It’s representative of every life well lived, in a sense. We are born and develop a passion for something. If we are really driven, we go through whatever we need to, in order to achieve that goal. Here, the protagonist finds a women (Panacea) and is pleasantly distracted for a time, but returns to the mission and leaves her behind. After many years of searching, he becomes disheartened and even turns to drink (Bacchus Plateau) but again goes back to the search for the fountain. When he finally arrives, he feels both elation at having succeeded but also disappointment that it is over. It’s anticlimactic. But he reasons that it was the life he lived to get here that is the true meaning of life. (Later, Neil would write that “The point of the journey is not to arrive”). He also concludes that his death will not be the end. I think this is a nod to reincarnation when he says that “like old Sol (the sun) behind the mountain, I’ll be coming up again”. Just as he saw the sun set and rise in the into, so he sees he will die and be reborn many times, in the same type of cycle. “I’m forever, at the start. Still, I am”. “I am” is what God tells Moses His name is. It means that God exists necessarily, without beginning or end. Neil here takes that title and grants it to the human, as he is a secular humanist and atheist. It is man that is the only god and eternal. Just my $.02
Also the themes that are echoed in later songs are just so cool. "The point of the journey is not to arrive" has already been mentioned but we have in Marathon From first to last The peak is never passed Something always fires the light That gets in your eyes One moment's high And glory rolls on by Like a streak of lightning That flashes and fades In the summer sky as well as the whole of Middletown Dreams, Prime Mover et al. Rush really were the real deal and definitely made my journey infinitely more enjoyable. Neil's lyrics alone have inspired me countless times.
Rube: "You know Bacchus once said that more men have drowned from wine then of the sea." Mason: "Who's Bacchus, Rube?" Rube: "He's the god of read a f'ken book."
"Caress of Steel" has, IMHO always been a criminally underrated album. Their later albums never could have been accomplished without the foundations left by this album.
Well, since it’s 4am & I can’t sleep, I’m totally here for this! No One At the Bridge is an all-time favorite Rush song. Edit: Absolutely agree with you 100% about Alex. He’s such a brilliant guitarist.
@@JustJP Insomnia put me on the beginning of my music sharing journey (known as the Reaction DJ). And this is without hyperbole my favorite Rush multi-part song. No doubt better than 2112 or Hemispheres. It cuts to the sublime and harsh realities we all live amidst.
To me, Lamneth is merely a parable for a man's journey through life. The allusions to Greek mythology are just Neil being clever. Panacea is a "cure all," so that seems like he's saying that being in the arms of a loving woman can cure a lot of what ails you before moving out into the harshness of life and its cold realities. In the section called "Didacts and Narpets" - which is an anagram for Addicts and Parents, Neil had this to say: "The shouted words in that song represent an argument between Our Hero and the Didacts and Narpets - teachers and parents. I honestly can't remember what the actual words were, but they took up opposite positions like: "Work! Live! Earn! Give!" and like that." Its just a man figuring out his way through life.
“Draw another goblet from the cask of ‘43, crimson misty memory, hazy glimpse of me” mmmm... The album that nearly tanked Rush’s career is also arguably my favorite era of the band. My drum buddy Bob gave me this album for my 17th birthday and so it was my first real exposure to the band. He was the Rush fanatic and I was the Genesis freak. So you know what they say about your first... More sophisticated productions would follow, but there’s something raw and pure about this piece. The emotional component and as you mentioned the dynamic and pacing contrasts have a strong impact. Fast means nothing without slow. Loud means nothing without quiet. Dark means nothing without light. And this piece really captures all those contrasts and moods. Thanks for sharing your journey JP!
I have a very soft spot for this album. Many rate it as the worst they've ever done. Don't listen to them. They're crazy people who judge quality by the number of sales. This is top notch Rush material. I blame the publisher for the commercial failure, not the band or their material. Great review, as usual! :)
I personally love this record! Just because the "critics" and record company downplayed this doesn't mean it wasn't great. Too advanced for their primitive minds I guess 😉 In my opinion this record was the foundation for the next 4 records to come. Cheers 👏👍🍻
This song is basically about man’s journey from birth to death. Each song bring a stage on that trip. Birth, teenager, meeting a life partner, reflecting on getting old/retired etc. if you look at the lyrics with that in mind, you’ll see what Neil & the guys we’re going for🙂
So fortunate how these three came together. A perfect blend of talent ,skill, musical taste. They probably would of still been playing in the garage if fate had not intervened. Our blessing as well as there's. Thank You for not throwing in the towel way back when things were kinda tough. I always feel better after listening to Rush Music .
Excellent review of a so so underrated Rush album...even by them. lol I was a total introvert surrounded by extroverts in my suburban life, age 14 in 1979. I played this cassette more than anything in my collection. I literally wore the oxide off of this cassette. I wore the words off the front and back. It sounded so pure having all of those magnetic particles smoothed into a warm subdued butter, all headed in the same direction . The tape hiss was even magical sounding. Then one sad sad day my tape deck totally munched the tape when I was out of the room. In Christmas 1980 I got my first electric guitar. A blood red KAPA Continental. It was made the year I was born, 1965. I knew my guitar teacher to please my parents was necessary...what am I saying, I learned from him one way, but Alex Lifeson really taught me guitar. I had an old reel to reel tape deck my sister's friend, Recumbent Cycling Author Steven K Roberts sold me to help empty his house before his incredible journey. I used the reel to reel to record Rush songs at 7 3/4 inches per second, and play back at exactly half speed, at 3 3/4 inches per second. The half speed is how we guitar players used to figure out guitar riffs. I learned most of Caress of Steel, all of 2112, much of A Farewell to Kings. I love AFWTK acoustic intro, and I was a pretty proud 16 year old playing it perfectly on my old 1964 Gibson so called "student model" LG0 mahogany acoustic parlor sized guitar. The absolute perfect guitar for that wandering in the forest acoustic Rush music. I learned Broon's Bane from the Exit Stage Left album on that guitar too. I've forgotten how to play it, but that AFWTK intro I'll never forget. I sound like I've graduated from guitar when I play it.
Arrived screaming from the Spring of youth,sailed loudly on the river of life! Protested at the maelstrom of age! Still learning to accept the serenity of The Fountain! Peace.
Thanks Justin. I love the passion in this song. I believe it's a symbolic journey of life from one of innocence to experience. Didacts and Narpets is about restrictive influences Didact being another word for teacher and Narpets an anagram of parents, no-one at the bridge is becoming your own captain deciding your own fate while riding turbulent seas. Panacea is love and finding the Fountain really doesn't matter as it's the journey itself that's shaped you and never actually ends. I'm sure other people will have different variants. Rush were right to do this album. You can't put this track on a single but it'll make you fans for life and then some new ones 45 years later.
I really liked your comment. I was going to write most of this myself but you summed it up in a quick and perfect way. Thank you. Take care and have a wonderful day.
Thanks for doing one of my favorite Rush deep cuts. Been listening to this since was new. So real fast, The Fountain is a Maguffin, an Alfred Hitchcock term for the object everyone is after. It doesn't matter what it is, only that the pursuit of it propels the story. My interpretation has always been that from his earliest days the hero is drawn to the mountain (the location of the fountain). The songs in the middle are the things in life that hinder and distract from that pursuit; Didacts and Narpets is parents and teachers, No One At The Bridge is soul crushing early adulthood of life and realizing the those in authority don't know or care what they are doing or how it affect you, Panacea is the comforting love life that tempts you to stay and give up the dream, Bacchus Plateau is that plush, relaxing position in life that's easy and you could just coast forever. The Fountain is the end of the dream. Through struggle and sacrifice he's there (though too tired to celebrate). But life goes on, he need a new dream, and will time and time again. Thus he's "forever at the start."
