Neil Peart is the only person that I didn't personally know, that I cried when he passed. I think it was hard for Rush fans because you felt closer to him because he revealed himself to us through his lyrics over his whole adult life.
Me too. Especially hard to take knowing how much tragedy he had in his personal life, and the cruelty/irony that he died from brain cancer, someone with such a brilliant and beautiful mind. Artists like Neil don't come along too often in the world. They are the rare and very special ones.
Almost! 😉 They did 1 run-through to set the mic levels and EQ's first, and it was the _second_ one that ended up on the album 🙂 Still super-impressive, though! 🤯 😊
Geddy: We did go into new territory with that record and it was a big step down a road, sonically, that we didn’t really ever let go of. Two albums later we’d make 'Permanent Waves!' When you open that door of the synthesizer and the keyboard world, that was a Pandora’s box for us, and after we’d opened it, all kinds of stuff came out over the next few years... so I guess it was a pivotal record in that regard... We ended it up by going into Advision Studios in London to mix it and I was so excited because that’s where all those great Yes records were made, and those ELP records... We enjoyed our time there a lot, so much so that we went back, like idiots. Never go back. You can't do that - history doesn't repeat itself... Neil: Let's call that our experimental phase. After '2112,' we were guitar, bass and drums and ambitious, so we thought maybe we should add another musician. But then it was, no, let's expand our own arsenal, so the guys started getting into acoustic guitar, bass pedals were just coming out, and I started expanding my drums, which would give us a great orchestration ability... When I look back on that it's an indulgent smile. I described it once as young, foolish and brave... We had a lot to learn - but we were learning it!
Prior to 2112, Rush was controlled by the record label. They thought 2112 would be their swansong, so they stopped caring about the label. The massive success of 2112 set them free to do what they really wanted to do and THIS album is the initial result. So good!
They always wrote what they wanted, but after Caress of Steel didn't do well the record label told them to be more sellable, they instead said f it and went all or nothing on 2112. Lucky for them and us it paid off.
Not true. The record label wasn't telling Rush what to do. They basically didn't care about Rush. But after the failure of Caress of Steele (no record label back then wanted the band to record 20 minute epics; the days of prog ruling the world was over) they wanted Rush to go in a different direction. And Rush refused. But don't think that prior to 2112 the music was being controlled by the label bc that's simply not true.
Folks! What do you think Side 2 of 2112 was but an attempt to be more commercial and accessible? In fact, "Tears," probably the most un-Rush cut they ever recorded, was released as a single in an unsuccessful attempt to get on the charts.
@@BigBri550According to Geddy/Alex, it was to counter the heaviness of side 1 with something a bit lighter. Thematically, the two sides are completely unrelated.
@@auntcleo1997 Exactly. The way I've always seen it, 2112 was a compromise with their label: "We'll give you one side to do what you want, but the other side has to be individual tracks, more commercially oriented." Something to that effect, anyway.
My absolute favorite era of my absolute favorite band. Rush brought prog to new audiences, and they maintained their musical integrity for their entire 40 year career.
Madrigal is one of three songs I asked my wife to play at my funeral, (if I pass before her) it would be a tribute to her, she has made my life so fulfilling and a complete joy to be with after all these years. She has been and always will be my beacon, in life and indeed after death. the second is the last six lines at the end of Hemispheres. And of course, The Garden. We have three children and six grandkids. Love and Peace to All.
Hey Doug. Thanks for doing this. My first concert was rush and it was after a farewell to kings but before hemispheres. They played material from both as well as earlier stuff. Quite the adventure for a 16 year old.
WE had the BEST Music. Zep, Rush, Yes, Kansas, Genesis, Tull. Not to mention just hard rock masters like AC/DC, GFR, Boston (1 album lol), Edgar Winters, Van Halen, Nugent, Cooper, on and on... There's no music today. There's no artistry. There's no rock. Who? Swift? So very, very happy for her. That's great. Couldn't love a success story more. But musically? No, sorry. That's what we have? that's our best now?
@@GM-MarkOfExcellence There is so much good modern music out there, you just have to look for it. Japanese, European and other countries Rock and Metal is fantastic. Some of the Pop music out there is also really good (for Pop music that is). I have seen so much exceptional live music, both old and new in the last couple of years. It's out there for you to find. This is from someone who saw Rush live many many times. Good luck.
@@GM-MarkOfExcellence If you say there isn't any great music any more, I can tell you that you aren't looking hard enough or you're stuck in your ways and aren't open to broadening your horizons (I'm guessing its the former). There are so many great bands and artists that get millions of views that just aren't popular enough to break into the top 100 because everything is so compartmentalized, due the expansiveness of the internet but it's all right here on UA-cam if you know how to search for it. The great thing is though if you find one band you like it will lead you to a bunch of others, I can (almost) guarantee it.
If you like Yes, the one album I can recommend wholeheartedly is Polygonwanaland by King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard. (I know, silly name) I hope Doug listens to it someday, it's seriously one of my favorite albums of the last decade.
