Every Rush song needs to be listened to a minimum of 5 times. Once just to listen to the bass, then a second to listen to the drums, next to listen to the guitar, a fourth just to focus on the lyrics, and then listen to the perfection of putting all together.
"each of us. A Cell of awareness. Imperfect and Incomplete. Genetic Blends. With uncertain ends. On a fortune hunt that's far too fleet". I don't even know where to begin. Neil's lyrics are poetry! What a great song!
I think the song is largely describing Neil Peart’s feelings on religion and faith, particularly the right to choose how or who you want to worship, the celestial voice. Or you can choose no religion or faith at all, which is still a choice. The song is promoting free will to determine how you express your faith or not.
The message I get is to think for yourself. Many people think rush is supporting a position. What I see is commenting on life with out telling you a specific way to live.
@@bluetopguitar1104 Peart spends a lot of time pointing to the diversions, distractions, and dead ends in life that deny you free will and worse the free will of others. He's a true classical liberal and bless him for it.
I have a brief comment, Brad & Lex. But I need to say, I'm a huge RUSH fan! Freewill and choice, a VERY deep well. Any decent science fiction will address this topic. I trying to keep this as brief as possible. Have you seen The Matrix?...Choice. A few other tidbits for you two. Brad, Captain of my own ship...Seinfeld, Master of my own Destiny 😂😂😂😂. Lex, you have excellent taste in music, you are very insightful and expressive. Thank you both for your reactions. Almost forgot, all the music you're hearing is made by only three people. Live videos of RUSH sound just like studio versions. Very skilled musicians!
There are those who believe their fate is determined. Whether through religion or a belief in destiny. People believe they were dealt a raw deal or their path is predetermined. Rush is saying none of that is true and we should embrace freewill. To make our own path and live life on our terms. To make choices (or don't, which is a choice unto itself) and believe our choices have consequence. If people believe in destiny, what do any choices matter? I think it's a song about taking responsibility.
More like a song of self-declaration... Peart says in the lyrics that people are different w/ different circumstances - some have it hard, some have no choices in their lives... Others have their paths set for them and just follow a pre-ordained future or a 'higher power' of religions. Everyone has a choice, and even if they refuse to choose, that in itself is a choice to remain indecisive... But Peart emphasizes that as far as his life was concerned, he wanted his path to be his own... his freewill was an informed decision to make his choices between 'phantom fears' and 'kindness that can kill', for example... Only when his paths are clear with the knowledge that he has, will he make a choice. Not about responsibility... it's about truly knowing what to do and what the consequences of those choices are before you. Take Neil Peart's life - he was offered an audition w/ Rush, and he talked w/ his parents about what he should do; he was encouraged to go audition, and he got the gig... his other choice was working at the parts store and playing in local bands. Then, Rush were asked to record a 'commercial' album in 1976 or face being dropped by their label... and they chose to ignore everyone and record the album '2112' which they felt very passionately about. And then again in 1979, they could have stayed w/ the epic prog rock sound, but chose a new path incorporating British 'new wave' music for this album 'Permanent waves'... None of those choices were easy for Rush... but they went w/ their freewill. Even a man in prison has a choice before him... he can use the time he has to do something positive, or he can cause havoc while incarcerated, or just mope and feel sorry for himself... It is better than say, a man who is suffering from dementia and is robbed of his freewill...
Calvinism was a religion that believed everything was predetermined, including whether we were "saved" or "damned", from the moment of our birth. They had two terms for the people who were saved or damned: "elite" and "preterite". A Calvinist had no idea what group he was in until the moment of his death, and your earthly actions had no effect on your final judgement. I believe they have since died off (most people want a religion that makes a lot of promises).
I think RUSHFANDAVE there put it best. You guys shouldn't attempt to ellaborate further. You have 3 types of people Religious - Preordained a prisoner in chains/Agnostic - If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice /Atheist - Freewill ________________Keep it simple.___________
Neil isnt saying its not true. Hes just observing the differences in peoples beliefs. He says YOU CAN choose to believe in a higher power and that everything in your life is preordained. And thats ok. He personally chooses to reject that. Hes not saying either way is right or wrong. But he is sort of mocking religious people in a couple lines, or pitying them. Nothing new for him. We know he looked down on religious types. He wrote an entire album about it. Snakes and Arrows.
You know heavy metal is Instrumentally better. The bass and especially the solos are insane compared to this. I love this band. But if you have truly listened to Metal then you would know instrumentally and even Vocally Metal is leagues above rock like this. The solos are insane, the bass is the true kick in the face, and the drums are out of this world in METAL. Listen to by “by demons be driven” by Pantera or “fairies wear boots” by Black Sabbath. Or hell listen to Nightmare by Black Sabbath. You won’t regret it
The song is basically about people having free will, and thus being responsible for their circumstances. It was critical of people who blamed fate, or some Godlike entity for their problems. I believe Rush (especially Neil Peart) were influenced by the works of Ayn Rand who advocated independence, and personal responsibility, among individuals.
great work of art, philosophical fail since Peart had no clue or didn't know how to address soft/compatibilist determinism -- which absolutely does not deny volitional agency and hence moral responsibility. In fact one can only and ever choose according to one's most powerful preferences and desires, hence personal responsibility, while choices still being consistent to pre-determined outcomes. Harry Frankfurt has writings on this.
Yeah... but he grew up, looks like. "Peart, who died in 2020, basically disavowed his early career fascination with Rand’s objectivist fantasies of self-reliance"
@@shanehebert396 I think people who are really "grown up" adhere to Ayn Rand every day. Why is strength and self reliance vilified? It's a much stronger ethos than depending on the Government to be your Mommy
@@shanehebert396 No Ayn Rand appeals to adults. Most teens have never heard of her. Socialism appeals to impressionable teens who don't have to support themselves.
