Rush, La Villa Strangiato - A Classical Musician’s First Listen And Reaction
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- #rush
So many of you have encouraged and advised me to give Rush a try, and I have finally done so! Not only that, but my first time listening to the band took place in the presence of a friend, the Rush fan, Rock fan, and drummer, Karl, in Canada, which is also Rush’s native country! Here’s my first experience hearing Rush, with La Villa Strangiato, and the in-depth video comes next!
Here’s the link to the original song by Rush:
• La Villa Srangiato (An...
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by Rush
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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
"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
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
Cream.
@@jimmywhetton1141not even close
@binxbolling not even close
@@DougEarl-jk4nh than you haven't listened
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 !
La Villa Strangiato is literally the perfect song to introduce Rush to someone!
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.
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."
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
My god - someone get her some YES, asap!! ❤
essential
She has one up for Close to the Edge
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.
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" = )
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!
Nothing is more exciting than seeing someone hear Rush for the first time!
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.
Please, please, please, please Yes - CLOSE TO THE EDGE!!
She HAS TO!
@@PeterBuwen Exactly!!
There are dozens of great alternatives.. but La Villa Strangiato is probably my single favorite Rush track. It's really just unbelievable.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Kudos to Vlad. Your video editing still shines even while on the road.
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.
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.
All this by 3 guys who play this live with no overdubs. Just pure talent
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 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.
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!
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 would love to see her watch Xanadu live exit stage left and what her reaction is to how many different instruments are in play
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
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!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
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.
Neil Peart never played the same drum fill twice. They always evolve and build. These guys are just so musical.
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.
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 😀
Great reaction. I love Rush
Genesis and Yes needs to be the next prog rock bands
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.
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".
Welcome to Canada Amy! I hope you had a great time here, please come back anytime!!
I actually prefer the studio version, but this is the definitive live version. I enjoyed your reaction.
AH, ok. That's what I'm hearing. A live version. Thanks for posting this!
It is preformed best live on Exit Stage Left!
I think this is the audio from the live studio promo vid.
I feel the Exit Stage Left version is just a tad tighter and with the added little bonus parts, makes it superior to this, even though ESL has a bit of crowd noise to contend with.
Regardless, Amy seemed to enjoy this quite well enough anyway.
@@seamus2112ophelan I was looking for the person that said this live version sounds weird to disagree. I love them live but I actually prefer the "Exit Stage Left" version to the recorded version. I can't even listen to the recorded version anymore. Something about getting an instant dose of artistic flavor. Alex and Geddy and Neil are all so amazing live.
I am the same.
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.
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’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!
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.
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!
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.
The greatest instrumental of all time,and their finest album ever,well Hemispheres and Kings.
Brand loyalty….RUSH fans are loyal beyond measure.
Yes, we are!
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
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!
What a great way to be introduced to Rush. Their best instrumental and one of their greatest all-time songs.
Once Amy begins her analysis her vast knowledge of music composition structures theories and her ability to express that knowledge is at such high level soaring over Karls head he is reduced to nods and hand gestures. hilarious fitting
As a classically trained musician myself and composer, I know exactly what she is talking about. LOL But thanks for pointing that out.
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.
This is creative genius, performed by three virtuosos.
Alex Lifeson playing rhythm guitar and lead at the same time.
Of course we can understand Amy. We love Rush!!
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
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!
Best heard through large, loud speakers. You'll enjoy Rush!
The bass is amazing.
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.
OK, I admit it; over the years, I have given Rush "short schrift." I identified them as "prog rock" and classed them with Rick Wakeman and the lot, and so, gave myself the excuse I needed not to listen to them. Fool me. About two months ago, on the car radio I heard a song I had never heard before. I remembered enough of the lyrics to Google them to find the artist. Knock me over with a feather!! It was "Working Man" by Rush. Being a leftie, I thought " have I not, for all these years, given Rush enough respect?" And, so, you find me, today, appreciating both Rush and the amazing job Amy did in showing the value of this song by Rush. I enjoyed the sounds they made, and kudos to both. You opened my eyes, Amy. I probably won't become a Rush fan, but with my new found respect, I shall not so readily dismiss them by not giving them a listen. And Karl, I can identify with your getting emotional. When something we truly value is held up as valuable, and, particularly, by someone who, on first glance, might not be pigeonholed as favorable to that which we value, yet they can positively, and with pleasure, affirm it--- that would make me cry. Maybe that's way off the mark, but that's what I hypothesized. Well done again, Amy. I am enjoying this kind of learning.
Working man is a true gem …. With a lot of “classic rock “ bands , they wrote their first albums in their late 10s / early 20s
Incredible stuff for young musicians
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.
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.
This is what happens when some of the most skilled musicians collectively push themselves and reach further than they ever have before, to the point where (literally) it was actually very, very, very difficult for them to pull off their own composition.
It’s seems your father has some influence on your music. My son is 22 and still into hip hop. I can’t wait for him to go down a Rush Rabbit hole.
