Rush - La Villa Strangiato (pianist reacts to metalhead friend’s suggestion)

Pianist reacts to Rush’s La Villa Strangiato
Richard’s shirt - ​⁠‪@vulvodynia32‬
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[@anthonypeck2448]

One of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded. Alex Lifeson is criminally underrated.

[@PaulyV56]

criminally underrated?? How Woke of you. Where have you been under a rock? and wtf does Criminally underrated mean?

[@Mar-yk6jp]

Underrated? Most ridiculous statement on KZbin.

[@diegoq8417]

​@@Mar-yk6jpThey don't know what it means. It's a kind of "fashion word" along with "literally".

[@dmsflorida]

Actually, no...he's not. He's universally regarded as one of the best rock guitarists in the history of popular music.

[@grayjohn6332]

Woke?!, what have stupid culture wars got to do with it, crikey@@PaulyV56

[@phraktl]

To me, La Villa Strangiato is one of the greatest musical pieces ever created in human history. I've listened to it innumerable times, and it only gets better with each hearing. Love seeing others enjoying it and appreciating the brilliance of Rush.

[@matrixprogrock]

I love it, but the "Monsters" theme is lifted.

[@thomhickey4277]

Couldn't agree more. It's my favorite piece of music all time.

[@NinjaKittyBonks]

@phraktl .... 💯My follow up, as if that was anywhere near and easy choice, with Natural Science, Jacob's Ladder and countless others..... "The Camera Eye". Of course any number of people could bring up other songs and make a strong case, but The Camera Eye is a monster!

[@KellersGrillzebo]

Rush wrote, recorded and released 'Rush', Fly By Night, Caress Of Steel, 2112, All The World's A Stage, A Farewell To Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, and Signals, before any of them had turned 30 years old. Let that sink in....

[@kelf114]

Robert Plant was 19 when Zep recorded their first album. Just another musical tidbit your comment made me think of. You know, if I'm not mistaken, I think the guitarist for Iron Butterfly was 17 when they recorded Inna Gadda Da Vida. Sorry. Once you start on music, I can't stop. 😄 Hope you have a lovely day. 😊

[@pciochetto]

In 1982 i purchased Moving pictures on cassette. Within a few months i had all the albuns you mentioned here. Burned them all out. But yea. Never knew it was all before 30. Thats actually impossible. And yet they did it. A full catalog, a complete career for most bands...before 30. Just a glitch in the matrix

[@stephensevenpounder5447]

@@kelf114 Silverchair were 15 yrs old... point being? Wanna go Mmm Bop? Hanson?

[@squamishfish]

Danny Carey was at Neils funeral also Chad Smith from Red Hot C Peppers , Taylor Hawkins from Foo Fighters , Doanne Perry from Jethro Tull , Stewart Copeland from the Police also these drummers were all very close friends of Neil and were behind him at his very last show in L Angeles, Greg Bissonette was an extremely close friend also , , the Foo Fighters inducted Rush into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame , The Band Yes requested that Rush induct them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Yes was a huge influence on Rush when they were growing up , Geddy the Bass player got to play Roundabout with Yes his life long dream , ,

[@tedswedalla5422]

The line that I heard that got the most reaction at the funeral was from Stewart Copeland of the Police. He said that that when people come up to him in the street they would always say, 'Hey, you're my second favorite drummer.' I bet all of the drummers who attended had heard that line multiple times.

[@squamishfish]

@@tedswedalla5422 Chad Smith mentioned that on his tribute to Neil

[@sheldoninst]

I wonder if Dave Weckl went to NP’s funeral..

[@Pat14922]

Interesting I was a fan of Yes, before Rush but never knew that there was a link.

[@squamishfish]

@@Pat14922look on you Tube Rush inducting Yes in to Rock and RollHall of Fame , Then Geddy playing Bass on Roundabout with Yes , Alex and Geddy did a very Good induction

[@danbeer9403]

As a canadian who grew up with this stuff as a kid, and as a semi professional drummer 40ish years later I can tell you that this music was formative, and in that magical cultural assimilation moment of teenagehood it imprinted on our musical consciousness forever.

[@thedude883]

As a drummer for several decades, I wholeheartedly agree!

[@ericsapp6487]

Natural science is one of their most underrated songs.

[@chriswatt1754]

Low key my favorite Rush song. Musically spectacular and you won’t find many (if any) comparable lyrics.

