Classical Composer Reacts to RUSH: Signals (Side 1) | The Daily Doug (Episode 642)

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On this edition of #thedailydoug, I'm coming back to the music of #rush with their album #signals. I've recently heard all of Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures, and I wanted to get to this album from that same era as quickly as I could. Rush's music never disappoints! I hope you enjoy.
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[@jamesadkisson7510]

The nostalgia of Subdivisions literally hurts. When that song came out me along with how many others felt like it was not only speaking to us but for us.

[@RichAFroschauerJr-jk9nl]

Love the way you said that, so true! Bravo my friend

[@Rendclaw]

A LOT of us felt like that. I know that I did, especially when I saw the video, with the kid being bullied in school, pressured by family to excel in school, constantly by myself, and trying to find solace in video games in the early 80s.

[@BlackieNuff]

Hear! Hear! It is still my all-time favorite Rush song, perhaps cos it was also the very first I ever heard from them (eventually followed by Tom Sawyer, and then Limelight, followed by Distant Early Warning).

[@ronjm945]

Indeed, Neil spoke to many with the lyrics of Subdivisions. Every time I hear it I am brought back to the past and am grateful for his words “Be Cool or Be Cast Out”…

[@ashleygraham8781]

Certainly spoke to me. Subdivisions is a song that will resonate with people, pretty much for eternity. And I don't even think it is the best song on Signals.

[@jamesadkisson7510]

Alex never gets enough credit for being a fantastic 70s guitarist that reinvents himself fantastically to fit as his band changes.

[@GES8215]

He was buried on this album though.

[@marsdrums6298]

@@GES8215 I believe it was his choice though. He wanted the keyboards front and center. His guitar work came back into play later though.

[@GES8215]

@@marsdrums6298 you are correct. As a good friend he let Geddy have fun with his new toys.

[@toddfrank3344]

@@GES8215 Thank you, you beat me to it. He was buried too far back in the mix..especially on Subdivisions (where it's difficult to separate the guitar from the keyboards) and Analog Kid. Part of it was that Signals was the first of several Rush albums where Alex recorded all of his guitar playing in the control room directly through the board.

[@justincalhoun7062]

I think some of his most unique & beautiful guitar work is on the 80s albums.

[@JamienautMark2]

This is probably my 2nd favorite Rush album. The Analog Kid is one of the best songs ever written.

[@julien2231]

Thats MY favorite album. No doubt!

[@julien2231]

Power windows being my second!

[@markcorrigan8599]

AGREE 10000000000000%%%% !!!!!!!!!!!

[@nsgobbi]

First: Hemispheres, Second: This One, Third: 2112. All the rest except Vapor Trails are four.

[@RyansAwesomeMusic]

Totally agree!!!!!! And yes there is something painful in my memory of this album. It hits a place that hurts a little bit. I wonder if that’s intentional. Like if there’s is over, arching slow, grinding, despair, that’s sort of baked into these themes and lyrics. I absolutely love the way this record makes me feel.

[@Trapper50cal]

Subdivisions spoke to every outlier, every "nerd" or less-than-popular high schooler, every misfit and we all felt seen. It's an important song for exactly that reason. It's not just about home-based subdivisions, it's about the division of/by cliques in high school and junior high.

[@docwells7]

Glad I wasn't the only one thinking this. I always thought it was about school cliques.

[@markolatvanen5791]

I was a Finnish high school exchange in the US when Signals was out - and boy did this talk to me, a teenage Nordic bookworm in the landscape of shopping malls and dog eat dog social games in school...

[@arongamman9360]

It's there at every level of life these days, I will say as a 51 old man, just more subtle in the 2020's.

[@MikeCarvin]

Also divisions of society or workplace.

[@tanker335]

This Rush fan is happy they never stopped evolving. I love the 80's Rush. I vote Doug does Power Window next!

[@alexanderkasner4165]

I have struggled with Power Windows in my past, but it is pretty brilliant.

[@josephlicano8701]

So many fareweather fans don't give any credit to 80s Rush. I think every new sound and style that the band attempted was a done successfully and with 100% commitment. Hold Your Fire and Power Windows are probably my favorite 80s albums. I even think their 2001 album Vapor Trails is my overall 2nd fav Rush album which is crazy considering that's 30 years into their career!

