Rutsey was a very good drummer, and the version of why they parted is hanging on to truth by a single strand of a spider web. Rutsey was a party boy, didn't show up for practice, didn't even show up for a show, and enjoyed being on the road too much. He ignored his diabetes. I am glad though, that his work is immortalized here. Geddy and Leifson were dedicated to the music and needed a drummer who would be on the same page. Neil Peart was that guy.
The version of this song you should go listen to after you hear this is from their 1976 live album titled "All The World Is a Stage". That version of Working Man has Neal Peart playing drums, and he's killing it! Years ago I had heard the live one first and then listened to this one and l was wondering what happened? Then l found out that Neal wasn't playing on this their first album and joined them starting on their second album. Awesome drum solo on the live one too. As only Mr. Neal could deliver.
Neil said in an interview that when he was a kid, he already showed a big love for playing the drums but his parents couldn’t afford a drum set so he practiced playing on old phone books! Phone books were used before the internet and smart phones to look up the numbers for people and for businesses.
Seems strange seeing someone explain what phonebooks are. I suppose there is a generation that has never seen or used one. Back in my day we let our "fingers do the walking" through the yellow pages, and we liked it. 😊
@@JWH66 Exactly! I had no problem with the phone book! It also was a good substitute for a booster chair for little ones to sit at the table, if the parents forgot to bring it! You just stacked 2 or 3 phone books on the seat and the child is all good sitting on them at the big table!
Neil Peart Date of death January 7, 2020 During his last years Peart lived in Santa Monica, California, with his wife, Carrie Nuttall, and daughter. After a three and a half year illness, Peart died of glioblastoma on January 7, 2020, at age 67.
Rutsey was replaced by Neil just before they started the tour for this album. If you react to the live in Cleveland version you will be blown away, Alex's solo is scorching, and the interplay between the 3 of them is perfect.
If you want to see this live, look up Working Man live in Cleveland and you'll see how Neil interprets this song and you'll see how he tears it up. Also you'll see Alex solo blow you away.
This was the album that made me start playing guitar in 1977 and I've been doing it since. Saw them in Indy and Louisville... Great reaction. Great album. My favorite by this band and I saw them 5 times total over the years..
This song is just a straight up banger!! It is hard to imagine that Alex was about 20 years old and already this good and going to be getting better! He just shredded that whole song! You have to see the live version with Neil, he adds his own sauce but kinda pays homage to John Rutsey by keeping it pretty simple at the same time. You guys have to do the original live recording for the instrumental "La Villa Strangiato". It just rips!!! All 3 members are just killing it!!! Great reaction guys!!! Dig your channel!!
Back in the 80's I was at a bar called Mickeys on Preston Hwy. in OKOLONA and saw a band that was not from the 502 but they did this song and some more RUSH and I swear if you closed your eyes you thought you were at a RUSH show!!!!
Guys: 68 year-old Canadian here. A word of advice. Rush was a band that prided itself on performing their music as well live as in studio. This song, especially, was best performed on the "Live in Cleveland" concert and most "best versions" *are* live. The very slight imperfections are more than made up for by the power, energy, and the bonus of watching them pull it off without a "net." Xanadu on the album is masterful, but the '81 version from "Exit Stage Left" will leave you in awe that only 3 guys could perform it so perfectly. I just learned that the "Rock Band" game that featured a Rush song was taken from that same concert, the performance and sound being so perfect. The studio version just didn't have the energy... As for John Rutsy, it's easy to overlook his contribution to Rushness given the length of Rush' s career, but he was sloughing it out on the road with Alex & Geddy at a clip of 230-250 shows / year for 6 YEARS before leaving for health reasons in '74. It's ironic, but much like Pete Best got the Beatles to the first rung of their ladder until Ringo took over, John did even more, investing more than half a decade helping make Rush, Rush. Only to become a footnote... p/s: The Cleveland version IS with Neil drumming, so your wish of hearing Working Man with Peart can be fulfilled...
The formula to writing a good rock song is build around a cool riff. This being Rush's debut album it's incredible how many cool riffs Alex came up with for a debut album. In regards to Rutsey, he's the drummer on the album, but Neil joined the band on their first tour. The whole album is very Zeppelin-esque. Sorry don't know all ya names but the the guy with the Nike hat is right, you need to see Working Man live. The best video for this is live in Cleveland. The performance is jaw dropping.
