a fan boy, sweating and all gaga meeting his idol for the first time. In fact, how Rush got discovered, a DJ in Cleveland was playing "Working Man" and people were calling in asking, "When did the new Zeppelin album come out". Yeah, Rush's first album they do sound like Zeppelin. Page among other notable guitarist were a big influence on Alex. If this is about body of work, from a longevity pov, Rush stayed relevant until 2015. From a skill and technical pov, I would also go with Alex. From a creativity pov, yup Alex. From the ton of guitar solo pov, you got it Alex. Yeah Alex is my guy and Rush is my favorite band of all time. So he's got my vote. I do like Page and Zeppelin for who they were but would've loved to see David Gilmour go head to head with my boy Alex. Both are in my top 5 guitarist of all time. In regards to the song, it's based on Alex's dreams. Alex would talk about his dreams with GL and NP, and they would laugh about it. If you listen to the song, you can pinpoint the different mood swings from going to sleep and then dreaming and then waking up. One of the sections in the song is called "Monsters" which tries to emulate a nighmare but not your scary nightmare more like cartoonish monsters from "Monster's Inc" Neil wanted this section to have a big band sound. Hence the Jazz drumming and if you listen to Alex's solo it sounds like horns. My only wish is, you did the live studio version of the song. It would take what you just heard to another level.
My two favourite bands Rush and Zeppelin but Alex wins it hands down for me. Alex can shred with the best of them but it is all the rest he can do as well. My vote goes to Alex. Hemispheres came out in 1978. It is a masterpiece. To see the guys playing it live check out LA Villa Strangiato official music video. I suggest watching Beyond the Lighted Stage. It is a documentary about the band and it is excellent. It will answer a lot of your questions. Cheers
Agree 100%. To me it's about live performances. Alex killed it on stage every night, while there are more than a few recordings out there of some pretty bad nights from Jimmy.
Check out Cinema Strangiato online. This coming Thursday (September 9th) a new cut of the footage from the R40 tour will be in theaters everywhere. It's a one night only event...
It's not so much that he's underrated It's that he's just not as popular as other guitarists. Guitarists that know about him bow down. He's right there with Mark Knopfler and Eddie and Satriani
Hands down...the greatest rock instrumental ever created! 🙌 And yes, they have performed this live sounding as great as this, or better, many many times. I vote Alex every time. 👍👍👍
At the time they did Hemispheres they turned out an album almost every year. When I think about how absolutely great these three guys are individually and then as a group, I just get misty-eyed. Except for the first album in '74, it was the same 3 great guys for over 40 years. Incredible! One of the top 3 bands of all time, LZ & PF being the others!
Yep, A Farewell To Kings was released Sept. 77 and Hemispheres was released Oct. 78, add in 140 shows during that time. The album was created in the studio. They had the ability to overdub and punch in, however, they recorded this song (except for the intro guitar) live.
They worked with zero ego. That is why they were so good. They did not try and outdo each other. Funny you should say Tom Sayer, Neil Peart often references that it's his hardest song..
As a casual drummer... With the left hand, every hit on the snare is full force with everything the body can muster, a nightmare for maintaining your physical balance and coordination across the rest of the kit. Crazy placement of hi hat chokes with the left foot, with precision down to 16th notes at least, and these must be hit perfectly for the song to sound right. The right foot meanwhile is performing galloping doubles and triplets on the bass drum, extremely difficult if you do not have your heel-toe technique down pat. I end up cheating a bit and use the double pedal here, but Neil did it all with one foot. And all of the above the while maintaining straight 16th notes with the right hand, jumping between the hats and ride for damn near the entire song. And that big solo in the middle, it is all orchestrated. No improv, every single hit is mapped out and must be hit perfectly, down to that random crash hit in the middle of the big roll down the toms. Neil often said that although Tom Sawyer is their most popular song, and was played at every show, it managed to stay fresh for him for 30+ years because it was always a challenge to play night after night, and it always felt rewarding to play well. Check out a drum cam version sometime. Your minds will be blown.
I think Geddy is slept on when people talk about who the best bass players are. He somehow managed to sing while playing at the same time while playing these complicated songs, but he also played keys. Him and rush are at the top of the hill as far as rock bands go. 🔥🔥
Don't forget he also was playing trigger pedals while doing all that live and he was moving around the stage goofing off Alex it was amazing to watch these guy's live and how good they sounded live
6 albums between 74-78. Rush pushed their technical ability at the time of recording La Villa and was and is a challenging instrumental for Rush and anyone else who tries to play it. Rush were always about advancing their musical ability and that went on ad infinitum until their last album in 2012
Neil Peart said he thinks he may have over reached the drum parts of this song and didn't believe he ever got it exactly right, mind you that's by his standards which no matter who you believe is the greatest drummer is there was no other drummer that had higher standards for himself, that's one thing that made them so great for so long none of the 3 had big egos
This is actually composed like a classical piece with 12 distinct movements, very technical:" La Villa Strangiato (An Exercise in Self-Indulgence)" I. "Buenos Nochas, Mein Froinds!" II. "To Sleep, Perchance to Dream..." III. "Strangiato Theme" IV. "A Lerxst in Wonderland" V. "Monsters!" VI. "The Ghost of the Aragon" VII. "Danforth and Pape" VIII. "The Waltz of the Shreves" IX. "Never Turn Your Back on a Monster!" X. "Monsters! (Reprise)" XI. "Strangiato Theme (Reprise)" XII. "A Farewell to Things"
Moving Pictures is probably the best Rush album in terms of the number of hit songs on one album, but this song and Cygnus X-1 Book II could show that Hemispheres is arguably the peak of their powers in terms of musicianship. Unbelievable talent from only 3 guys.
My favorite band ever. These 3 guys were some of the most gifted musicians in the rock galaxy and they never cared for fame. They were a bunch a of friends who just wanted to make the best form of art they could. Their music is complex but full of wit, soul and humanity. The alchemy between Geddy, Alex and Neil is unbeatable.
To me personally Rush is the best there was,is and always will be. Their first album came out the year I was born. My first Rush tape was Fly By Night and they have been a part of my life ever since. Them three were meant to be together. Alex will always be the man in my book.
This really comes down to taste. Jimmy Page is a genre of his own. Alex Lifeson is a genre of his own. They both did everything masterfully. It's "who do you like better?", not "who is better?". For me, it's Alex - hands down. There has never been a more wonderful person who was also a rock star.
When I saw that you were reacting to this song I was like, Oh hell, it's about to be mind blowing time...and well there ya go!! This is one of the best instrumental pieces ever....and y'all experienced it when you were supposed to. Check out the live version from Exit Stage Left, that way you can actually see the Masters at work!!
