The Signals album has an arc that tells the story of a man who is somewhat like the guys from Rush. He starts off unsatisfied with the suburbs in Subdivisions, and is then an Analog Kid looking to get out of that dull life. He then experiences relationships, some that do not work, and others that have Chemistry. He then grows up, evolving from the kid to a Digital Man, with responsibilities, and dealing with modern life. As he becomes a more important person, he realizes that fear is The Weapon that is most effective in making people do things, himself included. As he becomes a man of a certain age, he's got some authority and decisions to make that affect others, and as a New World Man, has power that he has to learn to use wisely. And then, as we all must, he finds that as he becomes aged, he's Losing It. Finally, like the space shuttle launch that inspired the song Countdown, he leaves this world for the next. Pretty genius.
"The Analog Kid" is one of those songs that SHOULD have been a great big pop hit, striking Number One all across the charts - only it won't, because too many people think they're weird. That chorus is just one of the greatest choruses they ever wrote - and the rest of the song is badass, too! It IS a deep cut, but like almost ALL of their songs, it's very worth it. Thank you for sharing this!
It blows my mind that there are "critics" who consider Alex as the weak link in Rush. I saw someone saying somewhere that Geddy and Neil could do much better if they replaced Alex with a "better" guitarist. Total rubbish.
Rush writes songs that carry a theme across many songs. The Analog Kid is one example. He grows up to become The Digital Man, so you have to do that song also. Then he becomes a New World Man so you'll have to do that song too.
Rush's fanbase are basically family and are are stoked when anyone listens to rush and gets it :) Soo welcome! And sorry that other fan base were dicks.
You are now an honorary member of the Rush Army. You seem to get the vibe and sentiments that Neil puts into the lyrics. Looking forward to future Rush reactions. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
You ARE ready for 2112, whole side, lyrics in hand. It's not a song, it's the whole side 1 that tells the story. You are doing wonderful with your Rush reactions!! The reason we Rush fans are so nice, is we each see our own first reactions echoed in yours. It takes us back to "then", we each remember our own, and we feel that soul changing guttural "wow" all over again. Thank you!
One of my favourite Rush songs and Alex's solo is just blistering! 🔥🔥🔥 Neil writing about growing up in the country and having big dreams. Those dreams come true and it is a double edged sword where at times you would like to go back to those lazy country days. I believe the girl he mentions in the song was a girl he liked when he was younger but was too shy to ask out. The next song I would suggest is Digital Man from the Snakes and Arrows tour. Cheers ❤🇨🇦
Of course you're ready for 2112, but your reaction to Analog Kid is awesome. It's great to see your enthusiasm for Rush. Have you ever heard Dream Theater? Another great band right up this ally..
"Signals" was the first of Rush that I bought with my own cash. I heard "Fly By Night" when I was young, and it was over my head, but Signals was playing on the radio while I was glued to listening to rock music. It was easier to go back to all of the earlier albums and understand where they were coming from. "New World Man" is a catchy tune off of the same album.
This song right here. It was in my head every day after I got the Signals album in ‘82. I show this song to people who are interested in hearing something from Rush, and more often than not they’re blown away by it. And that solo…
An underrated track for sure. This is pretty good quality for a bootleg. I suggest listening to the album track when you get a chance. A lot of bass and guitar parts are very hard to hear on this. Always here for RUSH!
To be honest, I agree with everything, except that I was always drawn to The Weapon more than New World Man. I love Losing It too. Until the Clockwork Angels Tour, that was the only song that used another musician outside of Dirk, Lerxst and Pratt, a fellow Canadian named Ben Mink, who played the electric violin. And of course there was time Stood Still off of The Hold Your Fire album that featured another singer: Aimee Mann of 'Til Tuesday, along with 2 others (3rd had her voice sampled) on that album.
Thanks for reacting to one of my favorite Rush songs! There is actually a better live concert recording of this song from the Clockwork Angels tour, but this version is pretty good quality. My favorite part of this song (in addition to Alex's shredding guitar solo) is Geddy's synth break in the chorus. It's just such a majestic sound. I suggest following this up with the live version of 'Digital Man' from the Snakes and Arrows tour.
Check out Losing it, the lyrics will go straight to your heart and change you. One of Neil's very best along with Available light, Which hunt and Vital signs. Some of my favourites for sure !!
Thank you for your reaction. It brought tears to my eyes. I truly appreciate your take on this song. I do believe that you would appreciate it more if you listened to the album in it's entirety. That's because there is always a theme that links each song together. You can appreciate The Analog Kid more when you understand The Digital Man. They define each other. I like how you noticed the line "Too many hands on my time" which we know is an analog clock verses a digital clock that doesn't have hands. Also, when you listen to Losing It, you will notice the difference between The Analog Kid (living in the now moment), The Digital Man (living for the future) and Losing It (living in the past). Also, Subdivisions is the perfect overview of the album theme. Hopefully you will be able to react to the entire albums when reacting to Rush. The depth is so much greater. Other examples of album themes are Tom Sawyer and Camera Eye. They perfectly explain each other on the Moving Pictures album. Then there is The Spirit of Radio and Natural Science. How well they explain the entire theme of the Permanent Waves album. I feel like I could teach an entire course on Rush album themes and how all the songs tie together. Thanks again for this reaction. Much love and respect.