If you read the print on the back of the album it has a statement that I've never seen on any other record. 'For best results play at maximum volume' they were right..the louder you play this album the better it sounds
Your Music Mirrors Your Mind Song suggestion: Show Don't Tell Artist/Band: Rush Album: Presto Lief at his later effort Unique band interplay throughout
If you want another straight up banger from this era take a listen to Anthem. Off the next album and Neil is with them. There is an overdubbed "live" TV recording you can find on UA-cam (it's obviously the studio recording, but the band does an admirable job (not sure if someone just put the studio recording over a performance?), but the song is flat out awesome with a few of the future progressive rock parts in.
The historical significance of this song. This was the song that got their foot in the door in the US. DJs actually played the music in ‘74, they were always looking for “bathroom” songs. Songs long enough to let them hit the can and make it back in time to play the next song. Working Man being 7m11s fit the bill nicely at the station in Cleveland. They started getting bombarded by callers every time they played it. Asking them to play the new Led Zep song again. No no “Canadian band called RUSH.” Cleveland being a heavy industrial town made this song their anthem. Cleveland catapulted Rush. True story.
John Rutsy was a capable drummer but he was dieabetic and wasn't taking care of himself. He also wasn't on the same wavelength with Alex and Geddy as far as their musical direction. Neil was the perfect fit. Alex wrote this song about his father who usually had two to three jobs at a time when Alex was growing up. Rush changed their style over the years from hard rock, prog rock, heavy synths era, then back to a harder rock sound in their later years. I suggest Headlong Flight from Clockwork Angels which was their last album. Still rocking hard but with a finesse and maturity that time brings. Cheers
Rush's 1974 debut album was heavily influenced by Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin: Black Sabbath for Alex Lifeson's super-heavy downtuned guitar riffs, and Led Zeppelin for Geddy Lee's high-pitched singing/screaming and Lifeson's very Jimmy Page inspired solos. I would recommend reacting to any other song on the album except for the rather lame "Take A Friend." So, literally, 7 of the 8 songs on this album are 🔥.
Yeah, Rutsey was a damn good rock drummer, but Neil was always on another level. As a lyricist and percussionist he was equaled by few and surpassed by none.
Born and raised in Cleveland here. Used to listen to WMMS all the time. Met the cat kid. Leo before he got busted smoking a joint on the air those were good times in Cleveland. Nice reaction guys
This first album is pretty much as you guys mentioned. Rutsy liked that more “raw” straight rock sound. Alex and Geddy were more into the prog bands like Yes and Genesis (when Peter Gabriel was their front man). And, yes… John Rutsy was a really good drummer. However, when compared to Neil Peart, few and far between are the drummers that are at his level. Peart wasn’t just a drummer, but a percussionist as well. While Alex and Geddy were already stratospherically talented with the guitar and bass, respectively, it was the addition of Peart with his unearthly talent and versatility that allowed Rush to explore the more difficult and involved characteristics of the progressive genre. Combine that with Neil Peart’s ability as a great lyricist, the trio’s godlike ability for timing and precision technical playing, and you have the formula for a band such as Rush.
Great reaction gentlemen... Looooove Rush, they are truly one of the greatest bands ever!! This song is awesome and one of my favourite tunes from this legendary trio..
I have been out-of-town just saw this one. I had the pleasure of seeing them live three times throughout my life. Hearing this song live is awesome! As always your reactions are great!
Rush is a perfect example of what three talented musicians can do. Correct that, three exceptional talents can do. There is so many songs you can point to. Progressive to AOR to Heavy Rock. They are the definition of The working man.
How anyone can mistake Robert Plant and Geddy Lee's vocals is beyond me. Rush was definitely inspired, in part, by Led Zeppelin but the singers don't sound anything alike. What Geddy and Robert do have in common is they are both great in their own distinctive ways. Great pickup on the Black Sabbath guitar sound as Alex Lifeson's tone and handiwork sounds a lot like Tony Iommi's with Sabbath. If you isolate Geddy's bass and Rutsey's drums on Working Man they would be mind blowing as well. OK guys, now you're getting into Rush. You have dozens more classic songs of various kinds to absorb: 2112 is an all-time classic of transitions and fantasy storytelling, Xanadu (a personal favourite), the incredible instrumental La Villa Strangiato will blow you away and lots more. Another personal Rush favourite that gets almost no radio play but is a fast rocker from start to finish is Best That I Can. Please react to it. Be different.
