“In the high school halls- in the shopping malls- conform or be cast out! In the basement bars- in the backs of cars- be cool or be cast out! This song has a lot of layers. Growing up in the suburbs (or anywhere for that matter), is not always easy.
Those lyrics hit home for anyone who was a nerd, role player, skater, misfit etc. back in the 80's. Today nerd culture rules everything, but it wasn't always like that.
@@sumdude4281 facts. If I’m being honest with myself (and you), it was pretty much the opposite of “outcasts rule”, yet somehow some of the outcasts have taken control (so to speak), and things seem to have gotten considerably worse. Correct me if I’m wrong! I don’t want an argument; I want people to respect and appreciate each other for what they offer to their community and society as a whole. That is all. Nobody deserves to be cast out.
I think my favorite line from this song is "The suburbs have no charms to soothe, the restless dreams of youth." Not the suburbs part so much as that description of what it's like to be young. "The restless dreams of youth", I think encapsulates what it is to be a teenager SO beautifully. Too old to be a "child" and be blissfully ignorant of a lot of the problems in life, but too young to be considered an adult and have any power to enact change in your life. But old enough to be considered responsible for your actions, and held accountable by the adult world. Just beginning to realize how big and scary the world can be, and having no real idea on how you will fit into it. So while you are still busy growing, and literally building your brain you have to try and come up with important life choices, without any real solid framework on which to do so. And thus, you end up this restless ball of confusion and desires, with no real way to direct it. The restless dreams of youth.
I’m an old fart, stuck in my go-to music genre, and I LOVE watching you young whippersnappers discover RUSH. Their musicianship is over the top…so glad you appreciate their talents!!!!!
I'm right there with you. I've seen several different folks reacting to RUSH for the first time. The awe in their reactions brings me back to hearing the albums for the first time. Only one really made me laugh out loud. A self proclaimed "drum critic" didn't know who Neal Peart was and reviewed his Frankfurt drum solo. His reaction was priceless.
No matter how many times I listen to and watch that performance, I'm amazed that they could play it with no mistakes (as far as I can tell). Then I remember that when they recorded the studio version, they stunned the technicians by needing to play it just once.
Great reaction to one of my favorite Rush songs. Except for the entirety of UFO’s exceptional Strangers in the Night live album (if you like incredible guitar you should check out anything from this album), in my opinion you should always start with the studio version of any song… except for Xanadu. The Exit Stage Left version is the best!
I make jewelry and a good friend had a bunch of my stuff. She was Rush's limo driver on tours. They kept asking her where she got her cool jewelry and she sent them to me. I made rings for Geddy Lee and Neil Peart. I've got pics of them wearing it on stage.
You're so right about the drums, neil brought drumming to another level back then, he was the bar, his playing, creativity, inspired so many drummers neil is more then a beat ,he writes compositions for drums
I was introduced to Rush at age 9 in 1981 by my older brother. I saved up my weekly allowance and bought this album when it came out at the end of 1982. I had to ride my bike 3 miles to Warehouse Records to make the purchase. I still listen to at least one song from it on my iphone every week while driving. Enjoy!!
I was 10 in 1983 when my dad's friend's older son ran away, so the friend gave me his stereo with this cassette in it. My first piece of music that wasn't disco.
The houses are in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, Canada - where the members of Rush grew up. Geddy and Alex came from immigrant families, and Neil’s family had been dairy farmers. All of them felt like outsiders and misfits, as the song lyrics express.
@@fredklein3829 Neil Peart was from Port Dalhousie, a suburb of St. Catharines, Ontario. That's where Lakeside Park is also located. The carousel mentioned in the song is still there as well!
Neil Peart is most definitely in the Presidential suite of the music hall of fame for drummers! My one musical regret is having never gone to see Rush live.
Heard them first in 1976, 2112. Absolutely changed everything I thought about music. Their music is timeless. I'm almost 63 and still feel the way I did in 76. It's nice seeing others blown away appreciating this talent that just doesn't come along too often. The planets did align (or something), when these boys met!
Saw them first in '77...then1980. They were just amazing.....then in 1981,i saw them on the "Exit Stage Left" tour. It remains the greatest gig ive ever seen and trust me ive seen plenty!!!! You must see" Xanadu" from that tour....it will melt you....probably the best ever live recording by anyone.!!!👍👍👏
You're connecting to the emotions within the music...and there's such a rich palette of available music for us all to discover and connect with. So many styles, genres, artists...keep doing what you're doing.
Subdivisions is a banger, no matter what. While this was the first song you’ve heard off Signals, my first song was “The Analog Kid”. Real groovy song with a flipping awesome guitar solo from Alex. May wanna check that one out later down the line.
