Please explain the band Rush to me

[LHanson]

Originally Posted by rickc007

Well, here's what we have so far ....




Is the fact that's it's only 3 people making all that sound the key ?

I'm not really impressed with someone operating keys with programmed
foot pedals (think harmonica around neck, symbols strapped to knees......)

If it was 6 people making that music, would you go...."oh,pfffft, big deal" ?

I was hoping someone would say musical complexity or something
I figured it has to be something along that line

Like someone said though, maybe that show wasn't there best.

I tried watching some of the youtubes, kinda hard to sit thru them.
Seem very repetitive, and nothing on guitar I couldn't do

I like Yes a whole lot better.

Is this one of those bands you need to inhale, put on the
headphones and zone out ?

AFAIK, there are no "programmed" bass pedals. If Geddy isn't playing them, Alex is.

Some of the music is VERY complex. Try figuring out the time signature changes in the "Circumstances" youtube I posted.

There's not much of the guitar playing in Rush that I can't play either, and I know because I have done it. OTOH, writing the parts is a completely different animal. Alex has heavily influenced many other guitar players and bands, like Dream Theater and even Pearl Jam.

I think it's cool you like Yes better. I was into Yes before I was into Rush, as well. That being said, Jon Anderson's vocals can be an issue for some folks, too.

As far as needing to "inhale", hey, whatever floats your boat. I prefer oxygen.

[DrSax]

Originally Posted by rickc007

Nothin spectacular on base

When you're right, you're right. Absolutely nothing spectacular on base.

[Killcrop]

As some has indicated Rush is a band that your personality matches or it doesn't. I personally always liked them but when I was a kid I listed to 2112 on my cass walkman while I was doing my paper route. That sealed the deal for me.

You might be a Rush fan if...

You were born on the Canadian Prairie.

You were born close to Canada and were exposed to the over the counter stimulant called Rush.

You have secretly admired girls through the safety and security of a Darth Vader helmet.

You referred to your first car (a 1977 Maverick) as the Red Barchetta

You long for the Canadian Heavy Metal strip clubs of the late 80's where French speaking girls from Montreal danced to Limelight.

Your favorite beer ever is Schooners.

[Jon Silberman]

Originally Posted by rickc007

Nothin spectacular on guitar
Nothin spectacular on base
There's the "vocal issue"

Drummer has a lot of drums

I've learned through experience not to attempt to explain anything to someone in this position. No insult intended, just as you do not mean to insult Rush. It's purely practical.

[twinrider1]

Rush is lead drums and rhythm guitar. That's oversimplifies things a bit, but that's basically it in my head. I grew up liking prog rock, and I listened more to the different beats over the guitar. Now, for some reason, I'm more into straight rock, and I hear the guitar more than the drums.
If someone dislikes Geddy's voice, I can't really dispute it. It is...different.
I agree about it being somewhat a generational thing too. Music is like that. I just don't get the appeal of Cream. A lot of people love Cream. Just doesn't do it for me. But I love what came after.

[mattmccloskey]

Originally Posted by Polynitro

Rush is more philosophy nerd than strar trek nerd. For some reason Neil Pert is into Ayn Rand's thoroughly confusing egoist doctrines.

He ISN"T into Ayn Rand though, he WAS into Ayn Rand about 30 YEARS ago!

The second and 4th albums have Rand inspired lyrics, but remember Peart was like 22 years old back then and ready to take on the world.
He ditched the Ayn Rand crap by the late 70's. In fact his lyrics by the early 80's on albums like Signals and forward became much more compassionate and worldly. I would say his lyrics from that point on, particularly these days, are often in opposition to Rand.

I think in general (not accusing anyone in particular) many people have an image of Rush that only fits the band they were 30 years ago, and doesn't take into account what they became, both lyrically and musically.
I enjoy all their periods and changes in different ways, but the image of them being one thing is inaccurate.
I mean, who thinks of the beatles as only doing "she loves you" and "please please me" ?
The majority of their long run has been completely devoid of sci-fi or tolkien or ayn rand. It's about a 3-4 year period out of more than 35 years.

[sergv]

Originally Posted by Polynitro

music is subjective...do you get that?

Exactly, either you 'get it' ... or you don't. Maybe you will later, maybe not. No amount of 'explaining' is going to make a differance.

[zombywoof]

Originally Posted by tjmicsak

Whatever you decide to listen to, keep in mind it is a simple trio that is making all that music.

Three guys with a battery of Roland effect modelers, Lexicon processors, tape delays and whatever. Ya get enough of that stuff and any three piece outfit can come on like a symphony orchestra.

[Jon Silberman]

I saw Rush live last year. Based on this experience, I'm calling you on your post. It's ignorant. You can say you can't stand the band. That's fine, it's all personal taste. But your post is indefensible.

