FIRST TIME LISTENING TO RUSH - LA VILLA STRANGIATO (REACTION!)

[@doctorfutou]

Every musician in the world talking to every musician in the world.....”If you can play La Villa Strangiato, you can play anything”

[@LyonHall1]

if you can nail La Villa Strangiato you are a god

[@martinleger8690]

@@LyonHall1 yes and their god names are Alex, Geddy and Neil

[@KeithMcBride]

The Holy Trinity

[@dpoprojectsniagara]

very true

[@drew65sep]

Yup...if it doesn't destroy you first lol.

[@mikeljones4673]

Eddie Van Halen was once asked, "what's it like to be the.greatest guitarist in the world?" He responded, "ask Alex Lifeson."

[@apogeedata]

The black sabbath analogy was dead on perfect very impressed

[@garytrenton4317]

Reacting to my favorite rock song of all time on my 65th birthday!!!!!

[@jayrahvisions]

Happy solar return day brotha hope that yours is a blessed one and many more to come 🙏💪

[@briancolton6125]

Happy birthday, Gary.

[@garytrenton4317]

@@briancolton6125 Thanks, to a fellow Rush FAN!!!

[@garytrenton4317]

@@jayrahvisions Thanks Jay Rah, keep the Rush songs rolling!!

[@cityhonors1]

🥳 Happy Birthday Gary! 😷 Stay Safe! 🎂🎉🐰

[@RaymondBCrisp]

Translation of the title is The Strange House. The song was written primarily by Alex Lifeson. It's about a recurring nightmare he used to have. Thanks to reacting to such a great tune from Rush!

[@kerrysmith1899]

Nah. It's vanilla strange gellato.

[@joconnell8145]

@@kerrysmith1899 LMAO

[@thetreehugger]

DANFORTH AND PAPE 👍

[@sg_games1816]

The song was written primarily by Alex Lifeson, as are the lyrics. Same with YYZ.

[@deangarside5433]

No its a exercise in self indulgence

[@briancolton6125]

The architecture of that solo from Alex is just stunning. The build is like going up that first big incline on a roller-coaster. Then... zoom!!!!!

[@briancolton6125]

*first* solo, excuse me.

[@GM-MarkOfExcellence]

@@libertyordeath6847 agreed. Almost. The solo in movement VI, Soliloquy, of 2112 is the greatest solo in all of rockdom

[@joeday4293]

Complete with possibly the most epic pick rake in rock guitar history right in the middle, before he shifts into high gear.

[@Freebrd420]

Defenedly one of alltime top 5 masterpiece. And nice reaction too.

[@douglascuffee4712]

They epitomized music...did u hear the jazz influences?....you seem to have a good ear for music. That was one of THE best reviews I've EVER seen.

[@daveking9393]

Come back for more His reactions are among the best. WILL be big someday soon. Personality AND musical insights / experience... great mix

[@SilverFox-qr1ci]

I think Geddy uses the Fender Jazz bass on this tune.

[@douglascuffee4712]

@@daveking9393 I've been listening to Rush since the early 80's thanks to MTV...when they ACTUALLY played music videos. Tom Sawyer, Limelight, and Red Barchetta...were in heavy rotation.

[@daveking9393]

@@douglascuffee4712 My Rush history... Imagine being a 15 year old kid who's never been to a concert before and you're older neighbor at about 5 in the evening asks if you'd like to go with a bunch of other guys to a general admission concert to see a band called Rush and you've never heard of them before. Of course I begged my mother to go, I was allowed to go and the rest is history they became my favorite band instantly. It was the Permanent Waves tour with Spirit of Radio just blowing me away. How could three people put out that much quality sound it was just amazing to me. Stage presence for each was amazing.

[@douglascuffee4712]

@@daveking9393 ... AWESOME!!!!

[@motodork]

You picked the right version. Fun fact: this was a live recording, not a studio track.

[@kdm71291]

Personally, I like the version from Exit Stage Left better (the album, not the videos...they’re taken from different parts of the tour)...could be said of most live Rush.

[@nikolaimikhail7774]

My favorite is the studio version, the production brings out the best of the band

[@BaddAtom]

live at pink pop, give it a try

[@dieselbourbon3728]

Correct

[@Schnorgldorf]

This is definitely my favorite version. But there are close seconds.

