I love the time signatures on this track. Can you please discuss this in your in depth analysis Amy. The only other group that tackles the same kind of complex syncopated rhythm's as Rush, were perhaps early Genesis and Yes. Can you contrast and compare please?
Well the best version to show a first time is definitely the studio version. There is only so much a band can pull off live. The difference of listening to the opening in acoustic instead of electric provides a much nicer transition and dimension
For my money, there's never been three better rock musicians on stage at the same time than these guys, especially when taking into account their massive body of work. The fact they stayed such close friends throughout their long career is another testament to them as amazing people.
We definitely can. I heard her previous reaction to Neil Peart's drum solo, and I wondered why she started with that. But I also suspected she wasn't going to listen to Rush's music. I don't know why, but that was what I thought. I guess most of the music she reacted to was more popular. That's why when I saw that she was finally reacting to Rush, I jumped in! There are quite a few other musicians (of all types) and composers that have reacted to Rush, and they all seem to like it. I think it because of all the work Rush puts into their music. It is like they were making classical music for rock. I especially like the Charismatic Voice, Doug Helvering, and Soprano Notes to name a few.
@@michaelt.b264 I just find it refreshing that people are listening to them again. I could never wrap my head around people saying that they didn't like Rush.
Only been enjoying this song for 45 years...and still do. A well crafted masterpiece. Even two years before this, I was 15, and I could recognize that these three musicians were on a elevated skill level, far and above all the other great bands at the time. Feel so lucky to have gotten to see, hear, and experience the band live in 1981. R U S H 🧠🎸🎹🥁
I think often, it is only we Rush fans that really understand their appeal. I know they are by far my favourite band, there are other imitators and other great musicians, but there is only one RUSH!
I’ve read a lot of people complaining about you not listening to the original version. They’re correct that the original is better than the live version, but it’s still a great introduction to Rush. I’m 61, and grew up listening to my dad’s Brahms, Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart records. When I started playing drums, it was a natural thing for me when I discovered Rush. They composed long form (later shorter form) songs, using odd time signatures and complex construction that in many ways, goes beyond traditional classical music. And of course there’s the fact that three guys are playing six or more parts. Multitasking at its finest! Btw, at around 6:00 you commented “I don’t know where it’s going.”, and Karl laughed, as he must’ve thought, “Oh it’s going somewhere!” Great break down! Karl has the best analysis of Rush as I’ve ever heard. Give him big kudos!
Impressed by Karl's ability to stay quiet and not jump in to "explain" this as a Rush fan! Lol. Amazing reaction love this. Just hard to imagine these are just three guys playing live! The drum work is out of this world.
There is so much to explore with Rush. They are 3 massively talented musicians. There is nothing simple about their music. The lyrics and the virtuoso musicianship made them special for their run of over 40 years. By the way, Neil has said this piece was one of his most challenging songs to play.
The studio version has 12 parts: I. Buenas Noches, Mein Froinds! (0:00-0:26) II. To sleep, perchance to dream... (0:27-1:59) III. Strangiato Theme (2:00-3:15) IV. A Lerxst in Wonderland (3:16-5:48) V. Monsters! (5:49-6:09) VI: The Ghost of the Aragon (6:10-6:44) VII. Danforth and Pape (6:45-7:25) VIII. The Waltz of the Shreves (7:26-7:51) IX. Never turn your back on a Monster! (7:52-8:02) X. Monsters! (Reprise) (8:03-8:16) XI. Strangiato Theme (Reprise) (8:17-9:20) XII. A Farewell to Things (9:20-9:35)
Great reaction Amy and Karl! The in-depth is going to be really interesting. RUSH made music the best they could, for the music's sake. The joy of that pursuit comes through loud and clear in everything they did. The fact that these best friends were all musicians of the highest level, made their best be the best that anyone could produce. Truly a perfect storm. That is why they crossed boundaries and engaged music lovers on every level, and continue to do so inter-gernerationaly. I can't wait until Amy gets to experience Neil's lyrics! They are worthy of their own university course, both structurally and philosophically.
One thing you noticed which has always impressed me about Rush, but is rarely mentioned, is their ability to seamlessly transition between sections in a song, often quite complex sections. The transitions are never jarring, just beautifully executed. Maybe this is why they are rarely mentioned.
Excellent point. They are in a smallish group of true musicians who could handle 'prog' correctly and consistently write nuance transitions. I would also put Yes and Genesis at the top.
Didn't Gene Simmons, when asked "What kind of 'band' is RUSH?" reply " What kind of band is RUSH? No other band even sounds like them. They are.. RUSH." ?
@@odochartaighofodonegal2351 I think so. Again, you can say that about a lot of bands, e.g. Took. But that doesn't mean that don't belong to a certain genre of music.
Funny you say this because I've been saying for years that there are common things between classical music and progressive rock. You may or may not agree but it is the way I see things.
This is a live version. Would you be interested in hearing the studio version in your own time? This live version is quite different from the album one, very raw here and some wild sections from Alex, he's really expressing himself. The album version is also awesome but much more refined and that version is obviously the better known one. The ability that all 3 of them have to time it all amid the complex changes is jaw dropping. Alex is the "free spirit" of the trio, always seem less fixed and closer to the edge of losing it. Great reaction here. Thanks.
Exactly. This is just… not so good. I initially thought it was a cover. The dynamics are bad and the tempo is… odd. I tend to love their live stuff, but this is a pale substitute :/
I was disappointed she was given a live version to start. I previously suggested she did it the other way around. It's simply not the same. Never has been, albeit some enjoyable variations emerged over the years. Ironically, the link she provides is the one she should've used. P. S. Actually, I'd be surprised if that transcription is taken from this live version.
I think it's good, but agree that the studio version is better, and that some of the roughness of the live recording is ironed out. But at least you get a sense of the compositional and technical virtuosity of these three great musicians.
I would come home from high school, strap on my headphones and guitar, and get down to it, learning this by ear. I told my classical guitar teacher, "It's too hard, I can't understand what they're doing." He said, "It's just one note, then the next. If you can sing it, you're halfway toward being able to play it. Just take it a few notes at a time." So I stuck with it, and it was a tremendous learning experience.
The fact that just the three of them could properly execute a piece of music like this live in concert is evidence of what drummer Neil Peart meant when he said, "Playing a three-hour Rush show is like running a marathon while doing calculus in your head." Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and the late Neil "The Professor" Peart would be tickled to hear the way you relate to the compositional elements of their music as a classical/"straight" musician, especially while following along with a score, since their stated goal was to be "the world's smallest symphony orchestra."
It's interesting you mention a Romanian folk sound, since Alex Lifeson's parents were immigrants to Canada from Serbia (Yugoslavia). I hadn't noticed this myself, but it's entirely possible Alex was motivated by Slavic/Eastern European folk in some of his writing and playing. Wonderful breakdown of this epic piece. Thank you.
Three guys who had to record the original studio piece in 3 parts because it was too ambitious. Then over the next 30 or so years it evolved and changed without ever losing its identity and became a must see bit of live music. RUSH are the epitome of musicianship in rock music and their influence cannot be understated because while they were rarely mainstream they were absolutely many of your favorite musician’s favorite musicians. I kind of figured Amy would appreciate this and have requested it in the past.