Fantastic track!! John Rutsey (RIP) was a VERY capable drummer. Sure, he's not Neil (RIP), but any rock band would have benefitted from his skills on the skins! The entire first album has some fantastic rhythms, fills & flourishes by him. BUT, he wasn't a good fit for Geddy & Alex - not for the long term. They were both leaning to the progressive side (their love of Yes & Genesis influencing them), and John was a straight up rocker. That and his health made the decision to cut him loose the proper one. It opened the door for Neil. As others have mentioned, it would be in your best interest to check the version from Live In Cleveland to see what Neil does - it's marvelous! (and to see Alex absolutely DESTROY the solo). The interplay of these 3 guys is jaw dropping! Cheers.
Wow, a Rush song i have not heard! I was just going to say it had the Black Sabbath sound... Getty's voice shines through. The album cover looks like a vintage Super hero picture/logo. Like the guitar solo breakdown. (12:30 is 🔥 too! ) That was a journey! Not my favorite of theirs, but they do not put out bad songs... "Does he know" 😄 Thank you for doing this after long days of working!!!!! ❤
There are bootlegs of this back in the 70s where Alex kicks this up another notch, believe it or not. Some of the fiercest, wildest guitar playing you can hear.
Next should be Xanadu, either studio version or live at Exit Stage Left (imo just as great as the studio, plus you get to see how awesome they are live!)
Okay boys.... I think it's time to introduce you to some more Canadian music (since we know you've probably never heard any of it). Here's a small list of bands with a suggested song for each one: Prism - Take Me To The Kaptin Trooper - General Hand Grenade Streetheart - Tin Soldier Valdy - Rock and Roll Song Chilliwack - Something I Like About That Harlequin - Sweet Things In Life Ian Thomas Band - Painted Ladies Michel Pagliaro - Some Sing, Some Dance Lighthouse - One Fine Morning Coney Hatch - Hey Operator Fludd - Cousin Mary Myles and Lenny - Can You Give It All To Me Wailin' Jennys - Take It Down Amanda Marshall - Dark Horse Jann Arden - Where No One Knows Me Sarah McLachlan - Blackbird (Beatles cover) Loreena McKennitt - Night Ride Across The Caucasus Toronto - Even The Score Rough Trade - High School Confidential Big Sugar - Nicotina Big Wreck - That Song The Watchmen - Stereo Thornley - Come Again Theory of a Deadman - No Surprise Three Days Grace - Animal I Have Become Finger Eleven - Thousand Mile Wish Headstones - Smile and Wave Default - Deny Pat Travers Band - Snortin' Whiskey Drinkin' Cocaine Kim Mitchell - Lager and Ale The Tea Party - Heaven Coming Down Queen City Kids - Follow You There Junkhouse - Shine Loverboy - Always On My Mind There's a mix of classic rock, hard rock, metal, alternative, folk, etc from the 70s 80s 90s and 00s (depending on what you're in the mood for). That should keep you busy for a while... 😆
Neal Peart's impact musically and lyrically is evident on the second album, Fly By Night. Tracks like "Beneath, Between and Behind", & "Anthem" rock hard, but forge a new path for what they would become.
Best version of this song is off of "All the World's a Stage" Neil ROCKS it, complete with a segway to another song(will remain a secret) and Neil's live drum solo....it is a must listen!!!
You guys wonder how it would sound with Neil Peart performing all you have to do is listen to one of their concert tours cuz they almost always played this song and it was Neil Peart doing the drumming instead of John Rutsey. He of course didn't change it much because it's still got to sound like the same song but he does add his own flair to it.
gotta see this live in Cleveland. So because you rightly indicated they had their break in Cleveland, it had extra special sauce when they did this live in that town...and man they killed it in their last tour. its cool
I'd bet that Alex would get a real kick out of the "Chew Toy" reference you guys threw out in reference to his guitar shredding, here. He's got a really hilarious sense of humor.
