Rush - Jacobs Ladder (REACTION//DISCUSSION)

Hey there, welcome to my channel! I hope you enjoy my content as I listen to music and bands I'm unfamiliar with, or digging deeper into. Stick around with me and maybe we can all discover some new music together. Let me know YOUR thoughts on the song and leave me your suggestions as well.
If you enjoy the daily videos and would like to help me support and grow the channel:
Patreon: / justjpofficial
Paypal: paypal.me/just...
Merch: justjp.creator...
Twitter: / heyitsjustjp
Email: [e-mail]
P.O. Box 678616
ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32867
Song Link: • Rush - Jacob's Ladder ...

[@septictopix4797]

Playing an odd-numbered pattern of notes over an even-numbered time signature. And vice versa... is what is creating the tension felt in this song. And on top of that Neil comes in with rhythms that both bypass and compliment all that chaos at the same time. This kind of syncopation is truly the essence of Rush's signature sound.

[@scottshields113]

And the building up with Lifeson about to singe your ears when that riff takes off

[@mightyV444]

Yes! Geddy singing the verse in 4/4 over the Music being in 11/4 and it all fitting together perfectly (especially rhythmically) will never stop to blow my mind 🤯 😄👍

[@JeromeDukes]

For a guy that's not really a keyboard player, Geddy incorporated really amazing soundscapes into many great Rush songs. Geddy, was always on the latest technology and how it could make the band better. It's crazy how much multitasking is happening on stage with all three members to create a full rich sound. Enjoyed the reaction JP, Cheers.

[@jaybird4093]

Hey, man! Long time, no chat! How’ve you been?

[@JeromeDukes]

@@jaybird4093 Hey Bud how are you? It's been a great summer, golfing, fishing mostly but also some other summer activities. Looking for a job presently, decided to take the summer off. Learned some new tricks on the guitar that are a huge help with playing rhythm and lead at the same time. I did upload (on my YT channel) a mini doc on my beater guitar, check it out and give me a like lol. Other then that not much going on. I come on to JP's channel one in a while if I have something to say. What have you been up to? How was your summer?

[@jaybird4093]

@@JeromeDukes I just liked you’re video. I have a red Squire Strat, too. I bought it when I was 17. I got a job and worked just long enough to buy a guitar, then quit 😂. Mine’s doctored up, too. It has a Floyd Rose tremolo (which the body had to be reroutered to make it fit). A Duncan distortion humbucker in the bridge position and two Duncan single coils in the mid and neck position. The neck is rosewood and the dots removed and replaced with black so it looks like one smooth piece of rosewood. The neck has been modified to the specs of a Parker Fly; the lower neck rounded like a strat and gradually tapering to a flat neck in the upper frets like a Gibson SG. The original frets were replaced with jumbo frets, too. I also replaced the white pick guard with a black one and replaced the knobs with black chrome. I had to reposition them so the whammy bar wouldn’t knock into them when playing. It’s a piece of work and I have a lot of good memories with it. I notice yours has a left-handed neck. How do like that for tuning?

[@JeromeDukes]

@@jaybird4093 I believe the standard radius is 9 degrees for the Fender and Squier. I prefer a flatter neck as well to lower the action with no buzz. Mine I believe is compound 12 to 14 degrees. In regards to the lefty neck, yeah I was going for the Hendrix look. In regards to tuners there's no difference, the tuners are inline and the low E now is where the high E used to be. Just needed a new nut cut. Also changed the tuners to Gotoh. The original tuners were terrible. I used a soldering iron to burn the dots markers, since the guitar neck was a lefty and i'm a righty. Interesting thing about playing a scalloped neck is you feel a freedom with the amount of room you have for your fingers to fret the string. When ever I switch to a non scalloped neck, I feel like i'm tripping over the strings. This is mostly why I play my cheap guitar more than the expensive guitars. Your Squier sounds cool as well, would love to see it, if your still have it. Maybe when you have the time upload to your channel.

[@JeromeDukes]

@@jaybird4093 BTW have you heard of the jazz band "The Bad Plus", came across them recently playing Tom Sawyer on YT. Interesting take, they also do other covers with a jazz flavor very interesting. You can see them live or hear the studio recording on YT.