Most people are really struck by the lyric "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice", but my favorite part of this masterpiece is "blame is better to give than receive". Thank you Neil!
my favorite will always be, "Each of us, a cell of awareness, imperfect, and incomplete... genetic blends, with uncertain ends. on a fortune hunt, thats far too fleet." just... brilliant.
The bass and guitar parts during the solo-break are amazing. Alex is so good and was so good at using the available effects of the day. The phase and flange and delay are just so tasteful and really add to the solo. You really have to listen carefully to catch all those beautiful bass runs when things get busy😉 BTW I like you guys and your GF has an infectious smile 😃 love when you guys do Rush.
You both have stumbled onto why Rush is so great. If you just want to get into the music and the sound they have everything you need to make them entertaining. All three are top musicians. If you are the type that wants to figure out the meaning, Neil has the best thought provoking lyrics. Perfect Band for Brad and Lex.
“Each of us, a cell of awareness, imperfect and incomplete. Genetic blends with uncertain ends on a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet.” Simply brilliant lyrics.👍🔥🤘🏻🎧
Curling fingers indeed! Yes in fact you are quite accurate, at that point the guitar player is doing massive finger curls one could say. Funny yet amazingly astute of you! Been loving this tune ever since it first came out and in fact I even saw them play this live before it came out on album. Back in the day Rush would bring out a couple of new songs every now and then. What a great treat that was. Seen them live 34 times over the decades starting in 1976.
In this episode of Brad & Lex, the deep vocals coupled with other easter eggs included in this 1980 cut indeed embodies the spirit of radio. Brad will give us his signature "side to side sway" as Lex invests a bit more in the stock of this brand by displaying an array of "bops"...."suddle bops", "air guitar bops", "drummer bops" and "over the top bobble bops" before claps and the word "bass" leaps from her. Brad becomes a paper guitar believer while seemingly analyzing the effects even after the "rush" is over.
"genetic blends with uncertain ends"....damn, all my philosophy came from RUSH, and when I read Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Coleridge, I realized Peart was pulling the lyrics from classics, which got me interested in the classics. Then Shakespeare spoke of the "gilded cage".....so Rush became my literature teacher. Thank God for RUSH.
Great reaction! To me the song is about choosing your path in life. Some are guided by God, some by decisions, some by indecision, some by fate. Ultimately we each have freewill to govern our path.
To follow up on that - there are those who blame others for their problems, poor decisions, and plain old shitty luck. The choices you make lead to those outcomes as well. You've got to make your own luck in choosing your own path - be prepared, be smart, be informed. "Blame is better to give than receive" - the mantra of those who refuse or are unable to accept constructive criticism. It's always someone's else at fault... not yours.
The song is asking us all to take responsibility for our own lives and to go and make our lives as great as we can. It's saying you can choose to sit around and blame your problems on bad luck, or God, or the universe, or you can do the best with what you have to try and better your life and make the world greater for you having been a part of it.
Yeah it's basically the choice to make your own decisions, rather than throw your hands up in the air and say, "it's God's will" or looking for answers in the stars. Not sure why Lex has such a hard time with this concept ;)
This song needs to be digested 3 or 4 times..... it's so good. It's an "enjoy life but think before you act" kinda song.... Lyrically. Count your blessings.... too. Musically a rich feast for the ears. Brad, you n Lex are a great balance. So fun to hear y'all.
Face melting million miles an hour guitar solo from Alex Lifeson. All the tortured string bends at the beginning of it, and then he just went into hyperspace. One of the best rock guitar solos ever.
Yes ROCK solo. I find it disrespectful when you say “face melting millions miles an hour guitar solo” like dude have you never listen to Heavy Metal? There are a THOUSAND other songs from metal bands where the solos are ACTUAL face melters. “By demons be driven by Pantera” is an actual face melter. like I can’t believe you called that solo “face melting million miles an hour” like listen to some good metal songs and you’ll realize that “solo” is average. The solos from metal bands has demons rising from the earth and satan worshipping the solos from down below from how perfect and “face melting” metal solos are.
One of my favorites by RUSH. Being that I'm non-religious, it felt so good to hear a band saying what I was thinking. This song is about choosing to be religious or not but, they are choosing a path that's clear of religious ideology, thus freewill. cemented my fandom of RUSH. VITAL SIGNS is another great song to me with intriguing lyrics. A true thinking person's band.
There were definitely two guitars going on during the second part of the solo. And yes, that was the bass at the beginning of the instrumental section going with the drums before the guitar comes in. And the bass kept going crazy while the guitar was going crazy. Awesome song!
I think there is just one guitar. It's my understanding that Rush did not record music that the 3 of them could not play live. Rush had only Alex Lifeson playing guitar, and he has said that his solo in this song is hard to play.
@@richardcumber5476 Are you trying to tell me that Alex Lifeson used a digital looper pedal in 1979? No, he played the solo and at 3:41 in the song, when the guitar starts playing the chords part, it is a different guitar track. He plays those chords and then the other guitar comes back in to play the upper register single notes. You can still hear the other guitar part playing lower in the mix keep playing. Alex just had to combine those two parts when he did the solo live. Don't believe me, listen to the studio recording in headphones and listen for the second guitar to keep playing.
@@JPMadden They played it live, Alex just had to combine the to two parts when he played them live. For reference, listen to 2112. There are rhythm guitars all over that song during times that Alex was soloing. He couldn't play those parts and solo at the same time. When they did it live, he played the solos. For the freewill solo, listen to it and when it gets to 3:41 in the song, and Alex is playing the chords in the solo, that is the second guitar, and it keeps playing, like Alex is trading off the chords part with the searing upper register single notes part. Listen to it closely, in headphones if you can, and you will hear the second guitar playing underneath the higher guitar. The recording engineer/mixer is just raising and lowering each part in the mix.