God Bless you Doug..I'm a guitar player who learned on these early Rush albums...Your comments at the end almost brought tears to my eyes...Being a Rush nerd back then was a minority for sure..I'm 60 now and nice knowing I was ahead of the curve....lol Loved your thoughts..Your a cool cat bro
Love RUSH. My home town Heroes. Watching Doug hit the pipe whilst listen to the greatest musicians, composers and lyricists ever....Priceless. RIP Professor!
yeah, brother! I saw them 15 times over the years, mostly Toronto and Hamilton. The MLG shows were the best, the crowds spilling out onto College St and down into the subways after the shows, everyone singing Rush songs at the top of their lungs. I remember a terrible snow storm the night of one of the 80s Rush shows in Toronto, might have been Power Windows tour, but I was hell bent on making it to the show. Piled three friends in with me in my Mom's '81 Volvo 240 and that car was an absolute winter tank. Got us to the show in Toronto and home to Caledon safe and sound. As the R40 tour wrapped up in 2015, I made sure to get tickets to both nights in Toronto...
Understand that Doug's commenting is next level experience in the musical art. Sometimes talking over a solo or two, know that calling out notes is much appreciated for a more sophisticated reaction. Thanks Doug!
In my forty plus years of listening to Rush, I can't say that "Madrigal" has been a song I've paid much attention to. It's brief and direct, both attributes I've come to appreciate only as I get older, and it deals with a subject matter that I fear I couldn't relate to until I did. For most of us love is less than ephemeral, our understanding of it is minimal, our appreciation of it nonexistent. We only feel it when it's absent. I'm one of those extremely lucky individuals who has been the recipient of consistent love over the years, so much so that even in my absentmindedness it's impossible to ignore. And a song like this is a nice reminder lest we forget to be mindful of those who love us.
Doug, Wednesday is the 50th anniversary of Neal's 1st gig with Rush. There opened for Uriah Heep and Manfred Mann's Earth Band at the Igloo in Pittsburgh to 11,000. He had been with the band just 3 weeks.
This is the greatest Rush album of all time in my opinion because it truly shaped what they became. All the percussion and foot pedal synthesizers and keyboards as well as the changing time signatures was introduced here to perfection. Also the dynamics are amazing here.
You need to now do their Final Album, "Clockwork Angels." You have seen how they started; you owe it to yourself to see how they ended. It is not the typical Final Album where the artist are somewhat over the hill. You will be shocked their musicianship is masterful, their craft of songwriting is at another level, and Neil's words are impeccable.
And, it's their only true concept album. I would very much like to see Doug do this album! 🤘 Ending their career on a concept album 🤩 Only Rush could pull off such genius 👏
I absolutely love your channel Doug. I really learn a lot from you. We're the same age, but I heard a lot of the music you're reacting too far earlier than you. So when I see a man my age hearing what I heard 40 years ago, and breaking it down in both musical structures and opinions and genuine happy moments, I like to watch that. Thanks for all you do!😂
This is Rush at their very best in my opinion. I used to play these tunes with my friends when I was in my teens. I haven’t listened to the whole album for a long time. The whole thing gave me chills and reminded me why I loved Rush so much back in the 1970’s. That was a joy. Thank you.
And then right after that he carries the same rhythm into the hi-hat. It’s just brilliant composition: first, the cow bells stand out and Neil is out front. Next measure, he takes the back seat, maintaining the rhythmic structure on hi-hat while the bass and synth take the spotlight. Masterful.
I was watching a UA-cam video that came out today from Dr. Becky Smethurst in which she was discussing the earliest and closest black holes found near (?) Earth (hundreds or thousands of lightyears away to be sure) and the first one was the black hole of Cygnus X-1. I wondered if this one the inspiration for Rush's piece. This was my favourite album as "A Fairwell to Kings" was my first concert with Rush headlining and Max Webster opening at the CNE Stadium (also known as "The Mistake by the Lake" back in the day). I ears rang so long after that concert which was before they produced better speakers without so much white noise. I loved Rush then and I love them even more now.
2112 and Hemipheres are the bread in A Farewell to Kings sandwich. I love all three. They would be my choice for "stranded in deep space" music to keep me sane.
Not at all true. In *any* other band Alex would have been *the* star (& probably wouldn't have turned out to be the amazing player that he is). It's that he happened to share the stage with two other men that were even better at their respective instruments.
Doug, thanks so much for the heartfelt comments regarding the Madrigal lyrics. I love the story you shared and was touched. I grew up in the 70s & 80s with Rush and I love that you spent such quality time with this, one of the most impactful Rush albums of my younger years. Thanks again!
The bird sounds at the beginning of Xanadu were genuine ambience. They recorded the album at Rockfield Studios which was a converted farm in Wales and they set up to record outside.
I first connected with earlier Rush through Xanadu in 1981 after loving moving pictures and subsequently buying the exit stage left album. That track just blew my mind as a young kid. Still loving rush 40 years later.
They must have had a thing for outdoor recording. If I recall correctly, the echo effect at the beginning of natural science was from playing Geddy's voice over a loudspeaker across a valley and recording the echo
Thanks Doug, really enjoyed that! Such a great record and one i don't go back to often enough. Picking a favorite is always tough and usually different depending on the day, heh. I'm so glad they went out on such a high with Clockwork Angels but also that we have all the other works to go back to and revisit. Such a brilliant catalogue and range over 40+ years.
Thanks for this Doug, really enjoyed your analysis. Love this album, bought it upon release and had to wait a year for Book II Hemispheres. Still remains the most anticipated album for me because it was RUSH and the cliffhanger of course. It did not disappoint.
"Madrigal" eventually became my favorite song on the album as well. The words, melody and Geddy's singing are almost otherworldly. Short but definitely sweet.