Great to have you back! RUSH fact: Neil was not the original RUSH drummer. That honor goes to John Rutsey, who basically started the band along with Alex Lifeson. John played the drums on RUSH's debut album, "RUSH" in 1974, and he was quite good. John was replaced by Neil when the band began touring after the debut album because of health concerns. John was a strait up "rocker" and that first album has a sound unlike any other RUSH album. If you check out "Working Man" from that debut album, you'll be amazed at their sound.☮
Geddy also wasn’t the original bassist/vocalist for the band, but that was back in 1968. I will say, though, when Jeff Jones had to drop out of the band (not long after they decided on the name Rush), it was really decent of him to suggest Geddy as a replacement. Worked out extremely well in the long run.
The words! Following Neil's lyrics is like going to school. I've learned about sundogs, earthshine, anagrams, Barchetta cars, Canadian airport codes, pantoums and various types of poetry, dozens of authors and books (Poetics and Candide etc.), much history, and the words that describe our inner human conditions. By far the most intelligent band.
I was in high school in a Toronto burb when this came out. It was a revelation for me, that someone else understood what I was going through. Now it transports me right back, the lyrics and also as I recognize so many of the location shots...even the wooden basement siding, the arcade and how much the GO (government of Ontario) train took me to those bright lights (though a double decker, I still laugh at the single level train, even in the early 80's!). I still hate the suburbs, btw 😆 I've only lived in one, briefly, in my adult life. Absolutely love this song!
I recall Glen Abbey being built in the late 70's, early 80's, in Oakville. Looked exactly the same in real life. It's obviously at least one of the subdivisions of Toronto suburbs.
GREAT reaction MollyBoy! Here we are, my #1 Rush song (well, tied with 2112). I get chills every time I hear that opening synth line! Then the drums kick in...for me, this encompasses ALL that made Rush great! This track really resonates with me (and for so many others) because it felt like Neil was speaking directly to us with his lyrics - for all those 'nerds' and social outcasts out there, dealing with teenage angst, not fitting in with the 'cool' crowd & searching for a future that was not pre-destined by our parents or society, this one is for us! It was personal...and you could 'feel' that Neil lived it too (Geddy and Alex felt this way as well). Glad you enjoyed!! Cheers from Canada, eh!
This is filmed mostly in Toronto, Ontario back in that time. "Drawn like moths we drift into the city." The Professor as he was affectionately called, the drummer Neil Peart (RIP) wrote the majority of the lyrics, he was an amazing poet!
I feel like I grew up in a suburb like the one they describe here. In the American Midwest, there are a lot of suburbs that are nothing but chain stores and restaurants, so there's little local identity. And you have to drive everywhere, so if you don't own a car, you feel very isolated and alienated. All you do is dream of escaping and going somewhere cool or interesting. Even after I got my own car, I spent so much time driving in the middle of nowhere that even that became melancholy after a while.
In my life I've learned that I can feel right at home in the gritty inner city or the way-out rural countryside/wilderness, but never ever in the 'burbs. This song captures some of the reasons why not.
I've only seen Rush live once, but they opened with this song and the synth sounded so perfect and massive, I literally had tears of joy, such a great band. Geddy's bass playing is always insane/top notch.
Heres a thought. When you get to "Working Man" , note Neil is not in the band yet !! Working Man was played and thats the song that brought them to the masses !! Nobody knew of these guys
This is the song that got me to take a deep dive into Rush's music a few months ago. I love how the music video tells the story of the song (and I usually prefer live concert footage to music videos). This song came out in 1982. I was a child of the 80's, so I love '80s synth-era Rush. Also, as a shy child who had a hard time making friends in school, I really relate to Neil's lyrics. For more '80s Rush, I suggest reacting to the live version of 'Analog Kid' from the Clockwork Angels tour --you will hear a shredding guitar solo by Alex, great, nostalgic lyrics by Neil, and you can watch Geddy multi-task on vocals, bass, and a cool, dramatic synth part.
there is no more talented 3 piece than Rush. Even if you don't like their music, you have to respect their individual talents. That's why they only need 3 people to make such a big sound, they're just on another level skill wise than any other band.
It sounds like you're slowly getting there on your own, but it is a sign of musical and really life maturity to not let yourself be boxed in by others' or your own preconceived notions of what type of music or what type of instruments you're supposed to like or not like. I dismissed EDM for many years even though I had always prided myself as having a wide range of tastes. Then I opened my mind a bit and got turned on to some really good EDM and now it's solidly one of my favorites
I'm enjoying the response by younger efficinados. I'm much older, but I had the good fortune to grow up with Rush, and I love to see your enthusiasm. Of course I can draw from more than twenty albums, so it's a challenge to recommend a particular song. I see the previous person recommended 'Xanadu', and this is a good one. Neil while being a wonderful drummer, wrote the bulk of RUSH's lyrics, and very cerebral. Having a reputation as a drummer, even though this is without his bandmates, there's a solo that's on UA-cam from Frankfurt, Germany that's eye-opening and very worthwhile.
