Thanks for watching. Most of my requests come from here and I also read the comments below. If you want to support the show you can do that here www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee using this link www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts
ua-cam.com/video/TB2piLyPNk8/v-deo.htmlsi=yV_3OnUw_6zb0Zhk If you never heard Satriani get ready for a rush of adrenaline. This song was mandatory in every disco back in the 80's.
Just listened to your reaction to "Ocean" by John Butler. If you want some other no lyric songs worth listening to I'd suggest "Playing God" by Polyphia and "Lingus" by Snarky Puppy. Two completely different genres but both great if you're open to them.
This is epic. Once you’ve heard this, you’re never the same afterward. Neil Peart’s lyrics are second to none. The musicianship here is crazy. Three guys!! Just Three Guys!!! ❤️🔥
You're going to find that this group is one of the most fanned, friendly groups ever to have existed. They toured every year and put out a new album every year pretty much and did everything they could to keep their prices down so fans could come enjoy the show and they played so many shows in the general area. I lived in New England that I got to see them multiple times in the same tour. It's just amazing
Rush's attention to detail is one of the reasons their sound is so full. I love this song! Even though it carries a weightier message there are parts that sound whimsical. Yes, three geniuses in one band. I will suggest Working them Angels from the Time Machine Tour live in Cleveland.
Having seen Rush “live” several times, I’ve always been impressed with Geddi’s ability to play the keyboard, bass pedals and still sing lead vocals. A one of a kind band... all tremendously talented.
It's so refreshing to see someone with such an open mind as you, Polo. Your analysis of older generations and our music is spot on. There's not much music that will stand the test of time being created anymore. Rush is here forever!!
Back in the day, Rush wasn't being "pushed" at all. In fact, they garnered the distaste of the record companies because of their "go your own way" attitude and only built a fan base through word of mouth (virtually no radio air time until Permanent Waves) and constant touring. When I was in high school in the late '70s, everybody was listening to Zepellin, the Stones, the Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd... I listened to them too, but was only one of a handful of hardcore Rush fans (most everyone else in my age group thought they and their followers were "freaks", i.e. druggies). But they still managed to pack 20,000-seat stadiums for their concerts and started to get well-deserved radio time in the early '80s. By that time they had been at it for more than 10 years!
I was in Jr High in the very early 80's and I think the release of Moving Pictures, and the airplay that Tom Sawyer got in particular, changed it up a bit. At my school you pretty much had to pick sides, Led Zeppelin ruled or Rush ruled.
Hes also one of the few vocalists that plays bass, like Sting. It's a difficult thing to do. There is good music today but you have to look, I do listen to all the stuff I grew up with.
The lyrics in Rush songs are usually very thoughtful and deep. I know some people still to this day think that this song is just about some trees. Great job again Polo.
Yes, this is a great song! And, yes, all three guys are wonderfully talented and original. I'm always blown away when I see them perform live because it's easy to forget they are only three that manage to put out such mind-blowing music!
I'm lucky to have seen Rush in 1975, it was a free show at Forest Park in St.Louis with a crowd of close to 70,000 people, the show was sponsored by the local Radio station, K-SHE 95 who played a small but important role in Rush's early success, Rush wasn't getting a lot of radio play because their songs were usually longer than the typical 3- 3 1/2 minute songs, but K-SHE was using By-Tor and the Snow Dog as their intro music for their Concert Calander and news segments, as a result the radio station got a lot of requests for the 8 1/2 minute song which K-SHE played, so while Rush wasn't getting a lot of airplay on other stations they were getting huge numbers in St.Louis leading other stations to start playing more Rush songs. Geddy Lee's first radio interview was with K-SHE 95 and gives the station a lot of credit for always supporting the band especially in their early days.
Geddy's voice is iconic. Extremely unique and always recognizable. People say that about David Byrne, who is more style than just his raw voice. I am a 65 yr old female who has always been a Rush fan...from Not Fade Away and beyond. FUN FACT-rock music- Rush released its eponymous debut album in March 1974. 24 gold and 14 platinum (3 multi-platinum) records later, the band is only third behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for the most consecutive gold or platinum albums by a rock band.
I always wished that this song had a second verse. Where once the maples got all the sun like the oak tress did and had no more shade. They suddenly realized that the sun was too much for them and their leaves were burning. They started dying and begged the oak trees to grow back again and provide them with the shade they once hated. Because as we all know, maple trees grow best in the shade!