[@ericsapp6487]

@@chriswatt1754 agreed

[@frankphillips7436]

Critically maybe but I do not know a true Rush fan who doesn’t love NS!

[@alienmindwarp3455]

...and Jacob's Ladder!

[@Heath.houston]

Stone cold truth!!!!

[@allenlocke1935]

After praising drummer Neil Peart, you offered a similar praise to guitarist Alex Lifeson for his solo in that quiet breakdown section , which in my honest opinion is one if the most emotive guitar solos ever tracked! A thing of sheer beauty for the ages. Peace out!

[@Heathcoatman]

Agreed, one thing I once heard and felt it was the perfect description of Alex's style. He's not just playing the guitar, the music is actually flowing out of him, like a direct extension of what he's feeling at that moment. Hard to find a better example of this than La Villa Strangiato, but 2112 is another one. Lots of emotions in that song, and they are expressed primarily by Alex.

[@metalboy27]

Chills every time.

[@jamescannon4701]

Look up the Pinkpop festival version on YT. The guitar solo is one of the best recorded.

[@ed4199]

Melts my brain every time. Just truly stunning.

[@TB6791]

I say it all the time, no other guitar player for me emotes so much feel n soul like Alex does. He sings and tells his stories through his 🎸

[@3Dachs]

I've never heard someone claim that they didn't like Rush because the band was "too popular." Rush has generally been considered the rock band for music nerds. Few bands use as many varied time signatures and change them as often as Rush did. This always appealed to me while I was learning to understand music more. I think you would appreciate the musicality of Rush if you dive more into their catalog.

[@Stevanavich725]

I mostly agree, but if you look at their peak string of success on the various charts (Permanent Wave 1980-Power Windows 1985) this guy looks to be the age where that statement kind of makes sense. But definitely dig deeper into the catalogue.

[@S.A.Birder2112]

I felt the other way when I was in high school. We were the uncool for liking Rush. This was pre- Moving Pictures.

[@seanjones2456]

It's like saying "I go to rush concerts for the girls."

[@latentsea]

Agreed, Only one person in middle school 1976 liked Rush and we quickly became friends. Cast. out but we didn’t care. Frampton, Bad Co. Aerosmith, Zepp, Van Halen all great, but Rush was ours and quickly learned it’s not necessary to others to see your light. Keep it to yourself if there is any inkling of criticism or rejection. Really an early lesson in spirituality, and back then, Carress of Steel could evoke alternate dimensions. ✌🏼

[@seaburyneucollins688]

Well, Rush was very popular among those music nerds, so if you're contrarian enough to be contrary to the other contrarians, then you might turn your nose up at Rush for such a reason.

[@turdeaugottago114]

3 master craftsmen displaying their astounding brilliance. this is my favorite song of all time. ive listened to a hundred versions a thousand times and it is astonishing every. single. time. gods among men. long live rush

[@mixedmeter]

I too have listened to it thousands of times, have to say this particular version is my least favorite. I prefer the Exit Stage Left version. 🤘

[@PanasonicYouth21]

Man, can I relate. Especially from 2010-2015 when they were on tour. I can’t even tell you how many times I watched like 10 different version of the same song from a different city, just to notice the slight differences in the way they played it each night. Rush nerdery is nerdery unlike any other

[@coot1925]

Being a prog-rock drummer for over 45 years Niel Peart (RIP) has a massive fan base across the drumming fraternity. As for repeating past stuff, it's bound to happen with 8 notes plus sharps and flats to rearrange in different orders. I play 7 instruments and there's nothing quite like prog-rock to stretch your abilities no matter which instrument you're playing.

[@calken546]

Neil Peart. This is the best version of this song. The Exit Stage Left they added Lyrics.

[@richdepuy1754]

y'all should react to Rush's Xanadu live from Exit Stage Left

[@rexatkins9264]

“An Exercise in Self Indulgence” pretty much sums it up……but, this is (in my unworthy opinion) the absolute apex of instrumental, progressive metal, and if you could play any of the three main pieces involved, all the way through, you could play just about anything out there in the realm of “rock ‘n’ roll”. There are so many colors & flavors to discover with this uniquely, otherworldly, one-of-a-kind, collection of “THREE parts of ONE”band to choose from, so, please, have at it from here, Richard & Judson…… Starting with “2112” (the whole damn suite), or anything at all from there to 1982 will utterly blow your mind! Y’all are a great team and thank you for your contributions to the music!

