RUSH Digital Man REACTION - First time hearing

[@carllewis699]

That solo, man! Alex is a GOD!!!

[@gregblunier5813]

My man !!

[@ledoutofshadow8004]

The only reason Alex is left out of so many "guitar greats" lists, is Geddy and Neil. Its not fair, its not right, but there it is. Alex Lifeson is one of the top guitarists in the world, in my humble opinion as a bassist.

[@kippsguitar6539]

I heard that for decades but it's nonsense, Alex lifeson has won numerous awards over the years best guitarist, guitarist magazine, guitar player magazine,etc etc many many times , what more is he supposed to win and achieve?

[@mightyV444]

@ledoutofshadow8004 - Alex definitely is the #1 guitarist in MY world! 😁 Along with Andy Summers, EVH, Elliot Easton, The Edge, and some others 🙂 I play _some_ guitar but am a drummer and also a bassist 😊

[@Zipgun66]

My all time favorite guitarist. The solo on this song is short but nothing short of magnificent.

[@kylerush7948]

I use to think lifeson was just kinda there cause I was enameled with peart and Lee, then I actually started to listen to the guitar and my gosh I was, lifeson is up there with Van Halen, ray Vaughn, Hendrix, you name it, Lifeson is up there. I also think lifeson is the supreme of guitar tuning and reverb

[@afaflutfi]

Signals is such an underrated album. You should listen it in its entirety

[@richardkafka5625]

Three masters of their craft! No overdubbing on the drums. I've seen it live and it's phenomenal. Neil was able to have all four limbs work independent of each other in amazing ways.

[@greybeard2280]

Oh Harri my dear friend, loved the insight! Here's the breakdown for you, Geddy is the Digital Man, Alex is the Analog Kid, and Neil is the New World Man. So glad to be back with you the Sultan of Reactions!

[@simonbarsinister8854]

Really? That's a cool analysis. I'll listen for the 4,000th time and see if I understand. As an English Lit teacher you have me intrigued.

[@greybeard2280]

@@simonbarsinister8854 Rush has 3 tracks titled Digital Man, Analog Kid, and New World Man. I suggest listening to all three. Hopefully that'll help make sense of it.

[@andyburch1819]

@@greybeard2280 yes, but are these tracks actual reflections of the bandmates ? Ie: digital man to Geddy. Is this song about him?

[@greybeard2280]

@@andyburch1819 no I don't believe the song is about him. It's just a thing me and the boys came up with many years ago. Geddy using digital tones on the keyboard, Alex using a analog delay pedal in his playing, and Neil writing amazing lyrics for a new world audience. Something like that!

[@LittleSisterTribute]

@@greybeard2280 That’s awesome

[@ZIG4ZAG20]

This band for four+ continuous, consecutive decades, pushed the boundaries and defied the norms of popular music and accepted arrangements to be the most respected and influential band of the last and current centuries. Mostly by musicians, never by critics and only somewhat by casual listeners. But us supporters and super fans know all too well how important they are.🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎹🎤🥇🇨🇦🎼🌎👍👌

[@Rengray2]

Most bands: Success = Let's make the last album as a v 2.0!! Rush Success = We can try something completely new!!

[@GT-mq1dx]

Every time a watch a reaction from someone on KZbin of a song that I haven’t listened to for years I remember just how intense their musicianship was together. I’d forgotten about Alex’s solo until right before it started about 6 bars away and then it gave me goosebumps. This is absolutely one of my all time solos of his. Also that outro, just totally Kool, I forgot what a killer piece this is. Alex and Neil were really into the Police at this time, hence the similarities in styles. There are a handful of reactors on here that I enjoy and your channel is one of them because you totally get the music and you take the time to try and comprehend it while enjoying it and not stopping the video too often. When a KZbinr does that too often I’ll stop looking at their channel. Cheers from the U.S. Harri.

[@Cynthia...]

A great welcome back Greybeard. I absolutley love Rush. ✌💜

[@lisaharrison1031]

One of my favorite versions of this song is Digital Man Live from the Snakes And Arrows tour. It also answers your questions about Neil’s drumming. It’s not overdubbed. They play it perfectly live on the Snakes & Arrows tour. The video is available on KZbin.