La villa strangiato-studio
Xanadu-live
Moving Pictures-full album
Closer to the heart-2010 live
The list goes on and on.
I suffer from Complex Trauma and Rush is food for my sole.
Cinderella man! It has the storyline and lyrics for a misunderstood man who wants his life make worth living. Blows me away every time. Lifetime achievement should go to these 3 brilliant men. My absolute hero’s.
That smile is worth it all.
Rush is highest quality...Good choise!!!😍😍😍 First piece i heard at young age from rush...After that i was sold.
"Progressive Rock" is what RUSH is kinda sorta and 10000% amazing
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! :)
This is the best " video " version of LVS although I always miss the flamenco guitar introduction.
You can tell that he understood the assignment when he chose what song to have her listen to as their first. She's all about the music, so an instrumental piece made sense, and it also sidesteps the most common point of resistance when introducing people to Rush: Geddy's voice. Would love to see her react to 2112's Overture.
The Romanian Folk instrament is a guitar volume swell, similar to Edward VanHalen "Mean Streets"
I would have never guessed that Amy would enjoy Rush as much as she did.
I knew she would appreciate it, but to thoroughly enjoy it surprised me.
I'm glad to see her diving in a little more to the classics and the iconic greats.
Keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍
I wouldn't be surprised if Karl warned her about Rush fans before-hand. He probably didn't, but everyone knows how rabid and loyal we all are. If anyone says anything critical the fans all get defensive myself included.
@@BalokLives one fact that I wish more people commented on about Rush is: I cannot think of another rock band that spanned so many decades with the same original members, all the while consistently putting out Quality Music throughout those decades.
AC DC had a good run but they have changed a member or two.
Eric Clapton definitely had and has a good run of consistent Quality Music. But he's been through several bands.
@@steveh7108 I agree with you. It is amazing that they have remained such good friends. Lucky for us too! Imagine what they would have been with other members. I mean John Rutsey was OK, but he was no Neil Peart. Is there another person out there that could? Don't say Danny Carey either because I heard him play with Geddy and Alex during the Taylor Hawkins tribute and in my opinion it was awful.
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.
There's something about Rush, so differentiated from most other groups. Rush fans get this, even when they may not know well how to express what it is, but we all know it's there.
This will be classical music in a hundred years.
Definitely. It is the type of music that makes you want to hear it again and again, and again, and learn everything about it and the band. I connected with this band back in the early 70's and it was like I was hit with a lightning bolt. I instantly knew I was one of them and I will always be. They said things in the lyrics and music that connected with me in a very deep and personal way.
@@BalokLives When in the 70s, for me it was 76.
@@karlsloman5320 I would say it was 74 or 75. I was a huge fan of Fly by Night, but I listened before that.
**Edit** No, no, that is not right. I was in Junior High so it had to be about the same time as you. I remember my friend had their Rush album and introduced me to it.
@@BalokLives So what year were you in Jr High? We dont have Jr High in Canada. It sounds like I came to them just after you, because I was 2112, like many Rush Fans. I was one of the unfortunate ones in SW Ontario that did not see them play at my school! LOL
@@karlsloman5320 I just did some math and determined that I started middle school in 75. I originally made the mistake of equating the release of Fly By Night to when I started following them, but just because that was when I first started following them doesn't mean it was when it was released. I definitely heard Working Man before the Fly By Night album released. Pretty sure it was in Jr. High too. So I would say it's likely I heard Working Man first in 75, then Fly By Night after that. I am guessing I started following in 76. Once I got the Fly By Night album I wore it out. It was a while before I moved on to 2112 but I was hooked. But 2112 is amazing. I can't believe so many people think the hero survived based on the comic.
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!
The part at the beginning that sounds like a violin is actually a volume tone pedal on the guitar which make the notes swell.
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 am loving this reaction, and that Amy is only hearing it without any accompanying video. However, I'd love to see her reaction to a live performance of this.
I will say, every time I hear this tune I see Bugs Bunny and the big red Monster. :D
I believe the partyoure referring to is the “Never Turn Your Back OnA Monster” section, Which is straight from 1930s Popeye cartoons, ans i believe Rush had to compensate the creators of that in a lawsuit settlement..
I love the song because it takes you through his dream and journey to the strange village
LOL, for those who were wondering. I thought Amy was listening to the Hemispheres version of the song, but I think this was off Exit Stage Left. And although it is identical in structure and the notation is quite similar (the solos are more expressive than the studio version), it is not the same soncially, at all. So when I was making my comments it was with the Hemispheres version in mind. Regardless, it is still an amazing song. Cheers, Karl Sloman
In the case of Hemispheres, the three "official videos" Rush released (This, The Trees, and Circumstances) were live performances but with no audience. It's a bit confusing because Rush doesn't specify this on their channel, so many people assume it's the same as the record. They only did this during the Hemispheres era, the videos from A Farewell To Kings look to be filmed in the same place, but they are traditional overdubbed music videos.
Simplistic music is the best type of music the song is everything