@NorthernEar: this is the kind of song that, when you're an artist yourself, can induce two types of reaction: 1) you get inspired by it and you start thinking that you MUST also try and create a piece that reflects what you want to communicate to the world, or 2) you realize that you're never going to be able to match, let alone top that kind of mastery and that you should drop music and go into accounting instead. I have limited musical talent, and therefore I fall into the second category (though I didn't go into accounting!). But I think anyone with just an ounce of talent will get inspired by this and hopefully will try to emulate what this band created. And it doesn't have to be prog rock or metal. It could be pop or hip-hop or country or classical. As long as you don't listen to the priests, do whatever the f"%$ck you feel like doing and let the world be the judge. Amen, dammit!
Their first album, "Rush," had John Rutsey drumming. This is from their fourth album together, after John was replaced by Neil. It was released in 1976, 44 years ago. One of the masterpieces of rock, way ahead of its time. There are five other songs on the album, 2112 takes up all of one side. The other songs are very different, but hey, they're Rush tunes too. Well worth a listen. I was lucky enough to see them on the 2112 tour.
Actually they were 22/23 when they recorded this in Feb/Mar 1976 & released in April 1976. They were born September 12, 1952 (Neil), July 29, 1953 (Geddy) & August 27, 1953 (Alex), having turned 22/23 in 1975, but not yet has their next birthdays. Prodigies all 3.
One of my favorite all time, any guitarist, ever! The tone, the phrasing, all of it perfectly captures the moment. How anyone can listen to that solo and not feel something is beyond my comprehension.
Did Neil do this deliberately? "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation !" "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation!" "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation!" Seven words repeated 3 times = 21 "We have assumed control!" "We have assumed control!" "We have assumed control!" Four words repeated 3 times = 12 Thus, 2112
As an old school rush fan, I appreciate your attention to the music and especially the lyrics. Rush is the thinking person's band. The music is to be studied, immersed. You my friend, fellow rush fan, are one of the few reactors actually trying to get the whole of the song in one listen. Thank you
The bad notes and tuning the guitar is part of the overall concept of finding/discovering a guitar after it being banned for a long time. Great reaction, you figured it out.
Another one finds the greatest 21 minutes in rock and roll history...not just in musicianship but also, in fact arguably more, in spirit. Rush forever. RIP The Professor.
I can never go back in time and listen to the music I love and grew up on for the first time again, but being able to participate in seeing someone else discover it is, I imagine, almost as good. Especially if they have an ear for talent that comes from experience, as you most certainly do, and recognises that talent when it slaps them in the face and slams the door on their ass. Reminds me of sitting in the dark, listening to something with a friend who hasn't heard it yet, and nodding my fool head off because the friend "gets it', as you do time and time again. Loving your reactions, cheers.
I couldn't agree more. Remember how cool it was to get each new album and then wait impatiently for tour dates to be released? It renews my love of Rush and reminds me of when this music came out to see a young reactor like Tommy not only enjoy the music, but provide intelligent insights (unlike lots of other Rush reactions I've seen). He seems to have a genuine grasp of music theory, and he really GETS Rush both musically and lyrically.
@@starman6280 Tour dates were a big thing for me too, even if I lived 90 miles away from the nearest arena. We'd pool our money for gas, food, and booze and hope whichever car we decided to take would get us there and back... I think what I miss the most, though, is carefully slicing open the protective plastic cover, putting the record on the turn-table, and reading the lyrics, credits, and looking at the artwork on the inner and outer sleeves while the record played continuously until it was time to turn it over. Music was such a larger, immersive experience back then, and Tommy's reactions have some big similarities, and make me think of those times gone by.
@@bryannotbrian -My experience was almost exactly the same. Cover art was really special too. I remember being blown away when I finally understood all the subtleties of the album cover for Moving Pictures. That is the one that made me begin to pay close attention to the covers as well as the liner notes/lyrics. Music today is not the big deal it was back then. Music was difficult to obtain. I remember being thrilled to be invited to my friend's house to listen to "The Wall" when it was released. That was a $30 album and that was a lot of money in 1979/1980. We would listen to every track on any new album we were lucky enough to get, and learn to like everything presented, none of this picking out one track and ignoring the rest. I guess it kind of makes sense since the music kids listen to these days is pure crap, and they are lucky to find one decent track on an album.
BTW, this is the album which was a "do or die" for them as the two proceeding albums received progressively worse reviews. The record company was putting pressure on them for more radio-friendly mainstream type output, but they refused to comprise their creative integrity and released this as "sh*t or bust", and the world lapped it up. You'll forgive the comparison but you could nod in the direction of Bohemian Rhapsody as a piece which conventional wisdom says also shouldn't work commercially but does. Rush cemented a solid fan base and thumbed their noses at the record execs for their whole career and ended up as the musicians' musicians...
I would disagree with your analysis somewhat. FLY BY NIGHT was a kick ass album. and did well. Anthem and Fly By Night are Radio staples still to this day. BUT Caress of Steel bombed in sales and was misunderstood. RUSH had a 3 record contract. It was either get a new contact or goodbye by Mercury. Simple. But the rest is right. the album was a big go fk yourself. If this was it, they were going out their way.
This was the first exposure to Rush I had back in my early college days nearly 40 years ago. An unforgettable period that has given me a lifetime of listening to these guys ever since.
I've watched a lot of reactions to Rush, yours are the best I've seen to date. I really appreciate your attention to detail. I've been a Rush fan since 1979, I bought my first album from them then...I was 14.
I was 14 as well, but didn't discover Rush until Moving Pictures. I quickly discovered all of their previous albums. It was like opening a treasure chest each time. It's been almost 40 years now. I'm so lucky.
I'm 33 I've been listening to this song ever since I was old enough to remember it, it's honestly one of the songs that you find something new every time you listen.
Great reaction, I have been a Rush fan since I was 8 y/o I am now 54. It fills my heart with so much joy to see a new generation listen to and enjoy the music I grew up on. BTW if ya liked 2112 you will also like ..."The fountain of lamneth." From Rush's 3rd album ....Caress of steel. (All of side two)
The look of awe and wonderment on your face is so gratifying on this end, somehow. What a masterpiece! They were practically kids when they birthed this epic.
I love you reactions to Rush! They’re so pure and honest that they’re like a child discovering something for the first time, except that your understanding of music is advanced and your attention to detail in the first listen is beyond impressive. Thanks for these!
@@ThomasJ_Music I’m with James on this one. You feel the music, and this one got you good. Your channel was recommended for the “Whose Line ...?” reaction, and I’m glad I dug a little deeper. I have to check out your Porcupine Tree reaction next (only saw ‘Anesthetize’ listed on a quick scroll though). Best of luck in the channel’s 2nd year and beyond.