[@Jamie_McGill]

I vote Doug does them all…

[@commonman317]

Yes. Power Windows has been my go to album. Love the low end bass, as it does not sound tinny at all.

[@Owlstretchingtime78]

Another for 'Power Windows'.

[@JasonGianni]

Wait until you hear Side 2. "Losing It" is absolutely stunning with, what happens to be, one of Neil's finest moments lyrically. And "Countdown," the last song, is just a total sleeper tune that has, what I feel, THE most characteristic Rush riffs to end the record. Just amazing!

[@Jfwellspdx]

And then you have to watch “Losing It” live from the R40 tour. Great commentary on Geddy’s vocals.

[@user-fk8wm4gm8v]

Every astronaut or person in NASA KNOWS of the song ,😁😁 COUNTDOWN,

[@michaelakkerman407]

I know Alex thinks his guitar got lost during this era...but I think it made him an even better player and his solos and rythm playing is top tier maybe untouched.

[@bookhouseboy280]

Quoting Alex: In a couple of key places there was too much emphasis placed on the keyboards ... but I have no regrets. I’m very proud of those records ... I'm very satisfied with [Power Windows]. I think the sounds that we got were great and quite different for me--much cleaner, crisper sounds than I've ever had before ... the guitar doesn't suffer at all.

[@ryanjacobson2508]

But if Alex had gotten too frustrated and started fueding with Neil, the band would've been a lot more troubled, one of them would have probably left, and the band would overall have been much weaker. Neil himself prefers the band's 80's records, BTW.

[@polbecca]

Alex's solo in Chemistry is so angular you can really hear the influence of Allan Holdsworth.

[@berenonehand]

Geddy was in the beginning of the honeymoon phase of his love affair with the synthesizer here.

[@scounter72]

Have to agree. Some of his absolute best stuff is on this very album...plus Red Sector A, Between the Wheels, Grand Designs, Territories...and on and on. Nothing else like it.

[@mwmclean]

I was 14 in 1982. Subdivisions literally saved my life a few times. It let me know someone understood.

[@thumostheos]

Oh, I feel this just like you do. We're never really "alone" in our feelings...someone out there always feels the same and understands. Finding them back then was difficult without the Internet. I was 12 at the time!

[@jimtatro6550]

I was a 15 year old sophomore in high school when this album came out and my first concert was this tour….life changing.

[@johneichmann1028]

Same here. Didn't like it the first listen, but over time my favourite studio album from them all time. Saw them in the Radio City shows in September of '83 still promoting this album. My second concert ever. Last row on the floor didn't matter. Truly amazing.

[@commonman317]

Same here, March 1983, Lakeland Florida.

[@timnorris6041]

Lucky enough to hear this live before released. Having seen the band many times prior, keyboards and foot pedals were now becoming part of the norm, which I was ok with. 😊

[@robpersons6501]

Junior here. Hartford April, 1983

[@davegto67]

14 year old freshman, Signals was my first concert.. Life changing experience as well.

[@julien2231]

Man.. i love this band so much. I can easily start to cry going in my head listening to this trio. So profound. I wish i could tell them how much they meant to me through my life!

[@TheSkydogsguitar]

I got to meet Geddy a few years ago. I thanked him and told him exactly what you said, how much their music meant to me, and his response was, "No, thank you for being there listening all these years."

[@kariy2187]

I suppose that You are not the only one here... We all miss Neil and not to mention a whole Rush.

[@BalokLives]

Yeah. I really miss them. I can't tell you how many times I have watched that last Rush show at the LA Forum where everyone comes in on the bus. Makes me tear up every time.

[@toddsherman4618]

I bet most of us still remember whomever our fawn eyed girl with sun browned legs was back in 1982… This band wrote to so many - but this album literally spoke to us.

[@richardcharlesworth6069]

Yep. She dumped me!

[@RichAFroschauerJr-jk9nl]

I've been a fan since 1976, so 47 years and I never tire of this band, we grew together, and I miss the anticipation of a new Rush lp!