[@marybaillie8907]

Wow. The beautiful magic these 3 masters of their profession produced is mind blowing. Thanks for more Rush. 🇨🇦🇨🇦 The instruments so captivating, each drawing you in continually. Fabulous song. Great reaction Harri.You're hooked. Thanks Harri and Greybearded Music Man. 🎶 Welcome back, with a great choice. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@BigC.]

Fan of the band since 1977 when I first saw them live. Unparalleled.

[@niged]

Snakes and Arrows tour, circa 2008, brilliant live version of this track.

[@neilworsfold5768]

I managed excellent judgement in seeing Rush on their Signals tour. The 3 of them are FLAWLESS live... no overdubs necessary. They make me proud to be a Canadian...

[@stevenmonte7397]

I never paid attention to the bass line, but WOW!!! Geddy is a legend!! I have to watch this live. Amazing!!

[@danielosullivan3110]

Badass 🔥🖤

[@steveoare2574]

How can you NOT... lol

[@CAdams6398]

@@steveoare2574 Stole the words from my mouth. 😊

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Got this when it came out, like so many of us did. I have always loved the imagery of "He's got a date with fate in a black sedan." So do we all.

[@richierich398]

Excellent reaction! Yeah that’s all Neil. You should really check out this song with the isolated drums. It’s called the digital man Neil takes center stage

[@jons3808]

Great reaction to a great song! Love Neil’s drumming and Geddy’s bass line. Alex’s solo is incredible. Typical Rush 😂

[@EyesOfFrozenMeat]

Alex is the one who really shines here...

[@janabraam7963]

Neil is always awesome. He's the best drummer ever. Geddy's bass really stands out in the song!

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Greybeard, thanks for bringing RUSH back to the channel after too long an absence!

[@simonbarsinister8854]

RUSH never disappoints.

[@jimtatro6550]

This is a incredible song live, the instrumental section is 🔥🔥

[@diane-]

I just love Rush and thank you for sharing this. 💞

[@debbiechang5781]

Great request Greybeard! Good to have you back!🌺✌️

[@donnelson6694]

Great reaction. Thanks Harri!

[@jeffburgert8929]

One of my favorite Rush songs!!

[@jimmybigshoes1165]

40+ years on and the themes of the individual trying to maintain their autonomy and integrity in a digital world where they can be monitored and scrutinized so much more closely, are still very accurate and insightful.

[@robertoneill1559]

The work by Alex in this song… underrated

[@johngardner4096]

I like your analysis of the lyrics... especially the concept of someone who is so connected with everyTHING that they lose their touch with everyONE. P.S. Subscribed!

[@rickhaddad7261]

Ah dude, the live version will blow you away🤯 Always enjoy your reaction. Take care ✌️

[@mikecronis]

There is a live version that shows that it's not over-dubbed. Great analysis. A+

[@THOR6471]

There's no over dubbing on the drums.

[@williamroark]

🙏✨✨✨NEIL✨✨ (I miss ya!!!) Ya know Neil WROTE LYRICS on most everything (“The Reggae Influence” came DIRECTLY from The Police….. they were HUGE at the time. I remember REVIEWS about this EXACT comparison to The Police because OF THIS!!😉 what’s it been 40 years??😳 (God I got OLD!!!!)😉

[@nealsweeney7350]

You have an excellent grasp of the essence of this song my brother

[@davewilkie222]

Well done, sir.

[@loadedorygun]

you nailed hit Harri. If you see publicity interviews from the signals album, Neil in particular admitted a fascination with reggae rhythms and name dropped the police in particular. So you’re absolutely right! Zion/Babylon also a pretty strong reference to Rastafarianism as you said.

[@k.h.1587]

Zion and Babylon are old testament, rastafari is a spinoff of the same content with a different twist. I don't think Neil was doing it as a nod to reggae culture so to speak, the terms apply the same in a judeo christian sphere, although Neil was an atheist, he used the terms for their philosophical points

[@mightyV444]

Interesting observation, the one about Babylon and Zion! Reminds me of the song 'Rivers Of Babylon', made famous by Boney M in '78: 🎵"By the rivers of Babylon, where we sat down, yeah we wept when we rembered Zion"🎵 And yes, MASSIVE The Police influence in this song in particular! By the way, it's 'bass line', not 'base' 😉 Great reaction and analysis, Harri! 😊👍

[@jonathanbatchelor5032]

AND… another live version showing the whole bad, Alex is absolutely smoking that guitar, especially the solo in the middle. Damn he’s good.