Rush was my very first concert! Huey Lewis and the News were the warm-up band. Rush is pure poetry. I see you haven’t done “The Trees” yet? If u haven’t, u absolutely must. One of their best. The music is a symphony and the words are a message for us all. Truly a masterpiece. Throw in some “Closer to the Heart” and u have perfection. A little known song that also deserves a listen is “Losing It”. Prob no video for that one. I really enjoy you both. You make me laugh every time. Thank you.
I Love Lex, she was right loving Geddy Lee’s Beautiful Bass Line , and calling it out🎸🎸🎸🎸. She would have enjoyed all the Cocerts I have Attended. At Least One Rush Concert Every Tour Since 1979, and Some Tours I saw 2 or more shows!!! I was A Rush Head Like a Dead Head
I love how Brad is just getting deep into the lyrics. The expressions on his face show how deep in thought he is on what Rush is trying to say with their Lyrics... Its Priceless. I also enjoy hearing what Brad thinks about the Lyrics and what they mean to him. Very awesome guys! You guys Rock!!!
That guitar sound you were referring to Brad is produced with a pedal called a phase shifter. Makes sound appear to be pushed and pulled away from you. Cool stuff.
I had the VERY same conversation in my head as Lex! The paradox come contradiction that 'free will' somehow stands outside of other people's choice making. Technically choosing to let others decide for you is still an exercise in free will. And reacting to what others do is technically allowing yourself to be influenced by someone else's decision making.
Yes. Which is the point of the song. When he says "I will choose freewill" he's not talking about his choices, he's talking about his belief in the efficacy of his choices. You can choose to believe there's gods, fate, magic, etc. He's choosing to be in control.
The effect that caused Alex Lifeson's guitar solo to sound like that is called phaser. This is the reason the guitar sounds like it's volume was "going up and down" as Brad mentioned. More technically put, it is *phasing* in and out. Though you could not reproduce the tone of his solo without using the effect, Alex Lifeson's dynamic soloing style is part of what makes this tone so unique.
@@funkster007 That is very much possible, I know Alex used all three affects (phaser, chorus and flanger) throughout Rush's albums. And I don't necessarily have an ear to consistently hear the difference between chorus+flanger and phaser, but I do know that that pedal combo would still, as you put it, produce a "swirling effect" similar to the one that is created by a phaser pedal do to the fact that they are all modulation pedals
@@bronnyredding8860 Yeah, the phaser and flanger are both similar. Alex used the phaser a lot on the earlier albums. A real obvious example of the flanger effect is on the Van Halen song Loss Of Control. Eddie loved that effect.😁
It's awesome watching you 2 try and work out a RUSH songs meaning !!! I can only say , you must listen to each song several times before you " get it " lex, you have the spirit , Brad always looks confused listening to a RUSH song. You guys are AWSOME !!!! stay safe 😷 🙏 ❤️
One of my favorite lines of all time is in this song “if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice” I think this applies to every situation.
These fathers of ProgRock are the Kings of the signature/time change. Lex's desire for surprises in music will be enlightened as you get deeper into Rush. Thanks guys.
the epic guitar solo is bc rush had such talented musicians!😉 the playing was so clear and each note so pronounced, it wasnt just style of the time but talent!!🤘🤟🤞✌☝❤
It's called Channel Fades. In the mix of mastering, recording engineers will take the guitar track and fade it back and forth between left and right channels. It sonically creates depth and space in the sound. In this recording Alex over-dubbed a second guitar while Getty's Bass and Neil's drums were single dubs.
@@cobaltcanarycherry It's out of fashion now because "music" is out of fashion... replaced now with lazy computerized software based artificial sound loops and autotune. The actual musical and engineering skills are a thing lost now for the most part. Why do you think these reaction channels are becoming a thing of new discovery?! because people now never knew what music could be and how it was uniquely made.
B&L, you just listened to one of THE most badass jam/breakdown/solos of all time. This song, Freewill, also displays Lee & Lifeson playing keyboard sounds with Moog Pedals with their feet, while playing their guitars. Incomparable!
I’ve heard astronomically better solos in METAL. Rock solos can only go so far but metal solos are sooo much better to the point you’ll realize the solo in this song is average. I definitely wouldn’t call it incomparable. The solos from metal songs will have demons rising from below to worship the sound humans have created with metal, All the while melting your face in the process. Like it’s crazy to me Rock fanatics worship these bands instrumentals meanwhile Metal bands have wayyy better solos, drums and bass sound. Lol so fascinating
Brad's got this one. Lex is a little ways out in left field. This song is worth listening to a few times to let it sink in. Enjoyed the video! Always looking forward to what's next.
Love the all the reactions Let's you are a natural and eighties girl born at the wrong time Brad I've been listening to this music for 40 plus years I still don't know all the lyrics let the music take you where it takes you Keep up the good work
This is off of Permanent Waves and IMO this album is the beginning of a new sound for them, because the next album was Moving pictures probably their most commercial album.That bass part with the guitar solo is crazy good,lol, haven't heard this in awhile and it's still as good as it was in the 70's,80's.
Bitter sweet hearing these great Rush songs with the loss of Neal Peart but to see you two discover there songs is great. Eccentric & Strange is waiting for you Lex. OINGO BOINGO !!! Your going to have to drag Brad into more songs from them.
I can't believe how much enjoyment I get out of watching you two young people react to all of the music of my childhood, including some stuff that was going on when I wasn't even born yet. Keep it up, you guys are awesome.
Yes lex BASS, this band is sooo talented and chops are unreal, often gets overshadowed by Neil's percussion expertise but all 3 are masters of their craft
Ive been hanging out with u all night as yall go through a portionn of my spotify list and checking out the music…..i really had a great time…..i cant wait to hang with yall more and have a musical odesty…..you guys really are a good team….and fun to listen to….lex u have amazing charisma…..also enjoye the one with one of your moms…..keep up the great work…im a lonely duee and listening with yall made me a lil less lonely….