[@martyincanuckistan3635]

I agree with you 100%

[@robertbarbarini6710]

The fact that no other 3-piece could ever perform this just shows you their greatness.

[@drmidnight680-kz2le]

Also the apex album cover with the nice butt crack. Alex lifeson had a wet dream about it.

[@jt2112able]

Counterparts is a hidden gem, it marked their return to guitar-based roots...play at full volume...Animate is tremendous

[@drmidnight680-kz2le]

Also the nice ass on the cover

[@mikebaker7776]

What I like about this is that he doesn't interrupt the song every seven seconds like *every* other reaction video. Its refreshing.

[@dallassukerkin6878]

I was going to pop in and say the same thing - it was a real relief :)

[@jimtatro6550]

The greatest rock instrumental song ever written. This song is a monster to play

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

It's got monsters... :) It should be...

[@TexasDevin]

You want to impress people, learn YYZ. You want to impress musicians, learn Strangiato.

[@kjelledbom1728]

Playing these songs on drums was some of the most satisfying moments when i manage to play whole songs without missing any notes. My alltime favourite drummer.

[@BalokLives]

The best version of this song is the live version from the Exit Stage Left tour.

[@richblack4451]

I disagree that 'exit's' La Ville was the best. So many songs on that album are slow! I haven't checked run times, but it's clear to me across several songs.

[@BalokLives]

@@richblack4451Everyone has their favorites. I just prefer the 'Exit' version because Alex's solo is amazing in that one. To me the pacing in this version of the song is just perfect, but on the album not so much.

[@jenniferjones7229]

@@BalokLives Plus Geddy's impromptu lyrics!

[@jons3808]

The studio version is my favorite, but the Exit Stage Left version is amazing too 👍🏻👍🏻

[@grayjohn6332]

I like the Pinkpop version as well..kzbin.info/www/bejne/ol7Ek5ejp9JqbJo

[@bobcombs9685]

Eddie Van Halen was asked once what does it feel like to be the best guitarist on the planet? He replied go ask Alex Lifeson. Enough said...

[@kelf114]

And Alex will say he wouldn't know - you'd have to ask Rory Gallagher. The Greatest Guitarist You've Never Heard Of. He was Alex's personal hero. I got to see Rory back in 1985. You can argue about guitarists all day, but they'll all tell you it's Rory. With good reason, too. Edit: Not that I don't love Alex! Heck I, was in their fan club in my teens! Loved that Neil wrote their newsletter! 😄

[@B00B13S_L0L]

Complete BS, no reference

[@mwales2112]

I close my eyes when listening to La Villa and it takes me back to when they played it live for that tour. They will always be #1 for me... RIP Neil....

[@RalphSasso]

Thank you, for waking this Gentleman UP........

[@kahwigulum]

"Everyone can play YYZ. But the real test of a drummer is if they can play La Villa Strangiato." - Mike Portnoy My favorite Rush song is Natural Science, and you should definitely expose Judson to that.

[@dadvader64]

Two best Rush songs La Villa and Natural Science. But what an amazing stretch of music from Rush from Fly by Night to Signals. Always pushing themselves to be at the cutting edge and constantly honing their skills.

[@kippsguitar6539]

Everyone can play YYZ? Are you sure? Omar Hakim and Danny Carey couldn't (they could but really struggled and cocked up the intro), come on rethink

[@timhannigan9278]

Also fun to play

[@silverjaw138]

When I hear this song I’m 10 years old again, music has just started to REALLY hit me and I had this on 8 track. This is my favorite Rush album.

[@wadesworld6250]

I believe the main guitar solo in that song is among the most beautiful in all of rock-and-roll, and sadly, most rock fans have never heard it. One of the under appreciated things about this song is the bass drone notes Geddy plays on his Taurus pedals while he's playing the keyboard parts. They add a ton of texture.

[@skarlottt]

Eddie van halen was asked what it was like to be the best guitar in the world? He said , Ask Alex Lifeson.

[@wadesworld6250]

@@skarlottt Great story, but not true. That story has been told about almost every combination of guitarist you can imagine, and it's not true for any of them. Doesn't change the fact that Alex Lifeson is among the best rock guitarists ever.

[@skarlottt]

It is actually on KZbin.

[@wadesworld6250]

@@skarlottt Got a link?

[@robertblake2121]

Actually, Alex is usually the one playing the foot Bass Pedals. I will have to look and see if it is him or Geddy playing them in La Villa

[@Danimal77]

Man, you guys should still be getting the same amount of views as you got for this video.