If you three dudes want to hear Neil Peart at his best. If you got big enough gonads check out " Neil Peat drum solo live from Frankfurt, the r30th Anniversary ", and if you want to hear the best of RUSH try "2112" or "Xanadu". You will not be SORRY !! I gar n' T
I'm glad you reacted to the original studio version of Working Man. it was Rush when they were more hard rock. While the live version in Cleveland is good, if you're older, this is your version of Working Man. Just my opinion.
THE LIVE VERSION IS A MUST SEE! NEIL PLAYS IT IN CLEVELAND...THEY ARE OLDER & ALL THREE KILLED IT! CHECKOUT THE WASHERS & DRYERS ON STAGE>>>THE RUNNERS WOULD WASH & DRY CONCERT SHIRTS ON STAGE & THEN THROW THEM INTO THE CROWD WHEN DRY!
Great reaction to this Rush classic. For your second, and even better instumental check out La Villa Strangiato live (official video) You will be mind blown!!
In 1974 I was on the first row, leaning on the stage when this song started playing. I had never heard of Rush or the next band that was to come out...Kiss...I remember Alex in torn blue jeans and a white t-shirt. I was only a few feet from him most of the show.....Then when Kiss came out I was right under Gene S...aka...the Demon...lol(had no fucking idea who Kiss was) I was a Jr in HS and in a rock band. We were really lucky back when music was still made by humans.
Now that you have heard the original version please check out the live in Cleveland version. It is absolutely amazing they put a different twist on it in the beginning and all three of them totally go off please check it out.
Alex is just a beast of a guitarist.
can't beat the original! that song has rocked my world for some 45yrs.
Rutsey was a very good drummer, and the version of why they parted is hanging on to truth by a single strand of a spider web. Rutsey was a party boy, didn't show up for practice, didn't even show up for a show, and enjoyed being on the road too much. He ignored his diabetes. I am glad though, that his work is immortalized here. Geddy and Leifson were dedicated to the music and needed a drummer who would be on the same page. Neil Peart was that guy.
The version of this song you should go listen to after you hear this is from their 1976 live album titled "All The World Is a Stage". That version of Working Man has Neal Peart playing drums, and he's killing it! Years ago I had heard the live one first and then listened to this one and l was wondering what happened? Then l found out that Neal wasn't playing on this their first album and joined them starting on their second album. Awesome drum solo on the live one too. As only Mr. Neal could deliver.
And OMG you are so right about the Sabbath tone
Neil said in an interview that when he was a kid, he already showed a big love for playing the drums but his parents couldn’t afford a drum set so he practiced playing on old phone books! Phone books were used before the internet and smart phones to look up the numbers for people and for businesses.
Seems strange seeing someone explain what phonebooks are. I suppose there is a generation that has never seen or used one. Back in my day we let our "fingers do the walking" through the yellow pages, and we liked it. 😊
@@JWH66 Exactly! I had no problem with the phone book! It also was a good substitute for a booster chair for little ones to sit at the table, if the parents forgot to bring it! You just stacked 2 or 3 phone books on the seat and the child is all good sitting on them at the big table!
This Awesome tune was recorded in 1973 , 50 years ago and sounds just as great today .. Rush what a great band..
Neil Peart
Date of death
January 7, 2020
During his last years Peart lived in Santa Monica, California, with his wife, Carrie Nuttall, and daughter. After a three and a half year illness, Peart died of glioblastoma on January 7, 2020, at age 67.
When did the origanal drummer who played on this die
Rutsey was replaced by Neil just before they started the tour for this album. If you react to the live in Cleveland version you will be blown away, Alex's solo is scorching, and the interplay between the 3 of them is perfect.
One of my favorite Rush songs. Love your channel! New to your channel! Keep doing what you’re doing!😊🎸🦃☀️🌵🇺🇸🙏
That whole album was good most heavy metal like fly by night was a banger too.
Live in Cleveland. The shake off the 70s dust and SHRED. The performance belongs in the Smithsonian.
If you want to see this live, look up Working Man live in Cleveland and you'll see how Neil interprets this song and you'll see how he tears it up.