Love this album. Thank God Neil and the guys produced so much great music for us to enjoy. After I had seen Rush in 2004 with a friend he remarked to me that they could have filled a 3 hour show with any selection of tracks from all their albums and it would have been incredible. So true.
My favorite album of them all - it takes me back to when I first listened to this kind of music when my best friend and I were rifling through his older brother's albums. It may not be their masterpiece, but man, does this really bring back some memories.
Was great to hear you give some love to Madrigal. I usually hate ballads but it's maybe my favourite song of all time. It's so understated in its beauty and it hardly ever gets mentioned among their greatest songs. Felt very vindicating to see you enjoy it so much.
I love your explanation of the rotation of the ending chords around a common note, and how they might represent the different directions the story might continue in.
Definitely you must at some point listen to the album! No doubt about it. Imagine seeing Rush as your first concert on January 19, 1979 at 14 year of age. I can honestly say it changed my life. I was playing violin and immediately got an electric guitar and never stopped playing at age 59.
Great episode Doug, I loved it. My friend bought the album when it came out and we learned all the parts on acoustic guitars, the good old days. thanks.
This was the first RUSH album I ever heard--I was 10 years old and a drummer. I put side 1 on the turntable and was amazed at what I heard. I fell completely in love with RUSH before Ged's vocals came in on "Xanadu." It was Alex's awesome descending riff in the latter part of Xanadu's intro that finalized it for me--everything up to that point was melting my heart, mind and soul.
This was really the album that introduced me to Rush. 2112 came out before this, and Fly By Night was a popular hit, but this was the album where I was like, "Whoa, these guys are good!" Closer to the Heart is my favorite song by the band.
in my senior year of college I took art history, the entire last semester was spent creating an original painting, I painted Xanadu. It was absolutely amazing. When presenting it to the class i read the lyrics and then revealed the painting. I got a standing ovation and almost cried because it meant that much to me.
Dude! You've given me hope that people can continue to discover af family of artists that so many of us just took for granted growing up in the late 70's -early 80's. Yes, Genesis, Rush through Porcupine Tree and Steven's solo career, etc... There's just something special about seeing that recognition in their faces when it clicks in what they've been missing...
As a guitar player, Xanadu is one of my practice regulars. It's such a challenge and the same time such a joy to play (acoustic or electric, all fun). These guys taught me so much over these years about not just guitar, but song crafting and storytelling. ✌💛👍
Xanadu based on a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge... same dude who wrote the epic poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" which was turned into a song by Iron Maiden... METAL \m/
From what I've read, they wrote the entire 'Hemispheres' LP just prior to going into the studio for it in June 78, having some intense writing sessions in Wales. Ofc Neil might've had ideas for the lyrics earlier, we don't know that, but they had no music in mind for Cygnus part II at the time of Cygnus part I
GREAT reaction Doug!! Man I love this album...as I do with most of Rush's releases! Especially starting from 2112 on to Power Windows - an immaculately strong string of amazing releases - 7 album run! Pretty much a full decade of prog rock/synth rock/hard rock domination! At least that's my opinion. Don't get me wrong - love Caress of Steel, Fly By Night and Rush (ST), those were great albums too. Cheers!
Just think, Rush went from "Hey baby it's a quarter to 8" to 2112 in a bit under 2 years. 2 YEARS! What other band had that sort of development curve, especially considering how albums were made on such tight contractual deadlines in the '70s. A Farewell to Kings was another evolutionary leap barely a year later. Rush's run from 76-81 is extraordinary. I'd even argue 76-85, and include Power Windows. That's 10 year run of top-shelf records. I really can't think of another band with that sort of consistency and quality, with a 1 album a year pace. No one would even consider doing that today.
RUSH is my second favorite band of all time, however even I think that "The Yes Album" IS a TRUE CLASSIC in any ranking format! Comparable albums being "Moving Pictures" and "2112" being only slightly better than The Yes Album IMHO.
Rush .. one of the greatest progressive rock band of all times and one of my favourites ... three monsters and genious on their instruments ... i love them expecially in their first period ... 2112, A farewell to kings, emispheres, oermanet waves and moving pictures are MASTERPIECES... and when Neil passed by and they decided to stop i've cried river of tears ..
My brother introduced my to Rush with this album back in 1977. It just blew me away and I've been a huge fan since. Being a drummer and being in to Deep Purple and Rainbow at the time. Neil Peart changed everything.
I saw them on that tour at the Fox theater in Atlanta. It was great. Sound was great. Acoustics great. Great. My first Rush concert. Balcony seats...great. Overall rating is Great.
Instrumentally it's quite strong, lots of invention and variety. I saw them live for the first time on their first UK tour that preceded them recording this album at Rockfield in Wales. If memory serves Caress of Steel was the first album I bought, then Farewell to Kings. Honestly, I find Lee's voice a tough listen these days, and I've long since, over 40 years, ceased to listen to Rush, but I've quite enjoyed this revisit.
Rush started an amazing streak of brilliant albums starting with 2112. From that album through Moving Pictures, each of those five albums was in a separate league from anything they ever did before. All albums are prog, but each one is so different and unexpected. 2112 was heavy on the metal. A Farewell to Kings was pure prog. Hemispheres was a bit jazzy. Permanent Waves was rock but more compositional with classic overtures. And Moving Pictures was sort of everything combined and smoothed out and perfected. At the time, each album made us think "Where did they pull this from?" A Farewell to Kings is maybe my favorite because that was the first time I saw them and I found the whole album amazing. The song "A Farewell to Kings" is one of my absolute favorites. It feels so relevant even now over 40 years later.