My guess is that "celestial voice" refers to someone's religion, whether it's Christian, Buddhist, Jewish (Geddy's parents were Jewish), or some other. Those "voices" are already written down and have followers. Someone following free will has their own philosophy, maybe?
Hi Brad & Lex😊. Yeah, RUSH plays alternate time signatures. NOT 4/4 like the Beatles. Maybe 7/8, and Geddy Lee, the bassist/vocalist plays a Rickenbacker, very distinctive tone. You two are awesome! Brad, you are a much wiser man than me. 👍✌️ RUSH...Yeah! Brad & Lex !
I knew that Band-Maid reminded me of Rush, and NOW I remember which song does that, Compare the Bass vs Guitar solos in Hate? Live to this Excellent Rush tune.
I know you two have listened to some Zappa but when you said Easter eggs, well, that man put more in his music than any other I know. Still amazed by the stuff your listening to, it's very reminiscent of what I was listening to 30 years ago!
First, I like how you guys just get right into the videos. And you guys are fun, but Lex , you are amazing. You have fun in everything you do and have a great personality. It's funny because I think about the girl I've loved for so long and then watch you and wonder, Hmm. Maybe she isn't the one for me. lol. Just love your upbeat personality. You're a lucky guy, Brad. Would be nice to see if you have a personality hiding in there. I'm sure you do for you two to be a pair. Would be nice to see once in awhile. Thanks for the videos. I'm hooked.
Fantastic guitar solo by Alex Lifeson on this one! 🤘🔥 The lyrics are rooted in the philosophy of Ayn Rand whom Neil Peart was interested in at the time.
There are certain bands whose musicianship and technique just puts them in a slightly different bracket. They are few in number, and Rush is one of them. Each of them has an opportunity in Freewill to express themselves musically.
Yes .... I agree, I think the word she was looking for is ...... the music is (unpredictable)they surprise with their timing and signature changes, which is refreshing, they aren't typical, or predictable !!
Just Imagine...All That Sound Came From 3 Players....The Best Drummer Of All Time....One Of The Best Bass and Lyrics Of All Time....And One Of The Best Lead Guitarist Of All Time In One Band....Simply Amazing....I Seen Them At The Pittsburgh Civic Arena And It's Still The Best Concert I've Ever Been Too !!!
Every Rush song needs to be listened to a minimum of 5 times. Once just to listen to the bass, then a second to listen to the drums, next to listen to the guitar, a fourth just to focus on the lyrics, and then listen to the perfection of putting all together.
You forgot to listen once more to appreciate the notes they AREN'T playing, my man.
...and even this is not enough... :)
Yes!! Neil was so masterful with his words...you can miss a lot the 1st couple of times!
Sorry, but you spelled 500 wrong. FIFY :)
Had to listen to Geddy’s bassline leading into the Alex’s solo at least 100 times…
My favorite line from "Freewill" - - 'If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.' Classic!
@@jperryhal Your line is from the song 'Entre Nous', not 'Freewill', both songs are from the album 'Permanent Waves'.
@@jperryhal and that other French sh*t in La Villa Strangiato.
Me too, I’ve always connected to that line.
@@jperryhal Mind trip... ALL words are made up words. And I don't remember what the french words meant in that live version either.
Straw man philosophy. Satanic af
"each of us. A Cell of awareness. Imperfect and Incomplete. Genetic Blends. With uncertain ends. On a fortune hunt that's far too fleet".
I don't even know where to begin. Neil's lyrics are poetry! What a great song!
I think the song is largely describing Neil Peart’s feelings on religion and faith, particularly the right to choose how or who you want to worship, the celestial voice. Or you can choose no religion or faith at all, which is still a choice. The song is promoting free will to determine how you express your faith or not.
Thank you. You just saved me a whole lot of typing. ❤ Prog on!
The message I get is to think for yourself. Many people think rush is supporting a position. What I see is commenting on life with out telling you a specific way to live.
What I like is that it doesn't assert any particular POV, it asserts taking responsibility for your own.
@@losthor1zon Agreed 👍
@@bluetopguitar1104 Peart spends a lot of time pointing to the diversions, distractions, and dead ends in life that deny you free will and worse the free will of others. He's a true classical liberal and bless him for it.
Everyone should see that documentary about these guys....named "Beyond the Lighted Stage"....
Absolutely.
Great film.
I have a brief comment, Brad & Lex. But I need to say, I'm a huge RUSH fan!
Freewill and choice, a VERY deep well. Any decent science fiction will address this topic.
I trying to keep this as brief as possible. Have you seen The Matrix?...Choice.
A few other tidbits for you two. Brad, Captain of my own ship...Seinfeld, Master of my own Destiny 😂😂😂😂.
Lex, you have excellent taste in music, you are very insightful and expressive.
Thank you both for your reactions.
Almost forgot, all the music you're hearing is made by only three people. Live videos of RUSH sound just like studio versions. Very skilled musicians!
There are those who believe their fate is determined. Whether through religion or a belief in destiny. People believe they were dealt a raw deal or their path is predetermined. Rush is saying none of that is true and we should embrace freewill. To make our own path and live life on our terms. To make choices (or don't, which is a choice unto itself) and believe our choices have consequence. If people believe in destiny, what do any choices matter? I think it's a song about taking responsibility.
More like a song of self-declaration... Peart says in the lyrics that people are different w/ different circumstances - some have it hard, some have no choices in their lives... Others have their paths set for them and just follow a pre-ordained future or a 'higher power' of religions. Everyone has a choice, and even if they refuse to choose, that in itself is a choice to remain indecisive...
But Peart emphasizes that as far as his life was concerned, he wanted his path to be his own... his freewill was an informed decision to make his choices between 'phantom fears' and 'kindness that can kill', for example... Only when his paths are clear with the knowledge that he has, will he make a choice.