Alex Lifeson is one of the most underrated lead guitar players out there.He can shred with the best of them but also knows how to impart massive feeling and emotion with pinch squeals and vibrato to name just a couple of his signature techniques.
I’m sitting here tearing up watching you hear this music for the first time. Knowing you have a music degree and witnessing you see the genius of RUSH is vindicating and prideful in an odd way. RUSH is by far my favorite band. I spend considerable time deep in their catalog.
Agreed. Amy should do an indepth on Rush and listen to a series of their songs through their catalog. I can think of 20 songs that are easily worthy of an indepth.
The studio version was actually recorded in parts. After several times of trying to record this piece, with no luck, from start to finish, I remember Geddy Lee saying that they had to accept defeat and record it in parts because of it's complexity.
I've been a Rush fan for over 40 years now. They were my first concert ever. It was on the Permanent Waves tour. I was lucky enough to see them 5 times over their career, the last time was on the Snakes and Arrows tour, with my son. Since discovering them, their music has always been a part of my life. There is no greater rush (pun completely intentional) than seeing someone else experience Rush for the first time. It takes me back to that first concert. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Continue your journey with the band, as there is so much more to discover.
The studio version opens with the riff you heard here, but played on a classical guitar. As such, that fast descending scale leading into the 12-string electric arpeggiated part is much cleaner and more flamenco sounding. Also, there are subtleties of tone and dynamics throughout the piece that are much better heard in the studio version than in this (or any) live version. I will never understand why people push music reactors to react to live version of songs when the studio originals are almost always far superior. Edit: Notwithstanding the above, a great reaction and wonderful comments of appreciation!
Some people use the studio version, some people prefer the live version. It is personal preference. I think for this one, it is probably because it shows off that they are actually playing it all live. In the studio, you can record stuff you cannot replicate live. And that feels like cheating for a lot of people who perform music live.
A good deal of rush, especially the stuff that they recorded in the '80s, after Terry Brown left, tends to sound better live than studio. But this 70's stuff was so beautifully engineered. Absolutely gorgeous sounds
I would offer this as a counterpoint: studio versions are essentially limitless with regards to production. The composition can contain many, many layers and the production can "mask" inadequacies or weak points. Doing an analysis of a live versions also highlights the abilities of the artist to fly with a minimal net. This way one can experience both the piece as well as the performers ability to repeat it. As one who grew up in the hey day of AOR I always used the live performance as a litmus test regarding the quality of the band as a whole. And as we all know, Rush was one of the best when it came to performing live, as this version clearly shows. I get the sentiment in this case of live vs studio but with her being a classical musician the live performance may be more relevant. Either way I liked her analysis.
@@steveleis4004 I agree with you about the limitation-masking and uniquely complex layering provided by studio wizardry. And I also agree that live versions are great at highlighting the tightness of a band and its technical mastery. I guess I should clarify that my earlier point wasn't that reactors shouldn't react to live songs _at all,_ but that their crucial *first impression* of a song should be the studio original, because it's almost always going to be the most sonically nuanced and artistically sophisticated version possible, and the one that best expresses the overall creative vision of the artist or band. The reason bands spend so much time and effort on studio recordings is precisely because they're meant to be the definitive or reference-quality version of the songs. So, once a reactor has heard and appreciated the studio version, *_then_* they can go on to see how the band acquits themselves performing it live. Which, when you think about it, is exactly how it went for most of us, too: we heard the studio version of something first, then heard the live one later. Even if we end up liking the live version more, it was that studio original that got us interested and invested in the first place. And, of course, I also agree that Rush was one of the best live bands. I saw them live only once, but it was one of the best performances I've ever seen.
I heard Rush perform this magnificent opus the first time I saw them in concert in 1979. Hemispheres was the first exposure I had to Rush and seeing them perform live was a great experience. I left the show a fan for life. Three master musicians, masterful composers, master performers. La Villa is my favorite piece from my favorite band. Seeing it played live was incredible.
I remember in one of the documentaries about Rush, I think it was Geddy that said when they finished writing it, basically "ok, now we have to figure out how to play it live!". This is one of my favorite songs by Rush. Then again I can say that about so many of their songs.
Amy hits it right on the head when she defines their "Artistry and Craftsmanship" I would describe them as Classical Hardcore* I grew up in NYC and my first ever Live concert was Rush, at Madison Square Garden. The Signals tour 1981. I had perfect side stage seats to witness the genius of Neil Peart. His precision was just purely unmatched. La Villa Strangiato was one of their encores. It will always remind me of a special time in my life as a true New Yorker. Thank you for your beautiful breakdown, dare I say again... "purely unmatched" = )
This review was 'hands-down' the best I've seen. I've never seen one that contained the sheet music for ANY Rush piece! Thank you for expressing your expertise with this one. Having lost your 'Rush virginity' with La Villa Strangiato, there is nowhere to go from here. Oh, who am I kidding?! There are so many masterpieces from this trio, that the end is nowhere in sight! Enjoy this band, as most of us have, for over 50 years!
I grew up listening to RUSH, as they started to gain popularity here in the US while I was in High School here in Tennessee. I even got to see them live during the Hemispheres tour in 1978! It's good to hear that others with different musical backgrounds can appreciate their music, in this case even 40 plus years later.
I would recommend Jacobs Ladder. I can't explain how they can make a song sound like a thunder storm and be compared to a battle. It is an incredible song.
For this being your first exposure to Rush---you've cleanly and delightfully gotten a taste of this power trio. I was happy to hear your description of their layering bits and elements in. A tangible hallmark of the boys. I enjoyed watching your eyebrows raise in pleasure of the sounds and riffs. Your head was very mildly getting into motion with the sounds. Also, loved the wonderment in your eyes with portions. Enjoyed your going back to the beginning, and identifying notes and chords you see and understand how expressive they are. This is Rush at their core. Glad you noticed the subtleties here, too, even while the music grows and adds layers dynamically. :) Vast numbers of people are pulled, drawn to Rush for the quality and diversity of their music; and its wonderful when some people (like you) clearly get the nuances. It was so delightful to savor this song again, with your observations layered on it. Yes, you got it right---Rush musicians serve the song.... not their egos. One of the many reasons they are virtuosos and the primary musical group fo the past four decades. Your observations of their transitions, so well matches what I've thought and felt for many years. Wait---Rush, boring? NEVER!! Rush never played music from music sheets... They played by feel and with their heart. Sheet music note-taking was an after-effect, or done by someone else as a best-effort. Their build-ups, and mellow moments are superlative, well-placed and excellent transitions to the next 'moment'. I'd like to offer a suggestion for why their music might not come across as 'HARDER'. Beyond the in-depth quality to their music.... they put arrangements together for the beautiful feel of it, for the mental, physical and often emotional impact they can provide (in that take a look at The Garden from Clockwork Angels). They didn't IMPACT the listener, per se with a cacophony of sound, they provided sound that served the purpose of the song. When that provided a cacophony.... it was over the top more splendid. Three musicians craft amazing music, note for note from the album and they transition to live performances of the same music and delightfully it sounds even better. Amy it would be a pleasure to meet you some day. Take good care!