Also you'll see Alex solo blow you away.
RUSH....making other musicians feel inadequate since 1974!!!!!!
BEST Rush song. It ends there. Kudos.
This was the album that made me start playing guitar in 1977 and I've been doing it since.
Saw them in Indy and Louisville...
Great reaction.
Great album. My favorite by this band and I saw them 5 times total over the years..
The three Best drummers from my early days is Neil Peart, John Bonham, and Keith moon.
Would you place Bill Ward fourth?
In 75 this was the only song on the radio by Rush. Saw them lead off for Zappa in 76. It was incredible
Great reaction guys..
This song is just a straight up banger!! It is hard to imagine that Alex was about 20 years old and already this good and going to be getting better! He just shredded that whole song! You have to see the live version with Neil, he adds his own sauce but kinda pays homage to John Rutsey by keeping it pretty simple at the same time. You guys have to do the original live recording for the instrumental "La Villa Strangiato". It just rips!!! All 3 members are just killing it!!! Great reaction guys!!! Dig your channel!!
concur... "La Villa Strangiato" is probably the best metal concerto ever!
You guys should listen to 2112. My favourite Rush tune. Get the popcorn ready cause side 1 could be a movie. Nothing compares to this album.
The live version of this in Cleveland is incredible. Highly highly recommended.
Back in the 80's I was at a bar called Mickeys on Preston Hwy. in OKOLONA and saw a band that was not from the 502 but they did this song and some more RUSH and I swear if you closed your eyes you thought you were at a RUSH show!!!!
Guys: 68 year-old Canadian here. A word of advice.
Rush was a band that prided itself on performing their music as well live as in studio. This song, especially, was best performed on the "Live in Cleveland" concert and most "best versions" *are* live. The very slight imperfections are more than made up for by the power, energy, and the bonus of watching them pull it off without a "net."
Xanadu on the album is masterful, but the '81 version from "Exit Stage Left" will leave you in awe that only 3 guys could perform it so perfectly. I just learned that the "Rock Band" game that featured a Rush song was taken from that same concert, the performance and sound being so perfect. The studio version just didn't have the energy...
As for John Rutsy, it's easy to overlook his contribution to Rushness given the length of Rush' s career, but he was sloughing it out on the road with Alex & Geddy at a clip of 230-250 shows / year for 6 YEARS before leaving for health reasons in '74. It's ironic, but much like Pete Best got the Beatles to the first rung of their ladder until Ringo took over, John did even more, investing more than half a decade helping make Rush, Rush. Only to become a footnote...
p/s: The Cleveland version IS with Neil drumming, so your wish of hearing Working Man with Peart can be fulfilled...
The formula to writing a good rock song is build around a cool riff. This being Rush's debut album it's incredible how many cool riffs Alex came up with for a debut album. In regards to Rutsey, he's the drummer on the album, but Neil joined the band on their first tour. The whole album is very Zeppelin-esque.
Sorry don't know all ya names but the the guy with the Nike hat is right, you need to see Working Man live. The best video for this is live in Cleveland. The performance is jaw dropping.
If you read the print on the back of the album it has a statement that I've never seen on any other record. 'For best results play at maximum volume' they were right..the louder you play this album the better it sounds
Your Music Mirrors Your Mind
Song suggestion: Show Don't Tell
Artist/Band: Rush
Album: Presto
Lief at his later effort Unique band interplay throughout
Young Leifson tearing it up here. He's soooooo underrated as a musician.
If you want another straight up banger from this era take a listen to Anthem. Off the next album and Neil is with them. There is an overdubbed "live" TV recording you can find on UA-cam (it's obviously the studio recording, but the band does an admirable job (not sure if someone just put the studio recording over a performance?), but the song is flat out awesome with a few of the future progressive rock parts in.
*Lifeson
The historical significance of this song. This was the song that got their foot in the door in the US. DJs actually played the music in ‘74, they were always looking for “bathroom” songs. Songs long enough to let them hit the can and make it back in time to play the next song. Working Man being 7m11s fit the bill nicely at the station in Cleveland. They started getting bombarded by callers every time they played it. Asking them to play the new Led Zep song again. No no “Canadian band called RUSH.” Cleveland being a heavy industrial town made this song their anthem. Cleveland catapulted Rush. True story.