I do listen only to the music from my lifelong favorites of which RUSH is #1. The reason why I watch music reaction videos is because I love seeing young people discovering the music that I love and appreciating the skill & creativity of those artists. I took a college course on Music Appreciation and it was the most rewarding experience I had to expand my knowledge of classical music that I love so much.
They are the three nicest people you'll ever meet. Neil was very much for human rights, human decency, and an overall very moral person. You should really check out Witch Hunt (with lyrics).
Neil Peart is probably one of the greatest lyricists in modern music. For more examples, try Witch Hunt, Anagram (For Mongo), Red Barchetta. Just to name a few.
Back in the day this was not pushed either. You had to be in the know to have heard this. Either that or having an older sibling exposing them to you. That song will always have a special place in my heart! Thanks Polo for going over this great tune!
Loved this reaction. Rush is not a first time listen and love them. The more you listen the more you uncover and because they do it a "more subtle way!" There is a lot to be amazed about watching a small team of people perfecting their craft over a life time of hard work!
Thank you! 🙏🏻 I was in 8th grade when this came out; I remember listening to it under the covers on my boom box late at night. Believe it or not, nobody was pushing RUSH very hard back then, either. They had to cut their way in with that genius you so rightly recognized. That said, you’re right about today; in fact, when is the last time you heard of a new rock band? Anyway, I love what you do, man, cuz you’re blurring all kinds of lines that The Man doesn’t want blurred. That rocks, as does your content.
Outstanding track. Hey, I came in “late” myself being born in 1974. Heard Tom Sawyer as a young kid and fell in love. By the mid to late 80s I was obsessed during a time the band was no longer heavy….but found myself still entranced and, then, becoming interested in creating myself…still saw the outstanding and timeless musicianship of the group. I was a bassist and vocalist in high school(1989-1992) but I cannot/could not come close to Geddy, obviously! lol I focus now more on synths, because software finally made it affordable…and bass as well. I still…no matter what…at age 50…no matter the genre…Rush still calls to me in inspiration. ❤
That one was always a fan favorite since the time it was released. It's quirky and fun and we always loved it when they'd pull it out and play it in concert.
Geddy Lee is amazing as a bassist, keyboardist and vocalist. He is a wonderful person too. Hung out with him for over half an hour after a show while my friend/coworker interviewed Neil. I had on a Yes shirt, and found out Yes was his favorite band. So that is what we talked about the whole time. Yes is my favorite too. My boss opened the door to the little area we were in, alone, and saw who I was talking to, and literally backed into the wall in awe. I’ll never forget it. Amazing hug and little kiss when I left. ☮️❤️🎼😎
It is hard with Rush to say one song or the other is my favourite, every song is the best at the time I am listening to it, but “the trees” and “freewill” are probably the ones I go back to the most, the message is absolutely brilliant.
Seeing them live is like watching Michelagelo paint the Sistine chapel. Every note like a perfectly placed brush stroke. I was blessed to have seen three geniuses perform their masterpieces many times. RUSH has made this world a better place for all of us.
This song is a great example of how Rush tells stories in music, contrasting the pastoral perception of the forest with the idea of war-like antagonism between the denizens of nature. It's genius.
I really enjoy your show. It’s nice to hear a musician talking about the musical aspects of the way the songs are constructed. It’s so much more to me as a fellow musician.
I agree with everything you've said ... People were expected to be good.... These guys have always been my favorite ... Its meaningful good music... It came from the right place.... Hemispheres is a great album....
GREAT reaction Polo!! Only Rush can make a song about class struggle, apply it to trees in the forest, and have it absolutely ROCK!! You're correct, us fans will remain fans...to our dying day! And you're quickly becoming one too! Welcome to the club! Cheers from Canada, eh!
Rush is for all time. There are bands making real music today. They are out on the road playing bars and smaller venues. Tedeschi Trucks, Elovators, Stick Figure, Dispatch, Surfer Girl. They are out there, you just have to find them
Rush is a band who can write songs about the Holocaust or the bombing of Hiroshima and not be preachy or even slighty leaning toward one side or the other. It's just about the feelings of the people directly involved, which adds a perspective lyrically that's sorely missed in this day and age. Granted, we've all heard the cookie cutter love songs in all their various genres, but those songs are few and far between in Rush's library. These songs are about how large real-world issues affect individuals, yet they speak to society as a whole. If you haven't already, listen to Red Sector A and The Manhattan Project. 59 year old man here that still sheds a tear listening to those songs as well as many more.