[@bryceberggg]

so glad you finally showed him rush, the band that deserves love from every human. great track choice too #TheRichAbides

[@mdu2112]

You mean every human needs love from Rush? 😊 Either way...

[@eikbike]

Your piano playing is fantastic!

[@debbieplato5107]

Brillant piece of music! The abrupt ending to me is Alex waking up from the dream. At the beginning of the song although the music slowly gets louder it gives me the impression of Alex slowly falling asleep and then going into the dream. Very clever. The big band sound is a nod to Saturday morning cartoons. Bugs Bunny etc. I am in the same age bracket as these guys so I do remember these cartoons. I will suggest 2112 as the next choice . Cheers

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

I'd been listening to this song on and off for 40 years, but only a few years ago found out the jazziest part was a tribute to a compisition from the 1930s. Here's what it says on songfacts: "The song that inspired the 'Monsters!' section was the 1936 song 'Powerhouse' by Raymond Scott. Warner Brothers music director Carl Stalling used 'Powerhouse' in his Warner Brothers cartoon scores during the '40s and '50s. The music wasn't originally written for cartoons, publishing rights for a limited catalog of Raymond Scott's titles were sold to Warner Brothers in 1943. Yet not only was 'Powerhouse' used in the old 'Merrie Melodies'and 'Looney Tunes' cartoons, it has been sampled more recently by other bands such as Devo and They Might Be Giants; more recently cartoons including The Simpsons, Ren & Stimpy, Duckman, Batfink and Animaniacs, also the Cartoon Network's theme song, and throughout the Disney film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids! (without crediting Scott - Disney was threatened with a lawsuit and the matter was settled out of court). Rush didn't give credit to Scott for their use of 'Powerhouse' either. By the time Raymond Scott's publisher notified the band's management of the infringement, the statute of limitations had expired on the challenge. But Rush's management, out of deference to Mr. and Mrs. Scott (Raymond was still alive at that point), and being the class act that they are, offered a one-time 'penance' payment, feeling it was the ethical thing to do. All involved were happy with the resolution, and Rush has no further financial obligations. Under the settlement, they were not required to accord Raymond Scott partial songwriting credit on the piece. For additional information visit FAQ at RaymondScott.com."

[@ChicTumshy]

Wow! thanks for this diamond Rush fact. Every day is a school day. Peace.

[@miketaylorID1]

Well that would explain why I always see in mind’s eye, Daffy Duck in straw hat and seersucker suit doing the old soft shoe when that section plays … thanks for the research and explanation

[@kevinmichael8619]

Alex once recounted he went through a period of insomnia and would sit up playing along to cartoons all night. Might have been where that snippet of melody lodged in his memory

[@kevinkilduff2064]

A song for the ages highlighted by Alex’s drop dead solo and an unmatched synchrony among three of the finest rock musicians to ever grace a studio. A band nonpareil: Rush. Btw, check out the countenance of the listener at around 11:50 after he hears Geddy’s base fill. Priceless.

[@mark-be9mq]

Peart was a Buddy Rich fan and played in a tribute performance for Rich. He also incorporated the very images you mentioned in his later drum solo.

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

Most people overlook the jazz element... Neal Peart loved that big band era.

[@thesean3194]

He integrated big band jazz in his solos. The dude was next level.

[@sbornot2b]

The look on his face during Geddys fast bass break.

[@facedirt8973]

Yup! ‘Whoa what da hell was that?’ Love this vid. Geddy don’t mess around

[@Penddraig7]

Rush is probably my favourite band, it’s a tough decision to make because I am a music lover and there are many fighting for that number 1 spot for me from a range of different genres but if I was pushed to name one, I think it would be Rush. 2112 is my favourite, that was the song that got me into prog and keeps finding its way into my life for different reasons. I think a good one for Judson to listen too and Richard if he hasn’t heard it before is Xanadu but there is not a shortage of alternatives

[@timjones8377]

I've got a fever...and the only prescription is more glockenspiel... Xanadu 😁

[@kevinmcfarlane2752]

I actually think Hemispheres is a better album than 2112, but the latter is more important and iconic given the circumstances, and is of course concert friendly.

[@Pat14922]

@@kevinmcfarlane2752 Hemispheres was my favourite for a good while . 2112 is a better concept album , although it did prompt me to read Ayn Rand which is a week I will never get back '😀😀

[@MrLcowles]

You guys are fucking fantastic. I've been waiting my whole life for this.