My uncle broke Rush into the US in 1974, Cleveland. He was the record rep for Mercury.
My favorite Rush song.
Earlier Rush was more rocky than later progessive,which most know them for.
Geddy Lee was influenced by Chris Squire of Yes.
John Rutsy was a capable drummer but he was dieabetic and wasn't taking care of himself. He also wasn't on the same wavelength with Alex and Geddy as far as their musical direction. Neil was the perfect fit. Alex wrote this song about his father who usually had two to three jobs at a time when Alex was growing up. Rush changed their style over the years from hard rock, prog rock, heavy synths era, then back to a harder rock sound in their later years. I suggest Headlong Flight from Clockwork Angels which was their last album. Still rocking hard but with a finesse and maturity that time brings.
Cheers
Their best album,their best song. The original version of this great song is the best. Killer drumming by late John Rutsey R.I.P.
"... picked-up steam in Cleveland..." a.k.a. Cleveland Steamer 😂
you need to hear the live version from the 2011 Time Machine Tour
Rush's 1974 debut album was heavily influenced by Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin: Black Sabbath for Alex Lifeson's super-heavy downtuned guitar riffs, and Led Zeppelin for Geddy Lee's high-pitched singing/screaming and Lifeson's very Jimmy Page inspired solos. I would recommend reacting to any other song on the album except for the rather lame "Take A Friend." So, literally, 7 of the 8 songs on this album are 🔥.
It's a mixture of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and a bit of Jimi Hendrix, music transitions are great
As far as guitarist go, Alex lifeson took a back seat to no one!
Yeah, Rutsey was a damn good rock drummer, but Neil was always on another level. As a lyricist and percussionist he was equaled by few and surpassed by none.
Its pure artistry on every level.
Mentioning Sabbath, the solos definitely have that Iommi sound of the debut album.
Never thought of the Sabbath comparison before, but I totally agree. Not only the guitar tone but what Alex is playing reminds me of Iommi!
As others have said you must do this Live In Cleveland!!
Another fun Canadian band you should listen is Teanage Head the song Let's shake is a blast
Definitely my favorite song from them....
You should do an older song "Fly By Night" and a newer song " Closer to the Heart". I think you will love both.
Guys, you have to check out Jeff Healey " Can you see the Light". He recently passed away. Guitar prodigy from Canada that was self taught and blind.
Got see battle scar with Kim Mitchell and rush sick tune of the early 80s
One of my favourite songs, period.
Born and raised in Cleveland here. Used to listen to WMMS all the time. Met the cat kid. Leo before he got busted smoking a joint on the air those were good times in Cleveland. Nice reaction guys
Hell yea I grew up on the Buzzard 🤘🏻
In case no one told you… live in Cleveland is awesome
This first album is pretty much as you guys mentioned. Rutsy liked that more “raw” straight rock sound. Alex and Geddy were more into the prog bands like Yes and Genesis (when Peter Gabriel was their front man). And, yes… John Rutsy was a really good drummer. However, when compared to Neil Peart, few and far between are the drummers that are at his level. Peart wasn’t just a drummer, but a percussionist as well. While Alex and Geddy were already stratospherically talented with the guitar and bass, respectively, it was the addition of Peart with his unearthly talent and versatility that allowed Rush to explore the more difficult and involved characteristics of the progressive genre. Combine that with Neil Peart’s ability as a great lyricist, the trio’s godlike ability for timing and precision technical playing, and you have the formula for a band such as Rush.
This song does lend a blue collar feel with a gritty guitar & bass (and drums!)
You can never go wrong with Rush, who always please the ear. Keep them coming guys, enjoy your responses.
We loved Rush back in the day! Definitely sounds Sabbath like! But that's great!
This was my introduction to Rush back in the 70's, it different more because it wasn't written by Peart than because of the drumming.
This is the song that Pete Alonso comes to the plate with for The Mets. Killer Jam.
Great reaction gentlemen... Looooove Rush, they are truly one of the greatest bands ever!! This song is awesome and one of my favourite tunes from this legendary trio..