[@scott4482]

A Jacob's Ladder is a physical phenomena, it's when a hole breaks in dark over cast skys and the sunlight streams through. It's also a reference to The Bible, when the Angel's descend to speak to Jacob.

[@bobholtzmann]

I always think of a Jacob's Ladder as a kid's toy (probably from a Jewish tradition). It's a stack of wooden slats tied with ribbons. By tilting it, the wooden slats flop over each other in a cascade effect. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZqsoYiLqK6mjKc

[@scott4482]

@@bobholtzmann It's also one name for the toy often seen in Science Classrooms, the two V shaped antennae with the static spark slowly traveling between them.

[@bobholtzmann]

@@scott4482 I've seen that thing in Dr. Frankenstein's lab! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nofShqCPrd2bj5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6KxlnqJf8aEb7M

[@kuhnhan]

You are correct. The term originated in the bible.

[@brucedickinson12]

@@kuhnhan it's a lovely piece of fiction

[@sgtBelson]

Another one of their more cinematic songs. The transition from storm to clearing is so smooth. Permanent Waves was my first Rush purchase, and the whole thing blew me away.

[@daveking9393]

Not sure if I shared my Rush story with you before... 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. They played every song except for Different Strings, which has never been played live by the band. Only saw them 3 more times after that one for each next album.

[@-davidolivares]

Cool story Dave.

[@MissAstorDancer]

That's a great memory, Dave! I'm so envious! I kick myself on a fairly regular basis for not going to see Rush in concert, when I had the chance. Talk about poor choices! So glad for you that you had those experiences!

[@JustJP]

Thats amazing Dave, what a perfect lining of the stars!

[@gerardodoherty9178]

@@MissAstorDancer no need to beat yourself up. I turned down an offer to see Miles Davis once and he died that year (no causal connection there). I guess it's down to circumstance and, for better or worse, our exercising our freewill.

[@MissAstorDancer]

@@gerardodoherty9178 Ah, yes! I see what you did there! Yep, I've felt "tricked by circumstances" many times in my life. Interesting how "circumstances" and "freewill" can come up against each other in life, and even more interesting that Neil wrote about both subjects from experience!

[@jimtatro6550]

This was the first Rush album I bought, I was 12. At the time I used to listen to the first two tracks and that was all, now Jacobs Ladder and Natural Science are in my all time Rush top 10.👍🔥🤘🏻🎧

[@rodneygriffin7666]

My favorite Rush song.

[@michaelkeller6223]

A thunderous exercise in unified staccato rhythms makes this a standout track in Rush’s bountiful discography.

[@jasonshort1437]

So much rhythmic trickery going on in this one. I've heard it most of my life and there's still parts that trip me up. That's good in my book, that means it's still magic to me. Seeing this performed on the R40 (final) tour will always be a life event in my book. These guys RULED... Damn I miss Neil.

[@carlgibbons5777]

This album is the start of the golden era for Rush. Where they started firing on all cylinders. Early stuff was important to get here, but starting here is when it all clicked. Vocals, production, lyrics, songwriting took a quantum leap forward.

[@CygnusKC]

There is an EXCELLENT fan video made for this song on KZbin, that shows the clouds rolling in, the lightning "battle", the cloudburst moment and the clearing skies at the end. I highly recommend it !

[@avantprog6902]

I usually think of Neil as a busy power drummer, but he really plays with the time on that end groove and the accents. I love when drummers leave space and confound you seemingly effortlessly.

[@adam872]

I love how dark and heavy this track is. Alex's guitar sounds menacing and really sets the mood perfectly. I also love how the meter is constantly shifting throughout.

[@jaybird4093]

One of my favorites from Rush. It’s a great example of tone painting; creating a scene with sound, from the encroaching storm to the actual event, to the drifting off of the clouds, to the gray skies remaining, to the pillar of light breaking through the cloud, to sense of hope and optimism that follows.The music captures it all and leaves the listener with a mental picture of the event. Cleverly done! I’ve seen many storms roll in over Lake Michigan so this song provokes vivid images to appear in my mind.