Well done! I've always seen this song as the "Maples" being Canada (Rush's nation) and the Oaks being the U.S. Canada seems to be a little brother, in the sense that the U.S. gobbles up all the news and attention. it's a brilliant allusion to that relationship, and although I've never heard Neil go into depth on the song's meaning, that's how I see it. He likes leaving it up to the listener, and I think that's a wise thing. Thanks for sharing your view.
"just the little things". nice. exactly. so many details... when you have only 3 dudes, the timing, spacing, orchestration have to be just right. have you done Xanadu?
“What I have learned over the years is that the craft of songwriting is trying to take the personal and make it universal…or in the case of telling a story, taking the universal and making it personal”. Neil Elwood Peart O.C. Musician (1952-2020) Something to keep in mind as we travel down the Rush rabbit hole.
From the first time I heard it, this has always been my favourite Rush song. The ironic final line of the lyrics really seals the deal for me. Great music, thoughtful lyrics. Great reaction.
Polo, Spot on about music (after the Golden period in music 1950 to 1995) of today. Just think of genres of music created back then. From Ska, Reggae, Jazz, Bebop Jazz, Country , Folk, Blues,R&B, R&R, Heavy Metal, Jazz fusion, Singer Songwriter, Glam, Punk, Disco, New Wave, EDM, Grunge, Hip Hop , Rap and that's just in US. It will never be repeated in history.
Insightful listening, my friend. It’s validating, and joyful, to share the music that touched your spirit,- for the reasons you mentioned. There was poetry, and artistry , poured into music at the level Rush is. There is transcendence shared, when musicians, and artists,- stretch their abilities to create, on this level of excellence . Appreciate you🤙
Great reaction to a highly favored RUSH classic. You've grown in your perceptions and ear a lot along this journey. Here for it! #"Different Strings" by RUSH is fairly short but the last minuet is SUBLIME Alex at his best again. The emotions he can create are second to none. David Gilmore type feelings
Neil saw a one panel comic that somehow inspired him to write a song that asked the question, "Would if trees acted like humans?". Your comparison of Rush's music with today's music is spot on.
Neil always denied that the lyrics are about Canadian politics. Everyone believed him, of course, especially up here in Edmonton, and especially now, nearly 50 years after it was written. It’s just a song about trees.
As you say it's the little things during Neil playing on the wood chimes. The Trees! If interested there is a live version of this Frankfurt 2005. The guitar solo will blow you away. Rush playing live is not to be missed as you will see as you progress with this incredible band!
RUSH was never pushed...they didn't make radio edit songs, very few videos even made it to MTV when they did change to shorter songs. They were always considered "progressive rock" when no one knew how to even classify their sound. They still put out so many albums and great music. I still have a playlist on Spotify that i listen to often. CAMERA EYE, LA VILLA STRANGIATO, XANADU, so many epic tracks to dig into if you have not yet. I love the Japanese music scene (metal, jazz, rock, etc) but RUSH will always be my #1 favorite band. lost count of exactly how many times I saw them live, but it was more than 20. they were even better live as much as I love all their studio work as well.
Hey Polo Reacts, I was 13 or 14 years old when,I first heard RUSH, on a Boston AM radio, Being in Nova Scotia then we didn;t have a Rock Radio station"Q-104FM 1983" Life long fan, Only saw RUSH live once! "Power Windows Tour" in the "Metro Center" Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Glad you enjoyed the music, Great video, You got 40 years of Canadian Progressive Rock! 😀👌👍✌🤘
You are exactly right. Us rush fans will die rush fans, two more rush songs you might want to check out, come from the lp subdivisions, the title track, and count down
I love your reactions to Rush! I know you did a live version of this song 9 months ago but I would not mind if you did every version of every Rush song, LOL. I sent you a coffee today and a request.
Thanks for watching. Most of my requests come from here and I also read the comments below. If you want to support the show you can do that here www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee using this link www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts
ua-cam.com/video/TB2piLyPNk8/v-deo.htmlsi=yV_3OnUw_6zb0Zhk
If you never heard Satriani get ready for a rush of adrenaline. This song was mandatory in every disco back in the 80's.