I have been out-of-town just saw this one. I had the pleasure of seeing them live three times throughout my life. Hearing this song live is awesome! As always your reactions are great!
Rush is a perfect example of what three talented musicians can do. Correct that, three exceptional talents can do. There is so many songs you can point to. Progressive to AOR to Heavy Rock. They are the definition of The working man.
Wasn't Neil on the kit.
How anyone can mistake Robert Plant and Geddy Lee's vocals is beyond me. Rush was definitely inspired, in part, by Led Zeppelin but the singers don't sound anything alike. What Geddy and Robert do have in common is they are both great in their own distinctive ways. Great pickup on the Black Sabbath guitar sound as Alex Lifeson's tone and handiwork sounds a lot like Tony Iommi's with Sabbath. If you isolate Geddy's bass and Rutsey's drums on Working Man they would be mind blowing as well.
OK guys, now you're getting into Rush. You have dozens more classic songs of various kinds to absorb: 2112 is an all-time classic of transitions and fantasy storytelling, Xanadu (a personal favourite), the incredible instrumental La Villa Strangiato will blow you away and lots more. Another personal Rush favourite that gets almost no radio play but is a fast rocker from start to finish is Best That I Can. Please react to it. Be different.
You really do need to do the live version!! Live in Cleveland rocks!! Great reaction, y’all!! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
Try Rush - Passage to Bangkok now.
You need to do Working Man live in Cleveland , this is fire 🔥 three guys in the 50s blowing up the stage after a Three Hour concert fire 🔥 fire 🔥
Fantastic track!! John Rutsey (RIP) was a VERY capable drummer. Sure, he's not Neil (RIP), but any rock band would have benefitted from his skills on the skins! The entire first album has some fantastic rhythms, fills & flourishes by him. BUT, he wasn't a good fit for Geddy & Alex - not for the long term. They were both leaning to the progressive side (their love of Yes & Genesis influencing them), and John was a straight up rocker. That and his health made the decision to cut him loose the proper one. It opened the door for Neil.
As others have mentioned, it would be in your best interest to check the version from Live In Cleveland to see what Neil does - it's marvelous! (and to see Alex absolutely DESTROY the solo). The interplay of these 3 guys is jaw dropping! Cheers.
Wow, a Rush song i have not heard! I was just going to say it had the Black Sabbath sound... Getty's voice shines through. The album cover looks like a vintage Super hero picture/logo. Like the guitar solo breakdown. (12:30 is 🔥 too! ) That was a journey! Not my favorite of theirs, but they do not put out bad songs... "Does he know" 😄 Thank you for doing this after long days of working!!!!! ❤
Gets up at 7 ,goes to bed at 9.
There are bootlegs of this back in the 70s where Alex kicks this up another notch, believe it or not. Some of the fiercest, wildest guitar playing you can hear.
That 🎸 🔥🔥🔥
Try with Saga - On the loose (Worlds Apart album) 80s prog rock
Zeppelin??? Sorry, you guys nailed it! I always thought from the first listen way back when that this was Sabbath done better.
Air guitar heaven!
Passage to Bangkok JAM IT !!!
Next should be Xanadu, either studio version or live at Exit Stage Left (imo just as great as the studio, plus you get to see how awesome they are live!)
Okay boys.... I think it's time to introduce you to some more Canadian music (since we know you've probably never heard any of it). Here's a small list of bands with a suggested song for each one:
Prism - Take Me To The Kaptin
Trooper - General Hand Grenade
Streetheart - Tin Soldier
Valdy - Rock and Roll Song
Chilliwack - Something I Like About That
Harlequin - Sweet Things In Life
Ian Thomas Band - Painted Ladies
Michel Pagliaro - Some Sing, Some Dance
Lighthouse - One Fine Morning
Coney Hatch - Hey Operator
Fludd - Cousin Mary
Myles and Lenny - Can You Give It All To Me
Wailin' Jennys - Take It Down
Amanda Marshall - Dark Horse
Jann Arden - Where No One Knows Me
Sarah McLachlan - Blackbird (Beatles cover)
Loreena McKennitt - Night Ride Across The Caucasus
Toronto - Even The Score
Rough Trade - High School Confidential
Big Sugar - Nicotina
Big Wreck - That Song
The Watchmen - Stereo
Thornley - Come Again
Theory of a Deadman - No Surprise
Three Days Grace - Animal I Have Become
Finger Eleven - Thousand Mile Wish
Headstones - Smile and Wave
Default - Deny
Pat Travers Band - Snortin' Whiskey Drinkin' Cocaine
Kim Mitchell - Lager and Ale
The Tea Party - Heaven Coming Down
Queen City Kids - Follow You There
Junkhouse - Shine
Loverboy - Always On My Mind
There's a mix of classic rock, hard rock, metal, alternative, folk, etc from the 70s 80s 90s and 00s (depending on what you're in the mood for). That should keep you busy for a while... 😆
The best. Version I've heard is on the All the world's a stage album.