You finally listened to my favorite of all favorite bands, RUSH, and I couldn't be more excited for you! Your friend has impeccably great taste in music 😀
You like the layering of textures, me too it's kinda like crunchy creepes that initially startle you but you are cool, calm and anticipating blueberry, or strawberry,or dragon fruit, or just something aoo good and expected to be good 👍❤😂🙏❤️👍🙏
Hemispheres came out in 1978, and the delicate bell sounds from Neil at the beginning is a glockenspiel. Crotales are being used, but as an accent throughout the song... Alex's main solo really reminds me of a Gypsy violinist, full of fire and passion. one of the greatest guitar solos of the rock era, no question. exceptional reaction, by the way!
There is a section, later with something of a reprise, which is a cultural reference of sorts, taken from the composition "Powerhouse" by Raymond Scott, known as "Monsters" in the piece, which was used by Warner Brothers in several cartoons in the "Looney Tunes"/"Merrie Melodies".
Yay! Rush! Master musicians. Might be my favorite segment of drumming from all their catalogue. The quieter segment with the ghost notes. Just so wonderful and delicate. Thanks, Karl! :)
The title is in Italian but there are elements of Flamenco style playing in Alex's guitar work. Just awesome creativity. He rips through that solo and goes right into palm muting with his arpeggios. Just so nice. The later section breaks into almost a big band jazz session. Neil was playing those. Count Basie style drum fills. Thought you'd pay more attention to the abundance of time signature changes. It's just a masterpiece for just three guys in a rock band.
i so appreciate that she's listening as an interpretative audience and not just a music fan. she's not nodding her head in time with the music - essentially dancing along - but listening intently to every bit of nuance. there's a lot to be said for dispassionate listening, hearing it without being starstruck. most of us would giggle with glee at hearing some of the virtuosity, while she can separate herself from the fangirl in us.
Love this! I hope when you do your deeper dive that you use the studio recording… it includes an acoustic guitar opening by Alex that is missing from the video you watched. Truly beautiful.
I have to admit I teared up also! I was surprised the studio version of the song was not used for the first listen; the opening is done by Alex on an acoustic guitar. It has a much more classical feel. Give that a listen! I have to agree, this song is a master work.
YeeHaw, this is quite big bite for a first taste. An incredible, long, multipart instrumental which is a mental and physical workout for all three members.
What a joy. Karl is a great evangelist for Rush but in a very articulate and knowledgable way. Amy's reactions are a delight for all Rush fans as she is able to explain and articulate from a trained musician's perspective why we as (at least in my case) a non-musician instinctively and intuitively know that Rush, and this song in particular is so good, so satisfying and musically fulfilling. It's not just the virtuositiy, though there is that in spades, but it is the composition, the construction of the piece. Can't wait to watch the "in-depth" review!
PLEASE EVERYONE PLEASE NOTE!!! I did not pick this version of La Villa, I adore the studio version. Second this is not part of the History of Rock Music with Amy and Karl. This was a song selected by a viewer. Again I DID NOT PICK THIS VERSION OF THE SONG! Cheers.
I am so glad you finally did a listen to Styx and especially this song. This was the very first cassette I purchased so I could play it in my car. Your reviews are an eye opener for me and brings a new appreciation for music I grew up with.
I grew up with a pretty rigorous classical training, ear training, piano, violin, and a visceral love of rock music and especially progressive rock music. So to witness someone experience this thing I love from a similar standpoint, but for the first time, what else could even approach the significance of that? I always saw some popular music, but not all, in dialogue with the history of music of our civilization and other civilizations. And rush is definitely in that camp. They love music, not just for its technical aspects, but for the things that give it meaning, as they reshape it
I enjoyed this so very much. You don’t have to sell me on the Holy Triumvirate or LVS as a fan since 1975, I think RUSH is perfection and unmatched in talent and musicianship. Recently going through the 3rd anniversary of The Professors death, I still find it hard to grapple with the fact that he is gone. KEEP RUSHIN!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Saw them perform this song in 1978, and many more times in my 53 times seeing Rush live.... This song always had such an impact live. I was privileged to see their final 2 shows and got to meet Alex Lifeson waiting by his limo @3:30am after the last show.... This band influenced my musical journey through life in a profound way. I find the simplest of Rush songs to be masterfully crafted.
You should listen to Red Barchetta. They aren't only great musicians they are great story tellers. The song has no chorus. And the emotional play is incredible.
I've be playing music and going to Classic Prog and Rock concerts since 1971' and I have met a number of people that play Classical music and haven't heard much or any Rock music ??? How is that possible growing up especially in Jr High or High School !!! Some have told me it was their Parents and control etc. but still in school people listen to music all the time, what's your store ? ☺
Carl....you know your stuff!!! Loved your explanation towards the end of the video. Like myself, you have a greater appreciation now days for just how insanely amazing the 3 gents from Willowdale were as a band. Pioneers! Innovators! Genius!
I have been waiting impatiently for you to discover Rush and your friend has guided you on a smooth transitional path to appreciation of this amazing group. Welcome to a new world of musical experience.
So happy to see you tearing into some Rush. Their music is superlatively rewarding of analysis and examination. You're gonna get a lot of recommendations here (we're a... vocal fanbase) so let me put in my vote: Natural Science off their album Permanent Waves. It's long, complex, has about a million time signatures, and has the best bassline I ever heard.
It has been ages since I heard the studio version of this song. There are so many great live performances to choose from. I'm kind of partial to the one in Rush in Rio if you don't mind Alex's humorous digression. This song, along with most Rush songs, are so wonderful the way they have a structure and airiness to them. It is hard to believe such a sound can come from just a trio of musicians.
I'VE SEEN RUSH 7 TIMES AND I WILL NEVER FORGET THERE TALENTED PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THE GROUP ,THERE TOP OF THERE GAME EVERY TIME I SEEN RUSH IN CONCERT.RIP NEIL PEART!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Rush. In my opinion one of the best bands ever, and undeniably one of the most technologically complex sounds. There career was 40 plus years long and ever changing. Enjoy.
We need Close to the Edge-Yes. Also I need other things, maybe Black Magic Woman/Oye como Va-Santana Gimme Shelter- The Rolling Stones Lovesong-The Cure Time Machine-Grand Funk Railroad Elephant Talk-King Crimson Animal-Pearl Jam Tender-Blur Maybe I'm Amazed-Paul Mc.Cartney Everybody's wants to rule the world-Tears for Fears Territorial Pissings-Nirvana Highway Star- Deep Purple (or maybe 1st Movement from Concerto for Group and Orchestra) Catherine Parr- Rick Wakeman something from Jeff Beck
Now, this is Amy who is encouraging musicians to be open-minded about the music. What this reaction video brings to my mind is when at the beginning of the '80s, I changed my clarinet to electric bass. At that moment I had a chat with my classical teacher Pekka Lahti from Helsinki Philharmonia. He valued me a lot my choice and courage me to go on. These lessons are extremely valuable. Thank you, Amy.
9:30 I am to the part where you were back at the beginning and marking it and what you said sounded like a beautifully played violin is Alex Lifeson showing how masterful he is at doing volume swells on his electric guitar. This is where you use your pinky to have the volume knob turned down and then you make your attack on the string and then immediately you bring the volume back up to make it kind of fade in like that but really quickly to where it becomes its own voice as an instrument. He was so good at that stuff and it shows up again at the beginning of the first guitar solo which is exactly what was about to start when you stopped it to come back to the beginning. So it shows up again.