Great reaction - I've decided that the best reactors (you are in very select company) are the ones who understand something of the musicality and don't just blindly listen/watch and come out with glib statements. Looking forward to seeing and hearing more.
i have watched a few reaction videos to 2112 ,this is by far my favourite, think i reacted the same way the first time i heard it in 1978,it blew me away.
That was Side A on the vinyl of this album. Listen to Side B. It is not one continuous story like Side A, but has several classic RUSH songs, like Passage to Bangkok, Twilight Zone and Something for Nothing. I have said many times, and contend to this day, that this album is the best album ever written and recorded. Great reaction. Thanks for reminding me what it was like to hear this for the first time.
I love watching people’s reaction to this song hearing it from the first time. This comic book book version has a few flaws, but it helps first timers understand the story. And what a story it is.
2112 is not just one of their classic pieces, it's one of Rock's classics. It's very much structured like a classical music composition, and is technically an operetta. The Overture contains the musical themes (leitmotifs) of the individual pieces, all character parts are sung, it tells a story, and ends with a grand finale. Each section feels unique, but also feels like part of the whole. It's a great composition! People who don't know it shy away because they're not sure about listening to a 20+ minute song, but it engages you so thoroughly the time flies. The studio tried to steer them away from these long, progressive pieces, but this was so good, it became a gold record and gave them musical freedom. From this point on, the studios let them do whatever they wanted. The album itself was beautiful. It folded open and there were journal entries from "Anonymous" preceding each section and telling the story you see in the video, with the lyrics for each section being what you also see in the music video. The video was created decades after the album was released. The album really was a work of art.
I really enjoyed your live. As a massive Rush fangirl, I love seeing people hear them for the first time and become fans too. Your face was a picture several times last night, lol xx
Bought my first Rush in 1974. Caress of Steel. Read Anthem in 1970. Imagine my surprise when I purchased 2112 in 1975. Rush appeared 3 times in San Antonio after it came out in about a years time thanks to local DJ's from KISS radio Lou Roney and Joe "The Godfather" Anthoney and Stone City Attractions. KISS was a progressive radio station appearing simultaneously on AM and FM radio in the middle of the disco era. They often destroyed disco tapes and records on air and introduced us to unique and interesting ancient cultural practices such as the Mayans use of peyote via enigma. Not kidding, they laughed the whole way through as did local law enforcement which shortly thereafter began finding homemade improvised special "rigs" made to duplicate the process. During busts of course not during training sessions. At least I dont think so.....
Having the LP on vinyl, back in the day, with the liner notes, lyrics, and added story paragraphs, is what made this album stand out, and hooked me as a Rush fan. This is why I’m re-acquiring these albums on LP. Now do Hemispheres.
This is by far the best reaction to 2112 I have ever heard, You really get it, I've been listening to rush and especially 2112 for 45 years, I've heard it several thousand times, I've listened to it back-to-back more than once, And it still brings tears to my eyes and I still enjoy thoroughly. And yes there are more songs on this album and they are awesome also.
This song always brings a tear to my eye, especially when watching someone hearing it for the firt time. This is my "stranded on a desert island" album. I fear, from this point onward, you ( like me) will be rating any more music you hear on a scale of 1 to Rush.
I've been listening to this song for almost 33 years now. Listening to him discover the guitar... figure out how to tune it... start playing a progression, haltingly and nervous at first, then with more confidence, then start improvising and building on it... and the lyrics about the guitar... I get goosebumps every single time. It is storytelling on a level very few musicians are ever able to reach. It is truly artistic. Alex's use of dynamics, tempo, incorrect notes, etc. Just perfect. "Joyously screams out its pain" is a line that has always stuck in my mind.
This was the album/song that gave them their creative freedom from the label. They were being pushed into making singles like other artists of the day but Rush were determined to continue refining and expanding their sound so they came out with this masterpiece. It caught on with the fans and went on to become a huge success for them.
Just another couple of pieces of trivia about 2112: The guitar riff Alex plays at the end of Overture is recognizable as being from Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture (300 years before the setting of the song). The final words of the song allude to the number 2112, in a bit of a code ... "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation", three times 7 words × 3 iterations = 21 "We have assumed control", three times 4 words × 3 iterations = 12 Gotta love these guys! (I've been there since the beginning; their 1st album came out when I was in high school. Was lucky enough to be at the right places in the right era, and as a Canadian, I got to see them numerous times over the decades. They toured a lot up here, naturally, but especially in the '70s.)
First time I heard this album when it had just come out I heard it a friends house in his game room with Crown equipment playing through Klipsch La Scala speakers. Heavenly!! We all opened our eyes afterwards and just looked at each other in amazement. Will never forget it !!!
Fun fact.Syrinx is from the greek roughly meaning panpipe. In this musical context it is the vocal organ of most birds, a modified trachea,allowing their song
The first time I heard this song was in 1976 and I was 14 years old. "Shshshiiiit..." was my exact reaction to it as well. It is my favorite song ever since then.
This piece shows us the true face of Totalitarianism and Theocracy, and it also makes a powerful case against despair. This piece is NOT about the music industry, I don't know who came up with that, but this album WAS Rush giving Mercury Records the big stankin middle finger!! Lol... But the concept was about Autocratic Tyranny being challenged and ultimately defeated by an inspired culture that encourages individualism.
Yes that is them! (At the line, "They left our planet long ago..." From left to right, Alex, Geddy, Neil. On another note, how can you listen to Alex's solo during Soliloquy and not acknowledge him as one of the top 5 rock guitarists ever? He has a style of his own and incorporates numerous master musician techniques. Proper use of whammy bar, check. Pinch harmonics and bell tones, oh yeah. Pick slide, uh huh. Note bending goodness...hell yeah! Crazy face-melting arpeggios played with incredible precision...BOOYAH! Guy is a legend, along with Geddy and Neil.
I always thought the protagonist killed himself, but the Rush-produced video says otherwise. Either way, this song was essential survival material for my teenage self.
I agree. I swear I read somewhere years ago that that was Neil's intent when he wrote the story .. but I don't remember where or when. Lol... Good to know after 30 years that he actually lived.. 😁
@@lvgelfling72 As this track was a metaphor for their rebellion against the Record Label, they were accepting fate that they may well have been committing professional suicide by producing this. At time of writing they obviously didn't know whether they would succeed or not ... hence the ambiguous ending. However, they did in the end survive thus they video reflects that. Just applying a little David Lynch like logic into the meta commentary :)
This is what started Rush down the path of success. Fortunately for them enough people discovered it without radio airplay and had the same reaction you did. :-)
“Attention all planets of the solar federation” 7 words said 3 times (7x3=21) “We have assumed control” 4 words said 3 times (4x3=12) Coincidence? Knowing how much thought Neil put into his lyrics I doubt it...