For this album and Hemispheres, they played several of the songs at a soundstage (an auditorium at Seneca College in Toronto). Notice that they are wearing the same clothes in all these videos. A lot of their second album Fly By Night was video recorded in the same sort of way in a high school auditorium in Ohio that was set up for a performance of Romeo and Juliet. Listening to FBN for an upcoming episode of the Extended Play Lounge would help you understand the evolution of Rush, as FBN was the first album with Neil Peart as the percussionist.
Speaking of just "2112", it is considered to be THE greatest prog-rock song......ever. And by just these 3 virtuoso's. Amazing. As always, RIP to "The Professor".
"Closer to the Heart" was the first Rush song to feature a non-member as a songwriter in Neil's friend Peter Talbot, while "Cinderella Man" has lyrics from Ged. It was a very key album coming off of 2112, and "Closer" was even something of a hit, especially in the UK. It gave them the freedom to swing for the fences on "Hemispheres" the most out-there Rush LP.
I screwed up last year when Primus was touring and doing this album for the second set and forgot to get my tickets in time. I had to work (security) on my night off and stand with my back to the stage, but it still sounded and felt amazing. Alex does most of the work, while Neil and Ged steal all the spotlight. Probably the most under rated guitar player in modern history. IMO he was the most talented, not to take away anything from the others. He's just so good at what he does, that very few are able to understand the extent of it. As good a musician as he is a guitar player.
Doug, more Rush albums Power Windows released in 1985. Favorite songs Grand Design, Marathon & Territories. 2112 released in 1976. Favorite songs Epic 2112 & Tears. Snakes & Arrows released in 2007. Favorite songs Far Cry & instrumental Main Monkey Business. Thank you for doing the songs Live. Xanadu incredible. Geddy did a solo album My Favorite Headache released in 2000. Favorite songs Grace to Grace, Runaway Train & Still.
Hi Doug ; thanks for that Rush one of the very best bands At that time was the album Mechanical Moonbeams from the Belgian band Machiavel ; a must to hear
PJ Harvey and her song England. I am an American and that song makes me cry everytime because i feel her love for her country as well as the love for My country and how disappointed in how i feel. I wish "America" would live up to the words and standards and morals My nation was based upon. Check it out.
Doug .... Rush went head on crazy doing the next album Hemispheres/ so much time effort and drive....which is their best album . Farewell and the next 3 albums were Rush at their peak period.
Neil Peart is the only person that I didn't personally know, that I cried when he passed. I think it was hard for Rush fans because you felt closer to him because he revealed himself to us through his lyrics over his whole adult life.
Same here.
Heart broken when Neil passed.
I'm still not over his death. Really miss that guy.
Me too. Especially hard to take knowing how much tragedy he had in his personal life, and the cruelty/irony that he died from brain cancer, someone with such a brilliant and beautiful mind. Artists like Neil don't come along too often in the world. They are the rare and very special ones.
He dealt with and survived terrible loss with humble dignity.... I've read a number of his books, he's a hero for me! RIP Neil Peart!
Rush has so much depth, you can listen over and over and over and still find new little things in there
Almost 50 years in and I still find new things. Love it!
Xanadu was recorded in the studio in one take - just a few overdubs such as vocals and guitar solos, but its essentially all live off the floor.
Almost! 😉 They did 1 run-through to set the mic levels and EQ's first, and it was the _second_ one that ended up on the album 🙂
Still super-impressive, though!
🤯 😊
Recorded in Wales, land of song and poets. And we have Welsh birds crashing the party on Xanadu.
@@neilhallett1613 - I didn't know that! I'd thought only the 'Hemispheres' album was recorded there 🙂
I read they’d set aside a whole afternoon to get the main track - then nailed it quickly.
Geddy: We did go into new territory with that record and it was a big step down a road, sonically, that we didn’t really ever let go of. Two albums later we’d make 'Permanent Waves!' When you open that door of the synthesizer and the keyboard world, that was a Pandora’s box for us, and after we’d opened it, all kinds of stuff came out over the next few years... so I guess it was a pivotal record in that regard... We ended it up by going into Advision Studios in London to mix it and I was so excited because that’s where all those great Yes records were made, and those ELP records... We enjoyed our time there a lot, so much so that we went back, like idiots. Never go back. You can't do that - history doesn't repeat itself...
Neil: Let's call that our experimental phase. After '2112,' we were guitar, bass and drums and ambitious, so we thought maybe we should add another musician. But then it was, no, let's expand our own arsenal, so the guys started getting into acoustic guitar, bass pedals were just coming out, and I started expanding my drums, which would give us a great orchestration ability... When I look back on that it's an indulgent smile. I described it once as young, foolish and brave... We had a lot to learn - but we were learning it!
Prior to 2112, Rush was controlled by the record label. They thought 2112 would be their swansong, so they stopped caring about the label. The massive success of 2112 set them free to do what they really wanted to do and THIS album is the initial result. So good!
They always wrote what they wanted, but after Caress of Steel didn't do well the record label told them to be more sellable, they instead said f it and went all or nothing on 2112. Lucky for them and us it paid off.
Not true. The record label wasn't telling Rush what to do. They basically didn't care about Rush. But after the failure of Caress of Steele (no record label back then wanted the band to record 20 minute epics; the days of prog ruling the world was over) they wanted Rush to go in a different direction. And Rush refused. But don't think that prior to 2112 the music was being controlled by the label bc that's simply not true.