The fountain of Lamneth is a metaphor for the meaning of life. The song covers an entire life from birth to death when the candle blows out at the very end. The journey you talk about is this person’s journey through life. Birth, adolescence, relationships, middle age, growing old and then finally death. The song is truly complex and out there. I imagine Neil may have been feeling the effects when he wrote this😀
I so agree with you about Alex! I really like this album alot. Unfortunately this was the album that a lot of people just didn't get and nearly ended their career. Fortunately 2112 turned their career around. I love this song and the part with Panacea is just so beautiful! . I enjoy your reactions very much. I would say 2112 next but do Anthem first if you haven't yet. Cheers 🇨🇦✌
I've gone back and forth on this song over the years, but now I think it's one of their great epics, though quite distinct in feel from anything else that they wrote and performed.
Thank you so much for listening to this whole album! I think it's one of the best albums Rush ever made. The Fountain of Lamneth is my favorite. There are some great comments here and "gerald112b" said almost exactly what I wanted to say. Then I read the comment by Phil Jeske and it was perfect! I still needed to write something. Take care and have a fantastic weekend!
Three equally integral members in Rush, and Alex is tremendous. Being able to stand out and have your space in a band like that, with such a legendary rhythm section, it's really impressive.
Can you imagine that this almost ended Rush, because "the important ones" in music business didn't like "this s**t". What the crazy world we have. But the guys kept their own head and did 2112. Rush forever ❤️
One of the Rush treasures...it's great to just pull out the album once in a while and appreciate the artistry of its creation...Early Rush creating their image to come...We elder Rush heads listened to it many times...:) As a musician, regarding Lerxst, I put him up with Steve Howe, Jimmy Page, Brian May and Tony Iommi. He was influenced by all of them and it shows...:)
I think Geddy’s voice is at it’s peak during the “No One At the Bridge “section, I love this album and I am so happy it’s finally getting it’s due. If you do another Rush album please consider Clockwork Angels
I was surprised to read how poorly this album was received at the time. I didn't hear it until after 'Farewell to Kings' had already come out. In interviews Alex mentioned listening to a lot of Yes and Genesis at the time. The solos in 'No One at the Bridge' and 'Baccheus Plateau' sound like Hackett's style. This one of my favorite Rush songs.
A lot of early fans were turned off by the "prog direction", as well; expecting the Zeppelin/KISS/Bad Company style of rock and getting this, instead. Growing pains for the band while they found >their< sound.
In The Valley (BIRTH and CHILDHOOD). I am born, I am me, I am new, I am free. As in childhood, the man has curiousities about his future, "Yet my eyes are drawn toward the mountain in the east..." Didacts And Narpets (ADOLESCENCE), all the way. It is all about rebellion. Your parent says work! And you say no! Your teacher says learn! You say live! And live it to the fullest. Party all night, sleep all day! No One At The Bridge (College, Young Adulthood, First Job, On Your Own). You're on your own, there's no safety net now. Maybe a bit through college, but then it's out into the real world, and you have to make it on your own. "Why must my crew (your parents or friends) desert me? I need a guiding hand." You get that first job, and you have to be grown up enough to keep it, make a living for yourself, pay the bills, etc. But you sail on, toward that dream you fantasized about In The Valley. Panacea (FIRST TRUE LOVE, MARRIAGE). Then you find the one that you can steer your boat with. You find that you can forget about your troubles with her body, soft and warm. Still, it may not be all that you need, and it may not last. It might end in divorce, as mentioned above, but for now, you've got that peace of mind, and that's what's important. Bacchus Plateau (GOLDEN YEARS, RETIREMENT). This is about the rewards in life for working so hard and getting this far, "Draw another goblet from the cask of '43." Another endless day, silhouettes of gray. You're just enjoying the fruits of your labors, and of course, it's even better if you still have your Panacea with you! The Fountain (OLD AGE, THE END, DEATH). Yeah, you're happy at first, you have reached the goal that you longed for In The Valley, but you now realize that, like the fabled Fountain of Youth, it doesn't mean you're going to live forever...death is still a part of life, and you come to that realization. "Now at last I fall before The Fountain Of Lamneth, I thought I would be singing, but I'm tired, out of breath. Many journeys end here, but the secret's told the same. Life is just a candle, and a dream must give it flame." Like a candle, life finally burns out, but your dreams and desires are what keep the candle going. If the candle didn't get lit, you were never born to begin with. "I am crying, I am still." That line is very moving, that is just before death. "I'm forever at the start...still I am." You realize that you're back to the start point In The Valley, and you might think your life has been pointless. "Still I am..." Every life has some purpose and meaning, though we may never fully understand it all. The point is, live your life to the fullest each and every day, because there's only one candle, and once that flame is extinguished, it's gone forever.
That was a great and thorough review, Justin. This epic track really requires that thorough review. I have always loved this album and this is my favorite track. Thank you and well done.
This was their third album, and how ambitious they were: a side long track so early in their career. It has an atmosphere that really sets it apart from the rest of their albums. You can tell who they were listening to... This was my first Rush album, and I've loved them ever since. I think this is where they started making the move from 'rock band' to 'prog band.'
Life is just a candle, and a dream must give it flame...one of the most profound lyrics I’ve ever heard. A candle has no function unless lit, but once lit, the candle is consumed and no longer exists. This just brings to mind all the greatest artists that burned out too soon...the Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobains, etc...such a poignant observation by Neil. Not saying he meant that reference...it just makes me think about it. Great reaction to a brilliant, and underrated, song. 😎
When I first listened to this album I had already heard 2112, A Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres, and I had heard that this was one of their worst albums, but I also saw that many commenters thought it was one of their best. After listening to it for the first time I thought it was better than the critics said but still not as good as those other 3. I liked The Necromancer the best, especially after hearing By-Tor. I liked Fountain. I just didn't think it was as good as their other epics, but after listening to it again now with you and hearing you talk about it, I have a better appreciation for it and really see how great it is. Not gonna put it as high as 2112 or Cygnus, but yeah, it's great. Thanks Justin. You always show me music in a different light. Now about YES 😀 I believe you've listened to more YES than anyone else on yt. You've reacted to their 3rd through 8th albums, which most consider their 6 best albums and you've heard their 10th - Drama - and have almost finished their 11th - 90125. While I like Tormato, and now most of their later stuff too, having finally taken the time to listen to all of it, I HOPE you now decide to go back to the beginning and hear what YES sounded like before they became the great Prog Rock group that they became. I think you'll greatly enjoy hearing their original sound. Those first 2 albums are really nice, despite some of the criticisms that they received. Every song on both of those albums is under 7 minutes long. I know you've already reacted to Time and a Word, so you've already gotten a little taste. I think you'll greatly enjoy the rest.
Thanks for your earnest impressions of my favorite artist. You continually take an in depth and thoughtful analysis into the songs and it is much appreciated. Your kudos to Alex is spot on and he deserves to be at the top of the list of great guitarists. I'll continue to enjoy your musical journey and thanks for the entertainment.
I have to say, it was a joy to hear this song again. I haven't played it in a VERY long time. There are so many wonderful moments in this song. I don't think it matches the brilliance of "2112", or the amazing complexity of "Hemispheres", but it shows the groundwork that let them bring us those masterpieces.
To me, it is metaphorically representing life’s journey toward reaching a goal and all the obstacles, both physically and mentally, that you must deal with along the way. I like in the final section where lyrically it says “though I’ve reached the sign post it’s really not the end”. You reached the goal but your life still goes on and you need a new goal now to continue on. You are forever at the start from one goal to the next. Musically it’s very captivating with all the ups and downs that portray life’s journey but taken as a whole piece lyrically it can seem somewhat disjointed. Rush was still honing their craft at this stage in their careers. This album allowed them to create 2112 and consequently all the lessons learned were put to good use as 2112 was much more cohesive sounding.