So happy to see your face!!! Another great one from RUSH. They tend to have meaning and a message in their songs. Time Stand Still is a must! You are welcome 💋
These lyrics are so heavy, and very relatable. Always what draws me to this song. When I had my drum kit, this was a favorite to play. Cheers from Philly
Oh man, the Rush rabbit hole is very deep. So many incredible tracks to choose from. Xanadu, Limelight, La Villa Strangiato, Entre Nous and Losing It are some of my personal favorites.
fortunate to have seen them play live a few times, once in europe during their Hold Your Fire tour (you have SO much to listen to yet!) I'm 57 grew up with RUSH and will never come to terms how 3 guys can create such music but then play it live and it sounds just as good, if not better.
I was in Grade 10 when Signals came out and living in a subdivision in a small city just north of Toronto. This song and the Analog Kid spoke to me in ways I cannot begin to explain.
My 3rd favorite song by my favorite band...as a 40yr fan that began in 83' this song has probably moved up my chart the furthest...after decades of listening and seeing it performed live several times it just resonates so strongly...for them to write this song and the Signals album after the smash of Moving Pictures is just so Rush🤘
I grew up in those basment bars and backs of cars in Toronto in the 70's and 80's and man, I swear Neil was thinking about us when he wrote that song!! So glad you did this one... Cheers mate 👍
Gday Moll glad you're back and feeling a bit better,another band from my wild youth,this was the music we listened to,to chill out from heavy sessions,after a gig or laying on the beach around a fire after a days surfing and neil was my inspiration as a drummer.
Great choice for a reaction. Rush is one of the best trios to ever do it. Keep the great reactions coming. You need to do Red Barchetta if you haven't done it yet.
This album came out when I was 19. My younger brother knew that I loved Rush and bought it for me for Christmas. I put the album on the turntable and my father who was 60 at the time commented, "Hey, this has got a really great beat." That's how amazing Rush is. "I feel like they write scriptures or something." Every Rush fan connects to the lyrics in a very deep way. I've always said that Neil wrote lyrics as though he was talking to us.
Hello Molly Boy👋🏻Glad to see you like Rush.. I’ve seen them a few times and 2112 and Grace under pressure albums are Great… Geddy, Alex and Neil.. What a Great Trio..,Rest Peacefully Neil🥀❤We miss you.. Thank you❤✌🏻
Fortunate to see them a couple of times late 70’s early 80’s. Later on in life I was asked by a customer to go to a house a do some landscape design… met my customer there and he was standing with another man. It was Alex’s house. Such a great cool guy. Blessed.
Im from Toronto and spent many hours at that arcarde downtown..the school scenes were also filmed at my high school, many years before i went there lol
Thanks for a great review. Love your enthusiasm for this incredible band. Neil Peart (RIP) perhaps GOAT drummer and wrote all the lyrics for their songs. You mentioned “Tom Sawyer” which is indeed fantastic but if you haven’t reviewed “Limelight” or “Spirit of Radio”, please do. You never know, there might a song there that replaces TomSawyer as your favorite. Really enjoyed your review. Thanks again!
So happy you got to this song one of my favorite Rush songs knew you would love it and yes the fact that only three guys made this amazing sound is what always impressed me so much about them.....can't wait till you get to Radio Head and I pray you start with Paranoid Android because that's the best song to get to not ever figure out what genre they fall under because they are everything 🎵💖🎸🎶🎸🎵💛🎸🌈
Absolutely love this song! So many great Rush songs but this has to be my favorite👍🏽 (as well as the album as a whole). Also it's funny you mentioned it reminding you of 80's/90's video game soundtracks because I remember the first time I heard it, I immediately thought the same thing; specifically about Sonic the Hedgehog as well. Definitely some good nostalgia there haha. Great song; love Rush!❤🤘🏽
Pretty much anything you hear from Rush will be a great experience for anyone who doesn’t know their catalog already. My suggestion would be for the songs “Trees” or “Red Barchetta”. Stunning message in Trees, and stunning music in Barchetta. Just try them all. You won’t be disappointed!
So glad you are experiencing music before your years. I found your channel by luck and enjoy seeing you finding My type of music is a lot of fun. I am a huge Rush fan, but love all music. Try listening to more Rush like Xanadu or Jacob''s Ladder, but they have so much many that are awesome. I can recommend so many bands from the 60's to the 90's that are totally amazing and you should try at least once in your life. Many bands even a lot of fans here probably never heard before.
Always enjoy watching someone react to this video, showing all over Toronto, from the suburbs to the Yonge St. strip downtown, where we would cruise every weekend as teenagers!