The reason to do the live version is that they conquered the beast that they had to record in separate parts in the studio, and were able to perform all of it live. It is far more impressive that way. Studio versions of songs are nice and all but they are just that, nice. This is on the knife's edge.
I totally Karl's reaction - when I talk with other fans who just get it I often get quite emotional. It's an instant connection to another person on a level that you can't really put into words.
@@karlsloman5320 :) and I've tried to explain to people who don't feel it and it just doesn't work. It either moves you or it doesn't and I don't think it can be explained because it has nothing to do with language, it's more fundamental than even words.
This was one of the best, if not the best reaction to Rush i have heard in a long time! The gentlemen explains how I feel when someone aknowledges the craftsmenship when they first listen to Rush, everything you mentioned is how I perceived RUSH everytime, classical well orchestrated rock. I am surprised that the gentlemen didn't mention how the peice came about. Alex and his nightmares.... expressed in music, then written on paper, cause you couldn't write that shit of the top of your head on paper then play it, it would have no soul. The way you mentioned about the how the song progresses is like someone threading new colours into a tapestry blanket is brilliant. There like RGB in the basic colours, bringing millions of feelings and emotions out of oneself. Please do more Rush, If you are ever going to do another reaction, can you react to Time Stand Still by Rush and the cover by the US Army corp in memory of Neil Peart. same song with two differents contrasts, one Rock and one Classical. Such a beautiful and meaningful song. Thank You
The funny thing to me about Rush.....is that even after hearing a song for sometimes even decades.....I can still find things I didnt notice before. And yet they performed things so simply....without ever saying a word. Its like they left hidden things to be found along the way And I do not really know if they intended it this way..... or? And in this way, Rush continues to amaze me..... I miss the coming around incredibly
The way I explain RUSH to anyone who is unfamiliar is a smoothie of rocks and puppies and chocolate and infinity tempered by time signatures, tonal changes and energy. So much talent in a single place and in a single piece. Epic. Their ability to just will their way from one time signature to another seamlessly and bring the piece to resolution through energy and tone still blows me away 40 years later. The word "dynamic" stuck out in your descriptions but I feel it's deeper than that, it's a controlled dynamic where I as a listener am always trying to guess how they will get to the next place and I'm always delighted to find out that I couldn't guess it before we got there. Their body of work is relatively vast but I wish there was more. There will never be another RUSH. If you're unfamiliar with RUSH just pick up a song and try as hard as you can to predict the next beat, note, melody and you will be wrong more times than you are right, but in looking back you will realize they got it right and you just didn't see the twist in the music early enough to get it right yourself. All the gifts of life are held within these walls.
Love this reaction! You mention a "Romanian" aspect to the slower section. In fact, Alex Lifeson's family is originally from eastern Europe. For a more actual classically influenced Rush tune, please listen to 'A Farewell to Kings" or even better the absolute epic "Broon's Bane/The Trees/Xanadu" from 1981's live album Exit Stage Left. 👍
Dude, this lady is amazing. Not our typical Rush fan. But her appreciation is evident and from such a different perspective. Man, I love seeing her with the score in front of her and with a dynamic interactive pen?! Oh yes, more.
really really good. You two know what our talking about clearly. Very differet from a lot of other reaciton videos I've seen. Love it and love Rush. Saw them once.
One of my favorite Rush songs. my opinion is Amy should listen to the studio versions first. There is too many things you miss in a live version. And then listen live and how well they play. Karl, I could probably talk to you for hours about music, you’re awesome. I really enjoy this!
Yes Yes Yes!! So glad you're doing this song in particular!! Section 3 - Strangiato Theme is so so so fun to play on guitar it's one of my favorite riffs
As usual, please write here your questions only.
When do you finally react to YES?
@@PeterBuwen agree,close to the edge and relayer albums
I love the time signatures on this track. Can you please discuss this in your in depth analysis Amy. The only other group that tackles the same kind of complex syncopated rhythm's as Rush, were perhaps early Genesis and Yes. Can you contrast and compare please?
The live versions are more of an experience in my opinion. Will you do any of those?
Well the best version to show a first time is definitely the studio version. There is only so much a band can pull off live. The difference of listening to the opening in acoustic instead of electric provides a much nicer transition and dimension
For my money, there's never been three better rock musicians on stage at the same time than these guys, especially when taking into account their massive body of work. The fact they stayed such close friends throughout their long career is another testament to them as amazing people.
ELP
@@jimmywhetton1141not even close
@binxbolling not even close
@@DougEarl-jk4nh than you haven't listened
@jimmywhetton1141 for 64 years listened very well as matter of fact, maybe you're tone deaf
"I hope you can understand why I'm enjoying this"
Yes, we can. I hope you understand why we enjoy watching you listen to it.
We definitely can. I heard her previous reaction to Neil Peart's drum solo, and I wondered why she started with that. But I also suspected she wasn't going to listen to Rush's music. I don't know why, but that was what I thought. I guess most of the music she reacted to was more popular. That's why when I saw that she was finally reacting to Rush, I jumped in!
There are quite a few other musicians (of all types) and composers that have reacted to Rush, and they all seem to like it. I think it because of all the work Rush puts into their music. It is like they were making classical music for rock. I especially like the Charismatic Voice, Doug Helvering, and Soprano Notes to name a few.
When she said that I thought to myself "duh"
@@michaelt.b264 I just find it refreshing that people are listening to them again. I could never wrap my head around people saying that they didn't like Rush.
My favorite song.
Ha Ha! Funny! Plop her down in the middle of one of their concerts back then and she’ll find some understanding. Some Very Loud understanding!
Alex Lifeson is a master of musical texture.
One of the most underrated guitarists in rock... IMO.
@@karlsloman5320 I’ve seen Rush many times as well as other major acts. Alex is one of the best if not the best
When it comes to Rush's overall sound, Alex is the determinant.
@@Emlizardo Determinant or not, the rhythm section remains the strength and the foundation. Rock's all time best rhythm section.
They're all absolute masters
Only been enjoying this song for 45 years...and still do. A well crafted masterpiece. Even two years before this, I was 15, and I could recognize that these three musicians were on a elevated skill level, far and above all the other great bands at the time. Feel so lucky to have gotten to see, hear, and experience the band live in 1981. R U S H 🧠🎸🎹🥁
I think often, it is only we Rush fans that really understand their appeal. I know they are by far my favourite band, there are other imitators and other great musicians, but there is only one RUSH!
I’ve read a lot of people complaining about you not listening to the original version. They’re correct that the original is better than the live version, but it’s still a great introduction to Rush.
I’m 61, and grew up listening to my dad’s Brahms, Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart records. When I started playing drums, it was a natural thing for me when I discovered Rush. They composed long form (later shorter form) songs, using odd time signatures and complex construction that in many ways, goes beyond traditional classical music.
And of course there’s the fact that three guys are playing six or more parts. Multitasking at its finest!
Btw, at around 6:00 you commented “I don’t know where it’s going.”, and Karl laughed, as he must’ve thought, “Oh it’s going somewhere!”
Great break down! Karl has the best analysis of Rush as I’ve ever heard. Give him big kudos!