[@RoarOfWolverine]

Got to react to their live version of Xanadu from their Exit Stage Left tour. It is excellently recorded and one of the best examples of just how well they could perform such an intricate song live. It is loaded with percussion using wind and symphonic chimes in the introduction. With Geddy singing, shredding the bass and playing keyboards all at the same time is just amazing for a live performance. It’s really a must for anyone wanting a good taste of Rush in their prime. Neil also plays some glockenspiel in this song particularly. The entire outro is glockenspiel along with the guitar.

[@M0rmagil]

Yes. I prefer the Exit Stage Left version too. Which is not typical for me.

[@lawrencefine5020]

My favorite instrumental from my favorite Rush album. First time I ever heard this was in 1983 and was the first time I ever heard Rush. (thanks Brian). This blew me away cuz it was technical and showed off their musical skills. And was heavy enough for my hunger for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. They had it all in 1978 That whole album is an exercise superior musicianship. RIP The Professor. Good choice.

[@philipscoggins]

Catch a live performance of this song to truly grasp the mesmerizing impact of of La Villa. It doesn't matter which year or version - Rush consistently delivered a mind-blowing concert experience. Personally, it became my favorite live track, thanks to their ability to infuse new energy into it every time, along with Alex's entertaining storytelling and nonsense lyrics thrown in.

[@d68st90]

They should catch this live version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3yUmaB6pcZrmNE

[@cjonesufc]

When Rush recorded this it was a touch beyond their actual ability so they had to do so in three parts then learn the song for their tour. Over the years it regularly changed in various ways without ever letting go of the main bits and pieces. I often have to think about which live version I want to hear before playing it because there are so many amazing moments in each. Rush in Rio is maybe my favorite one, though. On that note, Live Rush is the BEST Rush. If you react to more of their stuff you should go with a good quality live performance. Awesome reaction, guys. Love the channel.

[@tanker335]

Learn it? They freaking wrote it.

[@cjonesufc]

@@tanker335I’m quoting Geddy, man. They did write it, but they had to record it in three parts then “learn” how to play it front to back without screwing it up.

[@georgeresso6835]

neil peart is your favorite drummers.... favorite drummer!

[@yes_head]

Progressive rock and progressive metal have evolved quite a bit from 1978, but the thing Rush always had was that they didn't take themselves too seriously, while still being deadly serious about their musicianship. It was sort of their 'brand', and it kept them going for quite a long time. It's interesting that Judson spotted the jazz influence, which most reaction channels totally miss. 1978 was sort of the peak for jazz fusion, which all these guys were heavily inspired by at the time. Alex was listening to Alan Holdsworth, Geddy was inspired by Jeff Berlin and Bill Bruford, and Neil was always a big band/Buddy Rich guy (although it's generally accepted that Neil couldn't swing to save his life!) Giving all the sections their own title was sort of poking fun at classic prog from the early 70's -- bands like King Crimson and Yes. Where to go next with Rush? The side long track "Hemispheres" is the only thing in the catalog that's bigger than "La Villa", but IMO a better place to go would be "Natural Science". After that "Jacob's Ladder", "Xanadu" and "The Camera Eye" are options for longer, multi-faceted Rush songs.

[@magiscichoam]

Neil didn’t become a fan of Buddy Rich until his attendance at the 1991 Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship Concert. Watch the commentary on the Burning For Buddy DVD. Peart admits that he was not a Buddy Rich fan or Big Band music.

[@tarquinfintim5910]

Early Neil didn't put swing into anything, but it's evident that he could swing in his later works/concerts. He studied under Freddie Gruber and Peter Erskine, both great jazz teachers.

[@magiscichoam]