[mattmccloskey]

Originally Posted by zombywoof

Three guys with a battery of Roland effect modelers, Lexicon processors, tape delays and whatever. Ya get enough of that stuff and any three piece outfit can come on like a symphony orchestra.

Huh? Rush has always created a large sound, long before digital modeling ever existed.
They were able to do that with clever arrangements, playing 2 and three instruments at once, switching quickly between acoustics and electric, bi-amping the bass, big huge chord voicings, as well as clever use of effects even when effects were relatively primitive. I think you underestimate the sheer work and cleverness involved in the way they achieved a huge and varied sound.

[Lewkk]

Can't stand them... but I can apreciate the musicality and songwriting (from a distance)

[Gasp100]

Originally Posted by BobbyRay

You see! Right on time, some dork thinks they have me nailed. Just kidding!

I get what thye are doing, it just does nothing for me. I don't really dig Jeff Beck either. I love the Stones, The Beatles on the other hand...OK I guess.

Mahalia Jackson...You bet! Bill Monroe...Absolutely! SRV..Sure! But the guy who really turns me on with his playing, and can also frustrate the hell out of me, is that monster. You know the guy. Bobby Ray Laverty, Jr. That dude kills and intermittently sucks!

It's all good. I like strictly pentatonic music too

You're right, the Beatles are... meh... but, SRV... where would we be without him? (Just kidding?) I'm cool with being a nerd... I guess there's already enough cool rock n' rollers that spend their days scouring TGP already anyway. It's fab!

..."oh she's my sweeeeet little thang, and I'm her little lover boy... yehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww"........

[Fezziwig]

Originally Posted by rickc007

Well, here's what we have so far ....

"Neal Peart. Possibly the BEST rock drummer ever....."

"A combination of astounding creativity, a passionate vision, a relentless work ethic, and some good decisions "


"I think they are all incredible musicians but I think that comes second to writing great songs for them"

"Just go and try and figure out one of their songs note-for-note. Then, when you are done with that, put a three-piece together and cover it...."

"Arguably the best 3-piece in Rock history "

"Thier songwriting is not simple, it's melodic, interesting and their live shows are about the best their is - PERIOD."

"HELL watch Getty - play the bass, and operate the Keys via programmed foot pedals - pretty amazing"

"the reason you don't *get* them has nothing to do with them, their music, or their playing ability and has everything to do with your inability to listen to and analyze music."

"Whatever you decide to listen to, keep in mind it is a simple trio that is making all that music."



I have listened enough to realize the drummer is wicked good.

Is the fact that's it's only 3 people making all that sound the key ?

I'm not really impressed with someone operating keys with programmed
foot pedals (think harmonica around neck, symbols strapped to knees......)

If it was 6 people making that music, would you go...."oh,pfffft, big deal" ?

I was hoping someone would say musical complexity or something
I figured it has to be something along that line

Like someone said though, maybe that show wasn't there best.

I tried watching some of the youtubes, kinda hard to sit thru them.
Seem very repetitive, and nothing on guitar I couldn't do

I like Yes a whole lot better.

Is this one of those bands you need to inhale, put on the
headphones and zone out ?

Check this instrumental out, and let us know what you think (make sure you hit the E Phrygian solo towards the middle before you "give up"):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7jVo...eature=related

I'll add also that it's not necessarily the "difficulty" of playing the solos that makes Alex a great player. It's the fact that so many of his solos are memorable. "Limelight," "Freewill," "La Villa Strangiato," "The Trees," etc. I remember Alex's solos very well, and they are very melodic. That being said, sure, if I wanted to learn them I could, as I could learn the bass parts because I play both instruments. The same goes for any skilled drummer who wants to learn Peart's parts. This is the same for ANY music you want to play.

[Zenon7]

I'll preface this by saying I'm not big fan of the band, but they have some songs/albums that have managed to make their way into my collections and I'll even admit to really liking a few of the songs. I wouldn't buy tickets to a show though, ever. I don't know that I could do a couple of stright hours...I bought a triple DVD that had three different tours on it and can honestly say I barely made it through it all once.
I always found the part of the band I like least is the guitar playing, followed closely by Geddy's voice (like Scotch it's an acquired taste) and lyrics that can be perhaps a little ponderous. But they are undeniably a talented trio of guys in my opinion, just not totally my bag.
For what it's worth (very little!) my wife saw them way back in the day when they played her high school! And Geddy supposedly lived around the corner from me when I lived in the west end of the city - don't know that though, I never saw him.
I've only ever seen them live once, and after their first or second album. They were on a triple bill with Rory Gallagher and headliners Nazareth. Rory did a little stage mopping-up that night!

[HHB]

the bottom line is a thirty plus year carrer recording pretty much whatever they want, they dont owe anyone an explaination ( ok maybe that first drummer LOL )