Just listened to your reaction to "Ocean" by John Butler. If you want some other no lyric songs worth listening to I'd suggest "Playing God" by Polyphia and "Lingus" by Snarky Puppy. Two completely different genres but both great if you're open to them.
This is epic. Once you’ve heard this, you’re never the same afterward. Neil Peart’s lyrics are second to none. The musicianship here is crazy. Three guys!! Just Three Guys!!! ❤️🔥
Bands like Rush laid the groundwork for bands like Tool. Rest in peace professor for you are dearly missed.
You just witnessed one of the all time best drummers. RIP, Neil.
So technical, though. Lacks a little soul. I saw them 3x in the 70s & 80s
..he had it then...latter Neil was technical.
Rush never disappoints. Goosebumps.
If you like instrumental music, and you like Rush, check out La Villa Strangiato. Another masterpiece.
Xanadu...the live version from Exot Stage Left tpur.
Modern " music', can't hold a candle to this !
You’re so right my man.. I’ve been a Rush fan for 44 years, seen them many times, and will die a Rush fan.
You're going to find that this group is one of the most fanned, friendly groups ever to have existed. They toured every year and put out a new album every year pretty much and did everything they could to keep their prices down so fans could come enjoy the show and they played so many shows in the general area. I lived in New England that I got to see them multiple times in the same tour. It's just amazing
It takes a few listens to get comfortable with Geddy Lee's voice. Then again, he's also playing bass and keyboards.
Geddy is the man!
Rush's attention to detail is one of the reasons their sound is so full.
I love this song! Even though it carries a weightier message there are parts that sound whimsical.
Yes, three geniuses in one band.
I will suggest Working them Angels from the Time Machine Tour live in Cleveland.
I am a huge RUSH fan & the song Witch Hunt is so amazing & relevant for today! ❤ 😊
Witch Hunt is one of my very favorites! R.I.P. Neil Peart ❤
Having seen Rush “live” several times, I’ve always been impressed with Geddi’s ability to play the keyboard, bass pedals and still sing lead vocals. A one of a kind band... all tremendously
talented.
One of my favorite songs
Same. I have many "favorite" Rush songs. But this one is always up there on the list. Red Barchetta, too.
It's so refreshing to see someone with such an open mind as you, Polo. Your analysis of older generations and our music is spot on. There's not much music that will stand the test of time being created anymore. Rush is here forever!!
Back in the day, Rush wasn't being "pushed" at all. In fact, they garnered the distaste of the record companies because of their "go your own way" attitude and only built a fan base through word of mouth (virtually no radio air time until Permanent Waves) and constant touring. When I was in high school in the late '70s, everybody was listening to Zepellin, the Stones, the Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd... I listened to them too, but was only one of a handful of hardcore Rush fans (most everyone else in my age group thought they and their followers were "freaks", i.e. druggies). But they still managed to pack 20,000-seat stadiums for their concerts and started to get well-deserved radio time in the early '80s. By that time they had been at it for more than 10 years!
I was in Jr High in the very early 80's and I think the release of Moving Pictures, and the airplay that Tom Sawyer got in particular, changed it up a bit. At my school you pretty much had to pick sides, Led Zeppelin ruled or Rush ruled.
Brings me back to high school. So cool.
This was the song that got me listening to Rush.
Hes also one of the few vocalists that plays bass, like Sting. It's a difficult thing to do. There is good music today but you have to look, I do listen to all the stuff I grew up with.
The lyrics in Rush songs are usually very thoughtful and deep. I know some people still to this day think that this song is just about some trees. Great job again Polo.
In fairness, Neil used to claim it was just about a cartoon of some trees that he saw once. Neil wasn't always entirely serious.
Yes, this is a great song! And, yes, all three guys are wonderfully talented and original. I'm always blown away when I see them perform live because it's easy to forget they are only three that manage to put out such mind-blowing music!
I'm lucky to have seen Rush in 1975, it was a free show at Forest Park in St.Louis with a crowd of close to 70,000 people, the show was sponsored by the local Radio station, K-SHE 95 who played a small but important role in Rush's early success, Rush wasn't getting a lot of radio play because their songs were usually longer than the typical 3- 3 1/2 minute songs, but K-SHE was using By-Tor and the Snow Dog as their intro music for their Concert Calander and news segments, as a result the radio station got a lot of requests for the 8 1/2 minute song which K-SHE played, so while Rush wasn't getting a lot of airplay on other stations they were getting huge numbers in St.Louis leading other stations to start playing more Rush songs. Geddy Lee's first radio interview was with K-SHE 95 and gives the station a lot of credit for always supporting the band especially in their early days.