Impressed by Karl's ability to stay quiet and not jump in to "explain" this as a Rush fan! Lol. Amazing reaction love this. Just hard to imagine these are just three guys playing live! The drum work is out of this world.
Good point! Impossible! Ha Ha!
BS"D
Surprised he didn't do the studio version
I feel his pain: There is SO MUCH TO EXPLAIN.
There is so much to explore with Rush. They are 3 massively talented musicians. There is nothing simple about their music. The lyrics and the virtuoso musicianship made them special for their run of over 40 years. By the way, Neil has said this piece was one of his most challenging songs to play.
The studio version has 12 parts:
I. Buenas Noches, Mein Froinds! (0:00-0:26)
II. To sleep, perchance to dream... (0:27-1:59)
III. Strangiato Theme (2:00-3:15)
IV. A Lerxst in Wonderland (3:16-5:48)
V. Monsters! (5:49-6:09)
VI: The Ghost of the Aragon (6:10-6:44)
VII. Danforth and Pape (6:45-7:25)
VIII. The Waltz of the Shreves (7:26-7:51)
IX. Never turn your back on a Monster! (7:52-8:02)
X. Monsters! (Reprise) (8:03-8:16)
XI. Strangiato Theme (Reprise) (8:17-9:20)
XII. A Farewell to Things (9:20-9:35)
I was going to comment that with a little creative interpretation the piece makes a bit more sense knowing the titles of the sections.
Great reaction Amy and Karl! The in-depth is going to be really interesting. RUSH made music the best they could, for the music's sake. The joy of that pursuit comes through loud and clear in everything they did. The fact that these best friends were all musicians of the highest level, made their best be the best that anyone could produce. Truly a perfect storm. That is why they crossed boundaries and engaged music lovers on every level, and continue to do so inter-gernerationaly. I can't wait until Amy gets to experience Neil's lyrics! They are worthy of their own university course, both structurally and philosophically.
Totally Agree!
Amen!
One thing you noticed which has always impressed me about Rush, but is rarely mentioned, is their ability to seamlessly transition between sections in a song, often quite complex sections. The transitions are never jarring, just beautifully executed. Maybe this is why they are rarely mentioned.
Excellent point. They are in a smallish group of true musicians who could handle 'prog' correctly and consistently write nuance transitions. I would also put Yes and Genesis at the top.
The genre is progressive rock. And as a classical musician myself, I appreciate the musicianship of many bands in the genre, especially Rush.
Progressive just means you have to have at least one time signature change. 😆🤣
Didn't Gene Simmons, when asked "What kind of 'band' is RUSH?" reply " What kind of band is RUSH? No other band even sounds like them. They are.. RUSH." ?
@@odochartaighofodonegal2351 I think so. Again, you can say that about a lot of bands, e.g. Took. But that doesn't mean that don't belong to a certain genre of music.
@@gianthills 😛the song has to be at least 9 minutes and someone is wearing a cape.
Funny you say this because I've been saying for years that there are common things between classical music and progressive rock. You may or may not agree but it is the way I see things.
This is a live version. Would you be interested in hearing the studio version in your own time? This live version is quite different from the album one, very raw here and some wild sections from Alex, he's really expressing himself. The album version is also awesome but much more refined and that version is obviously the better known one. The ability that all 3 of them have to time it all amid the complex changes is jaw dropping. Alex is the "free spirit" of the trio, always seem less fixed and closer to the edge of losing it. Great reaction here. Thanks.
Yep I would have started her on the original studio version
Exactly. This is just… not so good. I initially thought it was a cover. The dynamics are bad and the tempo is… odd. I tend to love their live stuff, but this is a pale substitute :/
I was disappointed she was given a live version to start. I previously suggested she did it the other way around. It's simply not the same. Never has been, albeit some enjoyable variations emerged over the years.
Ironically, the link she provides is the one she should've used.
P. S. Actually, I'd be surprised if that transcription is taken from this live version.
I think it's good, but agree that the studio version is better, and that some of the roughness of the live recording is ironed out. But at least you get a sense of the compositional and technical virtuosity of these three great musicians.
Plus you’d get the Spanish style intro on acoustic rather than electric guitar.
La Villa Strangiato is literally the perfect song to introduce Rush to someone!
I would come home from high school, strap on my headphones and guitar, and get down to it, learning this by ear. I told my classical guitar teacher, "It's too hard, I can't understand what they're doing." He said, "It's just one note, then the next. If you can sing it, you're halfway toward being able to play it. Just take it a few notes at a time." So I stuck with it, and it was a tremendous learning experience.
The fact that just the three of them could properly execute a piece of music like this live in concert is evidence of what drummer Neil Peart meant when he said, "Playing a three-hour Rush show is like running a marathon while doing calculus in your head."
Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and the late Neil "The Professor" Peart would be tickled to hear the way you relate to the compositional elements of their music as a classical/"straight" musician, especially while following along with a score, since their stated goal was to be "the world's smallest symphony orchestra."
As much as I love watching people react to this song, my eyes keep getting drawn to the awesome framed albums of 2112 and Hemispheres above the sofa.
I purchased the Hemispheres albums a very long time ago. The 2112 Blue album I purchased last year. I have a number of other Rush picture discs.
Right?
Same here !
It's interesting you mention a Romanian folk sound, since Alex Lifeson's parents were immigrants to Canada from Serbia (Yugoslavia). I hadn't noticed this myself, but it's entirely possible Alex was motivated by Slavic/Eastern European folk in some of his writing and playing. Wonderful breakdown of this epic piece. Thank you.
Three guys who had to record the original studio piece in 3 parts because it was too ambitious. Then over the next 30 or so years it evolved and changed without ever losing its identity and became a must see bit of live music. RUSH are the epitome of musicianship in rock music and their influence cannot be understated because while they were rarely mainstream they were absolutely many of your favorite musician’s favorite musicians. I kind of figured Amy would appreciate this and have requested it in the past.
Agreed, there were not better, in my opinion. There is only one Rush.
This is the official live version. In the original studio version, the opening lead work was actually acoustic, more like flamenco.
Yep,and wht a great lead-on for a song. Skillfully played.
Alex Lifeson is one of the most underrated lead guitar players out there.He can shred with the best of them but also knows how to impart massive feeling and emotion with pinch squeals and vibrato to name just a couple of his signature techniques.
I’m sitting here tearing up watching you hear this music for the first time. Knowing you have a music degree and witnessing you see the genius of RUSH is vindicating and prideful in an odd way. RUSH is by far my favorite band. I spend considerable time deep in their catalog.
Agreed. Amy should do an indepth on Rush and listen to a series of their songs through their catalog. I can think of 20 songs that are easily worthy of an indepth.
@@karlsloman5320 That would be incredible. Bet her subs would Sky-Rocket.
@@thomasmiller8364 I agree. But that is up to Amy and Vlad, not me.
Why do you need vindication? Have you been put upon in some way?
@@butuh1324 Non sequitur, what vindication?
The studio version was actually recorded in parts. After several times of trying to record this piece, with no luck, from start to finish, I remember Geddy Lee saying that they had to accept defeat and record it in parts because of it's complexity.
Nothing is more exciting than seeing someone hear Rush for the first time!
Especially La Villa Strangiato!