As you yourself said, you became a fan of these guys as people first, then discovered their music. I think a lot of us are as well & it's mirrored in our attitudes when someone is open to discovering the band. Of course, there are always assholes in any fan base, but Rush touches parts of us that really should be on display more. I was hoping you'd do me a favour. I'm home recovering from knee replacement surgery, but still look forward to Wednesday morning when I usually access your Rush reactions. Please, please do Roll the Bones if possible. Thanks!
I love your Reactions to Rush ! Been a fan since 1980. Think I was 12 then. Lol Yeah I'm old. Just love seeing your eyes and smile enjoying the Greatness of Rush. Need to Listen to the Garden live. Last song on the last album. Beautiful song. ❤
Rush's Countdown (from the same album) was my first introduction to RUSH. A buddy, knowing I was a space nerd, tried to pull me out of my Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin era music and played Countdown. I was only 10yrs old and blown away. In the next three weeks, I bought every Rush record with the money I made from my paper route. And, yes, redheadedneighbor, Rush fans are the nicest b/c this is the music and lyrics we took to heart.
How can a song that kicks this much ass also reflect so pensively about this important time in a young person‘s life. Once again, we find that the music echoes the lyrics and themes. Life is frenetic, (verses and solo) and the boy is trying to find a moment of serenity to think about where he’s been and where he’s going. (Chorus)
I know I speak for the ENTIRE Rush community when I say you are loved, and watching you make your way on your journey into their music is for us a national treasure. Rock on RHN! (Also, don't forget to check out "The Weapon" off the same album "Analog Kid" is on: Signals). :)
The thing I love about your reactions and about you is how you can intertwine songs with life and poetry and make it all seem the same❤❤ you are absolutely amazing at that and it's your channel and I'm proud of you❤❤##redheadedbeighbor
An avid Rush fan here. Love your Rush reactions. But let me suggest a song called Mystic Rhythms, but check out the video though. It is the coolest video ever. Keep on rocking Rush!!!!!
One of their best songs from one of my fav albums. It was so amazing to see this live. That "dream like part" was literally like being in a church listening to the organ. Can't wait to tell us about "Beyond the Lighted Stage", their documentary that you are absolutely going to watch soon lol. 🤘🏼
I don't understand how anyone could be mean to you. You're a very nice person! I loved this song! Never heard this until now! I feel that Alex Lifeson is underrated. When people talk about Rush, his name is never mentioned (you're one of the few that do mention him). He's a great guitarist! Also, I don't think that I've ever heard a bad Rush song
You need to follow this up with Digital Man😁 Makes prefect sense. Seems like you just have roll with the haters and just not let them get to you. I know, easier said than done. Enjoyed the reaction as always ✌🏻
Great Rush reaction. Not the best video I’ve ever seen, but there is no such thing as bad Rush. I think you are ready for 2112. But you will definitely want to choose a lyric video. The story is pretty complicated, but if you have the lyrics it’s pretty easy to follow along. I saw someone else mention the song The Garden. It is the last song on the final Rush album Clockwork Angels. I think they knew that it was going to be their last album together, and they poured a lot of emotion into that song. I think you will really enjoy that one.
Great reaction. I never get tired from hearing this track and I first heard it shortly after it was released! I think you’re ready for 2112 but I’d suggest doing a lyric video. There are comic versions out there that are cool but could be too distracting. I think the way to listen to a song the first time, especially to Rush, is to do it the Old School way. Put the album on, strap on the headphones and have the lyrics on hand. If you’d prefer to burrow further into the rabbit hole first then try out a couple of their more obscure yet completely adored songs like “Different Strings” or “Ghost of a Chance”. Like mentioned before I’d suggest doing the studio versions with lyrics. Thanks.
Great song and it came along at a great time in my life, when I was 19 years old. The song really spoke to where I was in my life - very much a "soundtrack" of my life -- along with songs like "Subdivisions" and "Middletown Dreams". I was such a huge dreamer back then. ** By the way, listen to the studio version, for your own purposes, just to further bond with the song. :)
Excellent reaction to a banger of a track. My husband and I got to see this one played live from the second row on the Clockwork Angels tour in 2013. Amazing experience for sure. It was our 20th show together. 🤘🎶💜
Yeah, they are so damn good! I'm Really enjoying your breakdowns. You might be interested in one of the rare "love songs" by RUSH called "Ghost Of A Chance" from 1991. It has some of the most beautiful guitar chords I've ever heard😊
Thanks for reacting to this! Neil was a well read man, I'm sure he read Frost, and it's possible he was influenced on this song the way you picked up on.
Neil supposedly wrote this song because when he was a kid everything was analog, drums, cymbal,recording, over time everthing turned digital, even his acoustic analog drums had digital triggers. There is a song called Digital Man. I dont know how much of a bridge Neil made to the two songs, but none the less its there.