[@discussdebate]

Gene Simmons of the band "Kiss" said, "What is the style of Rush?" "Rush!!"

[@jbonbright]

"Alex, c'mon man" and "...too talented." Indeed. 3 virtuosos, underappreciated by many but worshipped by their faithful. A wall of sound from 3 guys. As someone who's seen them many times, I actually think they sound better live than on their studio albums. Great reaction vid. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Love the positivity at the end too. Thank you...

[@Kirkunik1]

Alex....I love his creativity, sensitivity and timing. He's not underrated so much as over shadowed by the shredder comparison. But Alex is the artist. Shredders are athletes. Geddy....musician magician. His bass is undeniably unique and amazing. Neill....well, what can you say about the Professor. World class....all three. And you couldn't meet a group of nicer guys....down to earth, level headed and not egocentric. Just in love with the music. So glad people today are discovering them. Good music is timeless. Enjoyed your reaction Thanks so much!

[@justineapril7922]

As a Rush fan since 1975, this song (affectionately known by Rush fans as LVS) has grown to become my favorite song by them. Please keep in mind that this is 1978 and these guys are only TWENTY FIVE!! Ty for loving my favorite band!!! 💜💜💜

[@mkg59]

Your great reactions and your respect for Rush earned you another subscriber.

[@jayrahvisions]

Appreciate that brotha, stay blessed 🙏

[@MrDwayne2112]

Make that 2 new subscribers. Go DEEP young man. A song entitled THE WEAPON from the Grace Under Pressure tour video. Alex goodness all the way

[@Andy-ng9lz]

And another sub here - love this band!

[@michele3314]

Ditto that! This song is arguably the most amazing rock instrumental ever.

[@r4ndomuser861]

From me too! Anyone that loves rush is my friend!

[@MikeStarr1000]

The fact they can do that “live” almost on the dime to The studio version is loco.

[@pablozee6359]

The live version of this song on Exit Stage Left is even more incredible- the climax of the solo is the most savage thing I’ve ever heard from Alex Lifeson and gives me chills every time.

[@andrewpetik2034]

I will regret to my dying day that I never took the $ and the opportunity at the same moment to see RUSH live.

[@pudder68]

@@andrewpetik2034 There are those who've seen Rush live.. and then there are those who've haven't :P

[@ZepG]

@@andrewpetik2034 I only got to see them four times and I could kick my self for not seeing them more!

[@deershelton1813]

For da feedback was an old Mic from Jack in da box drivethru

[@rohmarts]

Nothing growls like a Rickenbacker Bass. Maybe an angry Doberman, but that's it.

[@cityhonors1]

🤣😂🤣😂 #Facts 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@behindenemylines9033]

3 virtuosos came together to form this band. 40+ years of music catalog that changes with the decades. Progressive in every sense of the word. Enjoy.

[@ElDuderino716]

I’ve seen RUSH live more than any other band, being from Niagara Falls they were just up the road in Toronto. The fact that three guys can sound like an entire symphony just proves that they are the most unique and talented band ever.

[@richardforbes943]

I'm from right across the bridge Grand Island N.Y. I saw them in Toronto a couple times.First time i saw them was at the old memorial auditorium back in high school.

[@ElDuderino716]

I liked when they stopped using opening bands. Every show was 2 sets with a 15 minute intermission. Every show was three hours long. My favourite was the Test For Echo tour because it was the only time I saw them when they did 2112 in its entirety (side A). They always did the intro and temples of syrinx but in 96 they did every piece all the way up to Grand Finale. At the R40 tour they did a couple more pieces of 2112 but not the entire thing like in. 96. R40 was great because they did a lot of classics that they rarely did live like Jacobs Ladder and Manhattan Project. R40 was a tour through their entire catalog, starting with the most recent material and worked backwards. Roadies would come on stage and take pieces off of the stage until they were down to a couple Marshall stacks and they played Working Man and Anthem from their debut album to finish the night. Great show.