I've been a Rush fan for over 40 years now. They were my first concert ever. It was on the Permanent Waves tour. I was lucky enough to see them 5 times over their career, the last time was on the Snakes and Arrows tour, with my son. Since discovering them, their music has always been a part of my life. There is no greater rush (pun completely intentional) than seeing someone else experience Rush for the first time. It takes me back to that first concert.
Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Continue your journey with the band, as there is so much more to discover.
The studio version opens with the riff you heard here, but played on a classical guitar. As such, that fast descending scale leading into the 12-string electric arpeggiated part is much cleaner and more flamenco sounding. Also, there are subtleties of tone and dynamics throughout the piece that are much better heard in the studio version than in this (or any) live version. I will never understand why people push music reactors to react to live version of songs when the studio originals are almost always far superior.
Edit: Notwithstanding the above, a great reaction and wonderful comments of appreciation!
Agreed. Preferably studio for first listen reaction.
Some people use the studio version, some people prefer the live version. It is personal preference. I think for this one, it is probably because it shows off that they are actually playing it all live. In the studio, you can record stuff you cannot replicate live. And that feels like cheating for a lot of people who perform music live.
A good deal of rush, especially the stuff that they recorded in the '80s, after Terry Brown left, tends to sound better live than studio. But this 70's stuff was so beautifully engineered. Absolutely gorgeous sounds
I would offer this as a counterpoint: studio versions are essentially limitless with regards to production. The composition can contain many, many layers and the production can "mask" inadequacies or weak points. Doing an analysis of a live versions also highlights the abilities of the artist to fly with a minimal net. This way one can experience both the piece as well as the performers ability to repeat it. As one who grew up in the hey day of AOR I always used the live performance as a litmus test regarding the quality of the band as a whole. And as we all know, Rush was one of the best when it came to performing live, as this version clearly shows. I get the sentiment in this case of live vs studio but with her being a classical musician the live performance may be more relevant. Either way I liked her analysis.
@@steveleis4004 I agree with you about the limitation-masking and uniquely complex layering provided by studio wizardry. And I also agree that live versions are great at highlighting the tightness of a band and its technical mastery. I guess I should clarify that my earlier point wasn't that reactors shouldn't react to live songs _at all,_ but that their crucial *first impression* of a song should be the studio original, because it's almost always going to be the most sonically nuanced and artistically sophisticated version possible, and the one that best expresses the overall creative vision of the artist or band. The reason bands spend so much time and effort on studio recordings is precisely because they're meant to be the definitive or reference-quality version of the songs.
So, once a reactor has heard and appreciated the studio version, *_then_* they can go on to see how the band acquits themselves performing it live. Which, when you think about it, is exactly how it went for most of us, too: we heard the studio version of something first, then heard the live one later. Even if we end up liking the live version more, it was that studio original that got us interested and invested in the first place.
And, of course, I also agree that Rush was one of the best live bands. I saw them live only once, but it was one of the best performances I've ever seen.
As a Rush fan, what a breath of fresh air to witness someone enjoying and breaking down something I've loved for most of my life
I heard Rush perform this magnificent opus the first time I saw them in concert in 1979. Hemispheres was the first exposure I had to Rush and seeing them perform live was a great experience. I left the show a fan for life. Three master musicians, masterful composers, master performers. La Villa is my favorite piece from my favorite band. Seeing it played live was incredible.
You experienced Rush like I did. I saw them play this live numerous times and it never failed to inspire!
Wow! Yup. Me 18 times live on 17 tours. What a night, RUSH night!
Amy, it seems like you're ready for Yes' "Close to the Edge" 🙂 It was made in 1972 and was a big inspiration for Rush.
A MUST!!! at this point!
I like it ,but why ?Didn't she started with rock history?Completly nonsensical
@@dr.alimpije511 Because this is not part of the Rock History programme. This was a request by one of the viewers. Two different programmes.
And yours is no disgrace🔥🔥🔥🔥
It's best to work up to such a demanding piece as CttE with tracks from The Yes Album and/or Fragile to appreciate how they arrived at the CttE album.
I remember in one of the documentaries about Rush, I think it was Geddy that said when they finished writing it, basically "ok, now we have to figure out how to play it live!". This is one of my favorite songs by Rush. Then again I can say that about so many of their songs.
Amy hits it right on the head when she defines their "Artistry and Craftsmanship" I would describe them as Classical Hardcore* I grew up in NYC and my first ever Live concert was Rush, at Madison Square Garden. The Signals tour 1981. I had perfect side stage seats to witness the genius of Neil Peart. His precision was just purely unmatched. La Villa Strangiato was one of their encores. It will always remind me of a special time in my life as a true New Yorker. Thank you for your beautiful breakdown, dare I say again... "purely unmatched" = )
This review was 'hands-down' the best I've seen. I've never seen one that contained the sheet music for ANY Rush piece! Thank you for expressing your expertise with this one. Having lost your 'Rush virginity' with La Villa Strangiato, there is nowhere to go from here. Oh, who am I kidding?! There are so many masterpieces from this trio, that the end is nowhere in sight! Enjoy this band, as most of us have, for over 50 years!
Of course we can understand Amy. We love Rush!!
I would love to see her watch Xanadu live exit stage left and what her reaction is to how many different instruments are in play
I grew up listening to RUSH, as they started to gain popularity here in the US while I was in High School here in Tennessee. I even got to see them live during the Hemispheres tour in 1978! It's good to hear that others with different musical backgrounds can appreciate their music, in this case even 40 plus years later.
I would recommend Jacobs Ladder. I can't explain how they can make a song sound like a thunder storm and be compared to a battle. It is an incredible song.
For this being your first exposure to Rush---you've cleanly and delightfully gotten a taste of this power trio. I was happy to hear your description of their layering bits and elements in. A tangible hallmark of the boys. I enjoyed watching your eyebrows raise in pleasure of the sounds and riffs. Your head was very mildly getting into motion with the sounds. Also, loved the wonderment in your eyes with portions. Enjoyed your going back to the beginning, and identifying notes and chords you see and understand how expressive they are. This is Rush at their core. Glad you noticed the subtleties here, too, even while the music grows and adds layers dynamically. :) Vast numbers of people are pulled, drawn to Rush for the quality and diversity of their music; and its wonderful when some people (like you) clearly get the nuances. It was so delightful to savor this song again, with your observations layered on it. Yes, you got it right---Rush musicians serve the song.... not their egos. One of the many reasons they are virtuosos and the primary musical group fo the past four decades. Your observations of their transitions, so well matches what I've thought and felt for many years. Wait---Rush, boring? NEVER!! Rush never played music from music sheets... They played by feel and with their heart. Sheet music note-taking was an after-effect, or done by someone else as a best-effort. Their build-ups, and mellow moments are superlative, well-placed and excellent transitions to the next 'moment'.
I'd like to offer a suggestion for why their music might not come across as 'HARDER'. Beyond the in-depth quality to their music.... they put arrangements together for the beautiful feel of it, for the mental, physical and often emotional impact they can provide (in that take a look at The Garden from Clockwork Angels). They didn't IMPACT the listener, per se with a cacophony of sound, they provided sound that served the purpose of the song. When that provided a cacophony.... it was over the top more splendid.