I appreciate your reviews of Rush. They are awesome! And I appreciate your compliments you give to the Rush fan base. What you say about them is totally true. And I appreciate that you too are now part of that fan base! 😀👏❤
I have found the same thing about band fan bases. I agree that fans of RUSH are awesome and very intelligent. Maybe it’s because the music isn’t simplistic and takes a certain amount of brain cells to appreciate. When I think of the bands with supportive and knowledgeable fans the music they produce has depth and meaning. Maybe I’m way off with my theory but it is how I see it. When it comes to people who are mean or abusive with their comments I’d only like to say to them that it doesn’t cost anything to be nice! 😊 Have you heard their song The Trees? I think it is a highly underrated work. The performance I recommend is from the R30 tour, in Frankfurt in September of 2004. I like that video because you really get to see clearly what each of them are doing. Also the lyrics are allegorical.
That sound at the end you asked about is likely Alex's guitar on an echo that is then run into a slapback and fades out on his volume pedal. Or it is a keyboard done the same, tho it sounds more like guitar with the tremolo bar depressed with the echo and slapback. It sounds much like the very beginning of his solo. If you watch at the very beginning of his solo he dives the term bar hard and eases it up as he starts ripping. Undeniably one of the best guitarist ever. Randy Rhoads and Stevie Ray Vaughan all in a tie for the best. You should do a video on Randy. If you want to see a master at his craft that has influenced guitarist for generation even tho he only put out two major albums and died over 30+ years ago. He is still being studied to this day.
redheadedneighbor we think you are absolutely great. You have been a Rush fan for ages without knowing it, and we all appreciate you. Thankyou. Cheers.
One word to describe their performances would be seamless! The way the lyrics flow with the music even with the complicated time signatures. The definition of poetry in motion. 🎸🎹🥁🗣
We all love Rush, they make us happy, and I love that. I think you are ready for 2112. It is a big song but it's pretty special and you will love it. 😊 I can't wait to see you react to La Villa Strangiato, Ghost of a Chance and Bravado.
Great reaction Red. As Always. You are ready for 2112. Do the comic book version or one with lyrics to understand the story being told. If you want a live version try 1997 Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto. Alex adds a beautiful guitar intro to chapter 3. If you want a warm up before 2112, try Natural Science from the same show in 1997 or Freewill to see all 3 solo at the same time. Long rabbit hole still to go. Cheers
I love that song and I love watching you love on Rush. I tried to be hysterical and venomous with my comment, but as a Rush fan, that's the best I can do.
Some of Rush's most interesting and beautiful songs are deep cuts. For me, a great one is Lessons, off 2112. Alex wrote it. I sing it to myself all the time. 😁😎
This song is about someone having a reverie and remembering back to when he was a carefree child who had dreams of experiencing the world, but who now as an adult is jaded about being trapped in the rat race.
This is a great example of how they can masterfully move and bend time. Like a race car driver, you can feel the shifting of the gears. They wind up the engine and then shove the engine into the next gear. Then, effortlessly, they downshift and slow the tempo. You can watch Neil and see his ability to literally bend time.
Great reaction. One of my favorites. Here's my take. There are three great songs that are all connected here in my mind. Analog kid, Subdivisions and Digital Man. Analog Kid is about a young boy or a teenager living in a rural area dreaming about what life might be like in the big city. He's got an image of a fawn eyed girl calling him to go to the city. He's excited about the possibilities of the big city as he stares out at the hawk going overhead. Digital Man is about a middle-aged man who is living in the big city, dreaming about getting out of the big city to better places in the rural areas. He's caught up in the rat race of being completely connected all the time, knowing he's being monitored and watched, waiting for the man in the black Sedan to come pick him up for something he's done. Subdivisions is about that space between the bright lights of the city and the rural areas. It's just people who are subdivided literally in housing Subdivisions and about how young people are subdivided based on cool vs. uncool. It's based on teen angst of living where there is no culture like in the city and no space like in the rural area. All three songs are about the anxiety of how the grass is always greener somewhere else.
This is one of my favorites. The change from verse to chorus has the best changes it makes me tingle and it's so warm it's kind of magical. The sound you were wondering about is a synth. It's a pre made sound and Geddy keyboard tech would load it into a mac computer during the show. They had many synth sounds like that. Geddy did what he could play live on his stage synths and some things sounds he could execute but like the opening synth on 2112 was always. Not quite sure if the synth sounds that Geddy didn't play were on like magnetic tape. It was probably around the 80's that all sounds not played by Geddy were on floppy disk which his tech Jack Secret would load on the Mac computer as the show progressed. Some of the sounds could be triggered by Geddy's synth boards or he and or Alex could trigger sounds with the respective Moog Taurus bass pedals. Technical stuff. Hope this helps. All the sounds and samples were more than likely digitized by the late 90's early 2000's.