[@ElDuderino716]

Richard Forbes I saw them at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium back in the 80’s too. Unfortunately that was when they were heavy into the synthesizers and a lot of their music had a “new wave” vibe to it. But it was still a great show when they’d pull out something from Hemispheres or any older stuff.

[@rockhard2654]

@@ElDuderino716 i got you all beat i saw them in the century theater with brand x and max webster opening

[@sandy34740]

My favorite instrumental, my dream is to be able to play this on drums one day.

[@shera1789]

RUSH IS EVERYTHING! Just an incredible piece of art right here my friend! 💯🔥🖤🎼🤘 RIP Neil Peart

[@bobcarn]

"La Villa Strangiato" was something nobody expected. That album came out and there was this long and incredibly powerful instrumental that just blew everyone away. I remember we'd all listen to it and didn't know what to really think because it wasn't like things we had heard before. What a great album and tour that was!

[@PaulHilburger]

Alex was using a volume pedal to get that guitar sound.

[@AVB91]

And a chorus pedal 😊

[@jimtatro6550]

It never gets old watching you react to rush. You truly understand How great these guys really were. This horrible year started with Neil Peart and Kobe Bryant both passing away in January and the world is a lesser place and has been ever since.

[@deecee7546]

Rush, baby!, 40 yrs of classic prog rock for you to dig into........love watching you find them

[@lynnrogers9236]

After watching this reaction, just so happy you appreciate this band!

[@unicyclepeon]

Its great to watch you getting into the same grooves and jams I was into when I was young. The bands that were my favorites in my formative years were Rush, Yes, King Crimson, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Queen, Santana, Jethro Tull, and Miles Davis.

[@cityhonors1]

😍 King Crimson use to play The Copacabana (😒 yup, THAT Copa) all the time. Place would be hot and sweaty like his bands awesome sets! 😊🐰 #ENRGYZRBunny

[@unicyclepeon]

@Randall C Sure I like all that too, but I figured an off-the-cuff top 10 would suffice. I could have listed Van Der Graaf Generator, Camel, Gentle Giant, ELP, David Bowie, John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Asia, Jeff Beck, Caravan, T-Rex, Glass Hammer, Ozric Tentacles, Djam Karet, Flower Kings, Spocks Beard .... the list goes on and on and on. :)

[@colinhackett390]

No AC/DC? Pink Floyd?

[@unicyclepeon]

@@colinhackett390 Of course! There's just too many to list! :)

[@bdcosmo]

I'm always delighted to see young people today discovering Rush. At the same time I'm incredibly sad that you'll never get to see them live. It was a singular experience. My gift to my son for his high school graduation was taking him with me for R40 in 2015 which did indeed turn out to be their last tour. (I couldn't afford the Jamaican vacation...) But keep on reacting to the live vids. Always excellent!

[@rokkkrinn2793]

Alex is the greatest guitarist to ever walk the land. He's very underrated. This should show the haters. Thanks for this reaction.

[@POLARIS2]

This song is probably the hardest to play live! And it has the most soulful solo Alex has ever recorded!

[@ZenMonkey1138]

FYI, The one riff in the middle is actually a homage to those old Bugs Bunny cartoons. They used the same piece of music whenever there was some construction or factory stuff. And even then, THAT was was lifted from an old jazz tune called Powerhouse. This link starts at the part Rush quoted, but if you listen to the whole thing you might recognize other parts of the tune that they used in old Warner Brothers cartoons. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5KmYamEgcl_rLs

[@brandonseger5812]

Powerhouse opens a lot of interesting musical exploration as its composer and performer was Raymond Scott who went on to develop Manhattan Research Inc and revolutionize the synth. Fun rabbit house.

[@big106razor]

All Rush journeys eventually lead here. If anyone ever has any doubts about their talent this is where they get squashed. The Black Sabbath part you referenced is known as the Devil's Third. It's a three note (tritone) sequence that gives it a spooky overtone. I listened to the part you heard, and it does have a tone and vibe underneath that's similar to Sabbath. Good ear, it's close.

[@Matty0923]

Yes they are the pinnacle of musicianship!! RIP Professor!!!!!!!!!

[@Scooter730]

A visionary, vision is scary...you already know! The height of musicianship right there!!