As Usual...Great reaction, Justin!! I’ve been waiting for you to get here!! Just monster musicians and songwriters!! They say.. the drum solo called “Didacts and Narpets” stand for “Addicts and Parents”! Where those swoosh sounds start and Geddy yells, it sounds like parents yelling at their kids what to do!! Pretty cool..huh? Again, another great reaction and a really great great album!! I’ll be waiting for the album review!! Be well and God Bless... from Texas!
Oh JP - you’re thinking too hard on this one… It’s the ultimate journey, the ultimate adventure. It’s life. Birth to death musically taking us through a little bit of teenage years and adulting, falling in love and looking back on your years before you find your fountain. I was super excited to see you post this reaction and then even more excited that it was 40 minutes long! You did a fantastic job going deep into each part - and I was super excited for you even just to hear “No One at the Bridge”, so 29:41 made my day!
Now a subscriber after this video. Your knowledge and how you respond to music is one of few exceptional reactors. Keep exploring RUSH, ELP & Kansas (all the best of prog rock).
Hold your fire- keep it burning bright Hold the flame til the dream ignites A spirit with a vision is a dream with a mission Did The Professor revisit this line 12 years later?
I love this band! Neil was the greatest drummer and lyricist ever. No one could sing them like Geddy. Add Alex and you have formed the greatest band of all time. This band is incredible. Please do Permanent Waves next.
Been years since I’ve heard this. Forgot just how gosh darned good it is. I got goosebumps multiple times through this. I’ve said it before and will continue to say it: Alex is the most criminally underrated guitarist in rock. Thanks Justin. This reaction gave me so much joy! ❤️
I love your reaction as you just experience this for the first time. Watching your face was a delight. In my (uninformed and 'totally unbiased - sic) opinion this is the most under-appreciated masterpiece of all time. The greatest piece of melodic storytelling. Astonishing. It amazed me the first time I ever heard it, I bought the 'Rush- Archives' import when I was probably seventeen - The most underrated album ever in my opinion. Thank you for posting.
I have a great fondness for these early Rush 'epics' that hasn't dimmed over time; somehow, for me at least, they never recaptured the thrill of those first 6 six albums in their later output.
Underrated album. So much so, that polarizing reactions to this album are what awakened me to the idea of the psychology of music. (I wanted to understand how one person could get goosebumps from "Panacea" while another person was left cold...)
That’s an interesting area of thought/study. I think it’s probably difficult for many people to quantify. Those that don’t necessarily like the lyrics, may love the music & vice-versa.
@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 Indeed it is. I've made it my life's study, too (including more than many a heated argument about it...laugh/cry). Perhaps the best (condensed) explanation I've found is the book MUSIC, THE BRAIN, AND ECSTASY: HOW MUSIC CAPTURES OUR IMAGINATION by Robert Jourdain. Highly recommended.
Okay JP, this is your perfect jump-off window to deep dive Clockwork Angels. There's a symmetry between The Fountain of Lamneth & Clockwork Angels. Both basically are snapshots of a lifetime and cover many of the same themes, except one's lyrics coming from 22-23yr old Peart who'd had a few years away from home, and the other 59-60yr old Peart who's read about 5,000 more books, seen the world, conquered his craft & become rich, gained a wife & daughter, lost a wife & daughter to tragedy, recovered as much as possible, gained a wife & daughter again.... And then there's the musicality & virtuosity on Clockwork Angels compared to Fountain of Lamneth, which says nothing to why you love one or the other, but Fountain of Lamneth is clearly the early experimentation of gifted musicians, while Clockwork Angels is closer to Masters flexing for their core audience, going big, self assured with no pressures for a hit single or to cater to a new audience. I think it's significant Peart & Rush had Fountain of Lamneth as one of their early major works, that it failed to connect many people, and Peart really wanted to revisit the same ground 30 years after they stopped doing prog epics or concept albums.
Good stuff. And I gotta say I just never could nor still can find my way into Snakes and Arrows or Vapor Trails. I am sooo thankful Clockwork Angels came along to close out their career. It is its own kind of masterpiece.
And BTW the best ever reaction have seen or heard. Rush just was something else and one could tell how impressed you were. Take care Justin and I hope you still have some journey with their music to go. This awful corona time is consuming people in so many ways that even a little glimpse of something good is well come!
HERE WE GO NOW, YEAHHHHH!!! :) SO THIS WAS THEIR VERYYYYY 1ST 20 MIN. SONG JUSTIN AND IF YOU FOLLOW THE DISCOGRAPHY 2112 IS RIGHT AFTER THISSSS, HOW COOL IS THAT! :) COULD YOU BELIEVE THAT THESE GUYS COULD NOTTTTTTT GET A CONTRACT JUSTIN? :( THEY WOUND UP STICKING TO THEIR GUNS AND DOING IT THEIR WAY IN THE END! THANKS FOR CRANKING THIS ALBUM OUT! THE SHRIEKING ANGRYYYYY GEDDY, I LUV LUV LUVVVVVV IT! :)
The only reason I've been able to come up with as to why this album wasn't recognized as the groundbreaking piece of art it is, is that it was just ahead of it's time. Me and my friends never understood the lukewarm reception. We played it constantly and to this day, forty years on it still sounds as fresh and original as it did at the time.
Thank you. I listened to the critics and skipped over this album;. thanks to you, I realize that while there were a couple of duds, on the whole, the critics were full of 'it'. The story here is both simple and yet profound ... Life's journey. And surprisingly soft overall, for all the screaming and driving drums. Edit:. I think the Greek references are part of what used to be called 'cultural literacy'...a shared shorthand for more ideas .. yes Baccus would the drunken, frivolous time of his life, etc. Neil was well read and would toss in little gems in his writing.
This is a story about being born, and developing a dream of what you think the ultimate thing to find. Aka The Fountain of Lamneth. It simply represents a personal destination, we all set goals for ourselves when we are children. But as he grows up he struggles, with his parents and addicts. then when he can't push any further he screams for help and nobody is there to help. Then he falls in love and it brings him peace, Panacea is also a term used in Alchemy to describe the mythical ability to turn lead into gold. Basically it is the promise of the impossible. But now that he has found love he is still draw to the mountain, the vision that has driven him since his birth. And though he is heart broken he leaves her and continues on. In his sorrow he find solace in Red wine Bachaus Plateau. He drinks and drinks to burry the pain, but finally pushes on to finally reach the Mountain and at Last the Fountain of Lamneth. Reaching the fountain, this place of aspiration he has dreamed of for so long he finally has an awakening. The key the end the answer.... Like ole Sol behind the mountain I will be rising up again. this simply means he has come to the realization that live is a Journey, not a Destination. And even though he has reach his Sign post, he now realizes there is more things he can dream of and go an do. It is not the end... The final prose is just a epilogue that portrays the entire story in a few passages. Life continues on, even when you think you have reached your Sign Post.
Caress is the first of what could be considered the quartet of prog-rock albums that Rush put out, with 2112, A Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres. Of Rush's entire catalog, this is my favorite period. Caress really set the stage for the other 3 albums to exist, especially 2112. I had read somewhere that after the "disappointment" of Caress, Mercury Records was considering dropping Rush but their manager went to the record company's offices in Chicago and convinced them not to drop Rush. Good thing since 2112 become Rush's second best-selling album after Moving Pictures. None of that would have been possible if it were not for Caress and the band willing to experiment with prog-rock ideas and concepts. The Fountain is easily one of my favorite Rush tunes off of an album that doesnt get a lot of respect in the rock community. Too bad as Caress of Steel is an excellent early record from Rush and gave you a glimpse of what was yet to come from this awesom trio from Toronto.
I love seeing somebody loving this music. Although this is often viewed (even by the band) as a failure, it has all the elements of classic Rush, and is a clear predecessor of 2112. To some degree I feel if this had been released after 2112 it would have been much better regarded. I can certainly understand as musicians how looking back at this they see their limitations at the time. But it’s often difficult to separate the music from everything that was happening around that time - the recording process, the tour, the uncertainty of their future, etc. often the external factors color their perception and make it difficult to listen objectively.