Great reaction, have missed you. You’re right about the lyrics, I was a latecomer to this fact as well. Spirit of Radio is sweet. Try their HOF induction performance where they played Tom Sawyer & Spirit of Radio (even tastier than Tom Sawyer imo). They showed those HOF snobs a thing or two 🤘
This song is just takes me back to my teens. Signals (the album it's from) came out in 1982. Keep in mind that we didn't have internet then. So as the lyrics describe, going to the mall was a huge social thing and most cities and towns had a popular road for "cruising". I'm sure the cliques are pretty much the same today as back then, they're just bigger online. But there's always been peer pressure to "conform or be cast out". Anyway, I'm really excited for your discovery of Rush's complete discography eventually. Early Rush is usually categorized as Rock or Prog Rock (stands for progressive) and while they did extremely well at transitioning through and reflecting the changing styles of each of the five+ decades they toured and cranked out album after album that classification proudly sticks. A few suggestions to check out: an instrumental called YYZ (1981), Closer To The Heart (1977), and Xanadu (also '77). There are so many it's almost hard to pick. At some point, (and I feel pretty confident speaking for most of the Rush Community) we want you to listen to the entire 7 part suite of 2112. It's a must for sure.
I really connected to this song when I came here from Italy a long time ago... The landscape of suburbia felt lonely and empty, the conformity of rows and rows of almost identical houses soul-crushing, brown house after brown house with the same manicured lawn, interrupted by strip malls all featuring the same chain stores. A few years later we bought a house next to a field and surrounded by cow ponds and trees. No streetlights, road ended in front of our house. 20 years later I'm in the middle of subdivisions, ponds are gone, cedars are long gone with the cows, the nearby creek is flowing underground to a culvert, only living in the name of the subdivision that destroyed it -- Hunter's Creek. Nobody knows their neighbors, but I'm told it's called progress...
Neil Peart. Not only one of the very best drummers but his lyrics are on another level as well. Great reaction.
This song still carries me away- after hearing it at least 1000 times. It is a drumming masterpiece. RIP Professor Peart.
“In the high school halls- in the shopping malls- conform or be cast out! In the basement bars- in the backs of cars- be cool or be cast out! This song has a lot of layers. Growing up in the suburbs (or anywhere for that matter), is not always easy.
Those lyrics hit home for anyone who was a nerd, role player, skater, misfit etc. back in the 80's. Today nerd culture rules everything, but it wasn't always like that.
@@sumdude4281 facts. If I’m being honest with myself (and you), it was pretty much the opposite of “outcasts rule”, yet somehow some of the outcasts have taken control (so to speak), and things seem to have gotten considerably worse. Correct me if I’m wrong! I don’t want an argument; I want people to respect and appreciate each other for what they offer to their community and society as a whole. That is all. Nobody deserves to be cast out.
Imagine if Rush was actively writing music today, what they'd have to say about our society. Their insight was always so appealing to me.
I'm also pretty certain that this song plays with musical subdivisions as well, to give it even more layers.
I think my favorite line from this song is "The suburbs have no charms to soothe, the restless dreams of youth." Not the suburbs part so much as that description of what it's like to be young. "The restless dreams of youth", I think encapsulates what it is to be a teenager SO beautifully. Too old to be a "child" and be blissfully ignorant of a lot of the problems in life, but too young to be considered an adult and have any power to enact change in your life. But old enough to be considered responsible for your actions, and held accountable by the adult world. Just beginning to realize how big and scary the world can be, and having no real idea on how you will fit into it. So while you are still busy growing, and literally building your brain you have to try and come up with important life choices, without any real solid framework on which to do so. And thus, you end up this restless ball of confusion and desires, with no real way to direct it. The restless dreams of youth.
I’m an old fart, stuck in my go-to music genre, and I LOVE watching you young whippersnappers discover RUSH. Their musicianship is over the top…so glad you appreciate their talents!!!!!
I'm right there with you. I've seen several different folks reacting to RUSH for the first time. The awe in their reactions brings me back to hearing the albums for the first time. Only one really made me laugh out loud. A self proclaimed "drum critic" didn't know who Neal Peart was and reviewed his Frankfurt drum solo. His reaction was priceless.
Major Rush recommendation: Xanadu (Live from Exit Stage Left). That will MELT YOUR BRAIN!
Yessss!
No matter how many times I listen to and watch that performance, I'm amazed that they could play it with no mistakes (as far as I can tell). Then I remember that when they recorded the studio version, they stunned the technicians by needing to play it just once.
yes, a must listen
You are so right. As good as the studio version is, that version is better.
Great reaction to one of my favorite Rush songs. Except for the entirety of UFO’s exceptional Strangers in the Night live album (if you like incredible guitar you should check out anything from this album), in my opinion you should always start with the studio version of any song… except for Xanadu. The Exit Stage Left version is the best!
I make jewelry and a good friend had a bunch of my stuff. She was Rush's limo driver on tours. They kept asking her where she got her cool jewelry and she sent them to me. I made rings for Geddy Lee and Neil Peart. I've got pics of them wearing it on stage.