[@michaelhylanddpt]

I was a latecomer to Rush in the sense that I’m 37, so was born in the middle of their 80s phase and didn’t fall in love with Prog until my mid-20s. Signals is one of my top 3 favorite albums and Subdivisions was written for those of us who weren’t in the cool crowd. I love these guys so much. RIP Neil

[@jamiegolden7093]

So many Rush fans lost their minds when Signals dropped, but I loved the way they evolved into the 80s. Moving Pictures was arguably their magnum opus, but Signals was such an important record for its time. Side one rocks, but Losing It and Countdown on side 2 are also high points on the record. God, I miss Peart...

[@ryanjacobson2508]

Millenial here, I wasn't around for the bands early history but a lot of the first generations fans who had that initial reaction of not understanding the trajectory of the band should realize that quite a few 70's artists totally failed to adequately adjust to the 80's....

[@nicholasvinen]

​@@ryanjacobson2508good point. In some ways they were too far ahead of their time for their own good. Personally, I love it all.

[@RichAFroschauerJr-jk9nl]

Such a masterpiece, this period was I introducing us to what Rush would become, A band under constant construction, growing, changing progressing. Neil was maturing as a lyricist, while Alex and Geddy spread their wings as musicians. Exploration, Expansion, and Excellence!

[@dtc3130]

They played Digital Man on their Snakes and Arrows tour. It was the highlight of the show for me

[@zekesterboospirit8658]

Agreed!

[@markscheeren5429]

Felt the same

[@SnowDogisVictorious]

My first album, and Subdivisions my first song. Very much spoke to me personally, at age 14. Hooked ever since. Analog Kid remains my favourite Lifeson solo too.

[@someguyontheinternet2714]

Hope to see a full album reaction to my personal fav Rush album - Power Windows!

[@QuakerPop]

Digital man is Rush's most underrated song and is the best song on this album, just slightly edging out subdivisions analog kid and the weapon. Your interpretation of the lyrics is spot on. I also see an intertwining of the themes of digital man and vital signs on moving pictures, the integration of life and technology, and what is preserved and what is lost. The words and the music are perfectly paired.

[@Smartie1]

Yep!!!

[@justincase8533]

This being the last work Terry produced and every prior being the tapestry of my youth and the reason I became a musician, still weighs on my heart knowing Neil is no longer with us. Thank you for the insightful review Doug!

[@nathanmasseyRU40]

Chemistry is the sleeper for this album which I have always loved. In addition to your insightful comments, I always thought it also referred to the incredible chemistry between the three of them and how together, their music becomes so much more sublime than their individual virtuosity.

[@mjm5081]

And how 'bout that guitar solo! PERFECTION!!!

[@nathanmasseyRU40]

Yes, the solo is Alex on fire! Absolute perfection! Biggest dissapointment of the 40th anniversary Signals box set is this song is no where to be found live!@@mjm5081

[@signals-72]

Neil's drumming just drives that whole song.

[@alexanderkasner4165]

Such a brilliant song. Most of the time it is my favorite on the album. But it hides behind the other three big dogs on side 1

[@timothywills7709]

Digital Man is one of the great underrated Rush songs. Brilliant playing by Lee, Lifeson and Peart!

[@rickbaker9132]

Alex reinventing himself here is critical to the progression of the band. He went from being this wailing shredder, to the guy who figured out how to make his guitar and chord choices sound like 5 guitars at once. His chord choices are so full and perfect. He only got better as time went on

[@Keith_from_LBC]

Signals was my first big arena concert on Feb. 18, 1983. Excellent set list: The Spirit Of Radio Tom Sawyer Freewill Digital Man Subdivisions Vital Signs The Camera Eye Closer To The Heart Chemistry The Analog Kid Broon’s Bane The Trees Red Barchetta The Weapon (With the “Count Floyd” introduction.) New World Man Limelight Countdown Encore: 2112 Overture The Temples Of Syrinx Xanadu La Villa Strangiato In The Mood YYZ Drum Solo Golden Earring opened the show! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@user-kg4eb7nl5b]

grew up with them in my back yard ... would see them around town ... Alex s son was in my primary school class ... saw this show as one of my first live concerts Best band ever

[@TheFingerFrame]

This is the album that really introduced me to RUSH. Still one of my faves. You can really hear the influence of the Police on the band in this period.