Folks! What do you think Side 2 of 2112 was but an attempt to be more commercial and accessible? In fact, "Tears," probably the most un-Rush cut they ever recorded, was released as a single in an unsuccessful attempt to get on the charts.
@@BigBri550According to Geddy/Alex, it was to counter the heaviness of side 1 with something a bit lighter. Thematically, the two sides are completely unrelated.
@@auntcleo1997 Exactly. The way I've always seen it, 2112 was a compromise with their label: "We'll give you one side to do what you want, but the other side has to be individual tracks, more commercially oriented." Something to that effect, anyway.
The solo in A Farewell to Kings is one of my favourite Lifeson solos, I think it's absolutely beautiful.
My absolute favorite era of my absolute favorite band. Rush brought prog to new audiences, and they maintained their musical integrity for their entire 40 year career.
Quite simply three geniuses at the peak of their creativity and masters of their art.
Madrigal is one of three songs I asked my wife to play at my funeral, (if I pass before her) it would be a tribute to her, she has made my life so fulfilling and a complete joy to be with after all these years. She has been and always will be my beacon, in life and indeed after death.
the second is the last six lines at the end of Hemispheres. And of course, The Garden. We have three children and six grandkids. Love and Peace to All.
Beautifully said
Your Garden...love my fellow Rush fans...we are so lucky
Agreed. Simply beautiful
I played The Garden at my weeding, absolutely my favorite Rush song
I played The Garden at my wedding, also. 😉
Hey Doug. Thanks for doing this. My first concert was rush and it was after a farewell to kings but before hemispheres. They played material from both as well as earlier stuff. Quite the adventure for a 16 year old.
Wore this album out... Along with Styx The Grand Illusion... What a time to be a teenager..🔥
Exactly did the same I was 15 when this came out
WE had the BEST Music. Zep, Rush, Yes, Kansas, Genesis, Tull. Not to mention just hard rock masters like AC/DC, GFR, Boston (1 album lol), Edgar Winters, Van Halen, Nugent, Cooper, on and on...
There's no music today. There's no artistry. There's no rock. Who? Swift? So very, very happy for her. That's great. Couldn't love a success story more. But musically? No, sorry. That's what we have? that's our best now?
@@GM-MarkOfExcellence There is so much good modern music out there, you just have to look for it. Japanese, European and other countries Rock and Metal is fantastic. Some of the Pop music out there is also really good (for Pop music that is). I have seen so much exceptional live music, both old and new in the last couple of years. It's out there for you to find. This is from someone who saw Rush live many many times. Good luck.
@@GM-MarkOfExcellence If you say there isn't any great music any more, I can tell you that you aren't looking hard enough or you're stuck in your ways and aren't open to broadening your horizons (I'm guessing its the former). There are so many great bands and artists that get millions of views that just aren't popular enough to break into the top 100 because everything is so compartmentalized, due the expansiveness of the internet but it's all right here on UA-cam if you know how to search for it. The great thing is though if you find one band you like it will lead you to a bunch of others, I can (almost) guarantee it.
If you like Yes, the one album I can recommend wholeheartedly is Polygonwanaland by King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard. (I know, silly name) I hope Doug listens to it someday, it's seriously one of my favorite albums of the last decade.
God Bless you Doug..I'm a guitar player who learned on these early Rush albums...Your comments at the end almost brought tears to my eyes...Being a Rush nerd back then was a minority for sure..I'm 60 now and nice knowing I was ahead of the curve....lol
Loved your thoughts..Your a cool cat bro
Love RUSH. My home town Heroes. Watching Doug hit the pipe whilst listen to the greatest musicians, composers and lyricists ever....Priceless. RIP Professor!
yeah, brother! I saw them 15 times over the years, mostly Toronto and Hamilton. The MLG shows were the best, the crowds spilling out onto College St and down into the subways after the shows, everyone singing Rush songs at the top of their lungs. I remember a terrible snow storm the night of one of the 80s Rush shows in Toronto, might have been Power Windows tour, but I was hell bent on making it to the show. Piled three friends in with me in my Mom's '81 Volvo 240 and that car was an absolute winter tank. Got us to the show in Toronto and home to Caledon safe and sound. As the R40 tour wrapped up in 2015, I made sure to get tickets to both nights in Toronto...
@@NicholasPellow Volvo's are built IN that kind of weather 👍
Understand that Doug's commenting is next level experience in the musical art. Sometimes talking over a solo or two, know that calling out notes is much appreciated for a more sophisticated reaction. Thanks Doug!
In my forty plus years of listening to Rush, I can't say that "Madrigal" has been a song I've paid much attention to. It's brief and direct, both attributes I've come to appreciate only as I get older, and it deals with a subject matter that I fear I couldn't relate to until I did. For most of us love is less than ephemeral, our understanding of it is minimal, our appreciation of it nonexistent. We only feel it when it's absent. I'm one of those extremely lucky individuals who has been the recipient of consistent love over the years, so much so that even in my absentmindedness it's impossible to ignore. And a song like this is a nice reminder lest we forget to be mindful of those who love us.
Wonderfully said
Doug, Wednesday is the 50th anniversary of Neal's 1st gig with Rush. There opened for Uriah Heep and Manfred Mann's Earth Band at the Igloo in Pittsburgh to 11,000. He had been with the band just 3 weeks.