2112 record has never been one of my personal fav Rush albums (always been more drawn to 80's records), but thanks so much for this review. Your passion and enthusiasm just gave me a whole new appreciation of it. Like discovering Rush all over again. Kudos brother!
I'm so glad you watched this video version of 2112. I'm so glad you appreciate the fact that a big part of Rush is the lyrics. I'm so glad you understand the song.
Yep. A big two fingers and a raspberry to their record label at the time. They asked them to 'make hits' after Caress of Steel somewhat bombed, sales wise (it's a good album though). Rush gave them this instead. It sold millions.The label let them do what they wanted after 2112. That cartoon video is superb. The new cartoon video for The Spirit of Radio has lots of easter eggs for Rush fans. Now that you've listened to a bit, check it out and see how many you pick up on. Plenty of Rush fans around to help you spot 'em if you need help!
Just to add, they were ready to walk away from the music business, actually calling it the "Down the tubes" tour. Alex was quoted as saying he'd rather go back to working in his dads store than to make the music the record label wanted them to.
This was the first album/song I ever heard from Rush and got me completely hooked. From here I went on to Hemispheres...and then Moving Picture and everything else...and what an amazing journey it has been. Clockwork Angels is the bookend to this album and their career... intended to provide a counterpoint to the perspective of this album and the approach to insurmountable odds. This album was the hill they were going to metaphorically die on rather than compromise their principals for...
Mercury Records was the band's record label company for their 2nd and 3rd albums. Mercury approved the making of the 4th album without knowing anything about it. The album was released in the Spring of 1976. However, the band joined a new record label company, Anthem Records, which was created in 1977 specifically to give the band more creative freedom. Anthem has been Rush's record label ever since.
I came in at the end of this song during your livestream. Great reaction. With so many 'fake' reactions out there I can tell that yours was truly genuine because it absolutely mirrored my reaction back when I first heard it in the 70's. I played it over and over and over, and I still do to this very day. Rush was a band that I always said was great. I first discovered them in the early 70's and I have seen them live in concert at least twenty times. During Rush's entire career critics said that Rush was overblown, and not worth listening to. This went on even though they were a success with their albums, in concert and on the radio. The fans (known as the Rush army) always supported and loved them as demonstrated in their record sales. The critics continued with their uninformed rants right up until Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I was so happy when they were inducted knowing that Rush finally got what they deserved. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see a new generation of people realizing the genius of Rush. It is my greatest wish to see Rush go into the pantheons of music right alongside each of the greatest composers of all time.
Watching you react to this brings back when I first discovered Rush in tenth grade (1983). What a revelation they were! Intelligent, meaningful lyrics with expert songwriting and musicianship! You have so much more of this band to discover, my friend! Enjoy the journey!
Important note: This Sci-fi rock opera is a variation on a novella by the famous author Ayn Rand. The novella is named "Anthem", which happens to also be the name of another Rush song. You can see lots of Rand influence on Neil Peart's lyrics during this era. Rand was most famous for "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged".
Not bad for a trio of Canadian kids at 23/24 when they made and toured with this. Beiber is 26, Drake is 34 , Taylor swift is 30. They suck in age comparison. You need to listen to this song 4 times, to appreciate it. Geddy’s bass, Alex Guitar, Neils drums, and Neils lyrics! All tie into an awesome song. Great reaction!!! You don’t realize the running time is 21 min on this beauty, talk about time warp!!
Great Reaction!! You got the story exactly! This was their big kiss my ass to the music industry!! During one on those videos our protagonist does actually die (which he does in the story) they are absolutely amazing! And they never caved to anyone! They wrote the music they loved and hoped other people loved it too!! Never sellouts!!
Yes this was the "do or die" album but for those of us who had heard or seen them we would of held on forever. The record company had given them an ultimatum to make a radio friendly album, but they decided to give them a finger and we thank them for it. Love Rush. From a poor old man from northern New York who grew up listening to Canadian radio stations.
I mad a tape of Rush songs, back around ‘85-‘86. Whenever I hear those last notes ending from 2112, I can’t help but think of the guitar intro from ‘Lessons’ and how it starts quietly & slowly picks up volume. My 2 favorite songs from that album.
There is a b/w live video from 1976, 2112 live at the capital theatre 12-10-76, that is phenomenal. It is available on UA-cam. Check it out if you haven’t heard it.
When I first heard rush but I was 13 or 14 that was my experience. I didn’t know what I had heard. My mind didn’t know how to process the information that was coming to me at the time because everything that was in it was everything else besides Rush. It was Jazz or big band. My dad used to manage a nightclub and we would go there as kids listen to jazz and big bands. Also I heard just about every rock band in the seventies but not Rush. I still listen to Rush to this day and I still find things that I didn’t hear before.
This was the album that made such impression on as a kid. Coming out in 1976 I was 11 and it just blew me away. Someone let me borrow this album and said if you love scifi books you'll love this. They weren't wrong. I fell in love with this band after listening to side 1. As I grew as a listener I came to appreciate them for their skills as musicians. I ended up making several of my friends fans as well and the first song I introduced them to was 2112. I still get blamed for their Rush habits. I'm totally ok with that. I found your channel after finding your Rush reactions. It is always a joy to watch someone discover them for the first time. I hope you continue to enjoy your Rush journey and I'll be watching for more reactions.
2112 and Hemispheres are two of my favorite "classical music" pieces and I place them with Der Ring des Nibelungen by Wagner and the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. They are symphonies and Opera as only a modern composer could create. Now that Neil is gone I fear we will not hear the like of these pieces again. 2112 changed my life when I first heard it in high school many decades ago and I still enjoy listening to from time to time all these years later. Respectful reaction Tommy, as I've come to expect from you.
2112 is Rush's magnum opus. After the success of this album, the record company left them alone. As a kid growing up near Rush's hometown, nearly everyone I knew had this record. A bunch of us skipped school on a Friday afternoon, went to this one guy's house to drink beer & he put this on. It blew my mind. BTW, 2112 took up the entire 1st side of the album, the second side was 5 shorter sides. A Passage to Bangkok, Twilight Zone & Something for Nothing from this side should also be on your list. Also try Camera Eye & Natural Science.