Alex's skill is absolutely shown on the "working man" live Cleveland concert. What an amazing video one of the best live songs out there. Up there with comfortably numb pulse concert
Yall asked how their albums are spaced... Rush - 1974 Fly By Night - 1975 Caress of Steel - 1975 2112 - 1976 Farewell to Kings - 1977 Hemispheres - 1978 (The album that La Villa is on) Permanent Waves - 1980 Moving Pictures - 1981 Signals - 1982 Grace Under Pressure - 1984 Power Windows - 1985 Hold Your Fire - 1987 Presto - 1989 Roll the Bones - 1991 Counterparts - 1993 Test for Echo - 1996 Vapor Trails - 2002 Snakes and Arrows - 2007 Clockwork Angels - 2012 And they were touring rigorously for most of this time period as well, except for a dark spot between 97 and 2001
Of course, that dark spot is very understandable, and very dark for Neil since his daughter was killed in a car accident in 1997, and his wife died of cancer within the following year. It brings up another part of my admiration for the band. When the guys you're working with basically say "We hope you'll find what you need to, and that you'll come back, but we totally understand that you need to take time for yourself. Take the time you need. We'll be here", even though they aren't sure where you're going, whether you'll return, or what it will ultimately mean for the band to have such an uncertain hiatus on touring/creating... that really shows that they're not just band mates with professional relationship, but are also true friends.
You should see the evolution of this song live. From Geddy adding a few lines of lyrics, to Alex going off on a dream tangent, to them introducing the band members. It's all great stuff!
This is the epitome of rush. Their finest masterpiece. Alex lifeson is a beast and criminally underrated. As far as the tournament goes to me there is no contest. As much of an iconic riff master as Jimmy page is he just doesn't have the technicality and overall body of work as Alex lifeson does
This band is pure talent at the highest levels. In the early years, they put out albums at an amazing rate. If you look at their release dates they did not have time to spend a year practicing one song. Overall they put out 19 studio albums in 38 years with the first 16 being released in a time span of 22 years. Their discography is as follows; Rush 1974, Fly By Night 1975, Caress of Steel 1975, 2112 in 1976, A Farewell to Kings 1977, Hemispheres (with La Villa Strangiato) 1978, Permanent Waves 1980, Moving Pictures 1981, Signals 1982, Grace Under Pressure 1984, Power Windows 1985, Hold Your Fire 1987, Presto in 1989, Roll the Bones 1991, Counterparts 1993, Test for Echo 1996, Vapor Trails 2002, Snakes and Arrows 2007 and Clockwork Angels in 2012. Hands down, Rush was one of the most talented groups of musicians that have graced the rock world.
This should definitely convince you guys that a rush day should happen. Been with you through all the Tool Tuesdays and loved every minute. Waited very patiently because I knew Rush would be coming. Now time to dive in deep and whole heartedly. Rush fans will be there. The Rush family (army) is huge and loyal. Let’s do this! It’s time! Much love and respect. 🤘🤘
As my shirt says, "I may be old, but I got to see all the cool bands." Growing up in this era was awesome. I'm a proud Gen Xer & I'd put my era's music up against any.
I've heard from some musicians that rush is a math band because they're so precise. Plus there are other times that they feel like a free flowing jazz band where not sure what's coming next. But always excellent.
After listening to something like this, you can understand why my generation looks at today's music and roll our eyes most of the time. (Some exceptions.)
I just love your excellent knowledgeable reactions to Rush!!! Please, please, please react to Workingman Live in Cleveland……guitar supremacy!! Sending love from 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
I grew up on this music and it is pure fun to watch guys listening to the music for the first time. On other threads someone said it perfectly: it's almost like watching your kids opening cool Christmas presents. Enjoy gents, you have almost 40 years of Rush to experience
Also got my original red vinyl copy the day it came out at "sam the record man" in downtown T.O. had to travel in from the wilds of scarberia through willowdale and down towards the lakeside park.
Rush said it took them longer to record this one song, than it did the entire Fly By Night album. They couldn't record it in one take, according to Geddy, “That was a song where I would have to say our ideas exceeded our ability to play them. We thought: ‘We’re going to write this long piece and then we’ll just record it live off the floor and boom! But it was really difficult. It was beyond us."
Your reactions are priceless, especially as newbies to RUSH. Their music is timeless and was much underrated in back in the day. They persevered so we can appreciate them more decades later.
If you want to hear a different but heavy Rush masterpiece, check out Jacob's Ladder from the album Permanent Waves. Its my favorite song I have seen them perform live
My first Rush concert was touring Hemispheres. Playing this live was just jaw dropping because it wasn’t anything less than what you hear on the record - just these three guys. Incredible.
Geddy talks alot about how they prepare for a tour and create the set list in the Time stands Still documentary. I believe he said they get together and it takes them about 3 months to work out the list and then practice together to decide how they want to play it. For the final tour they played a lot of songs that had not played for a long time and in some cases never played it live like "Losing it" with Ben Mink from FM.
I was fortunate enough to in London in 1978.....I saw rush at the London Odeon a really intimate venue.....I was 16 years old and they just blew me away....truly brilliant.......been lucky enough to have a lifetime of Rush music to enjoy. I've been a fortunate guy. Rush are true masters of their art.
These guys clearly are blown away to the point where they can't even understand how this music is created but this is what you get when you bring talented people together who have all mastered their instruments. That is what makes this possible. You can't "program" it, you can't fly by the seat of your pants, this is the result of hard work and a love for what you do.
One thing I've noticed with these reviews for Rush songs, early reviews ended in pure amazement at the skill. Now that you are more aware of their talent, it's almost like it is expected.
Seeing this song in its entirety live is something that I will never forget. Back in the day (I am 53) you were considered a bit "off" or somewhat nerdy if you listened to RUSH. It is so refreshing to see this generation appreciating the amazing talents of Neil, Geddy and Alex. No other band will ever be like them. I have the last 5 lines of the The song "Witch Hunt" off of Moving pictures album tattooed on my back.
Hey Trash Talkers. Kudos to you both. I enjoy watching you. 48 year Rush fan here. Bought their debut album one month after its release in 1974. You ask how they pull this incredible feat off? IT'S ALL PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. They have been playing some of these songs since 1968!
These 3 guys were such great musicians and perfectionists, There are not any of those tracks that didn't make an album that they could release now, because they recorded their songs when they were ready they practiced them and when they recorded them that is when they were perfect!! Alex actually wrote this based on a dream that he had....and it's Italian, roughly translated the strange village!
Rush. IMHO: Literally the best band ever. I was born in 1960 and got to watch all of these wonderful experiences happen in real time the first time they happened. I am blessed. At least we recorded a few of the good things along with all the bad that we boomers did... Thanks for the trail ride back in time...