Also, you posted this to UA-cam on the 50th Anniversary of Nixon leaving office. Sneaky Doug.
Awesome stuff! 😍 But please, he's spelled 'Neil'! 😉
And forever after "the new guy!"🤣❤❤❤❤
What a show
This is the greatest Rush album of all time in my opinion because it truly shaped what they became. All the percussion and foot pedal synthesizers and keyboards as well as the changing time signatures was introduced here to perfection. Also the dynamics are amazing here.
You need to now do their Final Album, "Clockwork Angels." You have seen how they started; you owe it to yourself to see how they ended. It is not the typical Final Album where the artist are somewhat over the hill. You will be shocked their musicianship is masterful, their craft of songwriting is at another level, and Neil's words are impeccable.
And, it's their only true concept album. I would very much like to see Doug do this album! 🤘
Ending their career on a concept album 🤩 Only Rush could pull off such genius 👏
i get tears thinking about it, i love RUSH so much
If you’re gonna go out, no better way than “Clockwork Angels.”
the music on the record is not that good IMO
one of my favorite albums! ♥
I absolutely love your channel Doug. I really learn a lot from you. We're the same age, but I heard a lot of the music you're reacting too far earlier than you. So when I see a man my age hearing what I heard 40 years ago, and breaking it down in both musical structures and opinions and genuine happy moments, I like to watch that.
Thanks for all you do!😂
This is Rush at their very best in my opinion. I used to play these tunes with my friends when I was in my teens. I haven’t listened to the whole album for a long time. The whole thing gave me chills and reminded me why I loved Rush so much back in the 1970’s. That was a joy. Thank you.
Another outstanding album by Rush. You did it again, Doug. A spot on break down.
20:06 - I always have to stop and rewind the cowbell part in the Xanadu introduction 3 or 4 times because it is so amazing.
And then right after that he carries the same rhythm into the hi-hat. It’s just brilliant composition: first, the cow bells stand out and Neil is out front. Next measure, he takes the back seat, maintaining the rhythmic structure on hi-hat while the bass and synth take the spotlight. Masterful.
I was watching a UA-cam video that came out today from Dr. Becky Smethurst in which she was discussing the earliest and closest black holes found near (?) Earth (hundreds or thousands of lightyears away to be sure) and the first one was the black hole of Cygnus X-1. I wondered if this one the inspiration for Rush's piece. This was my favourite album as "A Fairwell to Kings" was my first concert with Rush headlining and Max Webster opening at the CNE Stadium (also known as "The Mistake by the Lake" back in the day). I ears rang so long after that concert which was before they produced better speakers without so much white noise.
I loved Rush then and I love them even more now.
Oh man, one of my most favorite albums of ALL TIME .. I LOVE THIS ALBUM !!!
2112 and Hemipheres are the bread in A Farewell to Kings sandwich.
I love all three. They would be my choice for "stranded in deep space" music to keep me sane.
Alex is soooooo underrated.
A lot of that start's with Alex. He's aggressively humble.
He is not overrated by people who ate familiar with his playing. Held in extremely high regard by many around the world 😁
*are, not ate 🤣
Not at all true. In *any* other band Alex would have been *the* star (& probably wouldn't have turned out to be the amazing player that he is). It's that he happened to share the stage with two other men that were even better at their respective instruments.
Doug, thanks so much for the heartfelt comments regarding the Madrigal lyrics. I love the story you shared and was touched. I grew up in the 70s & 80s with Rush and I love that you spent such quality time with this, one of the most impactful Rush albums of my younger years. Thanks again!
The bird sounds at the beginning of Xanadu were genuine ambience. They recorded the album at Rockfield Studios which was a converted farm in Wales and they set up to record outside.
I first connected with earlier Rush through Xanadu in 1981 after loving moving pictures and subsequently buying the exit stage left album. That track just blew my mind as a young kid. Still loving rush 40 years later.
They must have had a thing for outdoor recording. If I recall correctly, the echo effect at the beginning of natural science was from playing Geddy's voice over a loudspeaker across a valley and recording the echo
Wow. That was one heck of a poll. Love this.
Thanks Doug, really enjoyed that! Such a great record and one i don't go back to often enough. Picking a favorite is always tough and usually different depending on the day, heh. I'm so glad they went out on such a high with Clockwork Angels but also that we have all the other works to go back to and revisit. Such a brilliant catalogue and range over 40+ years.
Wish I had you as my music teacher back in the day! I love your analysis and reactions. We learn A lot from you!
Thanks for this Doug, really enjoyed your analysis. Love this album, bought it upon release and had to wait a year for Book II Hemispheres. Still remains the most anticipated album for me because it was RUSH and the cliffhanger of course. It did not disappoint.
With good Prog Rock, you'll hear more and more of the nuances with each listen.
And that says a lot when it's a 3 man band!
Man i've loved this album since it first came out... so long ago. You've got great taste in music guy. Keep Rockin'.
I, for one, would like to say that "proliferatating" is an ABSOLUTELY AWESOME word!
"Madrigal" eventually became my favorite song on the album as well. The words, melody and Geddy's singing are almost otherworldly.
Short but definitely sweet.
Haunting like losing it
REST IN PEACE, MR. PEART.
Love this album. Thank God Neil and the guys produced so much great music for us to enjoy. After I had seen Rush in 2004 with a friend he remarked to me that they could have filled a 3 hour show with any selection of tracks from all their albums and it would have been incredible. So true.