Three musicians craft amazing music, note for note from the album and they transition to live performances of the same music and delightfully it sounds even better.
Amy it would be a pleasure to meet you some day. Take good care!
You finally listened to my favorite of all favorite bands, RUSH, and I couldn't be more excited for you! Your friend has impeccably great taste in music 😀
You like the layering of textures, me too it's kinda like crunchy creepes that initially startle you but you are cool, calm and anticipating blueberry, or strawberry,or dragon fruit, or just something aoo good and expected to be good 👍❤😂🙏❤️👍🙏
Hemispheres came out in 1978, and the delicate bell sounds from Neil at the beginning is a glockenspiel. Crotales are being used, but as an accent throughout the song... Alex's main solo really reminds me of a Gypsy violinist, full of fire and passion. one of the greatest guitar solos of the rock era, no question. exceptional reaction, by the way!
Welcome to Canada Amy! I hope you had a great time here, please come back anytime!!
Kudos to Vlad. Your video editing still shines even while on the road.
There is a section, later with something of a reprise, which is a cultural reference of sorts, taken from the composition "Powerhouse" by Raymond Scott, known as "Monsters" in the piece, which was used by Warner Brothers in several cartoons in the "Looney Tunes"/"Merrie Melodies".
Great reaction. I love Rush
Genesis and Yes needs to be the next prog rock bands
What a great way to be introduced to Rush. Their best instrumental and one of their greatest all-time songs.
Believe it or not, they played this live, and they're just a three-piece band.
That's a live version
@@brianjohnson5789 Yes, it was definitely live!
Always amazing live
The Pink Pop Festival version of this was always one of my favourites.
Yes I saw them do this a few times. Just incredible to see and hear.
Yay! Rush! Master musicians. Might be my favorite segment of drumming from all their catalogue. The quieter segment with the ghost notes. Just so wonderful and delicate.
Thanks, Karl! :)
The title is in Italian but there are elements of Flamenco style playing in Alex's guitar work. Just awesome creativity. He rips through that solo and goes right into palm muting with his arpeggios. Just so nice. The later section breaks into almost a big band jazz session. Neil was playing those. Count Basie style drum fills.
Thought you'd pay more attention to the abundance of time signature changes. It's just a masterpiece for just three guys in a rock band.
As Kirk Hammet once said. LVS solo is the perfect solo ever to be played. Although I'm kinda thinking David Gilmour, Comfortably Numb,Pulse live.
i so appreciate that she's listening as an interpretative audience and not just a music fan. she's not nodding her head in time with the music - essentially dancing along - but listening intently to every bit of nuance. there's a lot to be said for dispassionate listening, hearing it without being starstruck. most of us would giggle with glee at hearing some of the virtuosity, while she can separate herself from the fangirl in us.
Love this! I hope when you do your deeper dive that you use the studio recording… it includes an acoustic guitar opening by Alex that is missing from the video you watched. Truly beautiful.
I have to admit I teared up also! I was surprised the studio version of the song was not used for the first listen; the opening is done by Alex on an acoustic guitar. It has a much more classical feel. Give that a listen! I have to agree, this song is a master work.
YeeHaw, this is quite big bite for a first taste. An incredible, long, multipart instrumental which is a mental and physical workout for all three members.
What a joy. Karl is a great evangelist for Rush but in a very articulate and knowledgable way. Amy's reactions are a delight for all Rush fans as she is able to explain and articulate from a trained musician's perspective why we as (at least in my case) a non-musician instinctively and intuitively know that Rush, and this song in particular is so good, so satisfying and musically fulfilling. It's not just the virtuositiy, though there is that in spades, but it is the composition, the construction of the piece. Can't wait to watch the "in-depth" review!
PLEASE EVERYONE PLEASE NOTE!!! I did not pick this version of La Villa, I adore the studio version. Second this is not part of the History of Rock Music with Amy and Karl. This was a song selected by a viewer. Again I DID NOT PICK THIS VERSION OF THE SONG! Cheers.
Love, and Jesus Love 2 U!! Seen a bunch of RUSH live... from 1980 Michigan till 2015 Phoenix, AZ last.... ♥ ♥ ♥
That smile is worth it all.
I am so glad you finally did a listen to Styx and especially this song. This was the very first cassette I purchased so I could play it in my car. Your reviews are an eye opener for me and brings a new appreciation for music I grew up with.
Wow she's amazing at musical analysis. As hobby musician it's easy to see she is either a teacher or in some kind of guidance role. Well done!
I grew up with a pretty rigorous classical training, ear training, piano, violin, and a visceral love of rock music and especially progressive rock music. So to witness someone experience this thing I love from a similar standpoint, but for the first time, what else could even approach the significance of that?
I always saw some popular music, but not all, in dialogue with the history of music of our civilization and other civilizations. And rush is definitely in that camp. They love music, not just for its technical aspects, but for the things that give it meaning, as they reshape it
I enjoyed this so very much. You don’t have to sell me on the Holy Triumvirate or LVS as a fan since 1975, I think RUSH is perfection and unmatched in talent and musicianship.
Recently going through the 3rd anniversary of The Professors death, I still find it hard to grapple with the fact that he is gone.
KEEP RUSHIN!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Saw them perform this song in 1978, and many more times in my 53 times seeing Rush live.... This song always had such an impact live. I was privileged to see their final 2 shows and got to meet Alex Lifeson waiting by his limo @3:30am after the last show.... This band influenced my musical journey through life in a profound way. I find the simplest of Rush songs to be masterfully crafted.
There are dozens of great alternatives.. but La Villa Strangiato is probably my single favorite Rush track. It's really just unbelievable.
So much joy from watching this video. What a brilliant analysis, thank you very much for that.
You should listen to Red Barchetta. They aren't only great musicians they are great story tellers. The song has no chorus.
And the emotional play is incredible.
Listen to ALL of Moving PIctures, the album is the best Canadian Album ever written, in my opinion of course!
love that song. i was obsessed with it last year, along with Yes/Buggles' "Tempest Fugit'.
I've be playing music and going to Classic Prog and Rock concerts since 1971' and I have met a number of people that play Classical music and haven't heard much or any Rock music ??? How is that possible growing up especially in Jr High or High School !!! Some have told me it was their Parents and control etc. but still in school people listen to music all the time, what's your store ? ☺
I love the fact that Amy manages to nail Lerxst's USP on first listen. 'Melodic and wild at the same time'. Always serving the song! 🙂 Fab.
Great Picture! Pratt.
Carl....you know your stuff!!! Loved your explanation towards the end of the video. Like myself, you have a greater appreciation now days for just how insanely amazing the 3 gents from Willowdale were as a band. Pioneers! Innovators! Genius!
Thanks, and yes, I adore Rush,. I have studied them more than any other band, but you kind of have to when you play in Rush Tribute bands! LOL
The Romanian Folk instrament is a guitar volume swell, similar to Edward VanHalen "Mean Streets"
The best La Villa first listen I've heard! Thanks.
I have been waiting impatiently for you to discover Rush and your friend has guided you on a smooth transitional path to appreciation of this amazing group. Welcome to a new world of musical experience.
So happy to see you tearing into some Rush. Their music is superlatively rewarding of analysis and examination. You're gonna get a lot of recommendations here (we're a... vocal fanbase) so let me put in my vote: Natural Science off their album Permanent Waves. It's long, complex, has about a million time signatures, and has the best bassline I ever heard.