In the documentary they said they had to record this song in segments. They were unable to record it live in one take. But after it was all done, they were able to perform it live. And since it's release, it's been on the set list ever since. It's was very rarely that it wasn't part of the show. It's how they indulge themselves musicly. Since you two have reacted to these instrumentals, you should check out Leave That Thing Alone. It's a instrumental on the Rush Counterparts album. It's Fire🔥🔥🔥
The instrumentals from the 90s albums are one of the hidden gems of Rush's discography. Limbo from Test for Echo is probably my favorite from that handful.
The kicker of this song ... they crushed it in concert every time. And Xanadu as well. I've seen them five or six times. They nail it to perfection. Kinda incredible.
I love that you guys love Rush so much. I was a teen in the 1970s. I experienced Rush a little bit behind the release of each of their early - and best - albums. There have been many amazing instrumental songs but I have come around to believing this is the best instrumental music ever recorded - and that's including the absolute classic YYZ.
There are two separate live versions that I know of on UA-cam. The better (IMO) is the Exit: Stage Left version. There is a Pink Pop Festival version, where Alex plays the intro with an electric guitar (the reason I like the other version, as I love the acoustic Spanish-sounding intro.)
I was 23 years old when this album came out. Imagine firing up a bowl, and then putting the headphones on and dropping the needle on this record for the first time. Side one takes you on an incredible journey. Then side two just rocks your mind. These guys were an incredible band, wish I could see them yet again live on stage.
I've a fan of Rush since 1971. Grew up with all this amazing music from yes, just 3 geniuses. Even in concert, no track, all raw, all them. Y'all should listen to the entire first side of 2112. The story in the music is sick. Doubt you could do a reaction video to it but you would be blown away. I always enjoy watching peoples first reaction to ridiculousness of Rush. THANKS for posting RUSH. They never get enough credit.
Speaking as a drummer, there's just a way that you "feel" what is coming next. It starts becoming muscle memory and you just let your body play the song without really thinking.
I had the immense honor of meeting Alex and Geddy. I can tell you these are 2 of the nicest people ever to play in any band of any genre. And the epic talent....just wow.
I'm always happy to find reactions that really appreciate the complexity and talent these three guys bring to the table, but you guys are very entertaining! Keep it up!!!
2 live versions of this you guys should check out: 1) the official music video was a LIVE performance but no audience, just shot for the video - ua-cam.com/video/eK1hmDpa8bo/v-deo.html. and 2) the first of 2 encores at the Time Machine tour show in Cleveland in 2011. The song starts out with a modified polka into, chosen no doubt due to a polka theme in the comedy clips shown during the show breaks. Watch as the front-row hardcore fans have NO idea what song they are leading into during the wacky intro.. ua-cam.com/video/VoTxTM6kBuU/v-deo.html
I saw Rush front row middle of stage on January 15th, 1977 on their "All the World's A Stage" tour at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. I was 16. I became a lifelong diehard Rush fan one month after their self-titled debut came out in 1974. I also saw them at Kemper Arena in Kansas City in February 1980 on their Permanent Waves tour. I'm 61 and will be their biggest fan until I pass.
I think they were expecting to record this song in a couple of hours. It took them 11 weeks to perfect this song. (I might be off a bit but I think they talk about it in Rush : Beyond the Lighted Stage)
Most of the older bands put out an album a year or close to it. Then they toured it. The bands pretty much came through your town every year. For quite a while it was steadily like this. Concerts were the status quo, it’s just what we did. The next day in school, after last night’s concert, it was tradition to wear your brand new concert shirt to show that you were there and that much cooler than everyone else. 😁👍 I was very good at this because concerts were the center of my life then. Every band came through my town, so that’s how I got to see so much. I was in the right place, at the right time, with the right taste and at the right age when all of this got started. It was much more affordable then too!
It was up to Neil to make these time signature changes smooth and it's not easy. Just listen to other prog bands and it amazes me how Rush's transitions are so fluid.
I was in grade 9, in 1980 when I discovered RUSH. They, along with many other bands...were awesome. One thing my kids missed out on were the albums...with the artwork and the lyrics. You'd just sit, listen and study the album. Magic.
Omg you guys!!!! Live it was breathtaking... my god you should have seen them on stage.. They fed off each other had so much fun. Getty and Alex back to back. It was on the radio!!!! Our three Canadian masters. They had a cottage studio here at home!!!!!
I have been waiting for this reaction from you for some time now! When you have time on your hands, check out “Beyond the Lighted Stage” and “The Big Interview With Dan Rather” when he interviews Geddy Lee. The humility of the men in this band is amazing to behold.
Hey Trash Talkers, I WAS fortunate to experience this as it all was being revealed. I was 13 in June 1974 when my girlfriend turned me onto their self-titled debut. The instant stylus contacted vinyl I was hooked for life. Saw them front row center arms on stage on 1/15/1977. To this day still the greatest performance I have witnessed. They are the GOAT. Not even close.
I became a fan of Rush after their first album released and followed them to the end of their careers. They are an amazing group of musicians and all around great people. Which leads to the reason why I feel Alex Lifeson is overlooked and underrated. Rush is a band that divides their talent equally among all their members. This is not the band that you go to when you want to hear all guitar all the time. They divide their time equally among all the members, so Alex backs off to allow the other members to play. That is not to say that he never gets to play. He plays dictated by the type of band they are, and when he does play you get a masterpiece that is never overblown. His solos are almost always tastefully and masterfully crafted. I believe it is difficult to say who is truly the best guitar player because so much of it comes down to taste. They are all great, but Alex Lifeson is my favorite. Also, I encourage you to listen to this song live. The live version is every bit as good, or better than the album version. I have seen them live about fifteen times. You can never go wrong with the "Exit Stage Left" tour. Oh and Geddy himself stated that when they first wrote this song it wasn't intended to be performed live, and performing it was too much for them at that time. But after practicing and performing it over and over and over they became proficient and it became a fan favorite that could never be left out of a show.
As much as I agree with Alex Lifeson as one of the top guitarists of the 70's, and all time, I think you need to broaden your outlook and include Stevie Ray Vaughn. You've listened to Hendrix and Vaughn is his heir - check out his cover of Voodoo Child and Little Wing, and Pipeline! (not that Pipeline is from Hendrix, but it's a cool cover)
![Rush - La Villa Strangiato [GEN-Z REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4Sd2q-ZzZ5s/mqdefault.jpg)
Toronto kid here, born 1968. So I grew up with Rush constantly in the background, and it was both exciting and "normal" ... excitinig in that Rush was always considered the best of the best; but normal in the sense that you heard the band on the radio easily five or ten times every day, depending on whether they had a new album out. I love seeing you guys react to the time signature changes, because my teenage friends and I knew most of the instrumental parts by heart ... Even those of us who didn't know what a time signature even was! In other words, we were spoiled, and we loved it.