Always been a fav of mine since I first listened to the cassette tape I bought it on when it came out in 1982. I had become a fan from a friend who shared 2112, and Moving Pictures and Exit...Stage Left were out and I became a fan for good. Signals was the first album whose release I was waiting for as a fan, so I will always have a special fondness for it. So many great songs, and this one has one of my fav Alex solos and one of my fav lyrics ever: the line you mentioned: ""and the boy pulled down his baseball ap and covered up his eyes". Such a great 'show, don't tell' bit of writing.
One thing that has been a constant in Rush fandom sense as far back as I can remember which was the 1980s when I first heard them, the fans being largely kind of nerdy and looking for more intelligent and challenging music than was on the radio normally, tended to be what I would consider to be for lack of a better term polite. Rush always carried themselves on the higher road, even though they're bands and magazines with flag them they did not retaliate they always had the knowledge in their Corner that they were just f****** great. And that confidence and desire to just stay the course resonates with their fans, who were very much used to getting picked on for liking bands like rush. It was a different Universe back in the 80s I remember the music you listen to could get you quite readily beat up depending on where you were at, so sticking up and being used to having the champion your favorite nerd band I think went a long way towards developing a fan base that understood what it's like to be picked on and as a result don't really do it to other people.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐27K YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR CONGRATS PROUD OF YOU RED #redheadedneighbor #bestreactor #redsarmy #beautifulduncountrygirl #heartofgoldwithmetalinhersoul #27K⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rush fans don't gatekeep. We want to share, we want to bring people into our circle. We want to see the same joy in somoene's eyes that we feel listening to them. TAK is a slightly deeper cut that they bought back into the set. Along with Between The Wheels two of my very favourite tracks they bought back after a lay off. (I cried the first time I heard Between The Wheels live)
The only thing better than listening to and enjoying one of the greatest bands of all times over the years is the excitement of sharing it with someone just discovering, understanding and appreciating it as well . When they build a Time Machine I will take you back to the Exit Stage left tour :) welcome to genius of RUSH ! It makes so sad to hear how you were attacked by another fan base Oh YES 2112!!
Great fast song, although slower than the album. Yes, pack a lunch and do 2112, 1997 Toronto. Pro tip: read-up on it first. Natural Science, from the same concert, was Xanadu-level sick!
Eddie Van Halen was once asked "What is it like being the best guitarist in the world?" He answered "I don't know, ask Alex Lifeson."
The Signals album has an arc that tells the story of a man who is somewhat like the guys from Rush. He starts off unsatisfied with the suburbs in Subdivisions, and is then an Analog Kid looking to get out of that dull life. He then experiences relationships, some that do not work, and others that have Chemistry. He then grows up, evolving from the kid to a Digital Man, with responsibilities, and dealing with modern life. As he becomes a more important person, he realizes that fear is The Weapon that is most effective in making people do things, himself included. As he becomes a man of a certain age, he's got some authority and decisions to make that affect others, and as a New World Man, has power that he has to learn to use wisely. And then, as we all must, he finds that as he becomes aged, he's Losing It. Finally, like the space shuttle launch that inspired the song Countdown, he leaves this world for the next.
Pretty genius.
Hmmm, even after 50 years I learn new things, Love this community!
I’ve listened to and loved this album since 1982 ( I was 14!). Your summary is excellent. I never put the pieces together. Thanks for this !
That's pretty observant!!! I like that!
Love this ❤. Thank you for sharing
"The Analog Kid" is one of those songs that SHOULD have been a great big pop hit, striking Number One all across the charts - only it won't, because too many people think they're weird.
That chorus is just one of the greatest choruses they ever wrote - and the rest of the song is badass, too!
It IS a deep cut, but like almost ALL of their songs, it's very worth it.
Thank you for sharing this!
One of my favorites...one of Alex's best solo's in my opinion.
It blows my mind that there are "critics" who consider Alex as the weak link in Rush. I saw someone saying somewhere that Geddy and Neil could do much better if they replaced Alex with a "better" guitarist. Total rubbish.
Rush writes songs that carry a theme across many songs. The Analog Kid is one example. He grows up to become The Digital Man, so you have to do that song also. Then he becomes a New World Man so you'll have to do that song too.
Great song. Admittedly, I like the clarity of the studio version.
Agreed. The sound quality of this recording is subpar at best.
I agree. The studio version is the best.
Definitely the studio version is way better!
Rush's fanbase are basically family and are are stoked when anyone listens to rush and gets it :) Soo welcome! And sorry that other fan base were dicks.
You are now an honorary member of the Rush Army. You seem to get the vibe and sentiments that Neil puts into the lyrics. Looking forward to future Rush reactions. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Whatever!
NOT ARMY..... RUSH IS A FAMILY #RUSHFAMILY
You ARE ready for 2112, whole side, lyrics in hand. It's not a song, it's the whole side 1 that tells the story.
You are doing wonderful with your Rush reactions!!
The reason we Rush fans are so nice, is we each see our own first reactions echoed in yours. It takes us back to "then", we each remember our own, and we feel that soul changing guttural "wow" all over again.
Thank you!