[@agghjjhgdhvfgjngggh2381]

Masterpiece, simple as, that only gets better the more you listen to it.

[@brucebrown73]

I love powerful music done in a clean precise manner! This song fills the bill.

[@The_Eric_Burt]

Rush is one of the few bands that i get emotional listening to. Something about them brings it out. Would love to hear you review something off of their most recent album, such as BU2B or the Anarchist. Or some 80's stuff off of Power Windows! Keep up the great content!

[@Doupyourflies]

Rush's perfect album. The drumming on this is immense.

[@crazyfingers19]

I totally agree. Everyone touts Moving Pictures as their best album but, although I love Moving Pictures, this is my fave.

[@jonathanspahn7308]

Wow! 🤯 I'm so glad you finally reviewed this song. In Arizona, we get monsoon thunderstorms in the summer. Whenever I see the storms built and collide, I can't help but hear this song in my mind. This is one of my favorites. Clouds going to war...only Rush, beautiful Rush! 😍 Thanks, JP! Not many reactors have done this one. 👍

[@bobcarn]

This song has ALWAYS been one of my favorites from Rush. It's such a wonderful composition, it's practically sublime.

[@ilangornstein7635]

I absolutely loved your face as you were trying to count the beats during that “climb up the mountain” section. Some would say they are alternating between 6/8 and 7/8 while others would just put them together to make 13/8. Thanks for picking this gem!

[@JustJP]

Ty :D

[@dsomerville5293]

One of the most underrated RUSH cuts. It and Circumstances

[@alanbrown7412]

Brilliant reaction of a brilliant song dude. I really liked the way you broke it down. I'm a 64 year old rock and metal fan and Rush are one of my favourite bands. Looking forward to your next reaction dude.👍✌️🤘

[@JustJP]

Ty so much Alan! Appreciate it :)

[@raymondrocha797]

Man to watch this Supergroup play live is so special and jaw dropping to see! Their musicianship is second to none! Neil and Geddy seem to be joined at the hip! And that is a great to witness! Neil was so awe-inspiring when he plays! He seems to make a beat within a beat! Neil was and is PHENOMENAL! so glad you reacted to another Masterpiece from the Mighty Rush Justin! 👍

[@justineapril7922]

Alex shines here within the texture of Geddy's instrumentation and vocals and Neil's ever-changing percussion. I remember when I bought this new Rush album in 1980. Of course, the first 2 tracks were immediately embraced, then we get "Jacob's Ladder" to finish up Side A. It was Rush continuing their experimentation with different sounds and yet still being themselves. Brilliant!! Oh, and Alex Lifeson is and has been, the best innovative rock guitarist. Not often mentioned as a great musician by "critics," however, anyone who knows rock, recognizes him on par with the likes of Frank Zappa. I repeat: BRILLIANT!!!

[@FuzzWoof]

I feel almost bad for Alex sometimes - had he been in another band, he'd have been the standout member, but in a trio with Alex and Geddy he was never going to get the credit he really deserves as the other two were just at the absolute peak of their craft. He's as much a part of the Rush sound as any of them - having played in a lot of trios over the years with busy drummers and bassists, finding that spot for a guitar to live in to fill out the sound yet not overwhelm anything else is an incredibly hard job.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Bro> Do you even internet?...Alex is one of the most well respected Axemen among axemen...The General public are idiots that know NOTHING about music so you can't expect those dummies to discuss or understand what a great guitarist is... As a musician and Rush fan for decades I know better; Ales/lerxst is actually just below Neil in popularity...Geddy, despite being lead singer and KILLER bassist is the least admired musician in Rush...

[@SebGeddy]

@Fuzzdog: I get your point, but it seems to me Alex really shines on that one, the riffs are just killer and he's one of the best guitar players in the world IMHO. He's a smooth cool hilarious guy too 😆👏🤘

[@crazyfingers19]

I agree with Rob. On the other hand, I never got the feeling that any of them were doing this for fame and glory. They just concentrated on being the best musicians, composers, and writers they could be and fuck the rest of the crap. I think Alex takes great pleasure in being confidently competent at his vocation and that those who really appreciate his talent know the score.