So part of your mystery is solved by the fact that kids are almost supernaturally able to learn new things that adults will never be able to do with equal proficiency. Starting as teenagers, these guys just persisted until they were an unbeatable unit. I am a bit surprised, though, that no bands today, that I know of, can even come close to this level of musicianship. Where the fuck is today's Rush?
Yes sir. Born 1967..been a RUSH fan since 1977..yeah I was 10..hemispheres album was my intro ..
This song almost destroyed the band because they originally tried to record this song in one take and they were pushing the absolute limits of their capabilities as musicians. This is the greatest rock instrumental of all time imo.🔥🤘🏻🎧
Had to do it in 3 parts recording
And then after playing it live they could play it in their sleep. 😎
Agreed! Hands down the best.
Alex Lifeson is in my opinion the best guitarists of all time and yet he's been so underrated which to me is bs.
In just about any Rush fan’s opinion 😁😎
The guitar solo at 8:45 is one of the most beautiful in all of rock-and-roll in my opinion. It's a tragedy so few rock fans have actually heard it.
It is and I agree 100%!!!
This is probably Rush's crowning achievement. The technical ability, precision, and timing is just off the charts.
I don't know man. 2112 changed me.
Oh, I'm so glad you did it off the record.
Their musicianship is off the charts .....
I felt that way about this whole Hemispheres album. I think it’s the best they ever played.
their most creative and difficult piece to write, learn and perform it was almost too hard for Rush. Never played Book II again in its entirety after that tour 78-79.
As a 59 year old Rush fan since '77, it was a different time back when Rush created this masterpiece. It was a time when talented musicians skillfully wielded musical instruments to craft songs. A time when there was no auto tune and vocalists could actually sing. No tricks, no cheats, no sampling, you actually had to be a real musician and such.
Yup..."Guitar Gods" mattered. Instrumental skill was more important than lyrics.
If you need autotune to sing on key, you shouldn't be singing for money.
Amen Brother!
63 hear and I was also fortunate to have been alive during this time.
don't underestimate that the whole music world wasn't explored as wide as today. since the early/late 90s bands really struggle to find creative musical ways which weren't already explored. in the 70s there were still a whole lot of new, unique and harmonizing sounds in the open.
Seeing so many young people hearing Rush for the first time and seeing their reactions as they go through the Rush rabbit hole like all of us Rush old timer did decades ago is almost like reliving that day when a new Rush album was release all over again.
I truly believe that in a couple of hundred years from now Rush will be looked at like Mozart and Beethoven are looked at today, as total musical creative genius.
Attention Trash Talkers: you have GOT to see the RUSH movie “Beyond the Lighted Stage”! It is the story of RUSH, and it answers a lot of questions you have brought up on your show
I remember I was a Rush fanatic in high school and my parents bought me that documentary on dvd after it came out and I no joke watched it to fall asleep on repeat for weeks. It’s gotten to the point where I can quote the documentary like it were a normal movie.
Such a good movie. You don't even have to like music to enjoy it.
There’s another one called Time Stand Still that’s pretty good.
An absolute masterpiece of progressive rock. They were at the absolute top of their game and they wanted everyone to know it.
@@52ndWarhawkGerbil
That bit in the restaurant where the waitress asked Geddy for an autograph and didn't recognize Alex always kills me. 🤭
It's like damn, that's cold. 🥶
Alex by far an away is the most underrated/under appreciated guitarist in rock history. In my opinion an I’m sure a few others see it that way too.
The thing about rush, was the musicality was everything to them, they didn’t do outlandish stage sets, unless you feel a washer an dryer is outlandish lol, they didn’t get known for trashing hotels, smashing guitars or throwing outlandish parties… they didn’t need makeup or a 20 semi truck load of lights an pyrotechnics…
They just got on stage, an laid down track after track of music that took you on a journey, their lyrics made you think, an feel, the riffs, base lines an drum fills that allowed you to close your eyes an be carried away…
By far an away the most humble men who are legends 💪
I couldn't agree more. This shit is so complicated, but they managed to pull it off haha. They are all great
@@RyneMurray23 they made seem so easy but yet so complicated i had the pleasure to see them 23 times live to me the best band ever RIP NEIL PEART 😢 💔 we miss you Play The Garden such a sad but yet a beautiful swan song in my opinion NEIL new the end was near after listening to that song.
You’ve just witnessed true greatness in its purist form. Three musicians in a complete mental and emotional fusion.
“La Villa Strangiato” subtitle of "An Exercise in Self-Indulgence". According to Lifeson, it is based on the various nightmares he would have, particularly while on tour, which provided the theme to what he described as a "musical re-creation" of them.The track was the sole piece that developed from the two-week rehearsal period the group had prior to entering the studio.Rush encountered great difficulty in recording it, as the band wanted it put down as a single live performance, rather than a more produced and edited piece. Lee said it took them around 40 takes to produce a take they were satisfied with.Peart and Lee pointed out that they spent more time recording "La Villa Strangiato" than they did recording the entire Fly by Night (1975) album. Peart recalled the group spent four days and nights playing it repeatedly, playing while their hands were sore and their minds tired. "We were determined to get the whole thing perfect, but in the end I just couldn't do it, and we ended up putting it together from a few different takes."
And yet, after all of that, they managed to work at being able to play it live.
I feel for Rush fans who weren’t old enough or even born yet, and therefore unable to experience this as it was unfolding (my sons included). There was something magical about that time period. Maybe it was because I still had hair.
You should like that song I think I’m going bald😆
It was a shared journey with Rush about ten years ahead of me in life experiences. By the time they’d filtered things, wrote and recorded it and it got to me the new material would mirror my current experiences. Not every song, but often enough that it really became part of the listening experience. It really was a privilege to be there to experience their career in real-time. The music means so much more with context.
I was 19. I hear you.
Ya, growing up with Rush, literally meant waiting with baited breath for months and months wondering exactly what the next journey a new Rush album would take you on. EVERY Rush album I bought, and thats all of them, the first listen always said to me, "YOUR NOT GETTING ALL THIS YET. LISTEN AGAIN. THEN AGAIN, THEN AGAIN, and you will get it."
It was that ability Rush had to practically unwire your mind just a little with each new record and make you dig into your understanding of music a little deeper and different every new time around that helped make them as incredible as they are.
I paid to see every single Rush show I could before they retired. It wasn't enough. It does suck.
You’re doing yourselves a disservice if you don’t react to the official video to this masterpiece!!! Listening to them do this song is an experience, BUT WATCHING them play this masterpiece is a whole different experience!! It’s truly one of those videos that begs to be watched multiple times to take in every note and every visual to truly appreciate it. Do not hesitate to do this. Just do it.