I really appreciate your reactions and how you actually get what's going on which differentiates you from many doing similar videos. Because of the passing of Neil Peart, there is no new Rush content for Rush fans, and there never will be. There are no "lost" studio recordings because of a song was worth working on they put it on a record. So it's content producers like you who provide Rush fans with new content, and to see someone truly appreciate the nuances that we have loved over the years is quite special. In particular, the way 2112 moved you was a thing of joy to see. Keep them coming, please - I'd be particularly interested to hear your take on Limelight, which is Neil's reaction to the fame that 2112 provided.
I don't remember when and where I was when I heard a lot of music in my life, but I will never forget when I first heard this. I was about 15 years old, and my best friend popped this cassette into a boom box and blew me away. I remember it took me about a week to flip the cassette over and listen to the other side of the album, which in fact has some of my favorite Rush tracks on it with Tears, Lessons, Twilight Zone, and Passage. I wasn't interested in those at the time though, at 15 years old I just wanted to hear 2112. Great reaction, mine was very similar.
The greatest Rock story ever told, and this was just one of them by this band. Farewell to Kings, and Hemispheres are two albums with one story. 2112 changed how I thought about music. In 1978 a distant cousin of mine sat me down put the album cover in my hand and made me listen to this. It changed me. Decades later Dave Grhol at Rush's introduction to the Hall of Fame explained his first time hearing 2112 very much the same way. His description really took me back even down to the album cover having a bit of a sticky substance on it. Because we too had just used it as a rolling tray. This album made me become a musician. And a life time Rush fanatic.
Rush was told NOT to make another concept Album but they did what they wanted, even if it meant they lost their record contract. 2112 was a slap in the industries face and it became a huge success and gave Rush their FREEDOM to not have to bow anymore. The song 2112 spread by word of mouth, not radio.
No problem with your breaks...when you listen to a masterpiece like this, that is acceptable and I truly enjoyed your comments....I felt the same way the first time O heard it 40 years ago...great great band, especially live if you had the chance...but honestly...this tune is better the more times you hear it.😊
The album was dedicated to the Genius of Ayn Rand and is a rock opera version if you will of Anthem, a short sci fi novel in which the individual has been sacrificed for the collective. There is no "I" only we and they. Names have been replaced by numbers. On UA-cam you can find a comic book serial version of it suitable for a classroom setting.
Great reaction. Wish I could have seen it live. I am sure you got the answer, but 2112 is side one of the album 2112. Side 2 has A Passage to Bangkok, The Twilight Zone, Lessons and Tears. These are all great songs as well! The Fountain of Lamneth from Carress of Steel is another great 17 min song. Geddys voice is beyond perfect. Carress if Steel was the album before 2112 that did horribly and a lot of people call it the burnout album. I'm fairly sure Geddy has even said they were smoking a lot of weed during the album, lol. Anyway, you should add to the list. 😬
Hey bud this is my first video of yours and its made me a fan already. I can't wait to check out your other vids. My first reaction to this back in 1980 was heavy as well. welcome to the Rush family! enjoy the rabbit hole my friend, its deeeeep!
The record studio execs had no idea what to make of 2112. They thought it was bullshit. It was all of the tech folk at the record company who told them, "No, this is something amazing - you have to put this out!" That finially convinced them.
Thank you ... I have watched a lot Rush reaction videos as they have been my favourite band since 1975 when I first heard them on the Friday Rock Show via a crackly cheap radio/cassette player. I like the fact that you are commenting on them as a musician and that is the reason that you are the only youtube channel I have ever subscribed to. Please continue as it brings a smile to my face now I am in my 50s. I have seen them three times live (including at the MEN in Manchester) and it is a little sad you won't have the opportunity to see them given Neil's passing. My personal track I go back to many times is Middletown Dreams of the album, Powerwindows, which is perhaps not that fashionable, being later and has a very different sound. Maybe, you may find time to listen to it. Thanks again.
@NorthernEar: this is the kind of song that, when you're an artist yourself, can induce two types of reaction: 1) you get inspired by it and you start thinking that you MUST also try and create a piece that reflects what you want to communicate to the world, or 2) you realize that you're never going to be able to match, let alone top that kind of mastery and that you should drop music and go into accounting instead.
I have limited musical talent, and therefore I fall into the second category (though I didn't go into accounting!). But I think anyone with just an ounce of talent will get inspired by this and hopefully will try to emulate what this band created. And it doesn't have to be prog rock or metal. It could be pop or hip-hop or country or classical. As long as you don't listen to the priests, do whatever the f"%$ck you feel like doing and let the world be the judge.
Amen, dammit!
Pinning this. Love it
Their first album, "Rush," had John Rutsey drumming. This is from their fourth album together, after John was replaced by Neil. It was released in 1976, 44 years ago. One of the masterpieces of rock, way ahead of its time. There are five other songs on the album, 2112 takes up all of one side. The other songs are very different, but hey, they're Rush tunes too. Well worth a listen. I was lucky enough to see them on the 2112 tour.
Amen
They were 24/25 years old when they made this. Let that sink in.
Actually they were 22/23 when they recorded this in Feb/Mar 1976 & released in April 1976. They were born September 12, 1952 (Neil), July 29, 1953 (Geddy) & August 27, 1953 (Alex), having turned 22/23 in 1975, but not yet has their next birthdays. Prodigies all 3.
Great comment :) Peace!
I still believe Soliloquy is one of Alex's great guitar solos. It just communicates the man's pain, so beautifully.
He is a wounded soul
I've ALWAYS thought that!
I've always thought that as well. The guitar sounds like it's crying.
One of my favorite all time, any guitarist, ever! The tone, the phrasing, all of it perfectly captures the moment. How anyone can listen to that solo and not feel something is beyond my comprehension.
Amazing that this is only their fourth album and they would go on to record for 40 years!
This is how all Rush fans are born, you FEEL the music and the meaning then discover the musicianship and the talent...the rest is history,,,ijs
Did Neil do this deliberately?
"Attention all planets of the Solar Federation !"
"Attention all planets of the Solar Federation!"
"Attention all planets of the Solar Federation!"
Seven words repeated 3 times = 21
"We have assumed control!"
"We have assumed control!"
"We have assumed control!"
Four words repeated 3 times = 12
Thus, 2112
🤯
Never, ever question the Peart's motives.
I'm sure everything he does is intentional.
The answer is obviously yes. It's Neil effing Peart we're talking about
He’s a drummer after all, so he’s a master at using numbers creatively.
Sounds like Feb 2021 to me
As an old school rush fan, I appreciate your attention to the music and especially the lyrics. Rush is the thinking person's band. The music is to be studied, immersed. You my friend, fellow rush fan, are one of the few reactors actually trying to get the whole of the song in one listen. Thank you
It is always nice to find an excuse to relisten to 2112 again!