[@commonman317]

New World Man especially.

[@cobbycaputo3332]

This album came out in my first year of college. My best friend from high school was a writer and a dreamer and we called him the Analog Kid. I have never had to sleep much, and am usually moving at double speed, so we decided that Digital Man was about me. And Subdivisions was (and still is) a massively powerful song to those of us who do not fit into predefined categories.

[@kevinmaurer3562]

Wow i feel like an idiot. Never even thought of the Analog Kid/Digital Man dichotomy

[@TheSkydogsguitar]

I was a Senior in High School when Signals came out. I'd seen Rush on the Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures tours so I was already "ride or die" with Rush. But Signals, to this day, hits me differently. By far, my most nostalgic Rush album.

[@daflotsam]

The solos Alex put together are such gems that are often unrecognized as such. With the unusually exceptional but accessible bass and drums, folks often fail to realize the sonic creativity Lifeson brings to just about every piece.

[@thiagoferreiraruiz8897]

Tottaly agreed with you

[@Malkavon]

In almost any other band, Alex Lifeson would be the standout star. It's a testament to just how exceptional both Geddy and Neil were that they managed to overshadow him.

[@Jonno2summit]

I remember back about this time in history - In a Guitar Magazine fan poll, Geddy was #1 bass player, Alex was #2 after Eddie, and Neil was #1 in Drummer magazine. That was a fan poll back in the day. How times have not changed...

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

You have a keenly astute understanding of much of these lyrics. The concept of this album was the restless spirit of youth from the drudgery of suburbia in “Subdivisions” to the ultimate escape to the stars in “Countdown”. Fun fact; the high school scenes in the video of subdivisions was shot a few km from my home in the Toronto suburbs. Thanks for this content. RIP Neil Peart.

[@jacevess7556]

Hands down my favorite album from my favorite band. Losing it is such an emotional song that always gets me

[@johngeyer2081]

The amazing thing about Rush -- all of Doug's comments could apply to virtually every album. The musicianship is amazing, the lyrics are so meaningful and profound, the creativity and professionalism -- no band will ever touch Rush -- The soundtrack of my life.

[@wolframreactor74]

Subdivisions also refer to Peart’s drum parts getting increasingly complicated without changing meter as the song progresses

[@steveshute3810]

Alex's guitar solo is straight fire...always was a super high point of their live shows when he would rip through that.

[@marksaxon]

Excellent album!! 40 years old!! That makes me feel old. Lol.

[@commonman317]

For me, it is like 10th grade all over again. Trying to learn Neil's drum parts on my drum set. Playing Signals over and over. And, going to the concert in March 1983. Great times, great memories.

[@kvmalley]

Man when Subdivisions video came out on MTV, WOW was like a life defining moment! Ah the good ole days……..

[@darthvicious9447]

I remember when this came out and people were freaking out about how different it was, but it grew on people who didn't care for it at the time and has always remained one of my favorites.

[@SlitherWhisp]

I agree that this vocal range was Geddy’s best. It is one of the reasons this album is one of my favourites.

[@pokerface1967]

Neil was really a genius. The lyrics and all the music put together was just great

[@danmcconnell5941]

I think you're quite right that as rush moves into the 80s they are a mature and professional band. It really is the peak of their skill, creativity/art, and writing.

[@fractalshapes]

that analog kid guitar solo is complete fire

[@blackholeodyssey1070]

One of my very favorite Rush albums…been speaking to me since I was 16 and always will 😎❤️

[@rphilyaw1]

First time I saw the band live was on this tour. Many more shows since then. Digital Man is top 5 all-time Rush songs for me. Great, great album.

[@sgtmajorbuzz]

I saw Rush and Primus back in the early 90s, I was listening to this song when the blotter kicked in. Best concert ever

[@digibirder]

It really felt like this album was going into different territory for RUSH when I bought it way back then. Applying their mastery to a whole new set of sounds and the music that came from them. Your comment about mature musicians was spot on Doug. Wait til you get to side two... "Loosing It" is my favourite RUSH song.