I really love watching you react to my favourite band of all time, 'cause you just "get it". Much love from Ontario, Canada.
One of my favourite Rush songs and Alex's solo is just blistering! 🔥🔥🔥
Neil writing about growing up in the country and having big dreams. Those dreams come true and it is a double edged sword where at times you would like to go back to those lazy country days.
I believe the girl he mentions in the song was a girl he liked when he was younger but was too shy to ask out.
The next song I would suggest is Digital Man from the Snakes and Arrows tour.
Cheers ❤🇨🇦
Of course you're ready for 2112, but your reaction to Analog Kid is awesome. It's great to see your enthusiasm for Rush. Have you ever heard Dream Theater? Another great band right up this ally..
"Signals" was the first of Rush that I bought with my own cash. I heard "Fly By Night" when I was young, and it was over my head, but Signals was playing on the radio while I was glued to listening to rock music. It was easier to go back to all of the earlier albums and understand where they were coming from. "New World Man" is a catchy tune off of the same album.
This song right here.
It was in my head every day after I got the Signals album in ‘82. I show this song to people who are interested in hearing something from Rush, and more often than not they’re blown away by it.
And that solo…
An underrated track for sure. This is pretty good quality for a bootleg. I suggest listening to the album track when you get a chance. A lot of bass and guitar parts are very hard to hear on this. Always here for RUSH!
Second on the studio version - this video is good, but I agree a lot of detail on the low end gets lost.
The Analog Kid, New World Man, and Digital Man (all from this album) are 3 of my favorites. Thanks for doing this reaction.
To be honest, I agree with everything, except that I was always drawn to The Weapon more than New World Man. I love Losing It too. Until the Clockwork Angels Tour, that was the only song that used another musician outside of Dirk, Lerxst and Pratt, a fellow Canadian named Ben Mink, who played the electric violin. And of course there was time Stood Still off of The Hold Your Fire album that featured another singer: Aimee Mann of 'Til Tuesday, along with 2 others (3rd had her voice sampled) on that album.
oh man... such a great song! I can't believe you dived into this one so quickly, as there is such a massive catalogue to listen to.
Another great reaction!!! I love this song, reminds me of my teenage daydreams of my future plans, which DID unfold. Thank you.
Thank you, Red!🤘🎸As a Rush, Nightwish and The Warning fan I greatly appreciate your passion for these great bands!🤘🎸
Great reaction! Alex is one of the most underrated guitarist of all time! The entire band is/was amazing! Good insight on your part.
Nice, this and Subdivisions are my two favorite songs on Signals. 😊
One of my favorites from my favorite Rush album!
Thanks for reacting to one of my favorite Rush songs! There is actually a better live concert recording of this song from the Clockwork Angels tour, but this version is pretty good quality. My favorite part of this song (in addition to Alex's shredding guitar solo) is Geddy's synth break in the chorus. It's just such a majestic sound. I suggest following this up with the live version of 'Digital Man' from the Snakes and Arrows tour.
Check out Losing it, the lyrics will go straight to your heart and change you. One of Neil's very best along with Available light, Which hunt and Vital signs. Some of my favourites for sure !!
Recently it's become one of my favorites love the sound of that electric violin. 😊
Great Rush reaction, Neighbour! And thank you for taking it back after stopping, cause transitions are easily missed 🙂
Make sure you do the animated version of 2112 to get the full story in picture form.... Brings the whole meaning of the song to life!
Thank you for your reaction. It brought tears to my eyes. I truly appreciate your take on this song. I do believe that you would appreciate it more if you listened to the album in it's entirety. That's because there is always a theme that links each song together. You can appreciate The Analog Kid more when you understand The Digital Man. They define each other. I like how you noticed the line "Too many hands on my time" which we know is an analog clock verses a digital clock that doesn't have hands. Also, when you listen to Losing It, you will notice the difference between The Analog Kid (living in the now moment), The Digital Man (living for the future) and Losing It (living in the past). Also, Subdivisions is the perfect overview of the album theme. Hopefully you will be able to react to the entire albums when reacting to Rush. The depth is so much greater.
Other examples of album themes are Tom Sawyer and Camera Eye. They perfectly explain each other on the Moving Pictures album. Then there is The Spirit of Radio and Natural Science. How well they explain the entire theme of the Permanent Waves album. I feel like I could teach an entire course on Rush album themes and how all the songs tie together. Thanks again for this reaction. Much love and respect.
I agree, I’m sure I am missing pieces and nuances. They are so good that this stands alone, but putting it with the rest of the pieces has to be 🔥🔥🔥
As you yourself said, you became a fan of these guys as people first, then discovered their music. I think a lot of us are as well & it's mirrored in our attitudes when someone is open to discovering the band. Of course, there are always assholes in any fan base, but Rush touches parts of us that really should be on display more. I was hoping you'd do me a favour. I'm home recovering from knee replacement surgery, but still look forward to Wednesday morning when I usually access your Rush reactions. Please, please do Roll the Bones if possible. Thanks!