Life is just a candle and a dream must give it flame. God I love this album. I always thought the journey was the journey through life, from being born to death. I also always thought that at the end, his new journey is what comes after death.
Damn JP, you've done some great Rush reaction but I just felt like you added some extra rocket sauce to this reaction. In regards to the song meaning, I've always felt it's about life's challenges and journey. In regards to Alex, for me when it comes to his guitar solo body of work, he's in a league of this own. Such a tasteful player. Lyrically, this song if very poetic and flows nicely. I also have to mention Geddy's vocals on this track is killer. On a separate note, I think this is the first time I've seen you wear that tshirt. Love the JP monogram. Cheers and Thx for all you do.
I forgot how much I liked “No One at the Bridge” (3rd movement). I like the guitar for the same reasons you do. In fact, I like most songs with that style of guitar.
Thank YOU! That was really enjoyable. I unfortunately have not spent much time with this album. I love Rush. But I never circled back to this one too deeply. I am looking forward to seeing your other reactions from this LP once in a playlist. Time flys when you're with good company. Appreciate your work. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and these journeys.
Hi Justin! I think your expressions are already pure gold... But hey I haven't got tired of Rush after all these years so it's just fine if someone else also enjoys:P
King Crimson - Heaven And Earth (ProjeKct X)! I recently heard this song, and it is absolutely beautiful, its an instrumental piece. Starts very calming, goes really heavy, and then has an absolutely beautiful frippertronics outro. Astonishing song, highly recommend.
Great reaction as always. I would love for you to do power windows next full album review. You’ve already done marathon and you like that song a lot. It’s a completely different style that I think you’ll enjoy.
Underrated along with the album. The Thing with rush is youve listsned to Rushs progressive catalog of the late 70s, In the 80s rush got even better. Peremenant Waves, Moving Pictures, Signals, Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows classic albums! They never lost their progressive sound. Moving Pictures or Permenant Waves could be Your next rush album listens next. OR You could finish the rest of Fly by night first. RUSH ANTHEM is one of their best songs
At your expressions, I think your addict at No One At The Bridge. Fountain Of Lamneth it’s the roots of progressive metal. This album is good prog without keyboards.
Afternoon, Justin. Dave from London. As far as I'm concerned, Neil can Bang The Drum All Day. Shame the drum solo went out of fashion, although when played live it was often the signal for fans to head for the bar! I agree with you that it this is less a long song, and more a collection of songs with differing characters. Love Alex's varied styles; that syncopation in his solos is so damned exciting. Finally, I've decided that Geddy, rather than Robert Plant, is the main influence on vocalist Josh Kiszka, from young whippersnappers Greta Van Fleet. P.S. Don't know where Lamneth is, but I live near Lambeth (cue chorus of Cockney knees-up, 'Doing The Lambeth Walk.').
Yes, in some ways it is very similar. They both tell full stories and have those pauses. They are also both constructed in parts. Th211ey both also take up most if not all of one side of the album they are on. 2112 is a much more refined and perfected version of this song.
@@carlpeterson8182 , I think what struck me as similar were the slower melodic parts. They reminded me of the slower parts from the protagonist's point of view in 2112.
Justin congratulations on another excellent video. I would like to recommend that you listen to this album, Depois do fim the first album by the Brazilian progressive rock band Bacamarte, released in 1983. The album was considered by the Prog Archives community as one of the 100 Best Progressive Rock Albums of All Time According to Ricardo Schott, from Jornal do Brasil, together with Beatles albums, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, After the End is also mentioned in the list "The 100 best rock albums" of the Dutch magazine Exposure.
@@markspooner1224 There are other great progressive rock bands in Brazil. I can recommend Quaterna Réquiem, Apocalypse, Tempus Fugit, Recordando o vale das maçãs, Sagrado coração da terra, Anima Dominum, O Som Nosso de Cada Dia, A barca do sol, som imaginário, a casa das máquinas.
@@markspooner1224 Brazil has a musician, a true genius, who unfortunately does not have the deserved recognition. His name is Elomar Figueira Mello. His songs show life in the backlands of the country. They are true works of art.
Hands down my least favorite Rush song, but I watched it anyway because I always want to hear your thoughts on any Rush song! I'm expecting it to grow on me the more I listen to it because Rush always does that for me. This one is just taking the longest.
Great album, probably released at the wrong time, it's too subtle and nuanced for what the fans wanted at the time. This album really foreshadows AFTK.
Bacchus plateau is his alcohol years bacchus is the god of wine. In the beginning he is a baby all he needs is his mother. On the boat is like his teen years like getting your driver's license and so on different stages of life.
I don’t think The Bridge is his teen years. It’s his early adulthood when he is suddenly thrust out into life alone and expected to manage all the storms and tribulations without help!
these lyrics may have a connection to Ayn Rand's novel "The Fountainhead" (from 1943....or '43 for short). I've never read the novel, but I know Neil was into Ayn Rand at this point in his life. Anthem is another Rush song whose lyrics are inspired by Ayn Rand's emphasis on individualism over "following the norm."
It’s representative of every life well lived, in a sense. We are born and develop a passion for something. If we are really driven, we go through whatever we need to, in order to achieve that goal. Here, the protagonist finds a women (Panacea) and is pleasantly distracted for a time, but returns to the mission and leaves her behind. After many years of searching, he becomes disheartened and even turns to drink (Bacchus Plateau) but again goes back to the search for the fountain. When he finally arrives, he feels both elation at having succeeded but also disappointment that it is over. It’s anticlimactic. But he reasons that it was the life he lived to get here that is the true meaning of life. (Later, Neil would write that “The point of the journey is not to arrive”). He also concludes that his death will not be the end. I think this is a nod to reincarnation when he says that “like old Sol (the sun) behind the mountain, I’ll be coming up again”. Just as he saw the sun set and rise in the into, so he sees he will die and be reborn many times, in the same type of cycle. “I’m forever, at the start. Still, I am”. “I am” is what God tells Moses His name is. It means that God exists necessarily, without beginning or end. Neil here takes that title and grants it to the human, as he is a secular humanist and atheist. It is man that is the only god and eternal.
Just my $.02
One of the best comments I've ever read. Thank you.
Pretty much spot on, great summary.
Also the themes that are echoed in later songs are just so cool. "The point of the journey is not to arrive" has already been mentioned but we have in Marathon
From first to last
The peak is never passed
Something always fires the light
That gets in your eyes
One moment's high
And glory rolls on by
Like a streak of lightning
That flashes and fades
In the summer sky
as well as the whole of Middletown Dreams, Prime Mover et al.
Rush really were the real deal and definitely made my journey infinitely more enjoyable. Neil's lyrics alone have inspired me countless times.
Rube: "You know Bacchus once said that more men have drowned from wine then of the sea."
Mason: "Who's Bacchus, Rube?"
Rube: "He's the god of read a f'ken book."
Well said. I always took this song to be a journey that leads to reincarnation. An endless cycle.
"Caress of Steel" has, IMHO always been a criminally underrated album. Their later albums never could have been accomplished without the foundations left by this album.
Well, since it’s 4am & I can’t sleep, I’m totally here for this! No One At the Bridge is an all-time favorite Rush song.
Edit: Absolutely agree with you 100% about Alex. He’s such a brilliant guitarist.
Hope you got some sleep!
@@JustJP Insomnia put me on the beginning of my music sharing journey (known as the Reaction DJ). And this is without hyperbole my favorite Rush multi-part song. No doubt better than 2112 or Hemispheres. It cuts to the sublime and harsh realities we all live amidst.
To me, Lamneth is merely a parable for a man's journey through life. The allusions to Greek mythology are just Neil being clever. Panacea is a "cure all," so that seems like he's saying that being in the arms of a loving woman can cure a lot of what ails you before moving out into the harshness of life and its cold realities. In the section called "Didacts and Narpets" - which is an anagram for Addicts and Parents, Neil had this to say: "The shouted words in that song represent an argument between Our Hero and the Didacts and Narpets - teachers and parents. I honestly can't remember what the actual words were, but they took up opposite positions like: "Work! Live! Earn! Give!" and like that." Its just a man figuring out his way through life.