@@tarquinfintim5910 I respectfully disagree. Neil Peart has never been able to “swing”. His later performances are mechanical, stiff and lack musicality. Peart took lessons from Freddie Gruber (and later from Peter Erskine of “Weather Report”) at the recommendation of Steve Smith (of the band Journey) after Peart had his “ass handed to him” in a drum solo battle with Wil Calhoun (of the band “Livin’ Colour”) at the 1991 Buddy Rich Memorial concert in NYC. I was there. It was embarrassing. It wasn’t even close. In fact it was extremely lopsided given that Calhoun is a honors graduate of the Berklee College Of Music (1986) and Peart was, at that time, largely uneducated. Calhoun was voted “Best New Drummer Of 1988” and “Number One Progressive Drummer in 1989, 1991 & 1992” by Modern Drummer Magazine. Calhoun reads and writes standard drum notation, music and is a master of the drum rudiments. Why Peart agreed to a drum solo battle with a superior drummer is a mystery to me to this day. He was simply, utterly out of his depth. For me Peart is highly overrated. He’s a solid rock drummer, but that’s it. I’ve been playing drums for over 50 years (I’m two months older than Geddy Lee). I read music and standard drum notation. When you’ve seen as many live performances of the bands and their drummers that I’ve seen, starting in 1967, it’s difficult to take “Rush” or Neil Peart seriously. These bands include “Cream”, “Jimi Hendrix”, “The Who”, “Led Zeppelin”, “King Crimson”, “Pink Floyd”, “Yes” “ELP”, “Genesis”, “Elton John”, “SuperTramp”, “Roxy Music”, “Wishbone Ash”, “David Bowie”, “Asia, “Mahavishnu Orchestra”, “Weather Report” (with Chester Thompson), “The Police”, “Sting”, “Phil Collins”, “Tony Williams Lifetime”, “Santana”, “The Billy Cobham Band”, “Porcupine Tree”, “The Pineapple Thief” and many more too numerous to list. FYI, the Wil Calhoun Neil Peart drum solo battle is detailed in rushforum.com. Read the review of by “superconductor214” (posted August 4, 2006). This is an accurate assessment based on my own experience at the event. www.therushforum.com/index.php?/topic/17506-zildjian-day-1994/

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

Only found this channel recently and love your interpretations and the way you figure out all the melodies and sometimes play them on piano.

[@WilliamGodat-z6f]

These guys are an enigma. We as rockers are blessed.i seen these guys many times. Never disappointed. Part of my life.❤❤

[@ianshonaman7592]

I love listening to knowledgeable people explain what makes the music I love (and grew up on) work. I think you two would enjoy a Rush deep cut called Losing It; An underrated track that showcases a compassionate side of the band. The lyrics are on point and the music accompanies the theme step for step. Plus a guest musician that brings out an expressive colour. A band that can bring out ferocity and rock, and have a track as subtle as Losing It in their catalogue just shows how unafraid Rush were to explore. Losing It. That’s my suggestion for you.

[@funkydozer]

Or Tears for an even deeper level of emotional connection.

[@leddygee1896]

Alex’s main solo really Reminds me of a Gypsy violinist pulling At your heartstrings… Possibly his best solo. In my mind anyway…

[@pimianimavdo1523]

Composing this studio version was cool (& Clean). Listening to a RUSH LIVE version is a tenfold Awesome experience! "Exit Stage Left" Album version of this musical piece (recorded Live in Canada in 1980) is to be heard & is simplly Off the charts! :) PS On live Rush album (As on Exit Stage Left) you will hear bells on the soul uplifting Anthem "Closer to the Heart" as recorded in 1980 Live recording in the U.K.

[@mhlevy]

Neil was a huge big-band fan, in fact in an interview he said that what brought him into drumming was watching the movie "The Gene Krupa Story." He was also a huge Keith Moon fan as well. But he really loved Buddy Rich and helped organize the "Burning for Buddy" recordings. Already acknowledged as one of the best rock & roll drummers, when he participated in a Buddy Rich tribute, he was unhappy with how he played, compared to many of the top jazz drummers. Asking around, he got the name of famed percussion and drum teacher Freddy Gruber, and began working on his fundamentals, refining and changing his playing style in the 1990s. Later on in 2007, Neil began studying with Peter Erskine to further refine his technique, in preparation for a 2008 Buddy Rich tribute.

[@Blinknone]

Fascinating watching the mental gears turning as your friend listens..

[@bobcarn]

We didn't know what to make of this song at first when the album came out. Like was said, it wasn't just an instrumental, it was one with a lot of jazz and big band vibes. We weren't expecting that. I didn't know what to think the first time I heard it. It was so popular though that they recorded many more instrumentals throughout the years, each having its own unique feel.

[@VictorEMusique]

watch the video of his drum solo on the later tours - r30 or r40 - he actually turns his grip over and does a full big band bit... your ear is spot on!

