Musician REACTS RUSH The Necromancer 1975 Caress Of Steel FIRST TIME HEARING REACTION

[@JustinPanariello]

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[@uroktim]

This is the core of the deep cuts by Rush. Only the hard-core Rush fans are dialed into this. I have been for 42 years. Love the show buddy.

[@mightyV444]

* "Only the hardcore *70's Rush* fans..." 😉

[@markjohnson4217]

Just a fun fact about Tolkien and the reach of his influence, The Beatles had asked for permission to do an animated version and were turned down, Mick Jagger had requested to play the role of Frodo in the Ralph Bakshi animated film, and Lord of the Rings subway graffiti was a very common in the late 60s and throughout the 70s. Tolkien was often annoyed by hippies camping out around his home. So, it was definitely not just a 'Zeppelinesque' or 'Rushy' phenomenon, but was embraced by counterculture as tbe ultimate 'road-fantasy-adventure'

[@michael7324]

Very interesting to know. Thanks.

[@mda037]

17 years old getting stoned .. the stereo up on 10. First impressions are lasting ones. The Necromancer holds a special place for me for that reason.

[@scottarnest8980]

Freaking love this song. The last part is a 1, 5, 4 in E. All major - E, B, A, B. I am a hack at guitar, but that's the way I think of it. Please correct me if I am wrong. Common progression with different voicing. I love Geddy's voice all the way through, but especially in the last section. It gives me chills.

[@johnfoster5295]

I have always loved this song, it is my favorite on this album. Maybe because I didn't pick it apart and analyze it when I first heard it, I just enjoyed the music. I dig the narration too. But to each his own. To me it is a masterpiece but I guess it's not everyone's cup of tea.

[@thegman8968]

This song gets better every time I hear it!!🤘🎵🏆.

[@grahamkey8496]

When Rush were touring this album they nicknamed it the "Down the Tubes" tour. They just weren't filling the bigger venues like they were hoping for. Meanwhile in the hotel room in between shows, Neil was working on a storyline set in a dystopian future about a boy who finds a guitar...

[@jimtatro6550]

This song is like tequila, it’s an acquired taste that develops over multiple tastings.🤣👍🔥🤘🏻

[@youtoo2233]

Exactly! When I first heard it I thought it was an epic masterpiece, I was blown away, but everyone is different

[@HansMcGruber]

It is Neil doing the voice over. He did that for future songs as well, most noticeably on 2112 Grand Finale and Subdivisions

[@americahomeofthefreelock2152]

It's prog rock metal rock I love all kinds of music It's great not even being high Pure rush !!! My favorite band of all time

[@jeffhauf5598]

The look on your face at the 11:20 mark is priceless. That’s the look of someone who doesn’t want to hear anymore narration. I love this song especially the fast section but totally get why it wouldn’t be everyone’s thing. When I first heard it I was just getting into D and D so to me it sounded like an AD and D module. I never noticed The Who similarities but I totally see it now. Great watch as always.

[@williamhill6447]

The “familiar” part almost sounds like the chord progression to “Sweet Jane” by the velvet underground I probably haven’t heard this song since I owned it on vinyl back about 1983. Thanks for playing Caress of Steel this week. Maybe not their best album, but you can see/hear the development of Rush becoming their own unique sound.

[@richieyyz]

By this album all three of these guys were so masterful with their instruments. Love all of Alex's parts on this song. Yes I think it's Neil doing the voice.

[@juliebrockett3471]

Yes sir, that is Neil with a few special effects! He does the talking at the end of 2112, also! Can’t wait for tomorrow!! Be well and God bless…. From Texas!!

[@jackteppo9633]

Just remember. It all had to progress bro. It's not for everyone. But just listening to this I'm stoned. Lol move along and let's keep Rush On!

[@paulmcnicholas3846]

It's a masterpiece in my view!

[@fundament]

how well sung this song is, my god

[@frankphantom-3698]

Yes I believe that was Neil. One of their first attempts at a concept song. Just an FYI Willowdale is a suburb of Toronto where Geddy and Alex grew up and the Don River or the River Don as they say in the song is a River that runs through the east end of city.