My man, with all due respect, no! The video doesn't do this song and Rush justice. It's either going to be the album version OR one of their live concert videos. Not the official video though.
The sound is not good enough, the cameras are not catching Neil from good angles (for a drummer), Alex is kind of "trying stuff" when the solo(s) come... In general, their later live clips are a far superior experience. And of course the album version is OMG (listen to the isolated drums track too, it's emotional!!!)
Peace and love ✌️
I've been listening to Rush since 1976 when I first saw them live in Houston. There is no 'star' of this band. Alex, Geddy and Neil contribute their genius and perfection equally and there is no 'Rush' without each of the members contributions.
I agree completely. T hat's why I always say fly by night is the first Rush album. (Rutsey was good but he was no where even close to Neil and the lyrics are night and day.)
I've been waiting for this one. I haven't even watched it yet, but I hope they get the same experience I did those many years ago.
Let's Get Into It.
Rush is the truth, plain and simple. Without Rush, there is no Tool. Y’all should try A Passage to Bangkok, Earthshine, Subdivisions, The Trees or Distant Early Warning as well. All of those tracks are different from the rest.
Earthshine is a beast of a song.
As another Craig Thomas, I agree with this 100%.
love the Earthshine suggestion, good heavy rocker
@@thecratho great minds...
And "Roll The Bones". Rappers just gotta react to that one.
Your Rush reactions bring me so much joy. I have been a fan for over 40 years and it's been hard to listen since we lost Neil. It makes me sad now, but I can enjoy it again seeing your enthusiasm. They just blow you away, don't they? They are masters. I love that people are finally recognizing Lifeson! I don't know if he'll win, but he's certainly my favorite and I love Jimmy Page.
BTW it's Italian, not Spanish. :)
This song took three months for Rush to perfect and record. They said it was so arduous, they were burned to a crisp, and , so, they backed off f rom epics like this thereafter. What a true BAND! Pound for pound, man for man, the most talented band ever.
Funny it comes down to Page and Lifeson. There's a video on YT that talks about Alex meeting Page for the first time. Alex was saying he was like a fan boy, sweating and all gaga meeting his idol for the first time. In fact, how Rush got discovered, a DJ in Cleveland was playing "Working Man" and people were calling in asking, "When did the new Zeppelin album come out". Yeah, Rush's first album they do sound like Zeppelin. Page among other notable guitarist were a big influence on Alex.
If this is about body of work, from a longevity pov, Rush stayed relevant until 2015. From a skill and technical pov, I would also go with Alex. From a creativity pov, yup Alex. From the ton of guitar solo pov, you got it Alex. Yeah Alex is my guy and Rush is my favorite band of all time. So he's got my vote. I do like Page and Zeppelin for who they were but would've loved to see David Gilmour go head to head with my boy Alex. Both are in my top 5 guitarist of all time.
In regards to the song, it's based on Alex's dreams. Alex would talk about his dreams with GL and NP, and they would laugh about it. If you listen to the song, you can pinpoint the different mood swings from going to sleep and then dreaming and then waking up. One of the sections in the song is called "Monsters" which tries to emulate a nighmare but not your scary nightmare more like cartoonish monsters from "Monster's Inc" Neil wanted this section to have a big band sound. Hence the Jazz drumming and if you listen to Alex's solo it sounds like horns. My only wish is, you did the live studio version of the song. It would take what you just heard to another level.
My two favourite bands Rush and Zeppelin but Alex wins it hands down for me. Alex can shred with the best of them but it is all the rest he can do as well. My vote goes to Alex. Hemispheres came out in 1978. It is a masterpiece. To see the guys playing it live check out LA Villa Strangiato official music video. I suggest watching Beyond the Lighted Stage. It is a documentary about the band and it is excellent. It will answer a lot of your questions. Cheers
Well said Debbie!! My two favourite bands are also Rush and LZ and my vote 100% is for Alex.. The guy is a beast.. Take care..
Agree 100%. To me it's about live performances. Alex killed it on stage every night, while there are more than a few recordings out there of some pretty bad nights from Jimmy.
Check out Cinema Strangiato online. This coming Thursday (September 9th) a new cut of the footage from the R40 tour will be in theaters everywhere. It's a one night only event...
Liefson > Paige
Alex Lifeson is such an underrated guitarist. Rush-Subdivisons next
It's not so much that he's underrated It's that he's just not as popular as other guitarists.
Guitarists that know about him bow down. He's right there with Mark Knopfler and Eddie and Satriani
Hands down...the greatest rock instrumental ever created! 🙌 And yes, they have performed this live sounding as great as this, or better, many many times. I vote Alex every time. 👍👍👍
At the time they did Hemispheres they turned out an album almost every year. When I think about how absolutely great these three guys are individually and then as a group, I just get misty-eyed. Except for the first album in '74, it was the same 3 great guys for over 40 years. Incredible! One of the top 3 bands of all time, LZ & PF being the others!
Yep, A Farewell To Kings was released Sept. 77 and Hemispheres was released Oct. 78, add in 140 shows during that time. The album was created in the studio. They had the ability to overdub and punch in, however, they recorded this song (except for the intro guitar) live.
In terms of record sales, I think, they are third in the world only behind the beatles and the stones. That's pretty impressive company.
.... an album a year AND touring, too!!
Probably one of the best instrumental pieces ever. Practice? Yes, endlessly. That’s how they became what they are.
They worked with zero ego. That is why they were so good. They did not try and outdo each other. Funny you should say Tom Sayer, Neil Peart often references that it's his hardest song..
As a casual drummer...
With the left hand, every hit on the snare is full force with everything the body can muster, a nightmare for maintaining your physical balance and coordination across the rest of the kit. Crazy placement of hi hat chokes with the left foot, with precision down to 16th notes at least, and these must be hit perfectly for the song to sound right. The right foot meanwhile is performing galloping doubles and triplets on the bass drum, extremely difficult if you do not have your heel-toe technique down pat. I end up cheating a bit and use the double pedal here, but Neil did it all with one foot. And all of the above the while maintaining straight 16th notes with the right hand, jumping between the hats and ride for damn near the entire song.
And that big solo in the middle, it is all orchestrated. No improv, every single hit is mapped out and must be hit perfectly, down to that random crash hit in the middle of the big roll down the toms.
Neil often said that although Tom Sawyer is their most popular song, and was played at every show, it managed to stay fresh for him for 30+ years because it was always a challenge to play night after night, and it always felt rewarding to play well. Check out a drum cam version sometime. Your minds will be blown.
@@EPIzen24 in going to the movie concert ina few days. It's a one night only. people should check it out
But Limelight is Neil.