[@charlieismydarlin7199]

Absolutely agree with you, Losing It is an amazing, thought provoking song with superb musicianship from all the players (and the writing is heart-wrenching). My favourite also..

[@digibirder]

The subtleties in Neil's rhythms that let you feel what the people in the story do. An absolute masterwork! Its what sealed it for me knowing Neil Peart was the greatest drummer ever.@@charlieismydarlin7199

[@Alberto_1965_BR]

My favorite Power Trio album! Perfect and brilliant songs!

[@danielmata6512]

My favorite album by this amazing band!

[@carlgibbons5777]

Doug breaks down lyrics better than any reactor I have seen on here. Keep up the great work Doug. Totally agree with Doug also that Geddy's 80's melodic/lower register vocals blow away his screaming/screechy vocals of the 70's. Rush hit their STRIDE in the 80's starting with Permanent Waves.

[@RushfanUK]

Always liked Signals, I like the way Doug peels back the music and lyrics, look forwards to part 2.

[@adrianhall2510]

I believe that Subdivisions is also part of the Analog Kid / Digital Man pairing! They all describe different portions of the same person's life...

[@argosvincent]

I have been waiting for this reaction video for so long. This is one of my favorite albums! I got to see them on their R40 tour and seeing them play losing it live was a very emotional experience.

[@berenonehand]

The time-signature shifts on Subdivisions are wild - back and forth between 7/8, 8/8, 6/8 and a bit of 4/4. I never realized it before this listen, I just knew it was somehow really rhythmically satisfying.

[@marnav9205]

Rush didnt release too many flops that I am aware of. I heard Rush for the first time in 1983 when I was in the Army, All The Worlds A Stage. Have been hooked pretty much ever since. Rush really appealed to my intellectual side which I did not realize then, and then of course they had the best chops. As I have seen more things about the band they seemed like family men, but they kept that away from the press, which I respected alot. They didnt seem to be the typical fratboy get loaded and lay everything with 2 legs kind of band which I also appreciated. They also all seemed very humble and not alot of ego got in the way. All together a great band, the likes of which we will likely never see again. As I heard Geddy put it once 3 kinda nerdy guys who got together and formed a band. Also Id like to say Doug you are very good at unpacking Neils thoughts as you listen, you have given me insight into his thinking that I didnt have before. Thanks Doug.

[@nicholasvinen]

They didn't achieve much commercial success but in terms of pure quality, 98% of what they put out ranges from good to amazing IMO. I think their only weak output is about half of Vapor Trails. I know some people love that album but I feel it starts pretty strong but then falls apart halfway through and there are a few tracks I just can't get into. Everything else is pretty much unimpeachable.

[@michaelwood3205]

What's special about Analog Kid is how the main part of the song is fast but the chorus is slow which is the inverse of many rock songs.

[@dickmanson2081]

That was an astute connection you made between Analog Kid and Digital Man. Neil always had a way of expressing what seems emotionally complex, yet is so common to most everyone...we all feel it inside, and around the edges of our own separate realities, but only he can put it into words that speak to all of us together.

[@crazydaze1050]

You can't lose with this album. It's so great

[@PaulyV56]

Man this album is haunting. So many memories from that time. This concert killed it.

[@CrazyBxDon]

Hahahahaha! Doug, your reaction to Geddy’s playing @ 25:38 was the SAME reaction I had waaaay back in 1983. I must’ve replayed that section a million times since. When I shared this song with some of my fellow musical enthusiasts who had a more funk/R&B sensibility, they ALL expressed a very similar contorted face and utterance- “ooooo!!!!” Play that again!!! Who IS that playing? Geddy who?????”

[@don-o-seven1437]

Signals is the first studio album after I discovered Rush…via Exit Stage Left. Analog Kid was and still is one of my favorites. It was High School for me and moving beyond playing football after school with friends, riding bikes etc. it was a time where I reminisced about a few years prior, in a other home, laying on the hillside looking up at the clouds.