[@fjhgh100]

I purchased Caress of Steel in 1980 as a 13 yr old as I was just getting Into rush , I never played the album for at least 10 yrs as I was told it sucked , I finally listened to the entire album in the early 90s, I can see why some people hate this album , as a hard core rush fan I loved it and it’s a top 5 rush album for me , so raw and experimental… it blew me away. ..

[@tomfabozzi6309]

This is them learning to do longer prog epics. Like the 1st album, this is a process they had to go through to reach what they became. By 2112, they knew how to do it, and they had kind of perfected it by Hemispheres. Once again, remeber how old (or young) they were when they were doing this - 22-23 yrs old

[@erikpedersen5218]

Alex is amazing on this album

[@marcoscamargo7763]

Acredito que os sons gravados em 1975, presentes neste álbum devem ser curtidos como num tratado em um livro antigo sobre magia. Não acho correto julgar se as faixas são ou não boas. Para mim o álbum inteiro funciona como uma obra conceitual. Aprecio muito cada faixa e acho que, naquela época, as pessoas deveriam ter dado mais valor ao conjunto todo dessas gravações. Uma peça de rock progressivo composta com muito amor e dedicação por cada músico da banda. É isso oque tenho a dizer.

[@MrKneeV]

When it changes at 11:36 and ten seconds later you say that it sounds familiar, it reminds me of a cross between Baba O'Riley and Beast of Burden.

[@mikecalvert887]

Total masterpiece for me epic song it's perfection

[@willemvandoesselare7959]

Alex said that they sound for the first time like Rush on 2112 .

[@KawaTony1964]

Oh man - I just love those 2 middle guitar solos. I never get tired of those in combination with the bass and drums. I think it's awesome. I get you on the narration. That's too much. But I like the musical instrument parts so much I just overlook that.

[@therealspooks]

I had a feeling you would feel the same way as I do, not a bad tune, just different at the time

[@carlgibbons5777]

Caress Of Steel is the "weirdest" record of Rush's experimental phase, but these records were important for Rush's development and finding their own identity. It's amazing just how fast their musicianship/chops are progressing. They hit the pinnacle of that "musicianship" and prog arrangement on Hemispheres and after that their songwriting, lyrics, and melody go through the roof. A string of nearly perfect records after Hemispheres.

[@davidpartlow1623]

Parts of this always reminds me of the lou reed sweet jane song

[@j_omega_t]

Dream Theater did a remake of this and went straight into Baba O. They also threw in some Heart of the Sunrise earlier in the song.

[@Dave-in-TN]

I know there are varying opinions on this one, but I happen to really like it. Not something I listed to every day, but when I do, I always enjoy it!

[@ianhewitson2738]

Definitely one I used to skip. Not long now until you've got the first three albums out of the way and you get on to the main course - the next 8 albums!

[@justineapril7922]

It was the mid 70s and many rock musicians were into sci fi and fantasy fiction. Led Zeppelin recorded "Ramble On" on LZ2 in 1969 so obviously they were first. I guess I was wrong about you. I thought because you liked "By-Tor" that you'd like "The Necromancer." And Neil Peart did the narration.

[@JustinPanariello]

yeah sorry wasn't into it... tomorrow will be better!

[@The_Eric_Burt]

Good constructive criticism. I think the band might even agree!

[@JaDem148]

It's about time you picked up on The Who's influence!😜 Both Neil with Keith and Geddy with John. This is the kind of song that grows on you. "Only their thirst for freedom makes them hungry for vengeance." Hence 2112. Then so on.... When you get to, "The Fountain of Lamneth", be sure to, "LISTEN!"

[@russelldumis1345]

I always felt if you had to tell me about in spoken word the song wasn't long enough. That being said they were under a lot of label pressure to do shorter songs you can see the progression of Neil's story telling ability as you move forward. The pressure really got heavy to make more radio friendly songs so what did they do next 2112...lol

[@dianaa9826]

Minus the narrating (sorry Neil) this song is a gem! sidenote Alex is freaking sizzling here..

[@johncritchlow8156]

Sweet Jane - Mott the Hoople. (When you said that sounds familiar at 11:43). Probably was influenced by that riff, that album was released in '72.

[@charlieYTonly]

Wasn't Sweet Jane the Velvet Underground?