I saw them lead off for Zappa in 1975 and this song was the only song they played on the radio
Neal Peart's impact musically and lyrically is evident on the second album, Fly By Night. Tracks like "Beneath, Between and Behind", & "Anthem" rock hard, but forge a new path for what they would become.
Best version of this song is off of "All the World's a Stage" Neil ROCKS it, complete with a segway to another song(will remain a secret) and Neil's live drum solo....it is a must listen!!!
You guys wonder how it would sound with Neil Peart performing all you have to do is listen to one of their concert tours cuz they almost always played this song and it was Neil Peart doing the drumming instead of John Rutsey. He of course didn't change it much because it's still got to sound like the same song but he does add his own flair to it.
DO THE LIVE VERSION.......OMFG you won't believe it
gotta see this live in Cleveland. So because you rightly indicated they had their break in Cleveland, it had extra special sauce when they did this live in that town...and man they killed it in their last tour. its cool
Play “Finding My Way” from the same album immediately after “Working Man.” They go well together.
You guys need to check out Fly by night it was the first album with Neil the transformation is very notable.
Fantastic song
I'd bet that Alex would get a real kick out of the "Chew Toy" reference you guys threw out in reference to his guitar shredding, here. He's got a really hilarious sense of humor.
Definitely a funny guy. His speech at the HoF induction was absolutely classic.
Awesome!!! - end of story
Working Man 2011 Cleveland. It'll show you what they could do w a 35 yr old song, and exactly what Peart would do.
On the original release, the back cover noted, "For best results, play at maximum volume" or something like that.
Listen to the live version from the 2011 tour. Peart plays it a bit better than Rutsey (R.I.P John). Great tour and it is all on video/audio.
This entire album is a good listen.
If you three dudes want to hear Neil Peart at his best. If you got big enough gonads check out " Neil Peat drum solo live from Frankfurt, the r30th Anniversary ", and if you want to hear the best of RUSH try "2112" or "Xanadu". You will not be SORRY !! I gar n' T
I'm glad you reacted to the original studio version of Working Man. it was Rush when they were more hard rock. While the live version in Cleveland is good, if you're older, this is your version of Working Man. Just my opinion.
THE LIVE VERSION IS A MUST SEE! NEIL PLAYS IT IN CLEVELAND...THEY ARE OLDER & ALL THREE KILLED IT! CHECKOUT THE WASHERS & DRYERS ON STAGE>>>THE RUNNERS WOULD WASH & DRY CONCERT SHIRTS ON STAGE & THEN THROW THEM INTO THE CROWD WHEN DRY!
Great reaction to this Rush classic. For your second, and even better instumental check out La Villa Strangiato live (official video) You will be mind blown!!
Should react to studio version first. Better opening guitar
It’s always badass when Alex goes off!
Can't wait for this one!!
👍👍👍👍👍
Watch the live in Cleveland version.
In 1974 I was on the first row, leaning on the stage when this song started playing. I had never heard of Rush or the next band that was to come out...Kiss...I remember Alex in torn blue jeans and a white t-shirt. I was only a few feet from him most of the show.....Then when Kiss came out I was right under Gene S...aka...the Demon...lol(had no fucking idea who Kiss was)
I was a Jr in HS and in a rock band. We were really lucky back when music was still made by humans.
Now that you have heard the original version please check out the live in Cleveland version. It is absolutely amazing they put a different twist on it in the beginning and all three of them totally go off please check it out.