I think Geddy is slept on when people talk about who the best bass players are. He somehow managed to sing while playing at the same time while playing these complicated songs, but he also played keys. Him and rush are at the top of the hill as far as rock bands go. 🔥🔥
Don't forget he also was playing trigger pedals while doing all that live and he was moving around the stage goofing off Alex it was amazing to watch these guy's live and how good they sounded live
@@patrickcarlson1400 Alex would play those too sometimes. They'd trade off. Fun fact. =)
@@SnerkleBurger Yeah the bass pedals....I think they sounded like keys too.
I'm 53 and probably born at the perfect moment to have experienced all this great music. Music from the 60's, 70's and 80's was my nostalgic base.
6 albums between 74-78. Rush pushed their technical ability at the time of recording La Villa and was and is a challenging instrumental for Rush and anyone else who tries to play it. Rush were always about advancing their musical ability and that went on ad infinitum until their last album in 2012
Clockwork Angels is my favorite album
They went out with a bang with their swan song
Neil Peart said he thinks he may have over reached the drum parts of this song and didn't believe he ever got it exactly right, mind you that's by his standards which no matter who you believe is the greatest drummer is there was no other drummer that had higher standards for himself, that's one thing that made them so great for so long none of the 3 had big egos
During the 70s, drugs did help
This is actually composed like a classical piece with 12 distinct movements, very technical:"
La Villa Strangiato (An Exercise in Self-Indulgence)"
I. "Buenos Nochas, Mein Froinds!"
II. "To Sleep, Perchance to Dream..."
III. "Strangiato Theme"
IV. "A Lerxst in Wonderland"
V. "Monsters!"
VI. "The Ghost of the Aragon"
VII. "Danforth and Pape"
VIII. "The Waltz of the Shreves"
IX. "Never Turn Your Back on a Monster!"
X. "Monsters! (Reprise)"
XI. "Strangiato Theme (Reprise)"
XII. "A Farewell to Things"
Moving Pictures is probably the best Rush album in terms of the number of hit songs on one album, but this song and Cygnus X-1 Book II could show that Hemispheres is arguably the peak of their powers in terms of musicianship.
Unbelievable talent from only 3 guys.
🐐🐐🐐
Good point.
My go to album's are 2112 and Hemispheres with a side of Moving Pictures . I guess that shows my age lol
@@s.l.s.l.1405 Permanent Waves is unbelieveable too!!
My favorite band ever. These 3 guys were some of the most gifted musicians in the rock galaxy and they never cared for fame. They were a bunch a of friends who just wanted to make the best form of art they could. Their music is complex but full of wit, soul and humanity. The alchemy between Geddy, Alex and Neil is unbeatable.
To me personally Rush is the best there was,is and always will be. Their first album came out the year I was born. My first Rush tape was Fly By Night and they have been a part of my life ever since. Them three were meant to be together. Alex will always be the man in my book.
This really comes down to taste. Jimmy Page is a genre of his own. Alex Lifeson is a genre of his own. They both did everything masterfully. It's "who do you like better?", not "who is better?". For me, it's Alex - hands down. There has never been a more wonderful person who was also a rock star.
Nice to wake up to! Got my coffee and I'm already baked lol...Love u guys...😋
When I saw that you were reacting to this song I was like, Oh hell, it's about to be mind blowing time...and well there ya go!! This is one of the best instrumental pieces ever....and y'all experienced it when you were supposed to. Check out the live version from Exit Stage Left, that way you can actually see the Masters at work!!
It’s not on the video of ESL, but it is on the album.
Alex's skill is absolutely shown on the "working man" live Cleveland concert. What an amazing video one of the best live songs out there. Up there with comfortably numb pulse concert
I truly agree with that
Yall asked how their albums are spaced...
Rush - 1974
Fly By Night - 1975
Caress of Steel - 1975
2112 - 1976
Farewell to Kings - 1977
Hemispheres - 1978 (The album that La Villa is on)
Permanent Waves - 1980
Moving Pictures - 1981
Signals - 1982
Grace Under Pressure - 1984
Power Windows - 1985
Hold Your Fire - 1987
Presto - 1989
Roll the Bones - 1991
Counterparts - 1993
Test for Echo - 1996
Vapor Trails - 2002
Snakes and Arrows - 2007
Clockwork Angels - 2012
And they were touring rigorously for most of this time period as well, except for a dark spot between 97 and 2001
Damn
Of course, that dark spot is very understandable, and very dark for Neil since his daughter was killed in a car accident in 1997, and his wife died of cancer within the following year. It brings up another part of my admiration for the band. When the guys you're working with basically say "We hope you'll find what you need to, and that you'll come back, but we totally understand that you need to take time for yourself. Take the time you need. We'll be here", even though they aren't sure where you're going, whether you'll return, or what it will ultimately mean for the band to have such an uncertain hiatus on touring/creating... that really shows that they're not just band mates with professional relationship, but are also true friends.
Love how Geddy's fantastic bass runs never fail to put a big SMILE on all the reactors faces! 😁🎸😁
You should see the evolution of this song live. From Geddy adding a few lines of lyrics, to Alex going off on a dream tangent, to them introducing the band members. It's all great stuff!
This is the epitome of rush. Their finest masterpiece. Alex lifeson is a beast and criminally underrated. As far as the tournament goes to me there is no contest. As much of an iconic riff master as Jimmy page is he just doesn't have the technicality and overall body of work as Alex lifeson does
Yes Jimmy's riffs were incredible but Alex's riffs on there song Necromancer is just haunting a rare jewel of music.
"Criminally under-rated", exactly!
The improvisation of this live is genius, every place they went the changed it, here the brought in " I belong to glasgow"
David Gilmour either!
This band is pure talent at the highest levels. In the early years, they put out albums at an amazing rate. If you look at their release dates they did not have time to spend a year practicing one song. Overall they put out 19 studio albums in 38 years with the first 16 being released in a time span of 22 years. Their discography is as follows; Rush 1974, Fly By Night 1975, Caress of Steel 1975, 2112 in 1976, A Farewell to Kings 1977, Hemispheres (with La Villa Strangiato) 1978, Permanent Waves 1980, Moving Pictures 1981, Signals 1982, Grace Under Pressure 1984, Power Windows 1985, Hold Your Fire 1987, Presto in 1989, Roll the Bones 1991, Counterparts 1993, Test for Echo 1996, Vapor Trails 2002, Snakes and Arrows 2007 and Clockwork Angels in 2012. Hands down, Rush was one of the most talented groups of musicians that have graced the rock world.
As great as Geddy and Neal were on this, this song was truly Alex's masterpiece. A truly guitar driven song. Amazing composition by all 3.
Guys, thanks for reaction to RUSH !!!