Not about responsibility... it's about truly knowing what to do and what the consequences of those choices are before you.
Take Neil Peart's life - he was offered an audition w/ Rush, and he talked w/ his parents about what he should do; he was encouraged to go audition, and he got the gig... his other choice was working at the parts store and playing in local bands.
Then, Rush were asked to record a 'commercial' album in 1976 or face being dropped by their label... and they chose to ignore everyone and record the album '2112' which they felt very passionately about. And then again in 1979, they could have stayed w/ the epic prog rock sound, but chose a new path incorporating British 'new wave' music for this album 'Permanent waves'...
None of those choices were easy for Rush... but they went w/ their freewill.
Even a man in prison has a choice before him... he can use the time he has to do something positive, or he can cause havoc while incarcerated, or just mope and feel sorry for himself... It is better than say, a man who is suffering from dementia and is robbed of his freewill...
Calvinism was a religion that believed everything was predetermined, including whether we were "saved" or "damned", from the moment of our birth. They had two terms for the people who were saved or damned: "elite" and "preterite". A Calvinist had no idea what group he was in until the moment of his death, and your earthly actions had no effect on your final judgement. I believe they have since died off (most people want a religion that makes a lot of promises).
Spot on!!! RUSH ON EH!!!
I think RUSHFANDAVE there put it best. You guys shouldn't attempt to ellaborate further. You have 3 types of people Religious - Preordained a prisoner in chains/Agnostic - If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice /Atheist - Freewill ________________Keep it simple.___________
Neil isnt saying its not true. Hes just observing the differences in peoples beliefs. He says YOU CAN choose to believe in a higher power and that everything in your life is preordained. And thats ok. He personally chooses to reject that. Hes not saying either way is right or wrong. But he is sort of mocking religious people in a couple lines, or pitying them. Nothing new for him. We know he looked down on religious types. He wrote an entire album about it. Snakes and Arrows.
Yes, that was bass in your face kicking off that jam, followed by Alex's lead solo with Neil killing it on the drums. Such an incredible jam!
You know heavy metal is Instrumentally better. The bass and especially the solos are insane compared to this. I love this band. But if you have truly listened to Metal then you would know instrumentally and even Vocally Metal is leagues above rock like this. The solos are insane, the bass is the true kick in the face, and the drums are out of this world in METAL. Listen to by “by demons be driven” by Pantera or “fairies wear boots” by Black Sabbath. Or hell listen to Nightmare by Black Sabbath. You won’t regret it
RUSH created some of the best music ever. I can listen to RUSH every day of my life.
The song is basically about people having free will, and thus being responsible for their circumstances. It was critical of people who blamed fate, or some Godlike entity for their problems. I believe Rush (especially Neil Peart) were influenced by the works of Ayn Rand who advocated independence, and personal responsibility, among individuals.
great work of art, philosophical fail since Peart had no clue or didn't know how to address soft/compatibilist determinism -- which absolutely does not deny volitional agency and hence moral responsibility. In fact one can only and ever choose according to one's most powerful preferences and desires, hence personal responsibility, while choices still being consistent to pre-determined outcomes. Harry Frankfurt has writings on this.
Yeah... but he grew up, looks like. "Peart, who died in 2020, basically disavowed his early career fascination with Rand’s objectivist fantasies of self-reliance"
@@shanehebert396 I think people who are really "grown up" adhere to Ayn Rand every day. Why is strength and self reliance vilified? It's a much stronger ethos than depending on the Government to be your Mommy
@@lewis9702 Ayn Rand appeals to teens who want to be edgy. Most of us mature and grow out of Rand by the time we hit our 20s.
@@shanehebert396 No Ayn Rand appeals to adults. Most teens have never heard of her. Socialism appeals to impressionable teens who don't have to support themselves.
Ha ha ! When Rush plays SO progressive and virtuoso, you simply can't comprehend what you're listening to!!! That's TALENT!!!
Only Rush can stir these conversations of enlightenment. I love your reactions.
Most people are really struck by the lyric "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice", but my favorite part of this masterpiece is "blame is better to give than receive". Thank you Neil!
my favorite will always be,
"Each of us,
a cell of awareness,
imperfect, and incomplete...
genetic blends,
with uncertain ends.
on a fortune hunt, thats far too fleet."
just... brilliant.
Alex, Geddy and Neil all soloing at once. Only Rush can do this. Celestial voice. Godlike voice. 🤘
The bass and guitar parts during the solo-break are amazing. Alex is so good and was so good at using the available effects of the day. The phase and flange and delay are just so tasteful and really add to the solo. You really have to listen carefully to catch all those beautiful bass runs when things get busy😉
BTW I like you guys and your GF has an infectious smile 😃 love when you guys do Rush.
You both have stumbled onto why Rush is so great. If you just want to get into the music and the sound they have everything you need to make them entertaining. All three are top musicians. If you are the type that wants to figure out the meaning, Neil has the best thought provoking lyrics. Perfect Band for Brad and Lex.
“Each of us, a cell of awareness, imperfect and incomplete. Genetic blends with uncertain ends on a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet.”
Simply brilliant lyrics.👍🔥🤘🏻🎧
Such an eloquent definition of being human.
Curling fingers indeed! Yes in fact you are quite accurate, at that point the guitar player is doing massive finger curls one could say. Funny yet amazingly astute of you!
Been loving this tune ever since it first came out and in fact I even saw them play this live before it came out on album. Back in the day Rush would bring out a couple of new songs every now and then. What a great treat that was. Seen them live 34 times over the decades starting in 1976.
I always love to see the music that I grew up with to be appreciated. Have fun.
Ohhh, Brad! Waiting until right in the middle of one of Geddy's last studio primal screams to pause? Ay yi yi!!