Listen!!
The Didacts could be teachers (being 'didactic'), so there are parents and teachers telling the hero what to do.
NAILED IT
being in the arms of a loving woman can cure a lot of what ails you BUT can also break you
“Draw another goblet from the cask of ‘43, crimson misty memory, hazy glimpse of me” mmmm... The album that nearly tanked Rush’s career is also arguably my favorite era of the band. My drum buddy Bob gave me this album for my 17th birthday and so it was my first real exposure to the band. He was the Rush fanatic and I was the Genesis freak. So you know what they say about your first... More sophisticated productions would follow, but there’s something raw and pure about this piece. The emotional component and as you mentioned the dynamic and pacing contrasts have a strong impact. Fast means nothing without slow. Loud means nothing without quiet. Dark means nothing without light. And this piece really captures all those contrasts and moods. Thanks for sharing your journey JP!
I love that!! Similar to one of my favorite quotes, "The sweet ain't as sweet without the sour." "Suffering is grace."
I have a very soft spot for this album. Many rate it as the worst they've ever done. Don't listen to them. They're crazy people who judge quality by the number of sales. This is top notch Rush material. I blame the publisher for the commercial failure, not the band or their material. Great review, as usual! :)
Yeah, if anything in music can be objective, this is an objectively brilliant album.
100% agree (especially the crazy people part)! Cheers 👍🎶🤘🍻
Far from their worst, one of their best imo. Yes they perfected the long epics later. But this is a phenomenal album
The fountain of Lamneth is the best song from one of Rush's best albums.
Amen 🙏🏾
Yes man Geddys voice never sounded better and Alex drove the song not a synthhesizer
Totally agree. I am wearing a COS shirt today!!!!
I personally love this record! Just because the "critics" and record company downplayed this doesn't mean it wasn't great. Too advanced for their primitive minds I guess 😉 In my opinion this record was the foundation for the next 4 records to come. Cheers 👏👍🍻
Opposite. You're turning people off from checking out any more Rush.
This song is basically about man’s journey from birth to death. Each song bring a stage on that trip. Birth, teenager, meeting a life partner, reflecting on getting old/retired etc.
if you look at the lyrics with that in mind, you’ll see what Neil & the guys we’re going for🙂
I knew this song for an embarrassingly long time before I reached the same conclusion as you 😃
SpuddySpud It took me a long time to realize it as well. I think it was because I rarely listened to the entire song as a whole.
Ahhhh, when you write it out it makes sense lol
The swell at the end is so perfect, representing the exact moment the man's life ends after saying, "Still, I am."
And they were so young when they pinned the crisis of how you feel near the end so perfectly ... Brilliant!!
So fortunate how these three came together. A perfect blend of talent ,skill, musical taste.
They probably would of still been playing in the garage if fate had not intervened.
Our blessing as well as there's. Thank You for not throwing in the towel way back
when things were kinda tough. I always feel better after listening to Rush Music .
Excellent review of a so so underrated Rush album...even by them. lol
I was a total introvert surrounded by extroverts in my suburban life, age 14 in 1979. I played this cassette more than anything in my collection. I literally wore the oxide off of this cassette. I wore the words off the front and back. It sounded so pure having all of those magnetic particles smoothed into a warm subdued butter, all headed in the same direction . The tape hiss was even magical sounding. Then one sad sad day my tape deck totally munched the tape when I was out of the room.
In Christmas 1980 I got my first electric guitar. A blood red KAPA Continental. It was made the year I was born, 1965. I knew my guitar teacher to please my parents was necessary...what am I saying, I learned from him one way, but Alex Lifeson really taught me guitar. I had an old reel to reel tape deck my sister's friend, Recumbent Cycling Author Steven K Roberts sold me to help empty his house before his incredible journey. I used the reel to reel to record Rush songs at 7 3/4 inches per second, and play back at exactly half speed, at 3 3/4 inches per second. The half speed is how we guitar players used to figure out guitar riffs.
I learned most of Caress of Steel, all of 2112, much of A Farewell to Kings. I love AFWTK acoustic intro, and I was a pretty proud 16 year old playing it perfectly on my old 1964 Gibson so called "student model" LG0 mahogany acoustic parlor sized guitar. The absolute perfect guitar for that wandering in the forest acoustic Rush music. I learned Broon's Bane from the Exit Stage Left album on that guitar too. I've forgotten how to play it, but that AFWTK intro I'll never forget. I sound like I've graduated from guitar when I play it.
Arrived screaming from the Spring of youth,sailed loudly on the river of life! Protested at the maelstrom of age! Still learning to accept the serenity of The Fountain! Peace.
Absolutely my favourite Rush track.. genius!
Thanks Justin. I love the passion in this song. I believe it's a symbolic journey of life from one of innocence to experience. Didacts and Narpets is about restrictive influences Didact being another word for teacher and Narpets an anagram of parents, no-one at the bridge is becoming your own captain deciding your own fate while riding turbulent seas. Panacea is love and finding the Fountain really doesn't matter as it's the journey itself that's shaped you and never actually ends. I'm sure other people will have different variants. Rush were right to do this album. You can't put this track on a single but it'll make you fans for life and then some new ones 45 years later.
I really liked your comment. I was going to write most of this myself but you summed it up in a quick and perfect way. Thank you. Take care and have a wonderful day.
@@Vimana Thanks for that Vimana. It's great to be with fellow Rush fans ☺
One of my favorite Rush songs. Geddys voice is so perfect throughout. Love the story told, although it makes me pretty sad these days.
Thanks for doing one of my favorite Rush deep cuts. Been listening to this since was new.
So real fast, The Fountain is a Maguffin, an Alfred Hitchcock term for the object everyone is after. It doesn't matter what it is, only that the pursuit of it propels the story.
My interpretation has always been that from his earliest days the hero is drawn to the mountain (the location of the fountain). The songs in the middle are the things in life that hinder and distract from that pursuit; Didacts and Narpets is parents and teachers, No One At The Bridge is soul crushing early adulthood of life and realizing the those in authority don't know or care what they are doing or how it affect you, Panacea is the comforting love life that tempts you to stay and give up the dream, Bacchus Plateau is that plush, relaxing position in life that's easy and you could just coast forever.
The Fountain is the end of the dream. Through struggle and sacrifice he's there (though too tired to celebrate). But life goes on, he need a new dream, and will time and time again. Thus he's "forever at the start."
In these songs you're clear that Alex is an artist, an real deep well of emotional, thoughtful, skilled artist.
The fountain of Lamneth is a metaphor for the meaning of life. The song covers an entire life from birth to death when the candle blows out at the very end. The journey you talk about is this person’s journey through life. Birth, adolescence, relationships, middle age, growing old and then finally death. The song is truly complex and out there. I imagine Neil may have been feeling the effects when he wrote this😀
I so agree with you about Alex! I really like this album alot. Unfortunately this was the album that a lot of people just didn't get and nearly ended their career. Fortunately 2112 turned their career around. I love this song and the part with Panacea is just so beautiful! . I enjoy your reactions very much. I would say 2112 next but do Anthem first if you haven't yet. Cheers 🇨🇦✌
I've gone back and forth on this song over the years, but now I think it's one of their great epics, though quite distinct in feel from anything else that they wrote and performed.
Thank you so much for listening to this whole album! I think it's one of the best albums Rush ever made. The Fountain of Lamneth is my favorite. There are some great comments here and "gerald112b" said almost exactly what I wanted to say. Then I read the comment by Phil Jeske and it was perfect! I still needed to write something. Take care and have a fantastic weekend!
This album made me a lifelong RUSH addict!!!