I've watched a lot of 2112 reactions and you sir are the first one to correctly analyze the meaning
Thank you!
"Rush are the high priests of conceptual metal" - Kirk Hammett.
This was their 4th album side A, recorded in 1976. You'll never spend a better 20 minutes and 41 seconds.
The bad notes and tuning the guitar is part of the overall concept of finding/discovering a guitar after it being banned for a long time. Great reaction, you figured it out.
2112 the Rush song that made me a Rush fan 42 years ago. EPIC!
soliloquy is my favourite part. The emotion in this section, vocally and musically is beautiful.
Another one finds the greatest 21 minutes in rock and roll history...not just in musicianship but also, in fact arguably more, in spirit. Rush forever. RIP The Professor.
I can never go back in time and listen to the music I love and grew up on for the first time again, but being able to participate in seeing someone else discover it is, I imagine, almost as good. Especially if they have an ear for talent that comes from experience, as you most certainly do, and recognises that talent when it slaps them in the face and slams the door on their ass. Reminds me of sitting in the dark, listening to something with a friend who hasn't heard it yet, and nodding my fool head off because the friend "gets it', as you do time and time again. Loving your reactions, cheers.
I couldn't agree more.
Remember how cool it was to get each new album and then wait impatiently for tour dates to be released? It renews my love of Rush and reminds me of when this music came out to see a young reactor like Tommy not only enjoy the music, but provide intelligent insights (unlike lots of other Rush reactions I've seen). He seems to have a genuine grasp of music theory, and he really GETS Rush both musically and lyrically.
@@starman6280 Tour dates were a big thing for me too, even if I lived 90 miles away from the nearest arena. We'd pool our money for gas, food, and booze and hope whichever car we decided to take would get us there and back... I think what I miss the most, though, is carefully slicing open the protective plastic cover, putting the record on the turn-table, and reading the lyrics, credits, and looking at the artwork on the inner and outer sleeves while the record played continuously until it was time to turn it over. Music was such a larger, immersive experience back then, and Tommy's reactions have some big similarities, and make me think of those times gone by.
@@bryannotbrian -My experience was almost exactly the same. Cover art was really special too. I remember being blown away when I finally understood all the subtleties of the album cover for Moving Pictures. That is the one that made me begin to pay close attention to the covers as well as the liner notes/lyrics.
Music today is not the big deal it was back then. Music was difficult to obtain. I remember being thrilled to be invited to my friend's house to listen to "The Wall" when it was released. That was a $30 album and that was a lot of money in 1979/1980. We would listen to every track on any new album we were lucky enough to get, and learn to like everything presented, none of this picking out one track and ignoring the rest. I guess it kind of makes sense since the music kids listen to these days is pure crap, and they are lucky to find one decent track on an album.
One of the most EPIC pieces of music ever recorded. True Genius
BTW, this is the album which was a "do or die" for them as the two proceeding albums received progressively worse reviews. The record company was putting pressure on them for more radio-friendly mainstream type output, but they refused to comprise their creative integrity and released this as "sh*t or bust", and the world lapped it up. You'll forgive the comparison but you could nod in the direction of Bohemian Rhapsody as a piece which conventional wisdom says also shouldn't work commercially but does. Rush cemented a solid fan base and thumbed their noses at the record execs for their whole career and ended up as the musicians' musicians...
I would disagree with your analysis somewhat. FLY BY NIGHT was a kick ass album. and did well. Anthem and Fly By Night are Radio staples still to this day. BUT Caress of Steel bombed in sales and was misunderstood. RUSH had a 3 record contract. It was either get a new contact or goodbye by Mercury. Simple. But the rest is right. the album was a big go fk yourself. If this was it, they were going out their way.
@@TheCanuck1962 fair enough guv. I stand corrected...
@@TheCanuck1962 and caress of steel is a classic Bastille day the necromancer pure class
Yes, it was a turning point for them once they 'assumed control'.
This was the first exposure to Rush I had back in my early college days nearly 40 years ago. An unforgettable period that has given me a lifetime of listening to these guys ever since.
I've watched a lot of reactions to Rush, yours are the best I've seen to date. I really appreciate your attention to detail. I've been a Rush fan since 1979, I bought my first album from them then...I was 14.
Thank you!
I was 14 as well, but didn't discover Rush until Moving Pictures. I quickly discovered all of their previous albums. It was like opening a treasure chest each time. It's been almost 40 years now. I'm so lucky.
I'm just a bit older; their first album came out when I was in high school. Instant fan! 😁
Same year for me, though I was 15 or 16 at the time.
I agree, you're reacting to the music, where others are going through the motions.
Thank you so much!
I'm 33 I've been listening to this song ever since I was old enough to remember it, it's honestly one of the songs that you find something new every time you listen.
Great reaction, I have been a Rush fan since I was 8 y/o I am now 54. It fills my heart with so much joy to see a new generation listen to and enjoy the music I grew up on. BTW if ya liked 2112 you will also like ..."The fountain of lamneth." From Rush's 3rd album ....Caress of steel. (All of side two)
The look of awe and wonderment on your face is so gratifying on this end, somehow.
What a masterpiece!
They were practically kids when they birthed this epic.
Discovery is the sweetest and gentlest piece of music and it never fails to make
me tear up.
I love you reactions to Rush! They’re so pure and honest that they’re like a child discovering something for the first time, except that your understanding of music is advanced and your attention to detail in the first listen is beyond impressive. Thanks for these!
Thanks James! Much appreciated! Glad you’re enjoying them!
@@ThomasJ_Music I’m with James on this one. You feel the music, and this one got you good.
Your channel was recommended for the “Whose Line ...?” reaction, and I’m glad I dug a little deeper. I have to check out your Porcupine Tree reaction next (only saw ‘Anesthetize’ listed on a quick scroll though). Best of luck in the channel’s 2nd year and beyond.
@@sgtBelson thank you! Glad you found it in the most unlikely of circumstances! Goes to show doing other stuff apart from music can really help! :)
Great reaction - I've decided that the best reactors (you are in very select company) are the ones who understand something of the musicality and don't just blindly listen/watch and come out with glib statements. Looking forward to seeing and hearing more.
Thank you!
i have watched a few reaction videos to 2112 ,this is by far my favourite, think i reacted the same way the first time i heard it in 1978,it blew me away.
That was Side A on the vinyl of this album. Listen to Side B. It is not one continuous story like Side A, but has several classic RUSH songs, like Passage to Bangkok, Twilight Zone and Something for Nothing. I have said many times, and contend to this day, that this album is the best album ever written and recorded.