In this episode of Brad & Lex, the deep vocals coupled with other easter eggs included in this 1980 cut indeed embodies the spirit of radio. Brad will give us his signature "side to side sway" as Lex invests a bit more in the stock of this brand by displaying an array of "bops"...."suddle bops", "air guitar bops", "drummer bops" and "over the top bobble bops" before claps and the word "bass" leaps from her. Brad becomes a paper guitar believer while seemingly analyzing the effects even after the "rush" is over.
"genetic blends with uncertain ends"....damn, all my philosophy came from RUSH, and when I read Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Coleridge, I realized Peart was pulling the lyrics from classics, which got me interested in the classics. Then Shakespeare spoke of the "gilded cage".....so Rush became my literature teacher. Thank God for RUSH.
Great reaction! To me the song is about choosing your path in life. Some are guided by God, some by decisions, some by indecision, some by fate. Ultimately we each have freewill to govern our path.
To follow up on that - there are those who blame others for their problems, poor decisions, and plain old shitty luck. The choices you make lead to those outcomes as well. You've got to make your own luck in choosing your own path - be prepared, be smart, be informed. "Blame is better to give than receive" - the mantra of those who refuse or are unable to accept constructive criticism. It's always someone's else at fault... not yours.
Excellent summary, Bartman.
The song is asking us all to take responsibility for our own lives and to go and make our lives as great as we can. It's saying you can choose to sit around and blame your problems on bad luck, or God, or the universe, or you can do the best with what you have to try and better your life and make the world greater for you having been a part of it.
Yeah it's basically the choice to make your own decisions, rather than throw your hands up in the air and say, "it's God's will" or looking for answers in the stars. Not sure why Lex has such a hard time with this concept ;)
In other words don’t be a Democrap…
@@ugaais yep
This song needs to be digested 3 or 4 times..... it's so good. It's an "enjoy life but think before you act" kinda song.... Lyrically. Count your blessings.... too. Musically a rich feast for the ears. Brad, you n Lex are a great balance. So fun to hear y'all.
Celestial Voice = Religion
Edit: Brad seems to have this one, he's "the captain of his own ship."
To choose a ready guide in some celestrial voice = deciding to follow a religion.
Face melting million miles an hour guitar solo from Alex Lifeson. All the tortured string bends at the beginning of it, and then he just went into hyperspace.
One of the best rock guitar solos ever.
Yes ROCK solo. I find it disrespectful when you say “face melting millions miles an hour guitar solo” like dude have you never listen to Heavy Metal? There are a THOUSAND other songs from metal bands where the solos are ACTUAL face melters. “By demons be driven by Pantera” is an actual face melter. like I can’t believe you called that solo “face melting million miles an hour” like listen to some good metal songs and you’ll realize that “solo” is average. The solos from metal bands has demons rising from the earth and satan worshipping the solos from down below from how perfect and “face melting” metal solos are.
every time, no matter high many times I listen to this song, when Geddy hits the high part right after the solo I get chills!
Me too!
A CELL of awareness!!
One of my favorites by RUSH. Being that I'm non-religious, it felt so good to hear a band saying what I was thinking. This song is about choosing to be religious or not but, they are choosing a path that's clear of religious ideology, thus freewill. cemented my fandom of RUSH. VITAL SIGNS is another great song to me with intriguing lyrics. A true thinking person's band.
Rush has a gigantic library of mind blowing songs, the rabbit hole is never ending.
There were definitely two guitars going on during the second part of the solo. And yes, that was the bass at the beginning of the instrumental section going with the drums before the guitar comes in. And the bass kept going crazy while the guitar was going crazy. Awesome song!
I think there is just one guitar. It's my understanding that Rush did not record music that the 3 of them could not play live. Rush had only Alex Lifeson playing guitar, and he has said that his solo in this song is hard to play.
Alex Lifeson frequently used a looping pedal.
@@richardcumber5476 Are you trying to tell me that Alex Lifeson used a digital looper pedal in 1979? No, he played the solo and at 3:41 in the song, when the guitar starts playing the chords part, it is a different guitar track. He plays those chords and then the other guitar comes back in to play the upper register single notes. You can still hear the other guitar part playing lower in the mix keep playing. Alex just had to combine those two parts when he did the solo live. Don't believe me, listen to the studio recording in headphones and listen for the second guitar to keep playing.
@@JPMadden They played it live, Alex just had to combine the to two parts when he played them live. For reference, listen to 2112. There are rhythm guitars all over that song during times that Alex was soloing. He couldn't play those parts and solo at the same time. When they did it live, he played the solos. For the freewill solo, listen to it and when it gets to 3:41 in the song, and Alex is playing the chords in the solo, that is the second guitar, and it keeps playing, like Alex is trading off the chords part with the searing upper register single notes part. Listen to it closely, in headphones if you can, and you will hear the second guitar playing underneath the higher guitar. The recording engineer/mixer is just raising and lowering each part in the mix.
@@MyCrazyDogs32 OK, thanks.
Use to work out to Rush. Miracle of Life was a favorite. Old school magic. 🎶
Rush was my very first concert! Huey Lewis and the News were the warm-up band. Rush is pure poetry. I see you haven’t done “The Trees” yet? If u haven’t, u absolutely must. One of their best. The music is a symphony and the words are a message for us all. Truly a masterpiece. Throw in some “Closer to the Heart” and u have perfection. A little known song that also deserves a listen is “Losing It”. Prob no video for that one. I really enjoy you both. You make me laugh every time. Thank you.
I love it when Geddy switches to his early 70's piercing high registar voice.
So much great Rush. You really need to react to The Trees, 2112, Fly By Night, Closer to the Heart, La Villa Strangiato.
You guys are, by far, my favorite reactors. Keep doing what you’re doing.