THREE GUYS WHO RULE THE AIRWAYS ...
I'M FROM ATLANTA AND GRADUATED FROM UGA
GO DAWGS !!!
RUSH THRU TIME ...
This should definitely convince you guys that a rush day should happen. Been with you through all the Tool Tuesdays and loved every minute. Waited very patiently because I knew Rush would be coming. Now time to dive in deep and whole heartedly. Rush fans will be there. The Rush family (army) is huge and loyal. Let’s do this! It’s time! Much love and respect. 🤘🤘
"It's like they are battling each other". funny and perfectly captured
As my shirt says, "I may be old, but I got to see all the cool bands." Growing up in this era was awesome. I'm a proud Gen Xer & I'd put my era's music up against any.
Was fun wasn't it😁
I've heard from some musicians that rush is a math band because they're so precise.
Plus there are other times that they feel like a free flowing jazz band where not sure what's coming next.
But always excellent.
After listening to something like this, you can understand why my generation looks at today's music and roll our eyes most of the time. (Some exceptions.)
I just love your excellent knowledgeable reactions to Rush!!! Please, please, please react to Workingman Live in Cleveland……guitar supremacy!! Sending love from 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Alex Lifeson has a better catalogue of work than Jimmy and for that reason Alex wins hands down.
Evidently no one has ever heard of Mark Knopfler.
Absolutely 💯
Jimmy Page happens to be Alex lifeson's guitar hero. Not saying Jimmy is better... just sayin'.
Alex can play live Jimmy is horrible live.
@@vinsgraphics" ...it ain't what THEY call rock and roll..."
I grew up on this music and it is pure fun to watch guys listening to the music for the first time. On other threads someone said it perfectly: it's almost like watching your kids opening cool Christmas presents.
Enjoy gents, you have almost 40 years of Rush to experience
Bought this record the day it came out in 78. To have experienced RUSH for all 41 years was a gift.
Yes it was.
Also got my original red vinyl copy the day it came out at "sam the record man" in downtown T.O. had to travel in from the wilds of scarberia through willowdale and down towards the lakeside park.
@@aladorngm Nice??
Ive seen it a million times...the smiles when listening to Rush!!
Rush said it took them longer to record this one song, than it did the entire Fly By Night album. They couldn't record it in one take, according to Geddy, “That was a song where I would have to say our ideas exceeded our ability to play them. We thought: ‘We’re going to write this long piece and then we’ll just record it live off the floor and boom! But it was really difficult. It was beyond us."
But then they went out, toured the album and played it live. Making it look easy, no less.
fist time I ever saw Rush live was on the "Hemispheres" tour...and you would be right, it was amazing witnessing this as it came to be.
Alex Lifeson is one of my favorite guitarist. He does it all!!! He's my pick for sure! 🤘🏻👨🏻🦲👍🏻
Your reactions are priceless, especially as newbies to RUSH. Their music is timeless and was much underrated in back in the day. They persevered so we can appreciate them more decades later.
If you want to hear a different but heavy Rush masterpiece, check out Jacob's Ladder from the album Permanent Waves. Its my favorite song I have seen them perform live
My first Rush concert was touring Hemispheres. Playing this live was just jaw dropping because it wasn’t anything less than what you hear on the record - just these three guys. Incredible.
Geddy talks alot about how they prepare for a tour and create the set list in the Time stands Still documentary. I believe he said they get together and it takes them about 3 months to work out the list and then practice together to decide how they want to play it. For the final tour they played a lot of songs that had not played for a long time and in some cases never played it live like "Losing it" with Ben Mink from FM.
I was fortunate enough to in London in 1978.....I saw rush at the London Odeon a really intimate venue.....I was 16 years old and they just blew me away....truly brilliant.......been lucky enough to have a lifetime of Rush music to enjoy. I've been a fortunate guy. Rush are true masters of their art.
Lucky for us Canadians in the early days we got to watch them play in high schools
These guys clearly are blown away to the point where they can't even understand how this music is created but this is what you get when you bring talented people together who have all mastered their instruments. That is what makes this possible. You can't "program" it, you can't fly by the seat of your pants, this is the result of hard work and a love for what you do.
Seeing this song live (several times) was an experience, that's for sure.
I'm 55 found this cassette in 8th grade. Still gives me chills. Saw them 3 times...
I was lucky enough to see them play this live, a few times. Rush has no equal, IMHO. Great job guys.
i jammed this way back in the day so blazed and faded out in the country watching the stars!
FVCKIN AMAZING! What chemistry they had!!!
One thing I've noticed with these reviews for Rush songs, early reviews ended in pure amazement at the skill. Now that you are more aware of their talent, it's almost like it is expected.
Seeing this song in its entirety live is something that I will never forget. Back in the day (I am 53) you were considered a bit "off" or somewhat nerdy if you listened to RUSH. It is so refreshing to see this generation appreciating the amazing talents of Neil, Geddy and Alex. No other band will ever be like them. I have the last 5 lines of the The song "Witch Hunt" off of Moving pictures album tattooed on my back.
This is one of those songs that made me want to sell my drumset and call it quits. Mindblowing!
Hey Trash Talkers. Kudos to you both. I enjoy watching you. 48 year Rush fan here. Bought their debut album one month after its release in 1974. You ask how they pull this incredible feat off? IT'S ALL PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. They have been playing some of these songs since 1968!
These 3 guys were such great musicians and perfectionists, There are not any of those tracks that didn't make an album that they could release now, because they recorded their songs when they were ready they practiced them and when they recorded them that is when they were perfect!! Alex actually wrote this based on a dream that he had....and it's Italian, roughly translated the strange village!
need to see them do this live !!!!!!!!!!!!
"In a movie, car chase scene." LOL.
My three favorite bands are Zeppelin, Rush and Tool. Y'all rule.
Rush. IMHO: Literally the best band ever. I was born in 1960 and got to watch all of these wonderful experiences happen in real time the first time they happened. I am blessed.
At least we recorded a few of the good things along with all the bad that we boomers did...
Thanks for the trail ride back in time...
In the documentary they said they had to record this song in segments. They were unable to record it live in one take. But after it was all done, they were able to perform it live. And since it's release, it's been on the set list ever since. It's was very rarely that it wasn't part of the show. It's how they indulge themselves musicly.
Since you two have reacted to these instrumentals, you should check out Leave That Thing Alone. It's a instrumental on the Rush Counterparts album. It's Fire🔥🔥🔥
The instrumentals from the 90s albums are one of the hidden gems of Rush's discography. Limbo from Test for Echo is probably my favorite from that handful.
Yup. Definitely check out Leave That Thing Alone.
The kicker of this song ... they crushed it in concert every time. And Xanadu as well. I've seen them five or six times. They nail it to perfection. Kinda incredible.