[@don-o-seven1437]

Made me laugh…the Analog Kid is the younger version of the Digital Man…gave you the background and I am now in IT behind a desk 40+ hours a week. It I stay connected by getting outside and having a window and view of trees over my shoulder at all times. Get connected outside this digital…I say as typing on a video on KZbin …yes I see it

[@robertolson483]

I love the fact that Digital Man and Analog Kid were consistent bumper music for Lakers broadcasts on KCAL 9. Chikie baby and Stu... Japanese provides the best word: natsukashi desu

[@michaelmasuda7096]

On side two, you will find one of their most haunting tracks called “Losing It”. Growing up, listening to it as a young adult, and then hearing it now in my middle age… It takes on much deeper meanings for me. In terms of emoting feelings, it is probably the most emotional track that you’ll come across from them. It is absolutely brilliant and beautiful, It may not be one of their arena rock hits or complex prog rock anthems, but for sheer melancholy and bringing the stark reality of life to song, and hearing it now after knowing what Neil went through… I won’t spoil it by saying anything else.

[@JoseMTamez]

This album is classic and one I was so looking forward to hear. I remember the day that I got it. I couldn't wait to hear what they would come out with next. It took a while but still, right after Moving Pictures, that had to have been a lot of pressure to live up too, or I should I say, play up to that other classic. So yes, that was the big thrill about RUSH, you never knew what they would come out with next. But on top of that you listen and fall in love with music and especially the lyrics. Anyway, after seeing you hold up the 40 anniversary album, I just had to subscribe and give a thumbs up. Thanks for sharing and I'll be looking forward to your next review.

[@wolftab]

Doug! I can’t tell you how happy you’ve made me in getting to Signals. It’s an album that continues to blossom for me even after decades. I love hearing the band’s growth as artists and you pointed that out quite poignantly. Oh but I really can’t wait for your take on Losing It on Side 2 😊. Thank you for your great take on this fantastic album.

[@RiquezaEmGotas]

This album marked the start of the "electronic keyboard era" for Rush. Many fans disliked this at first and moved on to other things only to find out later that left field Rush is still much better than the majority of the other bands. I like Rush's 80s period as much as the 70s. Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows and Hold Your Fire are also pretty good. After that they returned to a more guitar centered sound which is also excellent. I enjoyed their evolution as musicians and am proud that their songs and songs from other well known progressive bands became the soundtrack of my life.

[@nathanmasseyRU40]

The album that introduced me to Rush and reeled me in! Imagine the courage it took to go to more synths after the success of Moving Pictures. Alex is right that his guitar was drowned out on Subdivisions, but this album is awesome in every way. I am hoping the live stream is the reason the video kept fast forwarding as the video misses part of every song and your commentary, which we al love to hear. Thanks for finding Rush.

[@DirkGently04]

alexs solo on subdivisions is sublime though

[@scottwachter6128]

My first Rush concert was the Signals tour. I was hooked from that moment.

[@julien2231]

I cant even begin to believe where rush would have been without the professor.

[@WhiskeyLore]

I loved watching Geddy play synth on Subdivisions then pop back to the bass in concert, they recorded it the same way in the studio.

[@lindaward5376]

Signals came out while I was in my sophomore year of high school, and Subdivisions was practically a carbon copy of what I was going through. Looking forward to Side 2, although Losing It may be blocked because of copyright issues related to guest violinist Ben Mink; and BTW, the visualizer for The Weapon, which was released alongside this 40th anniversary edition, shows the dalmatian peeing on the Facebook logo. Have a good evening, and Rush on everyone! 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐

[@jindradusek1966]

Signals... Yes, that was my first encounter with Rush. Sometime in 1982 on the radio. And since then it's been one of my top bands . Every song on this album is exceptional. The chemistry that she played now is great.. But... I love The Weapon... ❤❤❤

[@jons3808]

This album is just incredible! One of my favorites 👍🏻

[@SlitherWhisp]

Permanent Waves was my first Rush. I then bought Moving Pictures and Exit… Stage Left when they came out. Loved them all. Could not wait for Signals. And I was not disappointed. I love this album! And this tour was the one and only time I got to see these music gods live. The best concert I have ever seen. I have since bought every Rush CD since. And they are all great. But, those first four albums I bought remain special. You side check out side three of Exit… Stage Left. It flows from Broon’s Bane to The Trees to Xanadu so smoothly. It might be my overall favourite album side they ever put out.