I Love Lex, she was right loving Geddy Lee’s Beautiful Bass Line , and calling it out🎸🎸🎸🎸. She would have enjoyed all the Cocerts I have Attended. At Least One Rush Concert Every Tour Since 1979, and Some Tours I saw 2 or more shows!!! I was A Rush Head Like a Dead Head
the dynamic those 3 shared was awe inspiring to me as well as i'm sure millions of others. RUSH almost seemed other worldly to a young guy in the 70's
Your two would also LOVE "Jacob's Ladder" from the same RUSH album Permanent Waves. There is a great live version out there from Cleveland i believe.
Neil wrote some fantastic lyrics and Geddy delivers them with such clarity accompanied by Alex with some great riffs
I love how Brad is just getting deep into the lyrics. The expressions on his face show how deep in thought he is on what Rush is trying to say with their Lyrics... Its Priceless. I also enjoy hearing what Brad thinks about the Lyrics and what they mean to him. Very awesome guys! You guys Rock!!!
Lex digs music so much and understands it, Brad ain't got a clue!!✌🤘
That guitar sound you were referring to Brad is produced with a pedal called a phase shifter. Makes sound appear to be pushed and pulled away from you. Cool stuff.
I had the VERY same conversation in my head as Lex! The paradox come contradiction that 'free will' somehow stands outside of other people's choice making. Technically choosing to let others decide for you is still an exercise in free will. And reacting to what others do is technically allowing yourself to be influenced by someone else's decision making.
Yes. Which is the point of the song. When he says "I will choose freewill" he's not talking about his choices, he's talking about his belief in the efficacy of his choices. You can choose to believe there's gods, fate, magic, etc. He's choosing to be in control.
The effect that caused Alex Lifeson's guitar solo to sound like that is called phaser. This is the reason the guitar sounds like it's volume was "going up and down" as Brad mentioned. More technically put, it is *phasing* in and out. Though you could not reproduce the tone of his solo without using the effect, Alex Lifeson's dynamic soloing style is part of what makes this tone so unique.
I think he was actually using a Boss chorus throughout the song, and flanger on top of it during the solo. It gave it that swirling effect.
@@funkster007 That is very much possible, I know Alex used all three affects (phaser, chorus and flanger) throughout Rush's albums. And I don't necessarily have an ear to consistently hear the difference between chorus+flanger and phaser, but I do know that that pedal combo would still, as you put it, produce a "swirling effect" similar to the one that is created by a phaser pedal do to the fact that they are all modulation pedals
@@bronnyredding8860 Yeah, the phaser and flanger are both similar. Alex used the phaser a lot on the earlier albums. A real obvious example of the flanger effect is on the Van Halen song Loss Of Control. Eddie loved that effect.😁
It was also shifting left to right ear.
Always hilarious when he asks her what songs are about. It's like, 'Welp, here we go!" 🤣🤣
It's awesome watching you 2 try and work out a RUSH songs meaning !!! I can only say , you must listen to each song several times before you " get it " lex, you have the spirit , Brad always looks confused listening to a RUSH song. You guys are AWSOME !!!! stay safe 😷 🙏 ❤️
I saw Rush concerts like 26 times in my lifetime....... The most talented 3 piece group in History..........
One of my favorite lines of all time is in this song “if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice” I think this applies to every situation.
These fathers of ProgRock are the Kings of the signature/time change. Lex's desire for surprises in music will be enlightened as you get deeper into Rush. Thanks guys.
Riding in my older cousin's white Firebird, T tops. Alpine stereo and speakers blowing my ears out. Summer cruisin.
the epic guitar solo is bc rush had such talented musicians!😉 the playing was so clear and each note so pronounced, it wasnt just style of the time but talent!!🤘🤟🤞✌☝❤
It's called Channel Fades. In the mix of mastering, recording engineers will take the guitar track and fade it back and forth between left and right channels. It sonically creates depth and space in the sound. In this recording Alex over-dubbed a second guitar while Getty's Bass and Neil's drums were single dubs.
The Beatles did that, courtesy George Martin. It's out of fashion now, but blew us away in the early stereo discs.
@@cobaltcanarycherry It's out of fashion now because "music" is out of fashion... replaced now with lazy computerized software based artificial sound loops and autotune. The actual musical and engineering skills are a thing lost now for the most part.
Why do you think these reaction channels are becoming a thing of new discovery?! because people now never knew what music could be and how it was uniquely made.
B&L, you just listened to one of THE most badass jam/breakdown/solos of all time. This song, Freewill, also displays Lee & Lifeson playing keyboard sounds with Moog Pedals with their feet, while playing their guitars. Incomparable!
I’ve heard astronomically better solos in METAL. Rock solos can only go so far but metal solos are sooo much better to the point you’ll realize the solo in this song is average. I definitely wouldn’t call it incomparable. The solos from metal songs will have demons rising from below to worship the sound humans have created with metal, All the while melting your face in the process. Like it’s crazy to me Rock fanatics worship these bands instrumentals meanwhile Metal bands have wayyy better solos, drums and bass sound. Lol so fascinating
Love it, the greatest instrumental section of all time. Welcome to higher music.
Thanks guys!!! ...my favorite RUSH song , outside of Red Barchetta .....what a great Jam and solo at the end !!!!
Brad's got this one. Lex is a little ways out in left field. This song is worth listening to a few times to let it sink in. Enjoyed the video! Always looking forward to what's next.
I always have to laugh because Brad hangs on to every word of the song and lex has no clue what the song's about but she loves the music.
Great Reaction Brad & Lex. You Got It. 😁 One of there Anthems for sure. 😁❤🤘
I love it! Lex & I love not like music that is like she said, Eccentric or complex. That's what drew me to Rush in 1981.
Love the all the reactions Let's you are a natural and eighties girl born at the wrong time Brad I've been listening to this music for 40 plus years I still don't know all the lyrics let the music take you where it takes you Keep up the good work
This is off of Permanent Waves and IMO this album is the beginning of a new sound for them, because the next album was Moving pictures probably their most commercial album.That bass part with the guitar solo is crazy good,lol, haven't heard this in awhile and it's still as good as it was in the 70's,80's.