[@mrjonesy2112]

@@godbluffvdgg Alex is what really drew me to the band in the first place.

[@snowdog0312]

In my opinion, and the realization of the greatness of this band, however, I’m sure that most radio stations are not going to play these two songs which I love probably ever. They are classically outside-the-box, and their compilations consist of that which only true RUSH fans will understand daily. These songs are true RUSH; relax and enjoy. And if you can keep up with their time signature changes, and all those fun things that rearrange your brain. It truly takes guts and the dealing with an industry that is focused on 3-minute songs on our drive to work. So, here are my reaction comments. All I can think of to tell a true RUSH fan from a want to be? If your first and second song selections are comprised of and off their Permanent Waves album; both are Jacobs Ladder 'and' Natural Science. If so, reward yourself for being a true bad ass, and just more musical than the next guy. Marty

[@SebGeddy]

One of the last prog epics from Rush (besides "the Camera Eye" in 1981), and what a banger 🤘🎤🎸🎹🎵 Always been a favorite of mine.

[@carlbusque1856]

At 4:18 of your review, the first break,out, has the best guitar sound ever! Great review, more Rush please!

[@chadherbert18]

Weaving - Picture a series of sunbeams descending through the clouds like stands on a loom, weaving their dreams - really cool allusion!

[@stephenpesta1550]

This song never gets old, always seems fresh. My favorite song on this album and terrific when driving in a summer thunderstorm. Almost done with the album so I’m hoping you hit YYZ and really all of Moving Pictures.down the road. Thanks for your take on it JP!

[@delllittle5692]

one of my favorite Rush tracks, ever. The build has always given me chills.

[@debbieplato5107]

This is one of my favourite Rush songs. Love it! ❤

[@Ferretbomber]

I played this for a GF in my car in like '89 and she said 'this sounds like Metallica' ... because by '89, progressive elements had crept far enough into metal that all the time changes and dynamism was becoming commonplace. Makes me love Rush all the more.

[@cobbycaputo3332]

This has always felt like a King Crimson song to me. One of my favorite Rush tracks.

[@kevind3986]

Had this on 8 track in 81. It was orange in color. Wore it out it got played so much. Anybody else have a giant case of 8 tracks in their car?:

[@cedricmilford5254]

Re “Shaft of light” “fabric of dreams” could refer to the song’s title, which is in reference to the story in the Bible about Jacob’s Ladder. His dream involved a heavenly stairway on which angels go up and down. Love this song, and your review 👍🏻👍🏻

[@petrilampela]

4:02 One of my favorite Rush moments. And I can't help but think that the solo (4:17) was a huge influence on Dimebag Darrell.

[@michellehitchens1495]

Gosh this song is a spiritual awakening. Heaven on earth. Love you man

[@tommytrixter]

RUSH Showing Us They Are GODS!!!!!!!

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

Every rung climbed must be a treasure, every step you must careful to measure. Transgress and sin along the way, and your repentance will be at leisure. And so ends my poetic seizure. Peace.

[@juliebrockett3471]

Love that song!! Check out the video with the storm clouds in it (even if in your own time) it’s pretty cool!! So glad you liked this!! I knew you would! Another great reaction, Justin! Be well and God Bless… from Texas!!

[@johntavenner1379]

Love your analyses of lyrics and instruments of both Rush and Yes-- my 2 favorite bands. You really break it down and are clearly passionate about the music. I've subscribed to your channel and have found it rather addictive tbh... been listening to it all afternoon!

[@aspackblaze3583]

Your reactions are fantastic. More Rush! Thanks :)

[@dyrkeschaefer]

Seem to remember that film Jacob's Ladder, too ( Tim Robbins, maybe ). Permanent Waves is my favorite Rush album.

[@the_proteus_void]

Especially enjoyed this reaction, so spot on in the different elements within the track. The unpredictable pattern of notes before the "cloudburst" foreshadows a band such as tool. In fact, there were several moments where that kind of influence was present. Thanks!