Great reaction. Thanks for reminding me what it was like to hear this for the first time.
I love watching people’s reaction to this song hearing it from the first time. This comic book book version has a few flaws, but it helps first timers understand the story. And what a story it is.
2112 is not just one of their classic pieces, it's one of Rock's classics. It's very much structured like a classical music composition, and is technically an operetta. The Overture contains the musical themes (leitmotifs) of the individual pieces, all character parts are sung, it tells a story, and ends with a grand finale. Each section feels unique, but also feels like part of the whole. It's a great composition! People who don't know it shy away because they're not sure about listening to a 20+ minute song, but it engages you so thoroughly the time flies. The studio tried to steer them away from these long, progressive pieces, but this was so good, it became a gold record and gave them musical freedom. From this point on, the studios let them do whatever they wanted. The album itself was beautiful. It folded open and there were journal entries from "Anonymous" preceding each section and telling the story you see in the video, with the lyrics for each section being what you also see in the music video. The video was created decades after the album was released. The album really was a work of art.
I love how Alex makes the pitter-patter sound of rain with the guitar after the "Gently like rain" line. These guys are so detailed :)
Welcome to the “smelling salt” of music👍🏽🌴🌴👏🏽👏🏽
Love this!
I really enjoyed your live. As a massive Rush fangirl, I love seeing people hear them for the first time and become fans too. Your face was a picture several times last night, lol xx
Agreed 😊
Absolutely! It was great to see!
Bought my first Rush in 1974. Caress of Steel. Read Anthem in 1970. Imagine my surprise when I purchased 2112 in 1975. Rush appeared 3 times in San Antonio after it came out in about a years time thanks to local DJ's from KISS radio Lou Roney and Joe "The Godfather" Anthoney and Stone City Attractions. KISS was a progressive radio station appearing simultaneously on AM and FM radio in the middle of the disco era. They often destroyed disco tapes and records on air and introduced us to unique and interesting ancient cultural practices such as the Mayans use of peyote via enigma. Not kidding, they laughed the whole way through as did local law enforcement which shortly thereafter began finding homemade improvised special "rigs" made to duplicate the process. During busts of course not during training sessions. At least I dont think so.....
Having the LP on vinyl, back in the day, with the liner notes, lyrics, and added story paragraphs, is what made this album stand out, and hooked me as a Rush fan. This is why I’m re-acquiring these albums on LP.
Now do Hemispheres.
This is by far the best reaction to 2112 I have ever heard, You really get it, I've been listening to rush and especially 2112 for 45 years, I've heard it several thousand times, I've listened to it back-to-back more than once, And it still brings tears to my eyes and I still enjoy thoroughly.
And yes there are more songs on this album and they are awesome also.
This song always brings a tear to my eye, especially when watching someone hearing it for the firt time. This is my "stranded on a desert island" album.
I fear, from this point onward, you ( like me) will be rating any more music you hear on a scale of 1 to Rush.
I've been listening to this song for almost 33 years now. Listening to him discover the guitar... figure out how to tune it... start playing a progression, haltingly and nervous at first, then with more confidence, then start improvising and building on it... and the lyrics about the guitar... I get goosebumps every single time. It is storytelling on a level very few musicians are ever able to reach. It is truly artistic. Alex's use of dynamics, tempo, incorrect notes, etc. Just perfect. "Joyously screams out its pain" is a line that has always stuck in my mind.
You seem to really get Rush
I love it!
To ME only The Fountain of Lamneth was equally epic, if not better. So better don't miss THAT one... Greets from Germany, stay safe!
@Michael Palmer always...
This was the album/song that gave them their creative freedom from the label. They were being pushed into making singles like other artists of the day but Rush were determined to continue refining and expanding their sound so they came out with this masterpiece. It caught on with the fans and went on to become a huge success for them.
The song that specifically is about the music industry, and how music was distributed back in the day, is The Spirit of Radio.
Just another couple of pieces of trivia about 2112:
The guitar riff Alex plays at the end of Overture is recognizable as being from Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture (300 years before the setting of the song).
The final words of the song allude to the number 2112, in a bit of a code ...
"Attention all planets of the Solar Federation", three times
7 words × 3 iterations = 21
"We have assumed control", three times
4 words × 3 iterations = 12
Gotta love these guys! (I've been there since the beginning; their 1st album came out when I was in high school. Was lucky enough to be at the right places in the right era, and as a Canadian, I got to see them numerous times over the decades. They toured a lot up here, naturally, but especially in the '70s.)
First time I heard this album when it had just come out I heard it a friends house in his game room with Crown equipment playing through Klipsch La Scala speakers. Heavenly!!
We all opened our eyes afterwards and just looked at each other in amazement. Will never forget it !!!
Fun fact.Syrinx is from the greek roughly meaning panpipe. In this musical context it is the vocal organ of most birds, a modified trachea,allowing their song
My first intro to Rush was 2112. So probably my favorite album ever. Thanks. Much joy watching. We have assumed control
The first time I heard this song was in 1976 and I was 14 years old. "Shshshiiiit..." was my exact reaction to it as well. It is my favorite song ever since then.
If you count this as a song, it is,... The Best Song Ever.
This piece shows us the true face of Totalitarianism and Theocracy, and it also makes a powerful case against despair. This piece is NOT about the music industry, I don't know who came up with that, but this album WAS Rush giving Mercury Records the big stankin middle finger!! Lol...
But the concept was about Autocratic Tyranny being challenged and ultimately defeated by an inspired culture that encourages individualism.
Yes that is them! (At the line, "They left our planet long ago..." From left to right, Alex, Geddy, Neil. On another note, how can you listen to Alex's solo during Soliloquy and not acknowledge him as one of the top 5 rock guitarists ever? He has a style of his own and incorporates numerous master musician techniques. Proper use of whammy bar, check. Pinch harmonics and bell tones, oh yeah. Pick slide, uh huh. Note bending goodness...hell yeah! Crazy face-melting arpeggios played with incredible precision...BOOYAH! Guy is a legend, along with Geddy and Neil.
I always thought the protagonist killed himself, but the Rush-produced video says otherwise. Either way, this song was essential survival material for my teenage self.
I agree. I swear I read somewhere years ago that that was Neil's intent when he wrote the story .. but I don't remember where or when. Lol... Good to know after 30 years that he actually lived.. 😁
@@lvgelfling72
"My spirits are low in the depths of despair
My lifeblood
Spills over"
yeah he killed himself
@@harryhager4128 why do suppose they had him survive in the video.?