[@danielosullivan3110]

Thanks Harri. Love Rush. My first concert in 81. For something totally different, would love to see you react to thePogues "Limerick's Rake"

[@rowdyron4111]

Awesome tune! Thanks : )

[@ginamarandino6451]

Very cool analysis Harri, I would love to hear your take on nobody's hero and resist

[@archangelo536]

Outstanding

[@ChollieD]

My first "favorite" Rush song,. at ~13 years old. The subject of the lyrics is still elusive all these years later. Really a stretch for this band but they pull it off with their usual brilliant musicianship. Props to Alex L for a great solo and some REALLY dank chord progressions. Geddy's wild bass line was rightly praised in the video. Pretty sure that Neil's doing all that in one take, no overdubs.

[@samson9535]

Peart's lyrics never so prescient when looking at today's world.

[@thegman8968]

🏆🏆🏆🏆! ENOUGH SAID.

[@Eclipce_are_cool336]

I’m first to get over here

[@jonathanbatchelor5032]

Someone might have already said this but, there is a live version of this song just on Neil. Omg, is he busy. Enjoy

[@AnthonyKellett]

You should watch the live version. It may answer some questions.

[@sethcashman1011]

First visit here! Really enjoyed this reaction. I hadn’t put it together before, but the guitar solo is a blatant shoutout to/impersonation of Andy Summers. You’d think I would’ve connected the dots sometime during the 40 years I’ve been listening to this song, but better late than never! A favorite Rush tune of mine for ages.

[@kippsguitar6539]

The solo absolutely isn't, the bass line is walking on the moon

[@sethcashman1011]

@@kippsguitar6539 Well, I hear Summers in there. Just what I'm hearing. Not something I noticed until very recently.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

good to see Nile Rodgers, reacting to Rush ;)

[@ianferraro9640]

Respect

[@RandoReport]

Joe Walsh has a song called Analog Man. Imagine the contrast.

[@ivansavoie3190]

If you want to have a good laugh check out Rush induction to the Rock and roll Hall of Fame, I think 2013, Alex speech is hilarious a must see.

[@jackteppo9633]

Watch them live and you'll see how they Rush On!

[@uwemertens460]

Neil's drumming is so complex yet he can reproduce it Live! Drumeo has all his drumming on sheet music. You can listen And follow along. In my opinion it is well worth going to that site to explore Neil's arrangements. Also, lol, they have 175 Rush songs with his beats from all their albums in chronological order.

[@brentfreeland5834]

Very interesting reference with comparison to reggae. I also noticed a very similar guitar tone that you also referenced the police.

[@kippsguitar6539]

And bass and drums

[@EliteEasyE]

Check out I'm Running by Yes from Big Generator and also their tribute to Bob Marley "The Messenger" from 1999's The Ladder. Their singer Jon Anderson has some nice tracks on his solo album, "The More You Know." My favs from there include Magic Love, Faithfully, and Some TV.

[@randaldavelli7948]

Guy. Fantastic reaction. Congratulations from Brazil. Pirituba SP

[@k.h.1587]

Digital world was still pretty limited and primitive back in 82, 8 bit computers with tiny bits of memory, nothing "online" other than early bulletin boards, mostly just video games. I think the song has a deeper meaning, but I had to go insane to realize that. Much like vital signs, I think one needs to experience "grandiose mania" to fully understand this. And I had a black sedan too.

[@rl9808]

Watching older rush videos, you can pick up on Neil’s speed.

[@niged]

No overdubs. Maybe check it out live!

[@highrx]

I just wonder if the Song’s feel is meant to do with Bob Marley? Bob died in 1981 and Signals came out in 82?

[@craigmanning467]

The Analog Kid becomes the Digital Man.

[@steveoare2574]

Watch a live performance of this one... NOTHING is overdubbed... No cheating... The 3-Man Symphony just doin' what they do...!! :)

[@khoohockleong7585]

This song is speaking of people with planets in Sidereal Gemini. A computer digital marketing and commentary person. Given to adopting many different points of view. Not that Gemini does not sleep. To him it is more important put an idea across rather than going to bed with you yourself, the only one in the world who has the ide. Gemini rules the mind with free flowing ideas. Avalon is where King Aryhur went to recuperate. In Vedic Astrology, Gemini does not represent a brother and sister. It represents a pair of lovers. Gemini people likes to have a lover. Ir they do not have one (because of responsibilities), they will fantasise having one. The lyrics are apt to say the digital man would like to fly to Avwlon (fly like a swift mind). Gemini is like no soul. Because he is so flighty. You are right!