[@johncritchlow8156]

@@charlieYTonly, that tune was nixed by many. Velvet was one of them, yes.

[@charlieYTonly]

@@johncritchlow8156 Sweet Jane was written by Lou Reed and originally released by the VU.

[@danarchuleta1154]

Props! I had never heard Alex influenced by Page, and it had always been guys like Steve Howe. But in 2020, Alex said Jimmy was his biggest early influence!? Alex's later work in tone, style and composition are a departure. Alex is a great player and as my guitar teacher used to say..."you can't play what you've not heard ." More supernatural is the synergy and deep abiding friendship that allowed Rush to create masterpiece after masterpiece. Some great parts in Necromancer, but not my fav. either. btw...many..many of us procured Chiba to enhance the Rush experience! Our code was "Are you Red-eyed (ready)". Great days indeed! You convinced me J., just subscribed.

[@MarcoBosma]

You did not have coffee, at 11:20 you had to make 1 downstairs 😂

[@cobbycaputo3332]

When I was copying this album to reel-to-reel, I edited out the narration parts. Much as I love fantasy literature and Rush, I really get tired of narration in songs. Your reaction was pretty fair given the hype this song receives. And good call on the Who influence there. You can really tell in Alex's parts (in particular) who his influences were over the years. Here Geddy's playing towards the end is very Entwhistle-like.

[@generoberts9151]

Justin I was waiting for you to start singing “teenage waste land” in that third part. What’s strange is they came out pretty close in the same year they were released. With in a year or so….Coincidence?

[@yauybob]

I'm sure you've been told several times over in other comments by now that Neil was the one doing the down-pitched narration. I can't wait for you to hear Geddy's down-pitched rap on Roll the Bones!

[@JustinPanariello]

Omg 😳🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️well …

[@ZIG4ZAG20]

This is some weird stuff right here. They were DEFINITELY high AF🤘🖖✌️🎸🎸🥁🎤

[@brettking1014]

Very good analysis Justin! I never made The Who connection, but you’re right. In the early days Rush really pushed with experimentation, and they did wear their influences on their sleeves. From Moving Pictures on, I think they finally incorporated their influences in a much more subtle way, and they became more distinguishable by hiding it in the music. I only really listen to this one when someone reacts to it. Thanks!

[@LonelyRocker]

I used to like this track when I was a kid...looking back this tune clearly was a rough assembly of different jams with little to no thought. The only thing that's funny to hear is local references. As I'm from Toronto, the reference to "Willowdale" is a neighbourhood in the north end of the city where Geddy and Alex grew up and a place I personally frequented. But outside the local border it won't mean much to anybody...

[@debbieplato5107]

Lord of the Rings was HUGE back in the 70's. I know, I read the whole series at least three times. It was almost a right of passage. LOL As for the song, it is a little disjointed but I see what they were going for. The Fountain of Lamneth I would say is my favourite on the album. Cheers

[@Bob1014ify]

That progression is used in many songs. Be My Lover by Alice Cooper, Won't get fooled Again, Sweet Jane are some examples.

[@iamhere9805]

Oh ok I see what you mean. This fantasy/sci-fi story telling with all the different parts is what I get off on. Or "Epics" is what Rush called them. But maybe these last 2 tracks is why people said the whole album was a black sheep.. Especially since they were the longest tracks and it was their first album doing songs like this maybe.

[@leofinley4144]

The last bit sounds familiar because it's basically Baba O Reilly lol

[@droopyofthenorthwestmounted]

The narration is fun for Toronto natives as it contains local references. Much like the original release of Blade Runner, narration was a questionable choice. Still, that middle section is heavy AF. Relentless.

[@charlieYTonly]

A "necromancer" is someone (a wizard?) who talks to the dead. Neil could have been inspired by that quick reference in LOTR or just using the idea of a Necromancer in general for the villain (because if anyone would have looked up what a Necromancer is, it would be Neil). I think the musical parts in this piece are good. But the execution of a concept of fantasy piece could be better. But regardless, Rush wrote great riffs. And even when you think all the great rock riffs have been written, they still manages to come up with great stuff. Fun fact, this is the only song where Alex plays a pedal steel guitar. It's under the 2nd narration (I think) and was just for a sound effect. Alex can't play pedal steel.