[@mrnobody9104]

3 masters of their craft letting everyone else know this is how you throw down! my favourite time period of the best 3 man band on the planet...

[@susanmccarthy4979]

Great reaction! You get it! You get rush! I love RUSH since 1974. I’ve seen them over 100 times. Such great musicianship. RIP Neil

[@JonEFever1]

Alex Lifeson has to be the MOST underrated guitarist of all time. He can be beautiful and chaotic at the same time.

[@idahogrumpy8448]

My all time favorite Rush song. Their finest.

[@squamishfish]

This is what makes Rush one of the greatest live bands to watch from a song like this to Th3 Garden , to YYZ, to Roll them Bones, 2112, Hemispheres, Spirit of Radio, Working man , And many others it make for a great variety in styles for a 3 hour concert from one band

[@mikelynch-zeroviewz2507]

One of the greatest instrumental prog rock songs ever .. Alex's showpiece song with incredible bass and keyboards by Geddy and exceptional solid drumming by Neil the Professor (RIP) .. love this song!!

[@flip97gt]

Nice! You checked it out. Thanks! I saw them twice back in the 90s during their Roll the Bones and Counterparts tours

[@nickmcnickle9161]

Check out By Tor and The Snow Dog.

[@JamesMooreSoonerFan]

All The World's A Stage is my favorite sounding By Tor and The Snow Dog... I haven't been able to find any video of quality from that live performance(s).

[@generoberts9151]

I'd say the studio version because most live versions are cut short. He should hear the full version

[@Matty0923]

Yes Neil with the long hair and mustache; classic!!

[@justsmashing4628]

3 virtuosos in 1 band, 2 friends from 12 years old...legends

[@renegaderepos6386]

Rush's musical masterpiece. So hard even THEY couldn't play it. Thanks for doing this one.

[@johncampbell756]

I believe it is the section called Monsters that is listed from an old Looney Toons cartoon where Bugs Bunny meets Gossamer. Alex showing both his talent and sense of humor.

[@Bass17yl]

Yup, it’s a take on the theme that was used in a lot of old cartoons when they needed music for factory and assembly line scenes. The theme came from “Powerhouse” by The Raymond Scott Quintette.

[@johncampbell756]

@@Bass17yl Thanks. I was leaning to that particular cartoon as it is the only one I know I heard it in and Gossamer is a Monster. LOL But I didn't know the song that came from.

[@snowdog5895]

The pinnacle of musicianship-FACTS!! 🎶🎸🎸🎶🔥🙂

[@robinjordan3922]

I saw Rush 4 times in my life and they sounded amazing every time! You cannot believe this is a 3 man band with the sounds they produce! RIP Neil P!

[@ronaldviens7862]

These three guys were dedicated to advancing their crafts individually by getting into the habit of evolving both the desire and the underpinning ambition to work to be better tomorrow after having had a pretty spectacular today. Age and weariness from the touring go-round cause introspection and insight into the true value one has placed upon one's life choices. Effecting the change in priorities that shifts the tide and our direction, bringing us to our new now... from that old then. It was great to be a guest of these brooding, wiseass, focused artists--especially when one of those blue days hit and the only thing could chase it was undemanding contact and a slice of their musical perfection.

[@PilloryClinton]

There's a reason they've been my fave band since 1979. My lord, they are geniuses.

[@tomwarden730]

Saw the Hemispheres tour in 78 at Maple Leaf Gardens. They played La Villa Strangiato perfectly. Mind blowing show. RIP Neil Peart.

[@stevet5266]

Damn, you nailed it...the pinnacle of musianship.

[@biggie25x]

I’ve been waiting for you to do this song. This is straight indulgence here. Love how they showed their chops. Thanks.

[@Matty0923]

My favorite instrumental by Rush, and that's saying a lot!!

[@scottshields113]

Rush pretty much left everyone behind in the dust after this song in 78

[@everardusbogardus3167]

This is my favorite Rush song - I think this is their best. If you get a chance, listen to the isolated drum track. Absolutely amazing.

[@markb4188]

Thank Jay Rah...... The thing I have loved about Rush all of these years is that they sounded just as good live as they did on the LP. Their talent just ooooooozed from the music AND their lyrics.