[@ConstantineIsslamow]

First live concert with Rush in Toronto in November 1982 \,,/

[@jgsrhythm100]

I saw this tour. Absolute peak time to see them.

[@MrDarren2510]

Love the analysis, love the Haken shirt. Rush and Haken, two of my favorites!

[@r30frank]

Absolutely love when you dissect the musical brilliance of RUSH and the brilliance of Neil's writing!!!

[@christianwilliamson9752]

I'm glad you're 'taken' by the lyrics. That song is amazing. This was my first purchase at 13 yrs old I couldn't find moving pictures after seeing vids on MTV so bought signals. Was so weird. Like an adjustment at first but this album is so fckng good after you immerse yourself in it. Thanks for doing so much Rush. I love you Dr Doug

[@wardka]

I feel like this has been remixed somewhat. The Analog Kid may be my favorite Rush track. I used to crank it on cassette in the car and when it gets to the chorus, or the "You move me, you move me" section, there was a MASSIVE synth swell sound which here seems to be replaced with pleasant synth pads but nowhere nearly as goose bump inducing as I remember it. Maybe it's just not coming through on KZbin. A lot of people hated the synth era of Rush, but I loved it. I think it was their most polished era and all the songs are finely crafted gems.

[@randydelgado4548]

Rush Fans Forever. Enjoying Rush throughout all their albums is life at it's best.

[@karlschmitt6359]

This is actually my favorite Rush album, and fortunately, I saw them on this tour in Albuquerque in 1982! I love their rockier songs, but I love this as well! All 3 of these guys are geniuses! My favorite song from Rush is Red Sector A! Looking forward to side 2!

[@nicholasbohensky7097]

Amazing album. The last with Broon. I do like later albums but the mixes with Terry are undeniably awesome.

[@thomasgoodwin2648]

Consider also that electronics (and subsequently electronic music) first came in analog form, and later digital. Makes sense analog is 1st on the album. Neil is one of those great writers that speaks on so many levels you can't keep track of them all.

[@cozmicpfunk]

Signals was my second concert to see from Rush- The record was a very interesting progression from MP. I love all of the music on this album but if I had to pick 2 it would be Digital man and Losing it. They are so different from each other. Digital man is almost Funk, Jazz meeting Prog, it is all over the place and yet as in true Rush form they can take elements like in cooking- you normally would not mix certain ingredients but it works and works very well. Another classic staple of Alex's guitar playing is the "Hemispheres" chord- that F sharp Major flat 4 added 7 in Digital man combined with F sharp 7 makes a unique texture as he swaps back and fourth between in the main verse. I loved this Signals immediately, did not require too much time to process - when you are young/ in high school you hear Subdivisions, you immediately connect to the metaphor and statement about being young in packaged processed culture yearning for originality to stand out, the angst of youth! That was a amazing concert, and this album is my favorite depending on which day of the week. Thank you DD

[@katskillz]

It is awe inspiring that conceptually Neil collated those companion songs Analog Kid and Digital Man, and they should be seen as the young and older phase of the same metaphorical person. At that time 1982 it can be argued that music, culture, and society and technology at large were in that very process of growing up and growing out of analog youth, and the digital progress with all its un-humanness was upon us all irreversibly.

[@mrbornac]

I know you have already reviewed "The Weapon" - but that is far an away my favorite song for Neal's drums - and is one of my very favorite songs of all time.

[@dustincarpenter1707]

This album speaks to me. It was released when I was born, has a dog on the cover and has subject matter that I've personally experienced. Thank you, Doug for covering it with your channel!

[@bradvonreaden1550]

Beautiful and spot on analysis Doug. Probably the most important album to me. Conform or be cast out. So many of us were cast out.