I love your Reactions to Rush ! Been a fan since 1980. Think I was 12 then. Lol Yeah I'm old. Just love seeing your eyes and smile enjoying the Greatness of Rush. Need to Listen to the Garden live. Last song on the last album. Beautiful song. ❤
Rush's Countdown (from the same album) was my first introduction to RUSH.
A buddy, knowing I was a space nerd, tried to pull me out of my Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin era music and played Countdown. I was only 10yrs old and blown away.
In the next three weeks, I bought every Rush record with the money I made from my paper route.
And, yes, redheadedneighbor, Rush fans are the nicest b/c this is the music and lyrics we took to heart.
That was just brilliant and as I didn't know this one it was also a first listen for me too. 😊 They are so good live. 🔥
Must react to Rush Natural Science
How can a song that kicks this much ass also reflect so pensively about this important time in a young person‘s life. Once again, we find that the music echoes the lyrics and themes. Life is frenetic, (verses and solo) and the boy is trying to find a moment of serenity to think about where he’s been and where he’s going. (Chorus)
I know I speak for the ENTIRE Rush community when I say you are loved, and watching you make your way on your journey into their music is for us a national treasure. Rock on RHN! (Also, don't forget to check out "The Weapon" off the same album "Analog Kid" is on: Signals). :)
The thing I love about your reactions and about you is how you can intertwine songs with life and poetry and make it all seem the same❤❤ you are absolutely amazing at that and it's your channel and I'm proud of you❤❤##redheadedbeighbor
An avid Rush fan here. Love your Rush reactions. But let me suggest a song called Mystic Rhythms, but check out the video though. It is the coolest video ever. Keep on rocking Rush!!!!!
So many good Rush songs. Eventually you will react to The Garden. A very beautiful song that drives me to tears ❤️
One of their best songs from one of my fav albums. It was so amazing to see this live. That "dream like part" was literally like being in a church listening to the organ. Can't wait to tell us about "Beyond the Lighted Stage", their documentary that you are absolutely going to watch soon lol. 🤘🏼
You didn't disappoint, as always, awesome reaction...thanks, Todd from Ohio...
What can we say that we said about rush red? Thier just simply great period. Wintersun Alex in Texas ❄️👋❤️
One of my favorite songs........This and Between the Wheels.........
I don't understand how anyone could be mean to you. You're a very nice person! I loved this song! Never heard this until now! I feel that Alex Lifeson is underrated. When people talk about Rush, his name is never mentioned (you're one of the few that do mention him). He's a great guitarist! Also, I don't think that I've ever heard a bad Rush song
They certainly deserve their legendary reputation.
You need to follow this up with Digital Man😁
Makes prefect sense.
Seems like you just have roll with the haters and just not let them get to you. I know, easier said than done.
Enjoyed the reaction as always ✌🏻
Analog Kid is my favorite from Signals. Witch Hunt is my fave from Moving Pictures.
Some song Alex doesn’t take a solo, and in Analog Kid he makes up for all of them, lol! Now you need to do Digital Man from the same album. Cheers!
Simply the best live band I was lucky enough to see. All 19 times.
30 times here including front row Power Windows.
Interesting you are intrigued by the name Analog Kid. The same album (Signals) also features a song called Digital Man.
I hope she'll choose the studio version of 'Digital Man', if she does react also to that one!
And also the 'New World Man'....
Great Rush reaction. Not the best video I’ve ever seen, but there is no such thing as bad Rush. I think you are ready for 2112. But you will definitely want to choose a lyric video. The story is pretty complicated, but if you have the lyrics it’s pretty easy to follow along. I saw someone else mention the song The Garden. It is the last song on the final Rush album Clockwork Angels. I think they knew that it was going to be their last album together, and they poured a lot of emotion into that song. I think you will really enjoy that one.
2112 was the very first song I ever heard of Rush.... Hooked ever since.... You're ready!
The “Fawn Eyed Girl” lived in a small town “Beach City” about 5 minutes from me. He met her when he was camping as a teen.
What? C'mon Knir!
The Analog Kid is a underrated song. Real Rush fans know it and love it. I think if you can react to Xanadu, then you're ready for 2112!
Yeah, I’ve never seen a reaction to this song. Kudos!
Yes! Reactors sleep on this one. KEEP GOING, 40 years of tasty jams to enjoy.
Great reaction. I never get tired from hearing this track and I first heard it shortly after it was released!
I think you’re ready for 2112 but I’d suggest doing a lyric video. There are comic versions out there that are cool but could be too distracting. I think the way to listen to a song the first time, especially to Rush, is to do it the Old School way. Put the album on, strap on the headphones and have the lyrics on hand.
If you’d prefer to burrow further into the rabbit hole first then try out a couple of their more obscure yet completely adored songs like “Different Strings” or “Ghost of a Chance”. Like mentioned before I’d suggest doing the studio versions with lyrics. Thanks.