You're so right about the drums, neil brought drumming to another level back then, he was the bar, his playing, creativity, inspired so many drummers neil is more then a beat ,he writes compositions for drums
I was introduced to Rush at age 9 in 1981 by my older brother. I saved up my weekly allowance and bought this album when it came out at the end of 1982. I had to ride my bike 3 miles to Warehouse Records to make the purchase. I still listen to at least one song from it on my iphone every week while driving. Enjoy!!
I was 10 in 1983 when my dad's friend's older son ran away, so the friend gave me his stereo with this cassette in it. My first piece of music that wasn't disco.
@@jaywitt5171 I was in my junior year of high school the album was a farewell to kings
The houses are in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, Canada - where the members of Rush grew up. Geddy and Alex came from immigrant families, and Neil’s family had been dairy farmers. All of them felt like outsiders and misfits, as the song lyrics express.
Yes but, I think Neil was from Hamilton Ontario and Alex from British Columbia?
@@fredklein3829 Neil Peart was from Port Dalhousie, a suburb of St. Catharines, Ontario. That's where Lakeside Park is also located. The carousel mentioned in the song is still there as well!
This is one of those songs that transcends generations. Even kids these days can relate to the lyrical content. Rush is immortal!
Rush, the jewel we Canadians have enjoyed for decades.
Alex Lifeson's guitar solo in this song gives me chills every time. It's very simple, but SO tasteful and fits this song perfectly.
Saw them in ‘77, ‘78 & ‘80!! Such an incredible band! 🤘🔥
My first concert in '90!
Go back and listen to the lyrics and you will appreciate the song even more
Didn't start seeing them until Power Windows. Would give my left nut to have started when you did.
Been listening to RUSH since 1981. Love your genuine reaction lad. Cheers
If it sounds like a video game, it would definitely be PinBall/Arcade music not Sonic the hedgehog 😁
I love watching you react to Rush. I am fortunate to have been able to see them live 3 times. Glad you are enjoying this amazing band.
Neil Peart is most definitely in the Presidential suite of the music hall of fame for drummers! My one musical regret is having never gone to see Rush live.
Red Barchetta, Time Stands Still, Something for Nothing, The Trees they keep on going!! Love the video's and keep up the good work!!! ❤
Love this tune. Peart's lyrics tell such amazing stories
Heard them first in 1976, 2112. Absolutely changed everything I thought about music. Their music is timeless. I'm almost 63 and still feel the way I did in 76. It's nice seeing others blown away appreciating this talent that just doesn't come along too often. The planets did align (or something), when these boys met!
Absolutely delighted by your appreciation for this magnificent band. One of Canada's best exports ever.
Saw them first in '77...then1980. They were just amazing.....then in 1981,i saw them on the "Exit Stage Left" tour. It remains the greatest gig ive ever seen and trust me ive seen plenty!!!! You must see" Xanadu" from that tour....it will melt you....probably the best ever live recording by anyone.!!!👍👍👏
That is the tour I saw
Xanadu ... great Rush song
YYZ live is a must!
I believe he's done yyz. Lol
La Villa Strangiato is the better instrumental, IMO. 👍
You're connecting to the emotions within the music...and there's such a rich palette of available music for us all to discover and connect with. So many styles, genres, artists...keep doing what you're doing.
I don't know what it is about 70s and 80s music the more you listen to the song the more you like it the songs hook you
Subdivisions is a banger, no matter what. While this was the first song you’ve heard off Signals, my first song was “The Analog Kid”. Real groovy song with a flipping awesome guitar solo from Alex. May wanna check that one out later down the line.
I love Rush so much. I was lucky and saw them once
Greatest band of all time lyrically and musically all 3 are virtuosos on their instruments seen them 39 times!!
That mustn’t be overlooked, these masterpieces are made by only 3 musicians. “Conform or be cast-off.” Indeed.
Great to have you back! RUSH fact: Neil was not the original RUSH drummer. That honor goes to John Rutsey, who basically started the band along with Alex Lifeson. John played the drums on RUSH's debut album, "RUSH" in 1974, and he was quite good. John was replaced by Neil when the band began touring after the debut album because of health concerns. John was a strait up "rocker" and that first album has a sound unlike any other RUSH album. If you check out "Working Man" from that debut album, you'll be amazed at their sound.☮
Geddy also wasn’t the original bassist/vocalist for the band, but that was back in 1968. I will say, though, when Jeff Jones had to drop out of the band (not long after they decided on the name Rush), it was really decent of him to suggest Geddy as a replacement. Worked out extremely well in the long run.
This is the 80s Mollly. Synths predominated the scene.
Check out The Camera Eye by Rush, that’s another song you’ll enjoy!! Good reaction!
Love Camera Eye. ❤
Limelight should be on your list.
Rush's "Countdown" is a tribute to the first Space Shuttle launch - another great song
Incredible song!