[@frankchase9049]

I recommend reacting to their excellent 2010 official documentary, Beyond the Lighted Stage.

[@niged]

And the 2015 time stand still documentary

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

All ok by me. :) An experiment that didn't work as I don't think they repeated it again. Overly narrated which they also don't repeat in 2112 or Hemispheres.

[@jeffvomero1242]

For me I like the story aspect of their older music. This album is cool and not one of my favs, but with that being said they had a huge influence on many bands. Dream Theater seems to follow in the Rush concept album direction. Its just cool to listen their older stuff and hear the direction they headed. Again music inspires people in all different ways. Stay true to yourself.

[@kennyplay5982]

Yes that was Neil

[@mightyV444]

Holy Moly! I just heard a wild mix of Pink Floyd, The Who and early King Crimson with my first listen of this song! 😄 Neil's down-pitched voice sounds creepy 👻 Anyway, after hearing a lot _about_ this song over many years, I now also finally _heard_ it - and don't think I need to repeat it either! 😅

[@WeDanceWestie]

If you like Dream Theater check out their 2003 cover (Jones Beach). It took a lot of musicians to cover this song. Rush had a huge influence on D.T. along with many other musicians.

[@neilens1589]

Yes, that's a great cover! They even transition into Baba O'Riley at the end, with some hints of Yes included for good measure.

[@mdu2112]

I don't know The Who enough to make that connection, but yes, that Teenage Wasteland progression... I do get some hints of Floyd in there at the beginning. Bald over Necro?! I dare you to go listen to Bald again, hahaha! Take care!

[@bdc1117]

Tolkien nerd rock, a genre unto itself

[@aspackblaze3583]

This one is a mixed bag for me. No matter... without this, there's no 2112!

[@zerglilngvet5428]

yea rush are nerds but i like this alot. good hunest reaction ty!

[@SwolllenGoat]

so heavy

[@Marozzo1536]

I actual like this song more as the years go by. While the narration makes it sound a little dated, the rest still sounds exciting and youthful to me--this is music that you only write when you're in your early 20s, and it definitely has a 70s sound, but I like that on both counts. That said, they weren't really ready to execute all of this yet, their compositional skills just weren't quite up to it--not so much the actual music of each movement, but the transitions (i.e. using the narration instead of a musical transition). As far as fantasy influences, I don't think that it was necessarily Tolkien (well, not only Tolkien). Although Lord of the Rings was popular at this time (it had a few surges in popularity at various times until it became more or less a part of semi-mainstream culture in the early 2000s with the three movies), there was a LOT of fantasy out there, and given how voracious of a reader Neil was, I doubt that that was the only fantasy that he read. It actually feels more like some of the pulp fantasy that was popular in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. My "go back in time" music fantasy would have been to convince Rush to shelve this song and Fountain of Lamneth until after 2112 and then rework both of them together as one piece (I'm mostly thinking of the music rather than the lyrics--I like the thematic idea of The Necromancer better, but with a big rewrite and not really much or any narration). I mean, "Didacts and Narpets" just sounds like an awesome climactic battle, and the theme/riff from "No one at the Bridge" just seems like dark fantasy. That said, I still like this work with the drums (because without the drums, it is just chords), and I think that this piece (and Fountain of Lamneth) were important to Rush's musical development.

[@mark-be9mq]

Nice to get other points of view if just to see that as much as you like something others might not dig it. That heaveier instrumental part in the middle...pretty good

[@squamishfish]

Sound like the who out here in the fields , Ba Ba ORiely , the cords

[@cpmf2112]

Tolkien inspired for sure, many bands were back then.

[@robertdavidson9393]

Somewhat agree this view 👌

[@Quirkydude]

I've learned to ignore the narration and just enjoy the journey. I always heard The Who, as well.

[@Maltiris]

This song was never a go to for me. I really see these 2 albums, Fly By Night and Caress of Steel, as time of self exploration to find "their signature sound". Alex in my opinion is one that grew the most amongst the three. He went from the Page sound to his own style later on. Love your honesty. Keep it up, still a long way to go.