Great song and it came along at a great time in my life, when I was 19 years old. The song really spoke to where I was in my life - very much a "soundtrack" of my life -- along with songs like "Subdivisions" and "Middletown Dreams". I was such a huge dreamer back then. ** By the way, listen to the studio version, for your own purposes, just to further bond with the song. :)
The beauty of Rush
Excellent reaction to a banger of a track.
My husband and I got to see this one played live from the second row on the Clockwork Angels tour in 2013.
Amazing experience for sure.
It was our 20th show together. 🤘🎶💜
That is wild! I can only imagine 20 shows!!!!
Like the band, we the fans are the best.🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎹🎤
So when Alex hits his lead break (8:16), you had the same O-face when you hear one of Neal's drum fills. Awesome reaction! Welcome to the Rush Army!
Yeah, they are so damn good! I'm Really enjoying your breakdowns. You might be interested in one of the rare "love songs" by RUSH called "Ghost Of A Chance" from 1991. It has some of the most beautiful guitar chords I've ever heard😊
Thanks for reacting to this! Neil was a well read man, I'm sure he read Frost, and it's possible he was influenced on this song the way you picked up on.
We all LOVE Rush. Analog Kid.....moving to the big city...
Neil supposedly wrote this song because when he was a kid everything was analog, drums, cymbal,recording, over time everthing turned digital, even his acoustic analog drums had digital triggers. There is a song called Digital Man. I dont know how much of a bridge Neil made to the two songs, but none the less its there.
I appreciate your reviews of Rush. They are awesome! And I appreciate your compliments you give to the Rush fan base. What you say about them is totally true. And I appreciate that you too are now part of that fan base! 😀👏❤
Not my favorite video of that song, but the song itself is great.
Great vid as usual.
Cheerz!!!
Alex shreds on this one! RUSH fans are great. It’s a vibe.
I have found the same thing about band fan bases. I agree that fans of RUSH are awesome and very intelligent. Maybe it’s because the music isn’t simplistic and takes a certain amount of brain cells to appreciate. When I think of the bands with supportive and knowledgeable fans the music they produce has depth and meaning. Maybe I’m way off with my theory but it is how I see it.
When it comes to people who are mean or abusive with their comments I’d only like to say to them that it doesn’t cost anything to be nice! 😊
Have you heard their song The Trees? I think it is a highly underrated work. The performance I recommend is from the R30 tour, in Frankfurt in September of 2004. I like that video because you really get to see clearly what each of them are doing. Also the lyrics are allegorical.
Definitely gonna check out Trees
Totally ready for 2112
One of my absolute favorite Rush songs! Especially now that I'm an old man lol
That sound at the end you asked about is likely Alex's guitar on an echo that is then run into a slapback and fades out on his volume pedal. Or it is a keyboard done the same, tho it sounds more like guitar with the tremolo bar depressed with the echo and slapback. It sounds much like the very beginning of his solo. If you watch at the very beginning of his solo he dives the term bar hard and eases it up as he starts ripping. Undeniably one of the best guitarist ever. Randy Rhoads and Stevie Ray Vaughan all in a tie for the best. You should do a video on Randy. If you want to see a master at his craft that has influenced guitarist for generation even tho he only put out two major albums and died over 30+ years ago. He is still being studied to this day.
I’m glad you said so because I would have never guessed that
redheadedneighbor we think you are absolutely great. You have been a Rush fan for ages without knowing it, and we all appreciate you. Thankyou. Cheers.
One word to describe their performances would be seamless! The way the lyrics flow with the music even with the complicated time signatures. The definition of poetry in motion. 🎸🎹🥁🗣
Thanks for another reaction. You are such a positive influence in this world
One of my favorite Rush songs completely captured by the lyrics. Music for arts sake.
We all love Rush, they make us happy, and I love that. I think you are ready for 2112. It is a big song but it's pretty special and you will love it. 😊 I can't wait to see you react to La Villa Strangiato, Ghost of a Chance and Bravado.
Great reaction Red. As Always. You are ready for 2112. Do the comic book version or one with lyrics to understand the story being told. If you want a live version try 1997 Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto. Alex adds a beautiful guitar intro to chapter 3. If you want a warm up before 2112, try Natural Science from the same show in 1997 or Freewill to see all 3 solo at the same time. Long rabbit hole still to go. Cheers
I love that song and I love watching you love on Rush. I tried to be hysterical and venomous with my comment, but as a Rush fan, that's the best I can do.
Some of Rush's most interesting and beautiful songs are deep cuts. For me, a great one is Lessons, off 2112. Alex wrote it. I sing it to myself all the time. 😁😎
This song is about someone having a reverie and remembering back to when he was a carefree child who had dreams of experiencing the world, but who now as an adult is jaded about being trapped in the rat race.
"That was just poetry for sure..."
And the Frost-likeness is pretty freaking spot on!
Nice work Red! Just Keep Peddling 😎
Cheers
rl
🤘👹🤘
In my top ten for sure, and favourite Alex solo.
This is a great example of how they can masterfully move and bend time. Like a race car driver, you can feel the shifting of the gears. They wind up the engine and then shove the engine into the next gear. Then, effortlessly, they downshift and slow the tempo. You can watch Neil and see his ability to literally bend time.