[@robertcartier5088]

That record you kept of your album purchases... very impressed! Wish I had done the same. Bought my first two albums in 1968 0r 69! ...2 albums by The Monkees from the bargain bin at K-Mart! lol

[@MissAstorDancer]

That should be "Monkees"! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3zWZWaafaeGjaM&ab_channel=kellyheisler LOL! Oh, the memories of watching that silly show at ages 13-15. Loved that Monkeemobile! ;)

[@robertcartier5088]

@@MissAstorDancer yes, thank you! ;-] I had the car as a styrene model kit!

[@MissAstorDancer]

@@robertcartier5088 I was very into the muscle cars of my teen years!

[@bobholtzmann]

I like the progressions toward the end - the forcefulness is very controlled - similar to what we hear in Yes. And speaking of Yes, there is another song featuring two former Yes members worth giving a listen - "Small Beginnings" (1972) by Flash. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX7Lm6WgbNyfick

[@rsm3t]

I'm glad you liked this song. It's an underrated, even overlooked, gem. The lyrics are short, but Neil was being succinct and relying on visual imagery rather than storytelling here.

[@toddashton9696]

Justin thanks for another terrific reaction to Rush. I really enjoy your thorough and methodical approach to the reviews. It seems I learn something each time I watch one of your videos. Keep up the great work. Another satisfied subscriber. Todd

[@JustJP]

Really appreciate that Todd, thank you so much!

[@tammiec4937]

Good day JP. Love me some Rush,Just got this album in the mail.

[@JustJP]

Nice! Happy listening!

[@tammiec4937]

@@JustJP you bet I will

[@davidvaness5081]

I remember reading liner notes on this record way back then and the model on the covers name was on la la

[@roberthikade9759]

Great video, Love to watch and hear you break down the song and lyrics. Keep up your great content and super job. One of my favorite albums ever.

[@carlbusque1856]

Must add, great analysis, love it, nice glasses, more Rush please!

[@stevebryant6483]

I absolutely love everything about this song, but the drums, Oh My! , I never get tired of listening to Neil do his thing.

[@palantir135]

I don’t know this song either. I need time with this song and at least a second time to listen to it.

[@marialange6398]

Alex is master of opening strings.

[@krisdoggett483]

Great reaction, JP. This is one of my favorites by Rush. I totally agree with you about Alex. I saw the movie Jacob's Ladder and yes, that scene in the club creeped me out too 😧

[@kato0828]

Great reaction JP, as usual. Really do a great job breaking these apart. And I love that you are getting to love and enjoy these great tunes for the first time.

[@JustJP]

Thanks Mike! :D

[@AlbertoMartinez-ps9bv]

i saw them for the first time in 1980, they toured with this album, played most of it . great drum solo by the 'professor peart!

[@yes_head]

I'm pretty sure the song title and lyrics are about sunlight breaking through stormy clouds and illuminating the landscape. Peart probably also saw it as a metaphor for good versus evil, but the band didn't want to turn it into a full-blown epic so he kept it scaled down. The humanistic element is probably related to farmers (his family were farmers, after all) whose fortunes are closely tied to the weather.

[@jfl125]

Natural Science used to be my favorite on the album, and maybe it still is? This song does come damn close in passing it up though!!

[@sylvainmclean1307]

Thats a Nice great album premice for the cummin moving pictures... More synthetizer and a connection with witch hunt un the heavy sound. The track reminds also 2112 in the spatial sound...I ve just receive the vynil album yesterday and listened to it carefully one by one and Jacob s ladder is my favorite song on it. Good evening JP thanks for the comments still interesting.

[@tallykev6608]

Nice review... lots of good observations. This album was Rush transitioning from a prog band to a more radio friendly 80s style of rock, although that wouldn't be fully realized until Moving Pictures. I love the synth and guitar parts in this one.

[@randyteta9170]

Shared this to my Facebook friends

[@triscat]

I've heard this one many time. This is the first time I really understood the influence of Kraftwerk....but with guitars!

[@jayburdification]

Damn I forgot what a great album Permanent Waves is beyond my playlisted songs. This one is more Moving Pictures-ish. I’m going to have to give it a promotion to playlist :)

[@davidpeters44]

We covered this song in my band, years ago.