The words! Following Neil's lyrics is like going to school. I've learned about sundogs, earthshine, anagrams, Barchetta cars, Canadian airport codes, pantoums and various types of poetry, dozens of authors and books (Poetics and Candide etc.), much history, and the words that describe our inner human conditions. By far the most intelligent band.
I was in high school in a Toronto burb when this came out. It was a revelation for me, that someone else understood what I was going through. Now it transports me right back, the lyrics and also as I recognize so many of the location shots...even the wooden basement siding, the arcade and how much the GO (government of Ontario) train took me to those bright lights (though a double decker, I still laugh at the single level train, even in the early 80's!).
I still hate the suburbs, btw 😆 I've only lived in one, briefly, in my adult life.
Absolutely love this song!
I recall Glen Abbey being built in the late 70's, early 80's, in Oakville. Looked exactly the same in real life. It's obviously at least one of the subdivisions of Toronto suburbs.
GREAT reaction MollyBoy! Here we are, my #1 Rush song (well, tied with 2112). I get chills every time I hear that opening synth line! Then the drums kick in...for me, this encompasses ALL that made Rush great!
This track really resonates with me (and for so many others) because it felt like Neil was speaking directly to us with his lyrics - for all those 'nerds' and social outcasts out there, dealing with teenage angst, not fitting in with the 'cool' crowd & searching for a future that was not pre-destined by our parents or society, this one is for us! It was personal...and you could 'feel' that Neil lived it too (Geddy and Alex felt this way as well).
Glad you enjoyed!! Cheers from Canada, eh!
This is filmed mostly in Toronto, Ontario back in that time.
"Drawn like moths we drift into the city."
The Professor as he was affectionately called, the drummer Neil Peart (RIP) wrote the majority of the lyrics, he was an amazing poet!
Elwood !!
I feel like I grew up in a suburb like the one they describe here.
In the American Midwest, there are a lot of suburbs that are nothing but chain stores and restaurants, so there's little local identity.
And you have to drive everywhere, so if you don't own a car, you feel very isolated and alienated. All you do is dream of escaping and going somewhere cool or interesting.
Even after I got my own car, I spent so much time driving in the middle of nowhere that even that became melancholy after a while.
God bless. 100%
In my life I've learned that I can feel right at home in the gritty inner city or the way-out rural countryside/wilderness, but never ever in the 'burbs. This song captures some of the reasons why not.
I've only seen Rush live once, but they opened with this song and the synth sounded so perfect and massive, I literally had tears of joy, such a great band. Geddy's bass playing is always insane/top notch.
Heres a thought. When you get to "Working Man" , note Neil is not in the band yet !! Working Man was played and thats the song that brought them to the masses !! Nobody knew of these guys
It’s so great to watch your joy and amazement of how fabulous Rush is, their talents and sound are perfection!🤓
Loved their sound in this era. It strikes notalgia for sinpler times. And Neil's drum sound was top notch here
This is the song that got me to take a deep dive into Rush's music a few months ago. I love how the music video tells the story of the song (and I usually prefer live concert footage to music videos). This song came out in 1982. I was a child of the 80's, so I love '80s synth-era Rush. Also, as a shy child who had a hard time making friends in school, I really relate to Neil's lyrics. For more '80s Rush, I suggest reacting to the live version of 'Analog Kid' from the Clockwork Angels tour --you will hear a shredding guitar solo by Alex, great, nostalgic lyrics by Neil, and you can watch Geddy multi-task on vocals, bass, and a cool, dramatic synth part.
there is no more talented 3 piece than Rush. Even if you don't like their music, you have to respect their individual talents. That's why they only need 3 people to make such a big sound, they're just on another level skill wise than any other band.
Fun fact - that voice that says 'SUBDIVISIONS' in the chorus - is actually NEIL'S voice! But Alex pretends it's him for the video! 😂
Yes Neil rules
LOL Of course they did that. I never noticed before, thanks for pointing it out. 😂😂❤❤❤
We in America lived this song as many in the western world
It sounds like you're slowly getting there on your own, but it is a sign of musical and really life maturity to not let yourself be boxed in by others' or your own preconceived notions of what type of music or what type of instruments you're supposed to like or not like.
I dismissed EDM for many years even though I had always prided myself as having a wide range of tastes. Then I opened my mind a bit and got turned on to some really good EDM and now it's solidly one of my favorites
One of my fav rush songs!!! Yay!!! Been a rush fan since I was 13. Tom Sawyer is the secret knock. If you can't do it, ya can't come in lol
I'm enjoying the response by younger efficinados. I'm much older, but I had the good fortune to grow up with Rush, and I love to see your enthusiasm. Of course I can draw from more than twenty albums, so it's a challenge to recommend a particular song. I see the previous person recommended 'Xanadu', and this is a good one. Neil while being a wonderful drummer, wrote the bulk of RUSH's lyrics, and very cerebral. Having a reputation as a drummer, even though this is without his bandmates, there's a solo that's on UA-cam from Frankfurt, Germany that's eye-opening and very worthwhile.