Three equally integral members in Rush, and Alex is tremendous. Being able to stand out and have your space in a band like that, with such a legendary rhythm section, it's really impressive.
Already said this but I watch a LOT of Rush reactions and yours are out of this world. Justin, you're the best!
Thanks so much Clement!
Such a joy to listen to a song like this with you. By looking at your reaction, I can just tell , you "get it".
OMG! Neil is a beast on this song!!!! So great!
Can you imagine that this almost ended Rush, because "the important ones" in music business didn't like "this s**t". What the crazy world we have. But the guys kept their own head and did 2112. Rush forever ❤️
I love this album so much. This is great, to share a listen with fans everywhere. Cheers from O-Town.
Yeah JP, early Progy Rush !! Love it : D
One of the Rush treasures...it's great to just pull out the album once in a while and appreciate the artistry of its creation...Early Rush creating their image to come...We elder Rush heads listened to it many times...:) As a musician, regarding Lerxst, I put him up with Steve Howe, Jimmy Page, Brian May and Tony Iommi. He was influenced by all of them and it shows...:)
Mr. Alex Lifeson 🎸🐐
Alex makes the guitar sing! ❤️
The Fountain gives purpose to life.
Just a magic tune from a truly great album
I think Geddy’s voice is at it’s peak during the “No One At the Bridge “section, I love this album and I am so happy it’s finally getting it’s due. If you do another Rush album please consider Clockwork Angels
I was surprised to read how poorly this album was received at the time. I didn't hear it until after 'Farewell to Kings' had already come out. In interviews Alex mentioned listening to a lot of Yes and Genesis at the time. The solos in 'No One at the Bridge' and 'Baccheus Plateau' sound like Hackett's style. This one of my favorite Rush songs.
A lot of early fans were turned off by the "prog direction", as well; expecting the Zeppelin/KISS/Bad Company style of rock and getting this, instead. Growing pains for the band while they found >their< sound.
one of Geddy's favorite songs is Watcher of the Skies...I can hear the influence at 3:30
In The Valley (BIRTH and CHILDHOOD). I am born, I am me, I am new, I am free. As in childhood, the man has curiousities about his future, "Yet my eyes are drawn toward the mountain in the east..."
Didacts And Narpets (ADOLESCENCE), all the way. It is all about rebellion. Your parent says work! And you say no! Your teacher says learn! You say live! And live it to the fullest. Party all night, sleep all day!
No One At The Bridge (College, Young Adulthood, First Job, On Your Own). You're on your own, there's no safety net now. Maybe a bit through college, but then it's out into the real world, and you have to make it on your own. "Why must my crew (your parents or friends) desert me? I need a guiding hand." You get that first job, and you have to be grown up enough to keep it, make a living for yourself, pay the bills, etc. But you sail on, toward that dream you fantasized about In The Valley.
Panacea (FIRST TRUE LOVE, MARRIAGE). Then you find the one that you can steer your boat with. You find that you can forget about your troubles with her body, soft and warm. Still, it may not be all that you need, and it may not last. It might end in divorce, as mentioned above, but for now, you've got that peace of mind, and that's what's important.
Bacchus Plateau (GOLDEN YEARS, RETIREMENT). This is about the rewards in life for working so hard and getting this far, "Draw another goblet from the cask of '43." Another endless day, silhouettes of gray. You're just enjoying the fruits of your labors, and of course, it's even better if you still have your Panacea with you!
The Fountain (OLD AGE, THE END, DEATH). Yeah, you're happy at first, you have reached the goal that you longed for In The Valley, but you now realize that, like the fabled Fountain of Youth, it doesn't mean you're going to live forever...death is still a part of life, and you come to that realization. "Now at last I fall before The Fountain Of Lamneth, I thought I would be singing, but I'm tired, out of breath. Many journeys end here, but the secret's told the same. Life is just a candle, and a dream must give it flame." Like a candle, life finally burns out, but your dreams and desires are what keep the candle going. If the candle didn't get lit, you were never born to begin with. "I am crying, I am still." That line is very moving, that is just before death. "I'm forever at the start...still I am." You realize that you're back to the start point In The Valley, and you might think your life has been pointless. "Still I am..." Every life has some purpose and meaning, though we may never fully understand it all.
The point is, live your life to the fullest each and every day, because there's only one candle, and once that flame is extinguished, it's gone forever.
This album makes me smile !!!
That was a great and thorough review, Justin. This epic track really requires that thorough review. I have always loved this album and this is my favorite track. Thank you and well done.
Ty Blane!
This was their third album, and how ambitious they were: a side long track so early in their career. It has an atmosphere that really sets it apart from the rest of their albums. You can tell who they were listening to...
This was my first Rush album, and I've loved them ever since. I think this is where they started making the move from 'rock band' to 'prog band.'
Life is just a candle, and a dream must give it flame...one of the most profound lyrics I’ve ever heard. A candle has no function unless lit, but once lit, the candle is consumed and no longer exists. This just brings to mind all the greatest artists that burned out too soon...the Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobains, etc...such a poignant observation by Neil. Not saying he meant that reference...it just makes me think about it. Great reaction to a brilliant, and underrated, song. 😎
When I first listened to this album I had already heard 2112, A Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres, and I had heard that this was one of their worst albums, but I also saw that many commenters thought it was one of their best. After listening to it for the first time I thought it was better than the critics said but still not as good as those other 3. I liked The Necromancer the best, especially after hearing By-Tor. I liked Fountain. I just didn't think it was as good as their other epics, but after listening to it again now with you and hearing you talk about it, I have a better appreciation for it and really see how great it is. Not gonna put it as high as 2112 or Cygnus, but yeah, it's great.
Thanks Justin. You always show me music in a different light.
Now about YES 😀 I believe you've listened to more YES than anyone else on yt. You've reacted to their 3rd through 8th albums, which most consider their 6 best albums and you've heard their 10th - Drama - and have almost finished their 11th - 90125.
While I like Tormato, and now most of their later stuff too, having finally taken the time to listen to all of it, I HOPE you now decide to go back to the beginning and hear what YES sounded like before they became the great Prog Rock group that they became. I think you'll greatly enjoy hearing their original sound. Those first 2 albums are really nice, despite some of the criticisms that they received.
Every song on both of those albums is under 7 minutes long. I know you've already reacted to Time and a Word, so you've already gotten a little taste. I think you'll greatly enjoy the rest.
Thanks for your earnest impressions of my favorite artist. You continually take an in depth and thoughtful analysis into the songs and it is much appreciated. Your kudos to Alex is spot on and he deserves to be at the top of the list of great guitarists. I'll continue to enjoy your musical journey and thanks for the entertainment.
Ty so much!
I have to say, it was a joy to hear this song again. I haven't played it in a VERY long time. There are so many wonderful moments in this song. I don't think it matches the brilliance of "2112", or the amazing complexity of "Hemispheres", but it shows the groundwork that let them bring us those masterpieces.
JP! Finally! I am so glad you finally got to this track! It is my very favorite Rush song! a
As deep and beautiful as it gets!
RUSH gave us all so much!
To me, it is metaphorically representing life’s journey toward reaching a goal and all the obstacles, both physically and mentally, that you must deal with along the way. I like in the final section where lyrically it says “though I’ve reached the sign post it’s really not the end”. You reached the goal but your life still goes on and you need a new goal now to continue on. You are forever at the start from one goal to the next. Musically it’s very captivating with all the ups and downs that portray life’s journey but taken as a whole piece lyrically it can seem somewhat disjointed. Rush was still honing their craft at this stage in their careers. This album allowed them to create 2112 and consequently all the lessons learned were put to good use as 2112 was much more cohesive sounding.
As Usual...Great reaction, Justin!! I’ve been waiting for you to get here!! Just monster musicians and songwriters!! They say.. the drum solo called “Didacts and Narpets” stand for “Addicts and Parents”! Where those swoosh sounds start and Geddy yells, it sounds like parents yelling at their kids what to do!! Pretty cool..huh? Again, another great reaction and a really great great album!! I’ll be waiting for the album review!! Be well and God Bless... from Texas!