2112!!!! I sent a link to the official lyric video via email.
🎶too many hands on my time,, too many feelings🎶a (dreamline)😉top 3 🤘🤘🤘
😉 The 'Analog Kid' grows up to become a 'Working Man Live in Cleveland', many call him 'A Digital Man'..... 🤗 I love Rush! 🥰🐰
Great reaction. One of my favorites.
Here's my take.
There are three great songs that are all connected here in my mind. Analog kid, Subdivisions and Digital Man.
Analog Kid is about a young boy or a teenager living in a rural area dreaming about what life might be like in the big city. He's got an image of a fawn eyed girl calling him to go to the city. He's excited about the possibilities of the big city as he stares out at the hawk going overhead.
Digital Man is about a middle-aged man who is living in the big city, dreaming about getting out of the big city to better places in the rural areas. He's caught up in the rat race of being completely connected all the time, knowing he's being monitored and watched, waiting for the man in the black Sedan to come pick him up for something he's done.
Subdivisions is about that space between the bright lights of the city and the rural areas. It's just people who are subdivided literally in housing Subdivisions and about how young people are subdivided based on cool vs. uncool. It's based on teen angst of living where there is no culture like in the city and no space like in the rural area.
All three songs are about the anxiety of how the grass is always greener somewhere else.
Deeply clever
Do the Trilogy, Analog Kid, Digital Man, New World man ❤❤❤
This is one of my favorites. The change from verse to chorus has the best changes it makes me tingle and it's so warm it's kind of magical. The sound you were wondering about is a synth. It's a pre made sound and Geddy keyboard tech would load it into a mac computer during the show. They had many synth sounds like that. Geddy did what he could play live on his stage synths and some things sounds he could execute but like the opening synth on 2112 was always. Not quite sure if the synth sounds that Geddy didn't play were on like magnetic tape. It was probably around the 80's that all sounds not played by Geddy were on floppy disk which his tech Jack Secret would load on the Mac computer as the show progressed. Some of the sounds could be triggered by Geddy's synth boards or he and or Alex could trigger sounds with the respective Moog Taurus bass pedals. Technical stuff. Hope this helps. All the sounds and samples were more than likely digitized by the late 90's early 2000's.
My song... literally saved my life. The Kid
One of my ALL TIME favorite Rush songs!
Always been a fav of mine since I first listened to the cassette tape I bought it on when it came out in 1982. I had become a fan from a friend who shared 2112, and Moving Pictures and Exit...Stage Left were out and I became a fan for good. Signals was the first album whose release I was waiting for as a fan, so I will always have a special fondness for it. So many great songs, and this one has one of my fav Alex solos and one of my fav lyrics ever: the line you mentioned: ""and the boy pulled down his baseball ap and covered up his eyes". Such a great 'show, don't tell' bit of writing.
One thing that has been a constant in Rush fandom sense as far back as I can remember which was the 1980s when I first heard them, the fans being largely kind of nerdy and looking for more intelligent and challenging music than was on the radio normally, tended to be what I would consider to be for lack of a better term polite. Rush always carried themselves on the higher road, even though they're bands and magazines with flag them they did not retaliate they always had the knowledge in their Corner that they were just f****** great. And that confidence and desire to just stay the course resonates with their fans, who were very much used to getting picked on for liking bands like rush. It was a different Universe back in the 80s I remember the music you listen to could get you quite readily beat up depending on where you were at, so sticking up and being used to having the champion your favorite nerd band I think went a long way towards developing a fan base that understood what it's like to be picked on and as a result don't really do it to other people.
It's ok to love RUSH my dear Red Head. I know I do.
This whole album is a masterpiece. I remember all the lyrics, haven't heard it in a decade . This song got heavy radio rotation when it was fresh
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐27K YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR CONGRATS PROUD OF YOU RED #redheadedneighbor #bestreactor #redsarmy #beautifulduncountrygirl #heartofgoldwithmetalinhersoul #27K⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rush fans don't gatekeep. We want to share, we want to bring people into our circle. We want to see the same joy in somoene's eyes that we feel listening to them. TAK is a slightly deeper cut that they bought back into the set. Along with Between The Wheels two of my very favourite tracks they bought back after a lay off. (I cried the first time I heard Between The Wheels live)
The only thing better than listening to and enjoying one of the greatest bands of all times over the years is the excitement of sharing it with someone just discovering, understanding and appreciating it as well .
When they build a Time Machine I will take you back to the Exit Stage left tour :) welcome to genius of RUSH ! It makes so sad to hear how you were attacked by another fan base
Oh YES 2112!!
Great song, check out Chemistry on Signals too!
You are truly in the rush army. They are who they are in concert. I live and breath rush 24/7
Great fast song, although slower than the album. Yes, pack a lunch and do 2112, 1997 Toronto. Pro tip: read-up on it first. Natural Science, from the same concert, was Xanadu-level sick!
I love your enthusiasm for Alex's solo!