The Rabbit Hole for this band is so deep my brother...Keep it up!!
Another gem from the talented CANADIAN lads. Go Canada!! 🇨🇦❤
So happy to see your face!!! Another great one from RUSH. They tend to have meaning and a message in their songs. Time Stand Still is a must! You are welcome 💋
These lyrics are so heavy, and very relatable. Always what draws me to this song. When I had my drum kit, this was a favorite to play. Cheers from Philly
Consider: Xanadu, Distant Earling Warning, Limelight, Farewell to Kings, Vital Signs, Time Stands Still. Red Barchetta, The Trees, and Animate.
Oh man, the Rush rabbit hole is very deep. So many incredible tracks to choose from.
Xanadu, Limelight, La Villa Strangiato, Entre Nous and Losing It are some of my personal favorites.
Greatest intro ever ~ live - great banger song - precision genius of rock
fortunate to have seen them play live a few times, once in europe during their Hold Your Fire tour (you have SO much to listen to yet!) I'm 57 grew up with RUSH and will never come to terms how 3 guys can create such music but then play it live and it sounds just as good, if not better.
Alex Lifeson and Buckethead - favorite guitarists of all time.
I was in Grade 10 when Signals came out and living in a subdivision in a small city just north of Toronto. This song and the Analog Kid spoke to me in ways I cannot begin to explain.
My 3rd favorite song by my favorite band...as a 40yr fan that began in 83' this song has probably moved up my chart the furthest...after decades of listening and seeing it performed live several times it just resonates so strongly...for them to write this song and the Signals album after the smash of Moving Pictures is just so Rush🤘
I grew up in those basment bars and backs of cars in Toronto in the 70's and 80's and man, I swear Neil was thinking about us when he wrote that song!! So glad you did this one... Cheers mate 👍
Gday Moll glad you're back and feeling a bit better,another band from my wild youth,this was the music we listened to,to chill out from heavy sessions,after a gig or laying on the beach around a fire after a days surfing and neil was my inspiration as a drummer.
I love those 3 dudes 😂❤for all of their creativity and contributions to music 🎶 🎵 ❤and staying true 👍 👌 to who they are❤
Great choice for a reaction. Rush is one of the best trios to ever do it. Keep the great reactions coming. You need to do Red Barchetta if you haven't done it yet.
This album came out when I was 19. My younger brother knew that I loved Rush and bought it for me for Christmas. I put the album on the turntable and my father who was 60 at the time commented, "Hey, this has got a really great beat." That's how amazing Rush is.
"I feel like they write scriptures or something." Every Rush fan connects to the lyrics in a very deep way. I've always said that Neil wrote lyrics as though he was talking to us.
Neil is an incredible drummer and such a well read person his lyrics always tell a great story.
So nice your adding such a variety of rock.
Thank you, I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
Hello Molly Boy👋🏻Glad to see you like Rush.. I’ve seen them a few times and 2112 and Grace under pressure albums are Great… Geddy, Alex and Neil.. What a Great Trio..,Rest Peacefully Neil🥀❤We miss you.. Thank you❤✌🏻
My favorite Rush song, love the drums, the switch in beat, love it; the vocals were accurate of growing up in 1982.
Glad you're back! Hope Storm is on the mend. Best wishes and prayers bro. Rush rocks!
Welcome to growing up in Canada in the 80s 😎 glad you get to enjoy it too!!!
A recent student....congrats MollyboyTV ......80's Rush is fucking awesome...all of it. Influenced prog, rock, synth, hip-hop etc.....dope
Fortunate to see them a couple of times late 70’s early 80’s. Later on in life I was asked by a customer to go to a house a do some landscape design… met my customer there and he was standing with another man. It was Alex’s house. Such a great cool guy. Blessed.
Time Stand Still, Closer To The Heart, so so many more!
My favourite song of all time for so many reasons Rush forever ❤
Im from Toronto and spent many hours at that arcarde downtown..the school scenes were also filmed at my high school, many years before i went there lol
Thanks for a great review. Love your enthusiasm for this incredible band. Neil Peart (RIP) perhaps GOAT drummer and wrote all the lyrics for their songs. You mentioned “Tom Sawyer” which is indeed fantastic but if you haven’t reviewed “Limelight” or “Spirit of Radio”, please do. You never know, there might a song there that replaces TomSawyer as your favorite. Really enjoyed your review. Thanks again!
Saw Rush live in 1990 for their Presto tour. Was a life-changing experience
Can't get this sound out of a box...machines will not replace us!!
Greatness skips a generation or two. Still waiting!! ❤😊
Rush. Simply the greatest band...ever.