[@CanigoCatala]

Great song, one of my favourites from Rush. It has kind of an hypnotic rythm

[@gettelitstalit6468]

What a great reaction dude! Nice job!

[@jenphillips3212]

I loved this song on first listen , especially the introduction ( back in the eighties)

[@lukashislop5890]

I love the movie, never heard of the song

[@jimschroeder1176]

Jacob's Ladder is a great film, you should watch it sometime.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

It’s a good movie. Definitely a trip!

[@O_Towne_Bear]

I remember lining up at Treble Clef Records to get my copy on Release Day. The anticipation was heavy.

[@lindapryor3747]

The shaft of lights are called Jacob’s Ladder.

[@SebGeddy]

OK Justin, now you have to react to "Different Strings", a bittersweet slow tune penned by Geddy Lee, beautiful.

[@courtneywallace871]

Funny that I see some people dissing this song here. Great song. Haven’t heard it in a while. Thanks Justin! Oh…and…TODD!

[@-davidolivares]

What Lisa! He needs to start what I call the musical Toddessey.

[@courtneywallace871]

@@-davidolivares ???

[@-davidolivares]

@@courtneywallace871 SNL, Todd and Lisa

[@courtneywallace871]

@@-davidolivares ok. Sorry I don’t watch. I was referring to Todd Rundgren

[@-davidolivares]

@@courtneywallace871 It was a double pronged unsuccessful reply. I love Todd Rundgren, anytime anywhere. That didn’t come out right.

[@richierich398]

Always enjoy your reactions. Might as well react to different strings and finish off the album

[@andrewmuttonandy]

This is the album that started me on Rush Brilliant

[@gaiaeternal5131]

Hi JP. Dave from London. I Saw The Light (as Jacob might have said about his dream). Others have described the Biblical origin of Jacob's Ladder. To me it also denotes the first stage of the UK's most famous long distance path, the Pennine Way (the equivalent of the Appalachian Trail in the US), as you ascend from the start at Edale to the mountain top and the moorland of Kinder Scout (the site of the 1932 mass trespass of the people of Manchester onto private land, which resulted in the Right To Roam law). My hikes on Kinder always seem to be in wind and rain! Not so familiar with Permanent Waves, my fave Rush albums being Hemispheres and the later Grace Under Pressure. Great chord patterns here, with some brilliant soloing around them by Alex. You're right that there's a clean sound, which marks their transition into the 80s more synth driven sequence of albums.

[@manualboyca]

I hope you start from track 1 of this album. Spirit of Radio is one of the best songs…ever.

[@cometogether999]

I love the tones from Alex's Les Paul.

[@stephanechamberland8486]

For me the ultimate version of this song is on the Exit Stage...Left live album !

[@michaelinnj7439]

Agreed, this is one of several songs where ESL ruined the studio versions for me. That group also includes The Trees / Xanadu / La Villa Strangiato.

[@maruad7577]

Someone close to me is going through some personal drama and it made me think of an inspirational song by Stan Rogers. It is a folk/maritime/sea shantyish piece called "The Mary Ellen Carter". It is about loss, recovery and never quitting. Seems to me it is suitable these days.

[@-davidolivares]

I hear you brother. I too have a friend in internal struggle, my prayers are with you and that person.

[@maruad7577]

@@-davidolivares Thanks. Hopefully this will not be eternal but combining a relationship breakup, university not having in person classes, a crappy job market and the normal issues with being a First Nations person in Canada, well it is a bit challenging. If only he didn't have to get more cats but at least it isn't kids... it's complicated.

[@MrLedotson]

You had this in 2008 and had not listened to it? That's like having a Farrari and never taking it out of first gear.

[@SebGeddy]

Ominous that song is 😉

[@Wolverale12]

Probably my favorite non-hit off of this album! :D

[@kengregory6026]

I believe Alex was voted the best guitarist to come from Canada ever..newcomers to Rush always go on about Peart but Lifeson is amazing and i think as time goes by,people are understanding how good Alex actually is...and i haven't even mentioned Geddy...boy,these guys worked so hard ,in the early days especially,playing hundreds of gigs honing their craft. Were at the top of their game for 40+ years..As Matt Stone (South Park) has said, you might not like Rush but you have to give it to them ,cos if you don't ,you just look a dickhead

[@-davidolivares]

Yes, Alex is big but, yer giving me the Canadian blues, poor Colin James and Jeff Healey, RIP.