[@bronxbrothers121]

Thanks for the great honest reactions. If you look, Alex also plays the synth pedals, all while he's playing a different rhythm on the guitar. These are are masters of their craft.. This is how they sound like a full orchestra, they each play multiple instruments at the same time. Amazing indeed.

[@clowncleaner]

One of my top 5 favorite guitarists. So creative and soulful.

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

Listening to Rush. With a Biggie shirt. And the Hamsa Hand. Color me impressed. Until your next (fire!) reaction.

[@fatback2]

you've got some great ears! stay hungry, there is so much great music out there to discover.

[@joecrafted]

My first time watching one of your reactions, impressed at your knowledge of all the instruments and how completely each member commands theirs. As a guitarist, this is my favorite solo by Alex of any Rush song, I just love how he builds it, using that volume pedal to give it a string quality. I recall the band saying when they recorded this song, they were pushing themselves and wanted to recorded the studio version in one take. But ended up needing 2 or 3. And this is one take, live. Amazing.

[@TeeDOG6]

One of the best songs of all time. Great observation with the Black Sabbath sound.

[@nickrobichaud3459]

The musicianship of Rush is on another level

[@matthewhoag2609]

“Neil looking like Frank Zappa”. Haha LMAO you’re right. So glad you did this. I knew you’d dig it. They were like 25 here. All that talent that young. And Geddy’s bass - it don’t matter whether it’s older or newer Rush, slower or faster, shorter or epic, those bass lines give you a whole new appreciation for what a bass part can be. And that tone... Cheers, man!

[@rockhard2654]

you have "musician ears" my friend, you have clearly demonstrated that thats a talent dont waste it

[@SilverFox-qr1ci]

My favorite part is Monsters! It was recently pointed out to me that these particular monsters sound like they have jazz hands. I can't stop laughing about that. Great reaction, one of my top 5 favorite songs period! I knew you'd like it. You should see how it evolves during the live performances over the years. From Geddy adding lyrics for 1 tour (they didn't work for me), to Alex going off on a tangent while he introduces the band. Great stuff! Keep 'er goin' bro!

[@KentBalzer]

Thanks for another great reaction. I would like to see your reaction to Freewill from the Permanent Waves album.

[@kph1034]

Incredible. I have listened to LVS so many time’s and I never get tired of it. Just brilliant

[@surfeit5910]

And it's at this song that people realize Rush has a guitarist :p

[@timepper659]

When you said to talented I smiled. You are correct. Loved growing up with these guys. wouldnt change it for the world.

[@johnipennie2021]

Taurus Peddles for bass tones and to trigger midi synth sounds. So cool you get into my favorite band. I've been using them live since 1978 every gets better with those guys. RIP Neil Peart (The Profesor) (Super Conductor)

[@chrismayer2468]

Bin listening to them since the 70s,but only in the last 10 years have I truly appreciated what I was hearing,still don’t know as a non musician how you remember all that stuff.😂

[@gregcormier2379]

Pretty awesome riffing by both Alex and Geddy and Neil was doing his thing as usual. incredible when you see them perform this live. 3 guys just laser-focused but having fun doing it. Now that's what it's all about !

[@pahtar7189]

This song has enough awesome riffs for any five normal hit songs. It goes from backyard to action movie to monster attack to alien invasion. Just amazing.

[@ten4thebguy]

Three equal parts that simply equal pure magic❤️

[@donaldgregg9250]

So glad you like this one brother! I listened to this in my early years, around 1980 working at Steak and Ale in Independence Missouri, 3 of us at work loved this band. The 3 of us looked like Rush, I was Alex, Wes was Neil and Mitch was Geddy, no joke! We digged this band so much, good listening to your reactions! Thanks

[@russellsmith7685]

This song is an artistic masterpiece!

[@blurke]

All right! Thanks, Jay Rah!!!

[@johnhagg612]

That riff is actually "sampled" from a 1937 jazz song, Powerhouse by Raymond Scott. Powerhouse was used in Warner Brother cartoons I used to watch on Saturday mornings. :)

[@curtcody2308]

I love your reactions man, especially Rush reactions, my favorite band for 40 years now. Great ear too, you really detect some of the intricasies of their great works, love it! There's so much more great Rush for you to react to, I'm envious that you get to hear it all for the first time. I still love it all for the thousandth time.