Oh JP - you’re thinking too hard on this one… It’s the ultimate journey, the ultimate adventure. It’s life. Birth to death musically taking us through a little bit of teenage years and adulting, falling in love and looking back on your years before you find your fountain.
I was super excited to see you post this reaction and then even more excited that it was 40 minutes long! You did a fantastic
job going deep into each part - and I was super excited for you even just to hear “No One at the Bridge”, so 29:41 made my day!
The record company was ready to cut these guys loose after this album. Amazing.
This was an awesome reaction . I like watching your reactions. U just get it and to me u know what the band is all about thanks and stay safe
Now a subscriber after this video. Your knowledge and how you respond to music is one of few exceptional reactors. Keep exploring RUSH, ELP & Kansas (all the best of prog rock).
❤ "Life Is Just A Candle And A Dream
Must Give It Flame" ❤
Hold your fire- keep it burning bright
Hold the flame til the dream ignites
A spirit with a vision is a dream with a mission
Did The Professor revisit this line 12 years later?
Many consider 2112 the birth of progressive metal, but you can make a case for this album to be one of the first.
Really Fly by Night's By Tor and the Snow Dog might be the actual birth. But no matter what it is Rush! They were the pioneers.
I love this band! Neil was the greatest drummer and lyricist ever. No one could sing them like Geddy. Add Alex and you have formed the greatest band of all time. This band is incredible. Please do Permanent Waves next.
Been years since I’ve heard this. Forgot just how gosh darned good it is. I got goosebumps multiple times through this. I’ve said it before and will continue to say it: Alex is the most criminally underrated guitarist in rock. Thanks Justin. This reaction gave me so much joy! ❤️
Of all the tracks on the full album, "No One at the Bridge" (Lamneth, pt. III) is still the standout for me after all these decades...
I love your reaction as you just experience this for the first time. Watching your face was a delight. In my (uninformed and 'totally unbiased - sic) opinion this is the most under-appreciated masterpiece of all time. The greatest piece of melodic storytelling. Astonishing. It amazed me the first time I ever heard it, I bought the 'Rush- Archives' import when I was probably seventeen - The most underrated album ever in my opinion. Thank you for posting.
I appreciate that Ian! Ty
This is one of the better older songs.
I have a great fondness for these early Rush 'epics' that hasn't dimmed over time; somehow, for me at least, they never recaptured the thrill of those first 6 six albums in their later output.
Underrated album. So much so, that polarizing reactions to this album are what awakened me to the idea of the psychology of music. (I wanted to understand how one person could get goosebumps from "Panacea" while another person was left cold...)
That’s an interesting area of thought/study. I think it’s probably difficult for many people to quantify. Those that don’t necessarily like the lyrics, may love the music & vice-versa.
@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 Indeed it is. I've made it my life's study, too (including more than many a heated argument about it...laugh/cry). Perhaps the best (condensed) explanation I've found is the book MUSIC, THE BRAIN, AND ECSTASY: HOW MUSIC CAPTURES OUR IMAGINATION by Robert Jourdain. Highly recommended.
Thanks for the great analysis, Justin. Enjoyed it as always.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Okay JP, this is your perfect jump-off window to deep dive Clockwork Angels. There's a symmetry between The Fountain of Lamneth & Clockwork Angels. Both basically are snapshots of a lifetime and cover many of the same themes, except one's lyrics coming from 22-23yr old Peart who'd had a few years away from home, and the other 59-60yr old Peart who's read about 5,000 more books, seen the world, conquered his craft & become rich, gained a wife & daughter, lost a wife & daughter to tragedy, recovered as much as possible, gained a wife & daughter again....
And then there's the musicality & virtuosity on Clockwork Angels compared to Fountain of Lamneth, which says nothing to why you love one or the other, but Fountain of Lamneth is clearly the early experimentation of gifted musicians, while Clockwork Angels is closer to Masters flexing for their core audience, going big, self assured with no pressures for a hit single or to cater to a new audience.
I think it's significant Peart & Rush had Fountain of Lamneth as one of their early major works, that it failed to connect many people, and Peart really wanted to revisit the same ground 30 years after they stopped doing prog epics or concept albums.
Good stuff. And I gotta say I just never could nor still can find my way into Snakes and Arrows or Vapor Trails. I am sooo thankful Clockwork Angels came along to close out their career. It is its own kind of masterpiece.
@Rational Watcher WOW! That was an excellent well said comment! Cheers 👏👍🎶🥁🎸🤘🍻
And BTW the best ever reaction have seen or heard. Rush just was something else and one could tell how impressed you were. Take care Justin and I hope you still have some journey with their music to go. This awful corona time is consuming people in so many ways that even a little glimpse of something good is well come!
Ty!
LIFE itself for a person.
Man I love your channel so much!
Ty😄
HERE WE GO NOW, YEAHHHHH!!! :) SO THIS WAS THEIR VERYYYYY 1ST 20 MIN. SONG JUSTIN AND IF YOU FOLLOW THE DISCOGRAPHY 2112 IS RIGHT AFTER THISSSS, HOW COOL IS THAT! :) COULD YOU BELIEVE THAT THESE GUYS COULD NOTTTTTTT GET A CONTRACT JUSTIN? :( THEY WOUND UP STICKING TO THEIR GUNS AND DOING IT THEIR WAY IN THE END! THANKS FOR CRANKING THIS ALBUM OUT! THE SHRIEKING ANGRYYYYY GEDDY, I LUV LUV LUVVVVVV IT! :)
The only reason I've been able to come up with as to why this album wasn't recognized as the groundbreaking piece of art it is, is that it was just ahead of it's time. Me and my friends never understood the lukewarm reception. We played it constantly and to this day, forty years on it still sounds as fresh and original as it did at the time.
Because it wasn't Zeppelin/Kiss/BadCo, that's why. Shock of subverted expectations as the band grew into a new sound. Thankfully, they kept at it.
Thank you. I listened to the critics and skipped over this album;. thanks to you, I realize that while there were a couple of duds, on the whole, the critics were full of 'it'. The story here is both simple and yet profound ... Life's journey. And surprisingly soft overall, for all the screaming and driving drums.
Edit:. I think the Greek references are part of what used to be called 'cultural literacy'...a shared shorthand for more ideas .. yes Baccus would the drunken, frivolous time of his life, etc. Neil was well read and would toss in little gems in his writing.
This is a story about being born, and developing a dream of what you think the ultimate thing to find. Aka The Fountain of Lamneth. It simply represents a personal destination, we all set goals for ourselves when we are children. But as he grows up he struggles, with his parents and addicts. then when he can't push any further he screams for help and nobody is there to help.
Then he falls in love and it brings him peace, Panacea is also a term used in Alchemy to describe the mythical ability to turn lead into gold. Basically it is the promise of the impossible. But now that he has found love he is still draw to the mountain, the vision that has driven him since his birth. And though he is heart broken he leaves her and continues on.
In his sorrow he find solace in Red wine Bachaus Plateau. He drinks and drinks to burry the pain, but finally pushes on to finally reach the Mountain and at Last the Fountain of Lamneth.
Reaching the fountain, this place of aspiration he has dreamed of for so long he finally has an awakening. The key the end the answer....
Like ole Sol behind the mountain I will be rising up again. this simply means he has come to the realization that live is a Journey, not a Destination. And even though he has reach his Sign post, he now realizes there is more things he can dream of and go an do. It is not the end...
The final prose is just a epilogue that portrays the entire story in a few passages.
Life continues on, even when you think you have reached your Sign Post.