Geddy's voice is iconic. Extremely unique and always recognizable. People say that about David Byrne, who is more style than just his raw voice. I am a 65 yr old female who has always been a Rush fan...from Not Fade Away and beyond.
FUN FACT-rock music-
Rush released its eponymous debut album in March 1974. 24 gold and 14 platinum (3 multi-platinum) records later, the band is only third behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for the most consecutive gold or platinum albums by a rock band.
Trees are deceptively competitive. Love this. Imagine what these giant elders have seen. There's a story in every ring.
I always wished that this song had a second verse.
Where once the maples got all the sun like the oak tress did and had no more shade.
They suddenly realized that the sun was too much for them and their leaves were burning.
They started dying and begged the oak trees to grow back again and provide them with the shade they once hated.
Because as we all know, maple trees grow best in the shade!
It wasn’t pushed back in the day. These guys essentially willed their way into a career with millions of fans.
Rush... depth in every song... one of the best 3 man bands ever!
So true Polo, they are individual musical geniuses and together the three of them deliver such a huge,powerful sound!!!❤️🤓
My appreciation for Rush just grows as I grow older
I do listen only to the music from my lifelong favorites of which RUSH is #1. The reason why I watch music reaction videos is because I love seeing young people discovering the music that I love and appreciating the skill & creativity of those artists. I took a college course on Music Appreciation and it was the most rewarding experience I had to expand my knowledge of classical music that I love so much.
The most powerful trio in rock.
If you want a wild ride...Natural Science.
They are the three nicest people you'll ever meet. Neil was very much for human rights, human decency, and an overall very moral person. You should really check out Witch Hunt (with lyrics).
I LISTENED to this song without knowing, and the closing of the story was amazing! Rush is more than music, it’s MAGIC.
Neil Peart is probably one of the greatest lyricists in modern music. For more examples, try Witch Hunt, Anagram (For Mongo), Red Barchetta. Just to name a few.
My favorite Rush song ever since it came out.
A good piece of art allows the person to interpret it in their own way.
Back in the day this was not pushed either. You had to be in the know to have heard this. Either that or having an older sibling exposing them to you. That song will always have a special place in my heart! Thanks Polo for going over this great tune!
This is one of my favorite songs. I first listened as a child when it came out and I still revisit it periodically.
Loved this reaction. Rush is not a first time listen and love them. The more you listen the more you uncover and because they do it a "more subtle way!" There is a lot to be amazed about watching a small team of people perfecting their craft over a life time of hard work!
Rush is epic!!! I saw them four times in my life and I was completely blown away by each of them every time! Another awesome reaction Polo!
We used to read Rush’s lyrics in school when we had to read poetry! The teacher never knew. 😊 Class of 83 here!
Class of '81, and I can believe it 😂
Is it possible that the teacher knew but didn't give away the fact that he knew? Class of 78 here.
@@thelonesomefisherman7425 He was clueless! We thought we were so cool!
@dragonfly1430 🙂
I wasn't there, so I will take you at your word.
Thanks! I just have 3 words..
La Villa Strangiato
Thank you! 🙏🏻 I was in 8th grade when this came out; I remember listening to it under the covers on my boom box late at night. Believe it or not, nobody was pushing RUSH very hard back then, either. They had to cut their way in with that genius you so rightly recognized. That said, you’re right about today; in fact, when is the last time you heard of a new rock band? Anyway, I love what you do, man, cuz you’re blurring all kinds of lines that The Man doesn’t want blurred. That rocks, as does your content.
Outstanding track.
Hey, I came in “late” myself being born in 1974.
Heard Tom Sawyer as a young kid and fell in love. By the mid to late 80s I was obsessed during a time the band was no longer heavy….but found myself still entranced and, then, becoming interested in creating myself…still saw the outstanding and timeless musicianship of the group.
I was a bassist and vocalist in high school(1989-1992) but I cannot/could not come close to Geddy, obviously! lol
I focus now more on synths, because software finally made it affordable…and bass as well.
I still…no matter what…at age 50…no matter the genre…Rush still calls to me in inspiration. ❤
That one was always a fan favorite since the time it was released. It's quirky and fun and we always loved it when they'd pull it out and play it in concert.