[@concernedcitizen-1958]

Rush is a rabbit hole with many hidden gems within their 19 studio albums and, of course, all their popular hits. I would suggest The Camera Eye. Another Canadian trio, Triumph's song Lay It On The Line, and the often overlooked and underappreciated Frank Marino and Mahagony Rush, also from Canada. Frank's performance of Something's Coming Our Way or It's Begun to Rain at Agora Theater, should not be missed. Peace✌️☮️🎵🎸🔥

[@davidbailey6397]

The Monsters segment should sound very familiar . It’s Raymond Scott’s Powerhouse theme that was used in Looney Tunes. The band offered royalties to Scott for borrowing the theme for this song. Looney Tunes and the 3 Stooges pretty sums up how a Rush performance was . Their professionalism and humor was unmatched .

[@michaelvanbuskirk8845]

One of my absolute favorite Rush songs. My favorite band since 1978. Neil Peart's drumming was just incredible.

[@katskillz]

The guitar solo has two big strengths in my opinion: - Of course the dynamics that so easily evokes emotion. Nothing unique to Alex but one of his best examples, how he communicates with a guitar section in a way that you feel deeply - His own kind of fusion: at first he lays down minimal notes in phrasing that is ambient, then goes into a more blues-ey mode for the main solo, BUT he seamlessly reincorporates that flamenco motif from the intro back into this blues-ey context. So you get these two distinct musical styles (from distinct cultural lineages) blending together into one, very smooth cocktail. And it provides the thematic coherence that a solo needs, so its not just aimless shredding. Powerful.

[@VZed]

So great to hear Rush, and always better to see other people experiencing Rush. This track embodies so much of "the good times" for me. One of the songs that me and my bandmates bonded over early on, and really a track that woke me up musically. If you want more instrumental Rush "YYZ" is a must. Some other bigger high concept stuff from them "Xanadu", or even "Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres" from the Hemispheres album would be a great choice. If you want to hear with Rush with the 80's then "Subdivisions", "Distant Early Warning" or "Middletown Dreams". Lastly, their final three albums they really decided to turn up the noise and mess around in the prog metal space that their successors built by running with Rush's original sound, and I think they're three really great albums. songs like "Caravan", "Armour and Sword" and "Earthshine" are some late career highlights from Rush.

[@summergivens242]

Great reaction ! I remember the first time I heard this song about how jazz influenced it sounded to me also.

[@Russcoe1963]

My favourite guitar solo of all time, just beautiful playing.

[@TheMrcfulford]

If you want more glockenspiel. Check out Xanadu exit stage left live

[@spinracing]

Excellent review. Both of your viewpoints, from the depth of the track itself with relation to its roots, as well as the influence tracks like this had for musicians out there.. is wonderful to see. It was one of those tracks everyone loved/loves, but you will likely never hear it on radio, or satellite. Outside of the main radio friendly early tracks, like Working Man, Tom Sawyer, Fly By Night, The Trees, Closer to the heart, Spirit of the Radio, Free Will, Red Barchetta, Limelight.... Some of the less traveled tracks radio play wise would be YYZ(sometimes played instrumental), Xanadu, Natural Science, and of course... Just listening to the entirety of the "Track" 2112. As they moved into the 80s, Losing it, about a artist/musician/dancer losing the ability, or Countdown, about the space shuttle (for those of us old enough to remember how amazing it was). If you want IMHO the BEST of the Neil Peart drum solos, that stayed off the heavy electronic drums of later solos... Listen to YYZ off Exit Stage Left. That is a wonderful piece with the best of his drum solos.

[@TheRedMike671]

You guys did hit on how so many different variations of music has been played; through history and it's true. That, for lack of expressing it better, most anything new really isn't new just something from the past. Pretty true. It's how it's bottled up and packaged that creates a difference. You guys named various songs or musicians through the years, multiple decades really, of where creativity is extracted from then delivered. One of the very reasons I appreciated RUSH for was more than likely how they gathered their influences. Other musicians often asked me how can you play that, or where did you learn that from? A simple answer, everywhere. Basically from paying attention to anything we hear, latch onto, catalog in our brain (for further use.) The more you stash away the more you can tap into. The trick is blending and portraying it tastefully. By the way it was notable each time you reached for the keyboard whenever something struck you in awe even though you tried like crazy to conceal your intrigue.

[@JoDdy420-]

I absolutely love the small bass solo in the Monsters section! Geddy, Alex, and Neil are each virtuosos in their abilities. Awesome Band live!!!