"be cool or be cast out"...anthem for our times
The memories of my much younger day, are ignited, so much memory 😊
Probably my favorite Rush song. There is a Drum Cam version of this song that will blow your mind. 👍👍👍
Let's Go!!!! 🔥🤘🏽🔥
So happy you got to this song one of my favorite Rush songs knew you would love it and yes the fact that only three guys made this amazing sound is what always impressed me so much about them.....can't wait till you get to Radio Head and I pray you start with Paranoid Android because that's the best song to get to not ever figure out what genre they fall under because they are everything 🎵💖🎸🎶🎸🎵💛🎸🌈
Have you heard Neil's drum solo? Its UNREAL man!!!
one of my favorites. “ CAMERA EYE”. It will blow you away.
Absolutely love this song! So many great Rush songs but this has to be my favorite👍🏽 (as well as the album as a whole). Also it's funny you mentioned it reminding you of 80's/90's video game soundtracks because I remember the first time I heard it, I immediately thought the same thing; specifically about Sonic the Hedgehog as well. Definitely some good nostalgia there haha. Great song; love Rush!❤🤘🏽
Pretty much anything you hear from Rush will be a great experience for anyone who doesn’t know their catalog already.
My suggestion would be for the songs “Trees” or “Red Barchetta”. Stunning message in Trees, and stunning music in Barchetta. Just try them all. You won’t be disappointed!
I've been a Rush fan 46 years this month. Subdivisions is in my top 5 favorite Rush songs. Far Cry, Jacob's Ladder, Xanadu, Witch Hunt, Anthem. 🎹🥁🎸
Geddy Lee is the man... vocals, bass, keyboard, dude is a Jack of all trades
My favorite RUSH song
Put it up and LETS GO!!! 🔥🤘🏽🔥
Neil Peart is a damn percussionist. Every Rush song his drumming stands out! Just unmatchable.
So happy to be on this journey with you. Keep exploring!
So glad you are experiencing music before your years. I found your channel by luck and enjoy seeing you finding My type of music is a lot of fun. I am a huge Rush fan, but love all music. Try listening to more Rush like Xanadu or Jacob''s Ladder, but they have so much many that are awesome. I can recommend so many bands from the 60's to the 90's that are totally amazing and you should try at least once in your life. Many bands even a lot of fans here probably never heard before.
Always enjoy watching someone react to this video, showing all over Toronto, from the suburbs to the Yonge St. strip downtown, where we would cruise every weekend as teenagers!
Neil’s drumming, Alex’s tasteful solo along with Geddy’s vocals, synth work and nasty bass-amazing.
Rush is all about connections ~ connectors of what us important ~ Neil oh genius - Xanadu exit stage left - that will blow your mind
One of my favorite concert of the early 80's, I feel the same way Amazing music from 3 individuals ❤ the light show was awesome 😊🤟
So many people identify with the lyrics of this song. The lyrics are a piece of art on their own.
Great reaction, have missed you. You’re right about the lyrics, I was a latecomer to this fact as well. Spirit of Radio is sweet. Try their HOF induction performance where they played Tom Sawyer & Spirit of Radio (even tastier than Tom Sawyer imo). They showed those HOF snobs a thing or two 🤘
This song is just takes me back to my teens. Signals (the album it's from) came out in 1982. Keep in mind that we didn't have internet then. So as the lyrics describe, going to the mall was a huge social thing and most cities and towns had a popular road for "cruising". I'm sure the cliques are pretty much the same today as back then, they're just bigger online. But there's always been peer pressure to "conform or be cast out". Anyway, I'm really excited for your discovery of Rush's complete discography eventually. Early Rush is usually categorized as Rock or Prog Rock (stands for progressive) and while they did extremely well at transitioning through and reflecting the changing styles of each of the five+ decades they toured and cranked out album after album that classification proudly sticks. A few suggestions to check out: an instrumental called YYZ (1981), Closer To The Heart (1977), and Xanadu (also '77). There are so many it's almost hard to pick. At some point, (and I feel pretty confident speaking for most of the Rush Community) we want you to listen to the entire 7 part suite of 2112. It's a must for sure.
I really connected to this song when I came here from Italy a long time ago... The landscape of suburbia felt lonely and empty, the conformity of rows and rows of almost identical houses soul-crushing, brown house after brown house with the same manicured lawn, interrupted by strip malls all featuring the same chain stores.
A few years later we bought a house next to a field and surrounded by cow ponds and trees. No streetlights, road ended in front of our house. 20 years later I'm in the middle of subdivisions, ponds are gone, cedars are long gone with the cows, the nearby creek is flowing underground to a culvert, only living in the name of the subdivision that destroyed it -- Hunter's Creek.
Nobody knows their neighbors, but I'm told it's called progress...
Good on you Bruv! The broader your pyramid (of every topic) the taller it is :) Cheers from New Scotland!