Geddy Lee is amazing as a bassist, keyboardist and vocalist. He is a wonderful person too. Hung out with him for over half an hour after a show while my friend/coworker interviewed Neil. I had on a Yes shirt, and found out Yes was his favorite band. So that is what we talked about the whole time. Yes is my favorite too. My boss opened the door to the little area we were in, alone, and saw who I was talking to, and literally backed into the wall in awe. I’ll never forget it. Amazing hug and little kiss when I left. ☮️❤️🎼😎
You're right Polo. It's the little things. Everywhere, always
It is hard with Rush to say one song or the other is my favourite, every song is the best at the time I am listening to it, but “the trees” and “freewill” are probably the ones I go back to the most, the message is absolutely brilliant.
Absolute musical genius.
Seeing them live is like watching Michelagelo paint the Sistine chapel. Every note like a perfectly placed brush stroke. I was blessed to have seen three geniuses perform their masterpieces many times. RUSH has made this world a better place for all of us.
This song is a great example of how Rush tells stories in music, contrasting the pastoral perception of the forest with the idea of war-like antagonism between the denizens of nature. It's genius.
You're right it's the little things the hidden gems that make rush.
I really enjoy your show. It’s nice to hear a musician talking about the musical aspects of the way the songs are constructed. It’s so much more to me as a fellow musician.
I have seen Rush perform 5 times so good!
I agree with everything you've said ... People were expected to be good.... These guys have always been my favorite ... Its meaningful good music... It came from the right place.... Hemispheres is a great album....
This has always been my favorite Rush song.
GREAT reaction Polo!! Only Rush can make a song about class struggle, apply it to trees in the forest, and have it absolutely ROCK!! You're correct, us fans will remain fans...to our dying day! And you're quickly becoming one too! Welcome to the club!
Cheers from Canada, eh!
Excellent! One of my all-time Rush favorites!
Next, you need to listen to A Passage to Bangkok. Just make sure you have a spliff ready to fire up.
😊😊😊
🎵🎶 Don't bogart that joint, my friend. Pass it over here. 🎵🎶
Rush is for all time. There are bands making real music today. They are out on the road playing bars and smaller venues. Tedeschi Trucks, Elovators, Stick Figure, Dispatch, Surfer Girl. They are out there, you just have to find them
Thanks, I had not heard this song in years.
RUSH is a band that can "preach" without being "preachy". Also, how cool is it that Neil Peart plays wooden blocks on a song about The Trees! ☮
Rush is a band who can write songs about the Holocaust or the bombing of Hiroshima and not be preachy or even slighty leaning toward one side or the other. It's just about the feelings of the people directly involved, which adds a perspective lyrically that's sorely missed in this day and age. Granted, we've all heard the cookie cutter love songs in all their various genres, but those songs are few and far between in Rush's library. These songs are about how large real-world issues affect individuals, yet they speak to society as a whole.
If you haven't already, listen to Red Sector A and The Manhattan Project. 59 year old man here that still sheds a tear listening to those songs as well as many more.
My favorite bassist has Geddy’s signature on the headstock of his signature bass.
Gotta love those noble laws...thanks Polo. I love watching your face ❤🎉😮
These 3 gentlemen shine in every song! 🤘
One of my first concerts was Rush back in the early 90s. Phenomenal band and great music that just hits just the right way
Thought provoking. Good reaction.
Well done! I've always seen this song as the "Maples" being Canada (Rush's nation) and the Oaks being the U.S. Canada seems to be a little brother, in the sense that the U.S. gobbles up all the news and attention. it's a brilliant allusion to that relationship, and although I've never heard Neil go into depth on the song's meaning, that's how I see it. He likes leaving it up to the listener, and I think that's a wise thing. Thanks for sharing your view.
I ❤ Rush and 🌲 trees 🎄 here we go baby 💗 Grandma's got the 😺 on the run. ✌️ Polo...
"just the little things". nice. exactly. so many details... when you have only 3 dudes, the timing, spacing, orchestration have to be just right. have you done Xanadu?
“What I have learned over the years is that the craft of songwriting is trying to take the personal and make it universal…or in the case of telling a story, taking the universal and making it personal”.
Neil Elwood Peart O.C.
Musician
(1952-2020)
Something to keep in mind as we travel down the Rush rabbit hole.
thanks for reacting to this, Polo! I always appreciate it when you react to my favorite band.