It has been ages since I heard the studio version of this song. There are so many great live performances to choose from. I'm kind of partial to the one in Rush in Rio if you don't mind Alex's humorous digression. This song, along with most Rush songs, are so wonderful the way they have a structure and airiness to them. It is hard to believe such a sound can come from just a trio of musicians.
My god - someone get her some YES, asap!! ❤
essential
She has one up for Close to the Edge
I'VE SEEN RUSH 7 TIMES AND I WILL NEVER FORGET THERE TALENTED PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THE GROUP ,THERE TOP OF THERE GAME EVERY TIME I SEEN RUSH IN CONCERT.RIP NEIL PEART!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Rush. In my opinion one of the best bands ever, and undeniably one of the most technologically complex sounds. There career was 40 plus years long and ever changing. Enjoy.
... and then the untimely death of Neil!
Watching your excitement at these bands you are checking out is the Coolest thing ever.
We need Close to the Edge-Yes.
Also I need other things, maybe
Black Magic Woman/Oye como Va-Santana
Gimme Shelter- The Rolling Stones
Lovesong-The Cure
Time Machine-Grand Funk Railroad
Elephant Talk-King Crimson
Animal-Pearl Jam
Tender-Blur
Maybe I'm Amazed-Paul Mc.Cartney
Everybody's wants to rule the world-Tears for Fears
Territorial Pissings-Nirvana
Highway Star- Deep Purple (or maybe 1st Movement from Concerto for Group and Orchestra)
Catherine Parr- Rick Wakeman
something from Jeff Beck
ABSOLUTELY!!! YES!
RIP Jeff.
Now, this is Amy who is encouraging musicians to be open-minded about the music. What this reaction video brings to my mind is when at the beginning of the '80s, I changed my clarinet to electric bass. At that moment I had a chat with my classical teacher Pekka Lahti from Helsinki Philharmonia. He valued me a lot my choice and courage me to go on. These lessons are extremely valuable. Thank you, Amy.
Best heard through large, loud speakers. You'll enjoy Rush!
9:30 I am to the part where you were back at the beginning and marking it and what you said sounded like a beautifully played violin is Alex Lifeson showing how masterful he is at doing volume swells on his electric guitar. This is where you use your pinky to have the volume knob turned down and then you make your attack on the string and then immediately you bring the volume back up to make it kind of fade in like that but really quickly to where it becomes its own voice as an instrument. He was so good at that stuff and it shows up again at the beginning of the first guitar solo which is exactly what was about to start when you stopped it to come back to the beginning. So it shows up again.
This was my first Rush song too! What a song!!! The studio version is the way to go .
Agreed.
The reason to do the live version is that they conquered the beast that they had to record in separate parts in the studio, and were able to perform all of it live. It is far more impressive that way. Studio versions of songs are nice and all but they are just that, nice. This is on the knife's edge.
@@eboethrasher Good point.
Love your analysis Karl, and your love and respect for this band.
I totally Karl's reaction - when I talk with other fans who just get it I often get quite emotional. It's an instant connection to another person on a level that you can't really put into words.
YES YES YES, you understand too!!!!!
@@karlsloman5320 :) and I've tried to explain to people who don't feel it and it just doesn't work. It either moves you or it doesn't and I don't think it can be explained because it has nothing to do with language, it's more fundamental than even words.
@@steeleye2112 Yes, I wouild say for me much of it is rhythmatic and timbre. Regardless, they are simply amazing.
We are RUSH ARMY.
This was one of the best, if not the best reaction to Rush i have heard in a long time! The gentlemen explains how I feel when someone aknowledges the craftsmenship when they first listen to Rush, everything you mentioned is how I perceived RUSH everytime, classical well orchestrated rock. I am surprised that the gentlemen didn't mention how the peice came about. Alex and his nightmares.... expressed in music, then written on paper, cause you couldn't write that shit of the top of your head on paper then play it, it would have no soul. The way you mentioned about the how the song progresses is like someone threading new colours into a tapestry blanket is brilliant. There like RGB in the basic colours, bringing millions of feelings and emotions out of oneself.
Please do more Rush, If you are ever going to do another reaction, can you react to Time Stand Still by Rush and the cover by the US Army corp in memory of Neil Peart. same song with two differents contrasts, one Rock and one Classical. Such a beautiful and meaningful song. Thank You
The funny thing to me about Rush.....is that even after hearing a song for sometimes even decades.....I can still find things I didnt notice before. And yet they performed things so simply....without ever saying a word. Its like they left hidden things to be found along the way And I do not really know if they intended it this way..... or? And in this way, Rush continues to amaze me..... I miss the coming around incredibly
The way I explain RUSH to anyone who is unfamiliar is a smoothie of rocks and puppies and chocolate and infinity tempered by time signatures, tonal changes and energy. So much talent in a single place and in a single piece. Epic. Their ability to just will their way from one time signature to another seamlessly and bring the piece to resolution through energy and tone still blows me away 40 years later. The word "dynamic" stuck out in your descriptions but I feel it's deeper than that, it's a controlled dynamic where I as a listener am always trying to guess how they will get to the next place and I'm always delighted to find out that I couldn't guess it before we got there. Their body of work is relatively vast but I wish there was more. There will never be another RUSH. If you're unfamiliar with RUSH just pick up a song and try as hard as you can to predict the next beat, note, melody and you will be wrong more times than you are right, but in looking back you will realize they got it right and you just didn't see the twist in the music early enough to get it right yourself. All the gifts of life are held within these walls.
The part at the beginning that sounds like a violin is actually a volume tone pedal on the guitar which make the notes swell.
Finally! The moment I've been waiting for!! Please explore more Rush.
Love this reaction! You mention a "Romanian" aspect to the slower section. In fact, Alex Lifeson's family is originally from eastern Europe. For a more actual classically influenced Rush tune, please listen to 'A Farewell to Kings" or even better the absolute epic "Broon's Bane/The Trees/Xanadu" from 1981's live album Exit Stage Left. 👍
Dude, this lady is amazing. Not our typical Rush fan. But her appreciation is evident and from such a different perspective. Man, I love seeing her with the score in front of her and with a dynamic interactive pen?! Oh yes, more.
Neil Peart never played the same drum fill twice. They always evolve and build. These guys are just so musical.
Thank you for this extended review. I loved this so much!
I believe this piece was from a dream Alex had. It is easily one of the greatest rock instrumentals of all time. Brilliant doesn’t even cover it.
A first exposure to RUSH! Phenomenal!
This is the best " video " version of LVS although I always miss the flamenco guitar introduction.
really really good. You two know what our talking about clearly. Very differet from a lot of other reaciton videos I've seen. Love it and love Rush. Saw them once.
One of my favorite Rush songs. my opinion is Amy should listen to the studio versions first. There is too many things you miss in a live version. And then listen live and how well they play. Karl, I could probably talk to you for hours about music, you’re awesome. I really enjoy this!
Yes Yes Yes!! So glad you're doing this song in particular!!
Section 3 - Strangiato Theme is so so so fun to play on guitar it's one of my favorite riffs
Outstanding!
Great instrumental. Interesting fun reaction. Thanks