YYZ has the more iconic main riff, but this overall may be the best rock instrumental ever.
It is the marker Rush laid down as the greatest insturmental maybe in Rock History. I love YYZ but La Villa is just on another level
Orion, YYZ, Mr. Scary, Frankenstein. They all bow to La Villa.
Facts brother...true facts.
I love that you guys love Rush so much. I was a teen in the 1970s. I experienced Rush a little bit behind the release of each of their early - and best - albums. There have been many amazing instrumental songs but I have come around to believing this is the best instrumental music ever recorded - and that's including the absolute classic YYZ.
There are two separate live versions that I know of on UA-cam. The better (IMO) is the Exit: Stage Left version. There is a Pink Pop Festival version, where Alex plays the intro with an electric guitar (the reason I like the other version, as I love the acoustic Spanish-sounding intro.)
I was 23 years old when this album came out. Imagine firing up a bowl, and then putting the headphones on and dropping the needle on this record for the first time. Side one takes you on an incredible journey. Then side two just rocks your mind. These guys were an incredible band, wish I could see them yet again live on stage.
They spent about 5 months in Wales, England writing and recording this album
Many bands have made attempt to cover this song, but most gave up.
I've a fan of Rush since 1971. Grew up with all this amazing music from yes, just 3 geniuses. Even in concert, no track, all raw, all them. Y'all should listen to the entire first side of 2112. The story in the music is sick. Doubt you could do a reaction video to it but you would be blown away. I always enjoy watching peoples first reaction to ridiculousness of Rush. THANKS for posting RUSH. They never get enough credit.
Speaking as a drummer, there's just a way that you "feel" what is coming next. It starts becoming muscle memory and you just let your body play the song without really thinking.
I had the immense honor of meeting Alex and Geddy. I can tell you these are 2 of the nicest people ever to play in any band of any genre. And the epic talent....just wow.
At this time of their career, they released an album a year WHILE touring. Absolute talent.
I'm always happy to find reactions that really appreciate the complexity and talent these three guys bring to the table, but you guys are very entertaining! Keep it up!!!
2 live versions of this you guys should check out: 1) the official music video was a LIVE performance but no audience, just shot for the video - ua-cam.com/video/eK1hmDpa8bo/v-deo.html. and 2) the first of 2 encores at the Time Machine tour show in Cleveland in 2011. The song starts out with a modified polka into, chosen no doubt due to a polka theme in the comedy clips shown during the show breaks. Watch as the front-row hardcore fans have NO idea what song they are leading into during the wacky intro.. ua-cam.com/video/VoTxTM6kBuU/v-deo.html
I saw Rush front row middle of stage on January 15th, 1977 on their "All the World's A Stage" tour at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. I was 16. I became a lifelong diehard Rush fan one month after their self-titled debut came out in 1974. I also saw them at Kemper Arena in Kansas City in February 1980 on their Permanent Waves tour. I'm 61 and will be their biggest fan until I pass.
I think they were expecting to record this song in a couple of hours. It took them 11 weeks to perfect this song. (I might be off a bit but I think they talk about it in Rush : Beyond the Lighted Stage)
Most of the older bands put out an album a year or close to it. Then they toured it. The bands pretty much came through your town every year. For quite a while it was steadily like this. Concerts were the status quo, it’s just what we did. The next day in school, after last night’s concert, it was tradition to wear your brand new concert shirt to show that you were there and that much cooler than everyone else. 😁👍 I was very good at this because concerts were the center of my life then. Every band came through my town, so that’s how I got to see so much. I was in the right place, at the right time, with the right taste and at the right age when all of this got started. It was much more affordable then too!
It was up to Neil to make these time signature changes smooth and it's not easy. Just listen to other prog bands and it amazes me how Rush's transitions are so fluid.
I was in grade 9, in 1980 when I discovered RUSH. They, along with many other bands...were awesome. One thing my kids missed out on were the albums...with the artwork and the lyrics. You'd just sit, listen and study the album. Magic.
led zeppelin was asked in the 70s who they thought the best band was at that time they they replied rush..the great led zeppelin said this
Here's Rush discussing what you are talking about: ua-cam.com/video/upL9LJonoLg/v-deo.html
@@JeromeDukes i read it in the zeppilin biography years ago
Omg you guys!!!! Live it was breathtaking... my god you should have seen them on stage.. They fed off each other had so much fun. Getty and Alex back to back. It was on the radio!!!!
Our three Canadian masters. They had a cottage studio here at home!!!!!
I have been waiting for this reaction from you for some time now! When you have time on your hands, check out “Beyond the Lighted Stage” and “The Big Interview With Dan Rather” when he interviews Geddy Lee. The humility of the men in this band is amazing to behold.
Yup. Every Rush fan needs to watch both ;-)
Hey Trash Talkers, I WAS fortunate to experience this as it all was being revealed. I was 13 in June 1974 when my girlfriend turned me onto their self-titled debut. The instant stylus contacted vinyl I was hooked for life. Saw them front row center arms on stage on 1/15/1977. To this day still the greatest performance I have witnessed. They are the GOAT. Not even close.
Maybe the human race should have declared “Nirvana Achieved” when this was released! 😂😂😂 it’s incredible live!
I became a fan of Rush after their first album released and followed them to the end of their careers. They are an amazing group of musicians and all around great people. Which leads to the reason why I feel Alex Lifeson is overlooked and underrated. Rush is a band that divides their talent equally among all their members. This is not the band that you go to when you want to hear all guitar all the time. They divide their time equally among all the members, so Alex backs off to allow the other members to play. That is not to say that he never gets to play. He plays dictated by the type of band they are, and when he does play you get a masterpiece that is never overblown. His solos are almost always tastefully and masterfully crafted.
I believe it is difficult to say who is truly the best guitar player because so much of it comes down to taste. They are all great, but Alex Lifeson is my favorite.
Also, I encourage you to listen to this song live. The live version is every bit as good, or better than the album version. I have seen them live about fifteen times. You can never go wrong with the "Exit Stage Left" tour. Oh and Geddy himself stated that when they first wrote this song it wasn't intended to be performed live, and performing it was too much for them at that time. But after practicing and performing it over and over and over they became proficient and it became a fan favorite that could never be left out of a show.
As much as I agree with Alex Lifeson as one of the top guitarists of the 70's, and all time, I think you need to broaden your outlook and include Stevie Ray Vaughn. You've listened to Hendrix and Vaughn is his heir - check out his cover of Voodoo Child and Little Wing, and Pipeline! (not that Pipeline is from Hendrix, but it's a cool cover)
I was at the Hemispheres tour show in Toronto when they performed this… New Yrs eve 78…people were MESMERIZED