From the first time I heard it, this has always been my favourite Rush song. The ironic final line of the lyrics really seals the deal for me. Great music, thoughtful lyrics. Great reaction.
Polo,
Spot on about music (after the Golden period in music 1950 to 1995) of today.
Just think of genres of music created back then. From Ska, Reggae, Jazz, Bebop Jazz, Country , Folk, Blues,R&B, R&R, Heavy Metal, Jazz fusion, Singer Songwriter, Glam, Punk, Disco, New Wave, EDM, Grunge, Hip Hop , Rap and that's just in US.
It will never be repeated in history.
If you haven't listened to Red Barchetta yet, I would recommend that for your next Rush reaction. It's the best.
In my younger days, I drove *so fast* so many times to Red Barchetta...
Insightful listening, my friend. It’s validating, and joyful, to share the music that touched your spirit,- for the reasons you mentioned. There was poetry, and artistry , poured into music at the level Rush is. There is transcendence shared, when musicians, and artists,- stretch their abilities to create, on this level of excellence . Appreciate you🤙
Great reaction to a highly favored RUSH classic. You've grown in your perceptions and ear a lot along this journey. Here for it! #"Different Strings" by RUSH is fairly short but the last minuet is SUBLIME Alex at his best again. The emotions he can create are second to none. David Gilmore type feelings
Thank you.
Neil saw a one panel comic that somehow inspired him to write a song that asked the question, "Would if trees acted like humans?". Your comparison of Rush's music with today's music is spot on.
The Working Man's Band. RUSH
Love your enthusiasm for music.
From their later years, Far Cry is a total banger! The lyrics are out of this world!
Neil always denied that the lyrics are about Canadian politics. Everyone believed him, of course, especially up here in Edmonton, and especially now, nearly 50 years after it was written. It’s just a song about trees.
I saw a interview and that's what he said, he saw a little cartoon and thought it would be a cool song. No real political inspiration.
I remember being a teenage kid in the 70s and putting this album on for the first time.
As you say it's the little things during Neil playing on the wood chimes. The Trees! If interested there is a live version of this Frankfurt 2005. The guitar solo will blow you away. Rush playing live is not to be missed as you will see as you progress with this incredible band!
Also one of the things I love about your channel is the diversity. Keep it up.
RUSH was never pushed...they didn't make radio edit songs, very few videos even made it to MTV when they did change to shorter songs. They were always considered "progressive rock" when no one knew how to even classify their sound. They still put out so many albums and great music. I still have a playlist on Spotify that i listen to often. CAMERA EYE, LA VILLA STRANGIATO, XANADU, so many epic tracks to dig into if you have not yet. I love the Japanese music scene (metal, jazz, rock, etc) but RUSH will always be my #1 favorite band. lost count of exactly how many times I saw them live, but it was more than 20. they were even better live as much as I love all their studio work as well.
Have been waiting for someone to react to this song! Great! Thanks!
Hey Polo Reacts, I was 13 or 14 years old when,I first heard RUSH, on a Boston AM radio, Being in Nova Scotia then we didn;t have a Rock Radio station"Q-104FM 1983" Life long fan, Only saw RUSH live once! "Power Windows Tour" in the "Metro Center" Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Glad you enjoyed the music, Great video, You got 40 years of Canadian Progressive Rock! 😀👌👍✌🤘
Getty Lee has the most unique voice and can make his bass sing!
Rush were musical geniuses. They're my brother's favorite band - 2112, his favorite album. I agree that it was their best, but Led Zeppelin.
I think you’d love Closer to the Heart by Rush. I suggest the live in Toronto 1983 version.
Keep on keepin' on my man! Beautiful music... subtle messages for those who will listen!
You are exactly right. Us rush fans will die rush fans, two more rush songs you might want to check out, come from the lp subdivisions, the title track, and count down
one of my favorite Rush songs
I love your reactions to Rush! I know you did a live version of this song 9 months ago but I would not mind if you did every version of every Rush song, LOL. I sent you a coffee today and a request.
I can’t imagine anyone singing for Rush other than Geddy.
Polo, I'm poor, but I love your thoughtful reactions. Please, keep it up.
Great song. For me it can be thought of as "Have's" vs. "Have not's"
Thanks for a fun reaction.
Thank you for doing this song! I request it on anyone who does Rush for the exact reasons you said.