@@lvgelfling72 They're older? or maybe they didn't notice
@@lvgelfling72 As this track was a metaphor for their rebellion against the Record Label, they were accepting fate that they may well have been committing professional suicide by producing this. At time of writing they obviously didn't know whether they would succeed or not ... hence the ambiguous ending. However, they did in the end survive thus they video reflects that. Just applying a little David Lynch like logic into the meta commentary :)
This is what started Rush down the path of success. Fortunately for them enough people discovered it without radio airplay and had the same reaction you did. :-)
On a further note, this is one of those songs that makes you think to yourself once you've finished listening to it, "Damn, that was a great song."
“Attention all planets of the solar federation”
7 words said 3 times (7x3=21)
“We have assumed control”
4 words said 3 times (4x3=12)
Coincidence? Knowing how much thought Neil put into his lyrics I doubt it...
Imo. That is "The" song. If I had one chance to listen to any track before death this is it!!!!
The success of 2112 allowed them to make anything they wanted.
2112 record has never been one of my personal fav Rush albums (always been more drawn to 80's records), but thanks so much for this review. Your passion and enthusiasm just gave me a whole new appreciation of it. Like discovering Rush all over again. Kudos brother!
Thanks carl
I'm so glad you watched this video version of 2112. I'm so glad you appreciate the fact that a big part of Rush is the lyrics. I'm so glad you understand the song.
Yep. A big two fingers and a raspberry to their record label at the time. They asked them to 'make hits' after Caress of Steel somewhat bombed, sales wise (it's a good album though). Rush gave them this instead. It sold millions.The label let them do what they wanted after 2112. That cartoon video is superb. The new cartoon video for The Spirit of Radio has lots of easter eggs for Rush fans. Now that you've listened to a bit, check it out and see how many you pick up on. Plenty of Rush fans around to help you spot 'em if you need help!
Just to add, they were ready to walk away from the music business, actually calling it the "Down the tubes" tour. Alex was quoted as saying he'd rather go back to working in his dads store than to make the music the record label wanted them to.
This was the first album/song I ever heard from Rush and got me completely hooked. From here I went on to Hemispheres...and then Moving Picture and everything else...and what an amazing journey it has been.
Clockwork Angels is the bookend to this album and their career... intended to provide a counterpoint to the perspective of this album and the approach to insurmountable odds. This album was the hill they were going to metaphorically die on rather than compromise their principals for...
Mercury Records was the band's record label company for their 2nd and 3rd albums. Mercury approved the making of the 4th album without knowing anything about it. The album was released in the Spring of 1976.
However, the band joined a new record label company, Anthem Records, which was created in 1977 specifically to give the band more creative freedom. Anthem has been Rush's record label ever since.
i love his voice soso much in that sound. THat ending is just incredible, a brillant masterpiece !
I came in at the end of this song during your livestream. Great reaction. With so many 'fake' reactions out there I can tell that yours was truly genuine because it absolutely mirrored my reaction back when I first heard it in the 70's. I played it over and over and over, and I still do to this very day.
Rush was a band that I always said was great. I first discovered them in the early 70's and I have seen them live in concert at least twenty times. During Rush's entire career critics said that Rush was overblown, and not worth listening to. This went on even though they were a success with their albums, in concert and on the radio. The fans (known as the Rush army) always supported and loved them as demonstrated in their record sales. The critics continued with their uninformed rants right up until Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I was so happy when they were inducted knowing that Rush finally got what they deserved. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see a new generation of people realizing the genius of Rush. It is my greatest wish to see Rush go into the pantheons of music right alongside each of the greatest composers of all time.
Watching you react to this brings back when I first discovered Rush in tenth grade (1983). What a revelation they were! Intelligent, meaningful lyrics with expert songwriting and musicianship! You have so much more of this band to discover, my friend! Enjoy the journey!
I'm 60 yrs old this year and I still listen to this song as when I first heard it
Important note: This Sci-fi rock opera is a variation on a novella by the famous author Ayn Rand. The novella is named "Anthem", which happens to also be the name of another Rush song. You can see lots of Rand influence on Neil Peart's lyrics during this era. Rand was most famous for "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged".
Not bad for a trio of Canadian kids at 23/24 when they made and toured with this. Beiber is 26, Drake is 34 , Taylor swift is 30. They suck in age comparison.
You need to listen to this song 4 times, to appreciate it. Geddy’s bass, Alex Guitar, Neils drums, and Neils lyrics! All tie into an awesome song. Great reaction!!! You don’t realize the running time is 21 min on this beauty, talk about time warp!!
They missed an opportunity to make the song last 21:12 tbf! 😂
I'm touched that you were touched by this
Great Reaction!! You got the story exactly! This was their big kiss my ass to the music industry!! During one on those videos our protagonist does actually die (which he does in the story) they are absolutely amazing! And they never caved to anyone! They wrote the music they loved and hoped other people loved it too!! Never sellouts!!
Fun Fact: A "syrinx" is a bird's voice box. Humans have a larynx. Birds have a syrinx. Kind of ironic the way it's used in the story.
No way! I guess I never analyzed RUSH metaphorically till I watched this channel
Actually a syrinx is also a fluid filled cyst that forms on the spinal cord as well. 🤷♂️ 🧠
the rush fandom are so clever
@@naturalginger999 Is that sarcasm
@@lepantoslim7058 no not at all - its true we are well versed in Rush lore
Yes this was the "do or die" album but for those of us who had heard or seen them we would of held on forever. The record company had given them an ultimatum to make a radio friendly album, but they decided to give them a finger and we thank them for it. Love Rush. From a poor old man from northern New York who grew up listening to Canadian radio stations.
P.S. I take great pleasure watching people see greatness!
I mad a tape of Rush songs, back around ‘85-‘86. Whenever I hear those last notes ending from 2112, I can’t help but think of the guitar intro from ‘Lessons’ and how it starts quietly & slowly picks up volume. My 2 favorite songs from that album.
There is a b/w live video from 1976, 2112 live at the capital theatre 12-10-76, that is phenomenal. It is available on UA-cam. Check it out if you haven’t heard it.
I love your reaction to Discovery. So spot on!
When I first heard rush but I was 13 or 14 that was my experience. I didn’t know what I had heard. My mind didn’t know how to process the information that was coming to me at the time because everything that was in it was everything else besides Rush. It was Jazz or big band. My dad used to manage a nightclub and we would go there as kids listen to jazz and big bands. Also I heard just about every rock band in the seventies but not Rush. I still listen to Rush to this day and I still find things that I didn’t hear before.