Caress is the first of what could be considered the quartet of prog-rock albums that Rush put out, with 2112, A Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres. Of Rush's entire catalog, this is my favorite period. Caress really set the stage for the other 3 albums to exist, especially 2112. I had read somewhere that after the "disappointment" of Caress, Mercury Records was considering dropping Rush but their manager went to the record company's offices in Chicago and convinced them not to drop Rush. Good thing since 2112 become Rush's second best-selling album after Moving Pictures. None of that would have been possible if it were not for Caress and the band willing to experiment with prog-rock ideas and concepts. The Fountain is easily one of my favorite Rush tunes off of an album that doesnt get a lot of respect in the rock community. Too bad as Caress of Steel is an excellent early record from Rush and gave you a glimpse of what was yet to come from this awesom trio from Toronto.
I love seeing somebody loving this music. Although this is often viewed (even by the band) as a failure, it has all the elements of classic Rush, and is a clear predecessor of 2112. To some degree I feel if this had been released after 2112 it would have been much better regarded.
I can certainly understand as musicians how looking back at this they see their limitations at the time. But it’s often difficult to separate the music from everything that was happening around that time - the recording process, the tour, the uncertainty of their future, etc. often the external factors color their perception and make it difficult to listen objectively.
Life is just a candle and a dream must give it flame.
God I love this album.
I always thought the journey was the journey through life, from being born to death.
I also always thought that at the end, his new journey is what comes after death.
Damn JP, you've done some great Rush reaction but I just felt like you added some extra rocket sauce to this reaction. In regards to the song meaning, I've always felt it's about life's challenges and journey. In regards to Alex, for me when it comes to his guitar solo body of work, he's in a league of this own. Such a tasteful player. Lyrically, this song if very poetic and flows nicely. I also have to mention Geddy's vocals on this track is killer.
On a separate note, I think this is the first time I've seen you wear that tshirt. Love the JP monogram. Cheers and Thx for all you do.
Thanks Dukes! Sometimes I try to bring a little extra sauce ;) Glady you like the design as well!
Fact ... Nicely done ✔️
I forgot how much I liked “No One at the Bridge” (3rd movement). I like the guitar for the same reasons you do. In fact, I like most songs with that style of guitar.
Fantastic
Thank YOU! That was really enjoyable. I unfortunately have not spent much time with this album. I love Rush. But I never circled back to this one too deeply. I am looking forward to seeing your other reactions from this LP once in a playlist.
Time flys when you're with good company. Appreciate your work. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and these journeys.
Happily Dave! I have the playlist up and updated now😄
great reaction my friend. Still waiting for some Styx. Lots of love
Settling in for my first listen to this piece along with you. I'll edit in whether I like it or not after watching and listening.
Hope you enjoyed it!
@@JustJP , I did.
I went ahead and made a second comment with my thoughts, rather than editing in to this one.
You're right about...everything.
Some wonderful stuff here. It does feel somewhat disjointed as a whole, but I still enjoy it.
Hi Justin! I think your expressions are already pure gold... But hey I haven't got tired of Rush after all these years so it's just fine if someone else also enjoys:P
Haha ty Marko!
King Crimson - Heaven And Earth (ProjeKct X)! I recently heard this song, and it is absolutely beautiful, its an instrumental piece. Starts very calming, goes really heavy, and then has an absolutely beautiful frippertronics outro. Astonishing song, highly recommend.
Great reaction as always. I would love for you to do power windows next full album review. You’ve already done marathon and you like that song a lot. It’s a completely different style that I think you’ll enjoy.
This is a great album. Its raw and passionate. I think this was a direction they could have gone further.
love it.
Geddy Lee did a cameo on the single by Bob and Doug Mckenzie's song "Take off". I am certain that you would be the first reaction to the song. Enjoy.
Underrated along with the album. The Thing with rush is youve listsned to Rushs progressive catalog of the late 70s, In the 80s rush got even better. Peremenant Waves, Moving Pictures, Signals, Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows classic albums! They never lost their progressive sound. Moving Pictures or Permenant Waves could be Your next rush album listens next. OR You could finish the rest of Fly by night first. RUSH ANTHEM is one of their best songs
At your expressions, I think your addict at No One At The Bridge. Fountain Of Lamneth it’s the roots of progressive metal. This album is good prog without keyboards.
_A liquid voice called, "Son of gods, drink from my spring."_ Oh, wrong Fountain! 😆😜
You’ll find no hermaphrodites at this fountain...
Lol!
Afternoon, Justin. Dave from London. As far as I'm concerned, Neil can Bang The Drum All Day. Shame the drum solo went out of fashion, although when played live it was often the signal for fans to head for the bar! I agree with you that it this is less a long song, and more a collection of songs with differing characters. Love Alex's varied styles; that syncopation in his solos is so damned exciting. Finally, I've decided that Geddy, rather than Robert Plant, is the main influence on vocalist Josh Kiszka, from young whippersnappers Greta Van Fleet. P.S. Don't know where Lamneth is, but I live near Lambeth (cue chorus of Cockney knees-up, 'Doing The Lambeth Walk.').
Life: From Birth to Death and Beyond!
Interesting piece. IMO, I can see some genesis of 2112 in this. But, I'm fairly new to Rush, so I may have it completely wrong.
Yes, in some ways it is very similar. They both tell full stories and have those pauses. They are also both constructed in parts. Th211ey both also take up most if not all of one side of the album they are on. 2112 is a much more refined and perfected version of this song.
@@carlpeterson8182 , I think what struck me as similar were the slower melodic parts. They reminded me of the slower parts from the protagonist's point of view in 2112.
I love your “long song Saturdays.” Great choice. Not my favorite but I enjoyed it a hell of a lot more than I expected to.
Ty Jay! :D
That section at 4:01 always makes me think of "38 Years Old" from the Hip.
🎸🥁🎸
Justin congratulations on another excellent video. I would like to recommend that you listen to this album, Depois do fim the first album by the Brazilian progressive rock band Bacamarte, released in 1983. The album was considered by the Prog Archives community as one of the 100 Best Progressive Rock Albums of All Time According to Ricardo Schott, from Jornal do Brasil, together with Beatles albums, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, After the End is also mentioned in the list "The 100 best rock albums" of the Dutch magazine Exposure.
Is that the one with Jane Duboc? I like that LP.
@@markspooner1224 Yes. This album had the participation of the great Jane Duboc. Her voice matched the band's sound perfectly.
@@joaoemanuelmacedosouza482 I would love to get Bacamarte on vinyl as well as Recordando O Vale Das Maçãs but unfortunately they're way too expensive.
@@markspooner1224 There are other great progressive rock bands in Brazil. I can recommend Quaterna Réquiem, Apocalypse, Tempus Fugit, Recordando o vale das maçãs, Sagrado coração da terra, Anima Dominum, O Som Nosso de Cada Dia, A barca do sol, som imaginário, a casa das máquinas.
@@markspooner1224 Brazil has a musician, a true genius, who unfortunately does not have the deserved recognition. His name is Elomar Figueira Mello. His songs show life in the backlands of the country. They are true works of art.
Hands down my least favorite Rush song, but I watched it anyway because I always want to hear your thoughts on any Rush song! I'm expecting it to grow on me the more I listen to it because Rush always does that for me. This one is just taking the longest.
Great album, probably released at the wrong time, it's too subtle and nuanced for what the fans wanted at the time.
This album really foreshadows AFTK.
Bacchus plateau is his alcohol years bacchus is the god of wine. In the beginning he is a baby all he needs is his mother. On the boat is like his teen years like getting your driver's license and so on different stages of life.
I don’t think The Bridge is his teen years. It’s his early adulthood when he is suddenly thrust out into life alone and expected to manage all the storms and tribulations without help!
these lyrics may have a connection to Ayn Rand's novel "The Fountainhead" (from 1943....or '43 for short). I've never read the novel, but I know Neil was into Ayn Rand at this point in his life. Anthem is another Rush song whose lyrics are inspired by Ayn Rand's emphasis on individualism over "following the norm."