My favorite album of them all - it takes me back to when I first listened to this kind of music when my best friend and I were rifling through his older brother's albums. It may not be their masterpiece, but man, does this really bring back some memories.
Was great to hear you give some love to Madrigal. I usually hate ballads but it's maybe my favourite song of all time. It's so understated in its beauty and it hardly ever gets mentioned among their greatest songs. Felt very vindicating to see you enjoy it so much.
I love your explanation of the rotation of the ending chords around a common note, and how they might represent the different directions the story might continue in.
Definitely you must at some point listen to the album! No doubt about it.
Imagine seeing Rush as your first concert on January 19, 1979 at 14 year of age. I can honestly say it changed my life. I was playing violin and immediately got an electric guitar and never stopped playing at age 59.
Excited for this one! One of my all time favorite albums!
Closer to the heart is an absolute Canadian classic! The Trailer Park Boys have an entire episode dedicated to the song! It’s that good!
Great episode Doug, I loved it. My friend bought the album when it came out and we learned all the parts on acoustic guitars, the good old days. thanks.
Nailed it again, Doug. 🔥
I've got so much to do this morning and this pops up! "To do" is kicked to the curb!! ❤❤❤❤
This was the first RUSH album I ever heard--I was 10 years old and a drummer. I put side 1 on the turntable and was amazed at what I heard. I fell completely in love with RUSH before Ged's vocals came in on "Xanadu." It was Alex's awesome descending riff in the latter part of Xanadu's intro that finalized it for me--everything up to that point was melting my heart, mind and soul.
This was never that high up on my list of Rush songs until I saw them perform it live, in that context it was sublime, a highlight of the show.
This was really the album that introduced me to Rush. 2112 came out before this, and Fly By Night was a popular hit, but this was the album where I was like, "Whoa, these guys are good!" Closer to the Heart is my favorite song by the band.
in my senior year of college I took art history, the entire last semester was spent creating an original painting, I painted Xanadu. It was absolutely amazing. When presenting it to the class i read the lyrics and then revealed the painting. I got a standing ovation and almost cried because it meant that much to me.
Keep the full album reactions coming!
I was a freshman in high school when I first heard Rush and realized I was not alone in the world.
Fantastic analysis Doug -thanks much bud!
Sitting down on Saturday morning for this - and I'll probably spin the vinyl later, to absorb your input 😄
Oh man, I was so inspired by this record back in the days. Really a game changer for me and my approach to playing music myself. ❤
Fascinating Prog Rock gem!! Thank You for posting this Doug!
I hope you've seen Xanadu live 1981. Its unreal. I just joined and haven't seen your line up yet. Great reaction/dissection of the music.
The first album I bought and still in my possession. It’s why I fell in love with Rush!
Dude! You've given me hope that people can continue to discover af family of artists that so many of us just took for granted growing up in the late 70's -early 80's. Yes, Genesis, Rush through Porcupine Tree and Steven's solo career, etc... There's just something special about seeing that recognition in their faces when it clicks in what they've been missing...
As a guitar player, Xanadu is one of my practice regulars. It's such a challenge and the same time such a joy to play (acoustic or electric, all fun).
These guys taught me so much over these years about not just guitar, but song crafting and storytelling.
✌💛👍
Xanadu based on a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge... same dude who wrote the epic poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" which was turned into a song by Iron Maiden... METAL \m/
I was in a band in the 70's... and, we used to play this album... (i'm a drummer) so now you know how hard my part was!!! L8R, Dude.
This album is the first CD I ever bought. I was looking for Moving Pictures that day, but it wasn't in stock. Love this album!
From what I've read, they wrote the entire 'Hemispheres' LP just prior to going into the studio for it in June 78, having some intense writing sessions in Wales. Ofc Neil might've had ideas for the lyrics earlier, we don't know that, but they had no music in mind for Cygnus part II at the time of Cygnus part I
RUSH is my favorite band, and AFTK is my favorite Rush album......bought it new when I was 15 in 77
GREAT reaction Doug!! Man I love this album...as I do with most of Rush's releases! Especially starting from 2112 on to Power Windows - an immaculately strong string of amazing releases - 7 album run! Pretty much a full decade of prog rock/synth rock/hard rock domination! At least that's my opinion.
Don't get me wrong - love Caress of Steel, Fly By Night and Rush (ST), those were great albums too.
Cheers!
AFTK and Hemispheres fight for the Number one spot inside my head on a regular basis!!...😁 Thanks Doug!!
Cinderella man has always been one of my fave tracks on this album, despite being shy of the ready's (cash) I am always ready to give to others.
Caress of steel next please
Just think, Rush went from "Hey baby it's a quarter to 8" to 2112 in a bit under 2 years. 2 YEARS! What other band had that sort of development curve, especially considering how albums were made on such tight contractual deadlines in the '70s. A Farewell to Kings was another evolutionary leap barely a year later. Rush's run from 76-81 is extraordinary. I'd even argue 76-85, and include Power Windows. That's 10 year run of top-shelf records. I really can't think of another band with that sort of consistency and quality, with a 1 album a year pace. No one would even consider doing that today.
And the men who hold high places
Must be the ones who start
To mold a new reality…🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎹🎤🎸
RUSH is my second favorite band of all time, however even I think that "The Yes Album" IS a TRUE CLASSIC in any ranking format! Comparable albums being "Moving Pictures" and "2112" being only slightly better than The Yes Album IMHO.