[@RedPillMode]

Kind of a sleeper track, perhaps. Heavy as slow and powerful. My first Rush album was Exit Stage Left, and this is one of the many highlights on that album. Guess you will check that out at some point - I believe you have heard enough of that album 😁.

[@bobholtzmann]

Rush named an album after a Snagglepuss line? Heavens to murgatroyd! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2SQkmenjKinf8k

[@RedPillMode]

@@bobholtzmann Never knew that, thank you!

[@-davidolivares]

@@bobholtzmann That’s right Musky. Eeev-en!

[@bobholtzmann]

​@@-davidolivares I never knew what "Heavens to Murgatroyd" meant either. No one could trace it to Bert Lahr, on whom Snagglepuss' vocal character is based. After some research, "Murgatroyd" it turns was randomly used in a newspaper comic strip, and so migrated to a cartoon. And possibly the next Rush album!

[@-davidolivares]

@@bobholtzmann Bert Lahr hmm, Courage!

[@randyteta9170]

Alex is definitely In my top 5 guitarists..

[@godbluffvdgg]

I wish someone would write a song about my ladder...Rob's ladder????

[@pentagrammaton6793]

I always loved Permanent Waves. For me it's a more subtle and textured album than the mighty Moving Pictures, and the prog is still strong here. :)

[@millettepaul5068]

hey jp,wassup,maybe manfred man( father of night father of day)(solar fire)loggins and messina (pathway to glory)-(angry eyes)for sure you'll like it,have a nice day,peace

[@Lwize]

It's not Jacob's ladder. He borrowed it from me and never returned it.

[@JustJP]

Time for a step stool! :D

[@-davidolivares]

Rush is not my favorite band. There, I said it. I like vocals that are not adolescent helium screams, sorry I’m just built that way. Here, Geddy lowers his voice and tone where I can not only tolerate but enjoy them. This song is a perfect entré to Rush, from here they can branch off to helium town or new wave bliss. I’m almost finished with a 4 panel (24X48 each) painting of Jacob’s Ladder called La Escalera. This song connected with me on that level. Enjoyable reaction. Gotta give Prince’s The Ladder a reference… miss the guy. Peace and beaming Music

[@MissAstorDancer]

I would pay money to see your paintings when they are finished!

[@-davidolivares]

@@MissAstorDancer Maybe that get me moving faster, hee.

[@kenl2091]

How about them Yankees, eh? (That'll make no sense unless you watch the vid until the end) I'm more of a seventies Rush fan but this is perhaps their best track of the eighties (and I include all of Moving Pictures) with a definite 'hold-over from Hemispheres' vibe. I wasn't counting but sounded like some interesting time signatures going on. Must dig this album out again some time.

[@romanramirez6436]

CHECK OUT LIVE VERSION FROM R40

[@brettnorris1428]

I was concerned when I heard the first two songs on the album that Rush were heading in a shorter, less proggy direction, but this song shows that they still had the ability and desire to create a longer, more complex song. I'd still rate Permanent Waves in my top 3 Rush albums.

[@1nelsondj]

I can't disagree with a thing you said about this song and Alex Lifeson's playing. What struck me is you know what day in 2008 you bought the CD, I thought, 'Wow that's so anal. I like it.' I've noticed in the past how you are sometimes very particular about your set-up and like order, I really respect that, I'm similar in nature.

[@MissAstorDancer]

That also impressed me, since I am also "so anal"!!! I like that in a person! I'm all about the details, and getting things as close to "just right" as possible. I'm also very OCD about remembering (recording) dates of stuff, most of it done in daily diaries.

[@paulhansberry8168]

Curious....did Geddy play synth? The sound is very similar to some of Larry Fast's Synergy work. Anyone know?

[@cobbycaputo3332]

I think on the album Geddy does all the synth parts. Playing live there are times (on various songs) that Alex is playing synth pedals because Geddy is otherwise occupied on the other side of the stage.