[@ryancraig2795]

I think this song would have been better without the voiceovers. They're so low in the mix you need headphones and/or to crank up the volume to be able to hear them. And they don't really add anything because the lyrics say pretty much the same thing. But it's got some great instrumental and vocal work. A flawed jewel.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Yeah, I would’ve nixed the voiceover. I wonder if they didn’t think audiences would get it without it being hand-fed to them? Otherwise, I think it’s fantastic. I mean, I love it with the voiceover.

[@jameyw98]

Rush is just getting better. Without Caress of Steel, there would be no 2112. You can tell they’re heading in that direction. Songs are getting longer.

[@bradhart6487]

I don't think there's a single moment in their catalogue where a spoken word part does anything other than diminish the song it's in.

[@JustinPanariello]

Here is my Reaction to RUSH Fly By Night/In The Mood (ALL THE WORLDS A STAGE) out today!! --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKa8fXeXa7KYpMU

[@yes_head]

Another from the D&D songs folder. For me this is the kind of thing that would be used in a movie featuring characters like Wayne and Garth, or Bill and Ted, or Beevis and Butthead. It's almost a parody of itself. I also feel like it was one of those "Oh crap, we have 10 minutes to fill. Where are the jam tapes?" And good call on spotting The Who rip-off. There's no denying the technical skill involved, but IMO they've done better elsewhere. The good news is the album improves dramatically on side 2.

[@cpmf2112]

I think that was Neil

[@johnhaley5593]

Neck-row-man-sir. A-lee-s.

[@nicholassmith479]

I agree. Not my favorite but great solos and riffs throughout but story did not interest me, but the Mary Jane did help. Great record to just sit back and play guitar to. Do not see the similarities between the ending and The WHO’s ‘Baba O’Reilly’ though.

[@JustinPanariello]

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[@JustinPanariello]

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[@rp9760]

Pretty sure that's EBA, from 12th to the 5th fret, progresson at the end. Always loved that part but never related it to The Who. I don't disagree.

[@timshelton8535]

It’s not for everyone!

[@JustinPanariello]

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[@JustinPanariello]

Here is my RUSH Update Album Overview 2112 Preview out today!! --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp21pod6g5Z3adU

[@raydemoll5542]

Sorry this song wasn't your "cup o' tea". This song was my introduction to RUSH and has lead me to become a fan of the band.

[@cliffwillson3643]

It's that awkward third joint track. One for early adopters and die hards.

[@scottzappa9314]

This song is very bizarre and uneven. I do like the parts where they jam though. It seems to me that Rush had to go through a progression to get to where they were supposed to be, unlike bands like Zeppelin which charged outta the gate. A journey of 1000 miles...

[@JustinPanariello]

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[@malorihaggard7462]

It's about Saurin

[@rp9760]

EBA, baba o riliey... ok. I hear it.

[@JustinPanariello]

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[@JustinPanariello]

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[@jonathanspahn7308]

So, while I can appreciate the inventiveness and imagination during this growth and exploration phase of Rush's progression into greatness, Necromancer is unfortunately not one of my favorites. Lol! I guess I'm in agreement with you on this one. And I don't mind a story (see 2112 😛), I just think this was too much of a Tolkien musicgasm for me. 😄

[@JustinPanariello]

Here is my Reaction to RUSH The Fountain Of Lamneth out today!! --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHPQlHytj7J3rqM

[@rushrules81]

Yep I'm with ya, not my favorite. Infact, I fast forwarded it to the end to see your reaction...lol

[@JustinPanariello]

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[@somecallmetim2112]

I honestly forget that this song exists, even though it brings back By-tor in the story. The narrator is Neil. The cool parts are cool, the rest is meh. It seems...low effort...especially for a Rush concept piece. I mean, the gap in oomph/wow factor between The Necromancer and pieces like By-tor, 2112, and Cygnus X-1 is significant. It's been so long since I listened to it that I never recognized the absolute Who chord progression until you started saying how familiar it sounded, and it immediately clicked for me. I had never really listened to The Who growing up, so I never heard the similarities, but now it is unmistakable.

[@JustinPanariello]

Yeah I'm not into this one... I don't know much The Who and didn't grow up listening to them, but I've played a few of their tunes in bands before.

[@JustinPanariello]

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