Rush .. one of the greatest progressive rock band of all times and one of my favourites ... three monsters and genious on their instruments ... i love them expecially in their first period ... 2112, A farewell to kings, emispheres, oermanet waves and moving pictures are MASTERPIECES... and when Neil passed by and they decided to stop i've cried river of tears ..
My brother introduced my to Rush with this album back in 1977. It just blew me away and I've been a huge fan since.
Being a drummer and being in to Deep Purple and Rainbow at the time. Neil Peart changed everything.
Woo-hoo! My favorite Rush album of all, and they're one od my top three favorite bands, along with Yes and the mightiest of mighty, Led Zeppelin 😁
Wow just wow! Rush is without a doubt one of the greatest of all time, so complex, so symphonic, so deep. Dare I say Doug is Rush now your favorite?
I saw them on that tour at the Fox theater in Atlanta. It was great. Sound was great. Acoustics great. Great. My first Rush concert. Balcony seats...great. Overall rating is Great.
I don't care what anyone else says. Geddy could sing. Fucking right he could.
#1 Greatest Rock Band Of All Time.💪RUSH👍
Rock Orchestration.
Instrumentally it's quite strong, lots of invention and variety. I saw them live for the first time on their first UK tour that preceded them recording this album at Rockfield in Wales. If memory serves Caress of Steel was the first album I bought, then Farewell to Kings. Honestly, I find Lee's voice a tough listen these days, and I've long since, over 40 years, ceased to listen to Rush, but I've quite enjoyed this revisit.
A farewell to Kings was my first Rush album, back in '79, I was 14. Still my favorite, with 2112 a close second.
Rip Neil❤
Rush started an amazing streak of brilliant albums starting with 2112. From that album through Moving Pictures, each of those five albums was in a separate league from anything they ever did before. All albums are prog, but each one is so different and unexpected. 2112 was heavy on the metal. A Farewell to Kings was pure prog. Hemispheres was a bit jazzy. Permanent Waves was rock but more compositional with classic overtures. And Moving Pictures was sort of everything combined and smoothed out and perfected. At the time, each album made us think "Where did they pull this from?" A Farewell to Kings is maybe my favorite because that was the first time I saw them and I found the whole album amazing. The song "A Farewell to Kings" is one of my absolute favorites. It feels so relevant even now over 40 years later.
For this album and Hemispheres, they played several of the songs at a soundstage (an auditorium at Seneca College in Toronto). Notice that they are wearing the same clothes in all these videos. A lot of their second album Fly By Night was video recorded in the same sort of way in a high school auditorium in Ohio that was set up for a performance of Romeo and Juliet. Listening to FBN for an upcoming episode of the Extended Play Lounge would help you understand the evolution of Rush, as FBN was the first album with Neil Peart as the percussionist.
Speaking of just "2112", it is considered to be THE greatest prog-rock song......ever. And by just these 3 virtuoso's. Amazing. As always, RIP to "The Professor".
17:33 - that's how I used to listen to Rush...most of us I suspect...lol
I was realizing how they changed chords pivoting around one note at the exactly time when point it out. Now i understand Rush 😁. Thanks Doug!
Farewell To Kings has such a complex and peculiar chord progression, really did open up my Rock and Roll/Heavy Metal ears in my youth
"Closer to the Heart" was the first Rush song to feature a non-member as a songwriter in Neil's friend Peter Talbot, while "Cinderella Man" has lyrics from Ged. It was a very key album coming off of 2112, and "Closer" was even something of a hit, especially in the UK. It gave them the freedom to swing for the fences on "Hemispheres" the most out-there Rush LP.
I screwed up last year when Primus was touring and doing this album for the second set and forgot to get my tickets in time. I had to work (security) on my night off and stand with my back to the stage, but it still sounded and felt amazing.
Alex does most of the work, while Neil and Ged steal all the spotlight. Probably the most under rated guitar player in modern history. IMO he was the most talented, not to take away anything from the others. He's just so good at what he does, that very few are able to understand the extent of it. As good a musician as he is a guitar player.
A Farewell To Kings, the track, has one if the best breaks into any song ever.
I love Geddy's voice at this stage of their career.
Love your revised reaction, these song are so complexed that a second reaction is beneficial.
Doug, more Rush albums Power Windows released in 1985. Favorite songs Grand Design, Marathon & Territories. 2112 released in 1976. Favorite songs Epic 2112 & Tears. Snakes & Arrows released in 2007. Favorite songs Far Cry & instrumental Main Monkey Business. Thank you for doing the songs Live. Xanadu incredible. Geddy did a solo album My Favorite Headache released in 2000. Favorite songs Grace to Grace, Runaway Train & Still.
Hi Doug ; thanks for that
Rush one of the very best bands
At that time was the album Mechanical Moonbeams from the Belgian band Machiavel ; a must to hear
You’re a true Rush fan when you play air guitar, drums and bass all in one song!
PJ Harvey and her song England.
I am an American and that song makes me cry everytime because i feel her love for her country as well as the love for My country and how disappointed in how i feel.
I wish "America" would live up to the words and standards and morals My nation was based upon.
Check it out.
Invisible to telescopic eye...infinity the star that would not dieeeeee
Doug .... Rush went head on crazy doing the next album Hemispheres/ so much time effort and drive....which is their best album . Farewell and the next 3 albums were Rush at their peak period.