[@trenken]

They were absolute monsters for over 40 years. Im not sure there will ever be another band like them.

[@Bucketheadgoat]

Been lucky to see this live. Love the reactions.....still gives me chills decades later. check out Rush - The Camera Eye

[@thaiblacky4753]

From the cradle until my grave, Rush is the soundtrack of my life. Always beautiful to see others reactions, but your reactions are great. I can tell it is talent recognizing talent. Cultivate that "garden" my man, and if you don't know what I mean, listen to the last song on the last Rush album the garden. Edit: you got a new subscriber

[@michaelturlington3821]

I really, really wish I had a better recall of Rush in concert. I blame that on a dude outside the bathroom with a sign saying "blotter acid. $10".

[@michaelmiceli9889]

Let me just tell you rush is the best band out there I don't care what anybody says 3 Guys they are such great musicians so tight when they play my God I don't know how they do it it sounds like they're six guys on that stage an Alex lifeson was always under rated guitar player which to me is a bunch of crap they don't know musicianship I've seen them live 23 times in my life best times I've ever had, their Clockwork Angels album the last studio album they wrote The Last Song on that album It's called The Garden and I think what a way to go out of the world with a song like that such a beautiful song. RIP NEIL PEART 🙏.

[@TheBlaster54]

A masterwork by three elite masters of their craft.

[@williamweiss6128]

Oh yea!! Live. Good old days at concerts.

[@StGeoRUSH619]

Excellent review Jay Rah... as always, love it !!! Since you're kinda new to Rush, let me help you out. When you say Neil's last name, it's pronounced like this: P-ear (like the body part)--t. The lineup from '74 to 2016, consisted of 3 Canadian rock band members: Geddy Lee (bass, vocals, keyboards, a very few times, classical guitar, and various floor pedals); Alex Lifeson (guitars, floor pedals, occasional keyboards, and back-up vocals); and Neil Peart (wood shell drums, electronic drums, triggers, various percussion instruments, and the lyricist for every song, except those from the original Rush album). This video is the live version of the song, "Resist", from the album TEST FOR ECHO, and it was usually played right after Neil's drum solo to give him (and the audience) a rest... enjoy kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIqlfqCtesSShcU

[@SARA-11-1]

Thank you for appreciating our boys!

[@ohboah320]

I came across this clip today. Thought it might be interesting to see a young hip-hop guy listening to Rush( different clip, just commenting on this one) for the first time. What I came away with is that great music colors, races and generations. Jay Rah, you had the exact same reactions to these songs I had back in 1974 ( I was 13) to their first album. Thank you for reminding me we are all the same and equal in the beautiful world of music.

[@goldenboy140]

The guitar solo in the studio version so much cleaner than in this live performance. It's so hard to nail live though that I can't blame Alex

[@clab5864]

'Another 20 minutes'. That's how I feel after several of their tracks, especially Trees!!

[@danielgallardo7249]

"That it?" I love the cliffhanger ending. Leave you dying for more Rush.

[@gelkins2]

Great to see young people expand their musical horizons. Great music is great music no matter the genre or time period. Love the Channel!

[@CliffinAZ]

I always love listening to your reactions because you really appreciate what’s going on at a musical level. Not everyone is able to hear and appreciate what is separately going on with each instrument, as well as to pick up on the different influences. Excellent reaction.

[@patricknicolucci5073]

At that time Both Geddy and Alex used the Moog Taurus 1 bass pedals. Geddy's emulated the famous Moog analog deep bass or synth sounds, Alex''s was setup more for his guitar work although at times he also used bass patches on the moog pedals too.

[@sqr2024]

Great to see you are enjoying the journey. Another great reaction.

[@SkepticCyclist]

Alex wrote this song. It’s about a dream he had. Each part of the song represented a different part of the dream

[@psychosonic_misfit]

I'm a big Rush fan but I've never heard this particular version of this song. Thanks for turning me on to it 🙂

[@EPhotoAlbum]

3 people in a live setting to have that rich of sound is pure perfection.