[@louofm1]

They were big fans of the Police, especially during those years.

[@compnnburns8831]

surprised you did not get the reggae sounds

[@tomasmoore3549]

RI) Neil Peart.The Goat,The professor.Theres no defining Neil's drumming.Good luck trying.Cheers.Rush Drum solo Frankfurt.Theres no Cap on Neil.

[@aaronwentzel6174]

No overdubs on the drums Sir. Just Neil doing Neil things!

[@jhc2093]

😊

[@compnnburns8831]

Big Brother esque in terms of meaning?

[@uktenatsila9168]

Avalon. Referring to the mythos of early southern Britian. And in some esoteric historic paradigms, where the descendants of Jesus settled, under protection of the priests and priestesses of the old religion of the British.

[@gregblunier5813]

Can’t get vocals ? His enunciation and timing with pitch is extraordinary.. watch a lyrical evaluation of this video.. they are specifically designed to see the greatness of this

[@loadedorygun]

This is really the first time Neil and the band moved away from progressive themes and structures. The intellectualism and chops are still there, but it’s no longer about the longest song cycle or the most time signature changes. A lot of us hardcore fans were not happy but they grew up and we had to as well.

[@kippsguitar6539]

Oh no, that happened with permanent waves 1980

[@loadedorygun]

@@kippsguitar6539 Maybe there were inklings of it but Signals truly was the break album IMO. It was Terry Brown’s last album but you can tell how much the band had taken over by that time.

[@christianwilliamson9752]

Been catching up with you. You've barely touched upon their best songs. They have 19 albums. Studio albums

[@dishields7808]

You only played 2 of my request for Oct

[@compnnburns8831]

no overdubs

[@kippsguitar6539]

Yes NEIL is pretty good as well, at least spell his name right bro!

[@thatsnice99]

Rush fans don’t recommend this song too often because it has a FANTASTIC bass line. Most Rush fans prefer Subdivisions which put more emphasis on the INFERIOR keyboards. So sad. Great reaction on your part…..thank you for having great taste in music. It’s a shame that Rush fans don’t.

[@kippsguitar6539]

Where on earth did you get that from?

[@thatsnice99]

@@kippsguitar6539 from the number times weak songs like Subdivisions are reacted to compared to songs that have a heavy bass presence. Also looking at Rush fans ranking weak songs like this in their top Top ten! Btw, Rush fans don’t deny my claim. Instead the say all Rush songs are equal to each other and it’s a personal choice. I can prove it also.

[@leemiracle6840]

Subdivisions isn't a favorite because of inferior keys, it's a favorite because the lyrics hit hard with a lot of us growing up. Most RUSH fans I know prefer the technical and complex tunes because it shows the crazy talent of this great band. To judge a song strictly on complexity is missing the point of music, there are some very technical tunes with very elaborate lines and brakes etc. But are very sterile and cold. If it doesn't hit you someplace special it's just noise.

[@malkamusik]

Reported for misinformation.

[@thatsnice99]

@@malkamusik

[@compnnburns8831]

sorry spoke too soon

[@carlpeterson8182]

Zion and Babylon come from the Bible. Zion in the Bible is the city of David. It is sometimes used as another name for heaven by Christians. Babylon was the nation that conquered Judah in the OT and became synonymous to evil. There is a whore of Babylon in the final book of the Bible, Revelation. It is used very often since then as a symbol of evil and debauchery.

[@dishields7808]

YOU GUARANTEE 4 SONGS., BUT YOU ONLY PLAYED 2 OF MINE

[@dishields7808]

THIS IS A RIPOFF. YOU ONLY PLAYED 2 OF MY OCT REQUEST YOU CANNOT DO THAT WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES.

[@greybeard2280]

I assure you that Harri is not a swindler my dear. If you read into his post at the beginning of each month he clearly states that if he owes anyone a reaction to post it in the thread. Ask anyone in the community that Harri always makes good if he owes you a request or two. I'm sorry for your disability, but making idle threats of consequences isn't going to help your cause.