[@pigreat6985]

Really glad you're doing this, easily one of my favourite Rush albums. I'll confess to not being the biggest fan of Chemistry, but even then, it's got its highlights (Alex's guitar tone in that song is absolutely top notch!). The guys were really just firing on all cylinders with Signals, though I do sympathise with Alex's mixed feelings with regards to his guitar being 'drowned out' in a sense. It's kinda crazy to me that they put out their biggest commercial hit with Moving Pictures, and then immediately moved right on to doing Signals and then Grace Under Pressure, which I would consider two of their very best albums. Hell of a streak for them. Speaking of which, I'd love to see you listen to Grace Under Pressure eventually as well. Probably the most unique sounding album they ever put out.

[@dpall38]

The strange thing about Rush album’s is when I listen to any of them I think, that is in the top five Rush albums. Every time, every one. 20 studio albums and they are all in the top 5. Go figure.

[@jonnuanez7183]

Signals is my #4 album of all time. So THANK you for this!!! Missing Persons, The Police (Ghost In The Machine was still pretty new at the time Signals was released), this era of Rush, and then 90125 by Yes were all in the same category for me. It was challenging listening and impeccable musicianship within tight song structures. All sonically rich.

[@bryantursk7637]

First concert I ever saw Signals tour 82... The way Neil keeps time in these 4 songs is amazing... All of them rock really. Great thoughts on lyrics Dr. D. When I was younger I preferred Subdivisions now that I am older I prefer Digital Man... Love how ther drums and bass jump right in no messing around. All are great songs though.

[@johnw706]

An excellent breakdown of the first side of my favourite Rush album . The hidden gem on this album , for me , is Chemistry . I fully understand when you said that this song kind of validates Neil as your favourite drummer . It's a wonderful masterclass in drumming that fits a song perfectly . I look forward to your analysis of Side 2 . Cheers !

[@eyesofchild]

Good intuition on Analog Kid and Digital Man. I think you may have missed the connection between Subdivisions and Chemistry. Those are also dichotomies. Consider what lack of chemistry is perceived in suburbia, in subdividing our awareness of continuums which are always present, overlaying a digital world of bins. Notice the idea of Analog Kid is the kid who doesn’t sit in honor of or constrained by suburbia and knows the nature of chemistry. Ironically, if Digital Man is the place we end up, then indeed we’ve been subdivided and synthetic. Again, note the 4 songs link topically. The context of it is just lovely and masterful. Oh, and perhaps some of the issues of self-balance, self-awareness, and self-responsibility are informed by New World Man on side 2. Just a thought… never a message more helpful than it would be today.

[@bachmibm]

My favorite Rush album. Great analysis, Doug! Thank you.

[@edwardx.winston5744]

The next Rush epic you should explore should be the band’s highest peak, their most creative, artistic, and progressive work: Cygnus X-1. It starts as the last track off of A Farewell to Kings, “Cygnus X-1,” and continues on the Hemispheres album in the epic side-long “Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres.” It starts out pure sci-fi, becoming a fantasy epic set in the ancient past, but the story ultimately serves as a huge metaphor about the balance that faces individuals and societies alike: finding meaning via pure reason vs. the emotional/metaphysical. Hemispheres is the band’s crowning achievement. They would tighten things up in Permanent Waves and polish their sound to timeless perfection in Moving Pictures, but they never again strove harder, reached further, or compromised their artistic vision less than in Hemispheres. It was and is a perfectly-realized work of artistic genius. Poodle-Perm Alex = peak Rush!

[@JoseMTamez]

I've got to add one more thing, and that's about the lyrics. Neil always had something to say that was almost always meaningful and on a few occasions, very philosophical. That would always get him in trouble when he did interviews. Neil hated doing interviews and he didn't do that many. I remember listening to one of those interviews he did on the radio and it did not go well for him. I read somewhere that he actually got kicked out of the studio by the DJs. I can identify with many of the song lyrics that he writes. I'm a big fan of his writing which why I have most of his books. That's all I have to for now but I have a knock at the door, s......

[@chaedi8457]

My all time favorite RUSH album with Subdivisions being my favorite song by them. I didn't know about the existence of that 40th anniversary picture disc I have absolutely got to get a copy of that!

[@Mcbuzz37]

RUSH is like a fine wine. It matures with age. Each album gains new subtle notes, progressively gaining quality.