This was the album that made such impression on as a kid. Coming out in 1976 I was 11 and it just blew me away. Someone let me borrow this album and said if you love scifi books you'll love this. They weren't wrong. I fell in love with this band after listening to side 1. As I grew as a listener I came to appreciate them for their skills as musicians. I ended up making several of my friends fans as well and the first song I introduced them to was 2112. I still get blamed for their Rush habits. I'm totally ok with that. I found your channel after finding your Rush reactions. It is always a joy to watch someone discover them for the first time. I hope you continue to enjoy your Rush journey and I'll be watching for more reactions.
Early Rush, the album that made them God's of their destiny.1975 I was 6 and heard it first when I was 9. Blew my mind then still does now
2112 and Hemispheres are two of my favorite "classical music" pieces and I place them with Der Ring des Nibelungen by Wagner and the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. They are symphonies and Opera as only a modern composer could create. Now that Neil is gone I fear we will not hear the like of these pieces again. 2112 changed my life when I first heard it in high school many decades ago and I still enjoy listening to from time to time all these years later. Respectful reaction Tommy, as I've come to expect from you.
2112 is Rush's magnum opus. After the success of this album, the record company left them alone. As a kid growing up near Rush's hometown, nearly everyone I knew had this record. A bunch of us skipped school on a Friday afternoon, went to this one guy's house to drink beer & he put this on. It blew my mind. BTW, 2112 took up the entire 1st side of the album, the second side was 5 shorter sides. A Passage to Bangkok, Twilight Zone & Something for Nothing from this side should also be on your list. Also try Camera Eye & Natural Science.
No that was just on one side of the album. On the other side were individual songs including "Something for Nothing" and "Twilight Zone".
Passage to Bangkok! :)
@@michaelbriefs9764 And LESSONS
@@spacecowboy_1962 don’t forget tears
I so love watching you getting to experience all this for the very first time. And yes, it’s crushing... Anonymous dies in vein.
I really appreciate your reactions and how you actually get what's going on which differentiates you from many doing similar videos. Because of the passing of Neil Peart, there is no new Rush content for Rush fans, and there never will be. There are no "lost" studio recordings because of a song was worth working on they put it on a record. So it's content producers like you who provide Rush fans with new content, and to see someone truly appreciate the nuances that we have loved over the years is quite special. In particular, the way 2112 moved you was a thing of joy to see. Keep them coming, please - I'd be particularly interested to hear your take on Limelight, which is Neil's reaction to the fame that 2112 provided.
I don't remember when and where I was when I heard a lot of music in my life, but I will never forget when I first heard this. I was about 15 years old,
and my best friend popped this cassette into a boom box and blew me away. I remember it took me about a week to flip the cassette over and listen to the other side of the album, which in fact has some of my favorite Rush tracks on it with Tears, Lessons, Twilight Zone, and Passage. I wasn't interested in those at the time though, at 15 years old I just wanted to hear 2112. Great reaction, mine was very similar.
I think each ship was commanded by them. I love the stink face you get through out the song. We all looked like that.
The greatest Rock story ever told, and this was just one of them by this band. Farewell to Kings, and Hemispheres are two albums with one story. 2112 changed how I thought about music. In 1978 a distant cousin of mine sat me down put the album cover in my hand and made me listen to this. It changed me. Decades later Dave Grhol at Rush's introduction to the Hall of Fame explained his first time hearing 2112 very much the same way. His description really took me back even down to the album cover having a bit of a sticky substance on it. Because we too had just used it as a rolling tray. This album made me become a musician. And a life time Rush fanatic.
They didnt come to late..you did..lol..glad you enjoyed it!!
I'd never thought of those 4 lines in Discovery that way before. You're absolutely right. Great thoughtful reaction mate
Rush was told NOT to make another concept Album but they did what they wanted, even if it meant they lost their record contract. 2112 was a slap in the industries face and it became a huge success and gave Rush their FREEDOM to not have to bow anymore. The song 2112 spread by word of mouth, not radio.
No problem with your breaks...when you listen to a masterpiece like this, that is acceptable and I truly enjoyed your comments....I felt the same way the first time O heard it 40 years ago...great great band, especially live if you had the chance...but honestly...this tune is better the more times you hear it.😊
A rather liberating tale, really, which everyone who ever listened to it or bought the album. Congratulations! You are now a member of that community!
Late early rush. Final early rush album really. One side of the album only. Also that was my first Rush album. Love em
Rush defiant and always did their own thing to the end. No this went gold and eventually platinum by word of mouth and constant gigging
The album was dedicated to the Genius of Ayn Rand and is a rock opera version if you will of Anthem, a short sci fi novel in which the individual has been sacrificed for the collective. There is no "I" only we and they. Names have been replaced by numbers. On UA-cam you can find a comic book serial version of it suitable for a classroom setting.
Great reaction. Wish I could have seen it live. I am sure you got the answer, but 2112 is side one of the album 2112. Side 2 has A Passage to Bangkok, The Twilight Zone, Lessons and Tears. These are all great songs as well!
The Fountain of Lamneth from Carress of Steel is another great 17 min song. Geddys voice is beyond perfect. Carress if Steel was the album before 2112 that did horribly and a lot of people call it the burnout album. I'm fairly sure Geddy has even said they were smoking a lot of weed during the album, lol. Anyway, you should add to the list. 😬
Hey bud this is my first video of yours and its made me a fan already. I can't wait to check out your other vids. My first reaction to this back in 1980 was heavy as well. welcome to the Rush family! enjoy the rabbit hole my friend, its deeeeep!
Thanks Jim!
The record studio execs had no idea what to make of 2112. They thought it was bullshit. It was all of the tech folk at the record company who told them, "No, this is something amazing - you have to put this out!" That finially convinced them.
Thank you ... I have watched a lot Rush reaction videos as they have been my favourite band since 1975 when I first heard them on the Friday Rock Show via a crackly cheap radio/cassette player. I like the fact that you are commenting on them as a musician and that is the reason that you are the only youtube channel I have ever subscribed to. Please continue as it brings a smile to my face now I am in my 50s. I have seen them three times live (including at the MEN in Manchester) and it is a little sad you won't have the opportunity to see them given Neil's passing. My personal track I go back to many times is Middletown Dreams of the album, Powerwindows, which is perhaps not that fashionable, being later and has a very different sound. Maybe, you may find time to listen to it. Thanks again.
Thank YOU! I’m glad to have you with me and yes it’s a shame I was a few years too late :(
Rush has assumed control.
Awesome reaction, enjoyed listening to it with you
Reaction great.
GREAT REACTION. Recommend the song "Losing It" by this band. Deep, beautiful song with a nice jam to finish it off!
Hard to believe this art is almost 45 years old.