It's always cool to see Lex really enjoying the music; really feeling it. And Brad is also on the couch.
Perhaps the celestial voice refers to a God. Some choose to be guided by faith. Others don't choose that path. They still have a made a choice.
They have chose freewill.
Correct!
It's about religion..the bible reference..rush we're not religious..they chose correctly..free will
I think that’s it.
I absolutely love watching Lex GET Rush! 😀 I knew she could be a Rush fan. She understands 🙌 👍
"I love listening to music that is eccentric and strange ..." A girl after my own heart. Rock on!
Bitter sweet hearing these great Rush songs with the loss of Neal Peart but to see you two discover there songs is great. Eccentric & Strange is waiting for you Lex. OINGO BOINGO !!! Your going to have to drag Brad into more songs from them.
I can't believe how much enjoyment I get out of watching you two young people react to all of the music of my childhood, including some stuff that was going on when I wasn't even born yet. Keep it up, you guys are awesome.
Yes lex BASS, this band is sooo talented and chops are unreal, often gets overshadowed by Neil's percussion expertise but all 3 are masters of their craft
Ive been hanging out with u all night as yall go through a portionn of my spotify list and checking out the music…..i really had a great time…..i cant wait to hang with yall more and have a musical odesty…..you guys really are a good team….and fun to listen to….lex u have amazing charisma…..also enjoye the one with one of your moms…..keep up the great work…im a lonely duee and listening with yall made me a lil less lonely….
Always a thumbs up for Rush.
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice". A great line!
My guess is that "celestial voice" refers to someone's religion, whether it's Christian, Buddhist, Jewish (Geddy's parents were Jewish), or some other. Those "voices" are already written down and have followers. Someone following free will has their own philosophy, maybe?
Geddy's parents were ethnic Jews which makes Geddy Jewish as well.
The lyrics were written by Neil Peart, the drummer. It is about free will from an atheist, libertarian perspective.
@@MatthewC137 Religion is not genetic. Heh.
@@t0dd000 Being a Jew is absolutely genetic. How do you not know that?
@@t0dd000 if your mother is Jewish, then so are you. That's the way. Geddy is absolutely Jewish. Practicing, believing, or rejecting, are irrelevant.
Such fantastically talented musicians.
Easter eggs at every turn that's definitely Rush! I highly suggest roll the bones next!
I like you two a lot, this was you best post-listen discussion.
"eccentric, weird, and little easter eggs at every turn..."
that pretty much describes my exploration of music since i first owned a radio
Easter eggs at every turn. I've been a Rush listener since 76, I absolutely love that analogy.
Hi Brad & Lex😊. Yeah, RUSH plays alternate time signatures. NOT 4/4 like the Beatles. Maybe 7/8, and Geddy Lee, the bassist/vocalist plays a Rickenbacker, very distinctive tone.
You two are awesome!
Brad, you are a much wiser man than me.
👍✌️
RUSH...Yeah! Brad & Lex !
Loved RUSH for over 40 years and the best way to listen to them is while riding on the back of a flying, fire breathing dragon.
I knew that Band-Maid reminded me of Rush, and NOW I remember which song does that, Compare the Bass vs Guitar solos in Hate? Live to this Excellent Rush tune.
Brad is so funny! "I don't know maybe he hears things!"
Yes, Lex, bass. :)
Slappa da bass :)
That up and down you hear on guitar is a phaze shifter. Developed in the late 70's, still used today in one form or another as are echoplex.
I know you two have listened to some Zappa but when you said Easter eggs, well, that man put more in his music than any other I know. Still amazed by the stuff your listening to, it's very reminiscent of what I was listening to 30 years ago!
A celestial voice is like an angelic voice or a voice from heaven.
First, I like how you guys just get right into the videos. And you guys are fun, but Lex , you are amazing. You have fun in everything you do and have a great personality. It's funny because I think about the girl I've loved for so long and then watch you and wonder, Hmm. Maybe she isn't the one for me. lol. Just love your upbeat personality. You're a lucky guy, Brad. Would be nice to see if you have a personality hiding in there. I'm sure you do for you two to be a pair. Would be nice to see once in awhile. Thanks for the videos. I'm hooked.
Great band in history
Incredible live ( lucky enough to have been to 12+ concerts) doesn’t get much better than this
I totally loved watching Lex flowing to this song!
Lex is the queen of "ooohs".
I love the way you guys describe sounds. It’s refreshing rather than listening to so called experts. It’s honest.
Lex just gets it!!! She really likes the Music from the 70's. There's a lot more. The 60's had some really good Music too.
Fantastic guitar solo by Alex Lifeson on this one! 🤘🔥
The lyrics are rooted in the philosophy of Ayn Rand whom Neil Peart was interested in at the time.
There are certain bands whose musicianship and technique just puts them in a slightly different bracket. They are few in number, and Rush is one of them. Each of them has an opportunity in Freewill to express themselves musically.
Saw them in High School 1991.. Crazy ass night in NYC. INSANE FUN
Greatest rock song about religion ever made. Put it on repeat a few times, this is my favorite Rush song ever.
Man, I can’t believe y’all are just now doing this one. This is a high brow, high energy, super jamming song.🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎤🎹🔥👍👌
Turn that shit up Brad... and yes Lex, that was the bass.
Yes .... I agree, I think the word she was looking for is ...... the music is (unpredictable)they surprise with their timing and signature changes, which is refreshing, they aren't typical, or predictable !!
Just Imagine...All That Sound Came From 3 Players....The Best Drummer Of All Time....One Of The Best Bass and Lyrics Of All Time....And One Of The Best Lead Guitarist Of All Time In One Band....Simply Amazing....I Seen Them At The Pittsburgh Civic Arena And It's Still The Best Concert I've Ever Been Too !!!