[@wg1294]

I've noticed you two over the past few months. You guys nailed it on this one. I love the reaction of the 'piano guy' (my apologies for not knowing names yet) and every time he put his hand on the piano, the music changed. His funny dis on Rush at the beginning was hilarious. It made me watch amusingly at his reaction. What he said at the end about music being constantly recycled is absolutely correct. I hope you listen to more Rush in your own time. Thanks, much new respect, and New Sub!

[@wg1294]

Lol. I typed out my message to you two before the video ended because I didn't want to lose my thought. Richard and Justin, got it!

[@TheWorldAccordingToArf]

Lovely playing up top. Thanks.

[@markstromberg1148]

I'm so glad you mentioned the big band influences - in addition to the syncopated high hat, the section in the middle borrows heavily from "Sing, Sing, Sing," the Benny Goodman Big Band (with Gene Krupa on the drums), and so few have identified it.

[@jerryglenn7323]

You two are Brothers.👍

[@davaughan100]

Geddy often plays the keys, sings, plays bass, and operates foot pedals all at the same time live.

[@Alewifes_Husband]

Gene Krupa was one of Neil's big early influences! The "Big Band" sections he's talking about are pure tribute to Krupa by Neil.

[@psychlos21]

21:33 Bass drum is essentially playing a sort of triplet phrase using dotted eighth note, sixteenth note rest, quarter note followed by eighth note.

[@Fred-vy1hm]

Flip the record over and listen to their epic Cygnus X-1 book ll, an 18 minute banger about the battle for hearts and minds and what happens when you fly into a black hole. 😊

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

Hemispheres was released it 1978, the same year as Van Halen's eponymous first album. What a fucking year for music!

[@bumblefluff79]

Congrats on 20k subs! Won't be long before you get one of those fancy plaques.

[@Greatmeasures]

Thank you! We appreciate you sticking with us. What subscriber count gets you a plaque? Is it 100k?

[@bumblefluff79]

@@Greatmeasures Yeah, 100k. Judson's going to be a black metal expert in no time

[@Greatmeasures]

@@bumblefluff79 when Judson shows up for recording with corpse paint, leather, spikes on his wrist, and a Darkthrone shirt, my life’s work will be complete.

[@bumblefluff79]

​@@Greatmeasuresthat would be amazing! And all the keys on his piano will be black. Whatever happens, that has to be a 100k sub bonus video surely!

[@prividinc]

All of Rush is incredible, and their love of jazz and freeflow structure is definitely there. I would say Spirit of Radio as another great example. Everyone goes to Tom Sawyer etc. but, I love Spirit of Radio.

[@soundhealer6043]

The 3 men who comprised RUSH, had a way of creating not-so-difficult nor complex music, into EXTREMELY interesting and unique music.

[@MrOgynist]

One thing I appreciate is how they can reprise and reimagine one riff, creating different flavours and moods with the same notes.

[@joebagodonuts3040]

That song was recorded 45 years ago. What band was capable of doing that in 1978? I saw interviews of Rush commenting about that song saying “we can’t do that again or we’ll lose our minds”. 3 of the best musicians playing together that ever graced this earth! That piece is the Picasso of the music world. Losing it and Countdown off the Signals album - a couple of nice pieces.

[@alyssahudson1743]

These are the best best musicians of all time

[@chriswood4424]

Wholly crap how you related some of the song to Animal! You are 100% right! Great analysis! Well done analysis!

[@robertblake2121]

You seemed to like the song but how about mentioning the syncopation of the 3 instruments. It is amazingly perfect. It's the incredible timing between them that makes this song incredible

[@funkydozer]

Agreed, it’s half of what makes Rush music unique. No other 3 musicians will ever be so perfectly synched.

[@garajplaz3513]

I haven’t played this song in years, but I learned bass by imitating geddy. Maybe I’ll play the video again to and see if the fingers remember. But I was singing along throughout. Thanks for the memory.

[@davidtrottier1398]

I've seen a lot of great acts perform in my 58 years on the planet and having access to many great venues as I'm from Toronto Canada made it all possible. That being said, I've seen Rush in concert from the 1970s to the mid 2000s and one thing that always blows me away is the technical accuracy of them playing live to the actual studio recorded cut. They're the only three man orchestra I've ever seen. Just sad that it's over but we still have the music and videos of live concerts to sate us.

[@patrickbeintema9184]

You did it! You unlocked a door to a complete new galaxy! Please proceed and enjoy, there is no way back 🙏🏻

[@dowhiletrue6687]

Best 3 man band to ever walk the planet.

[@samba-v8c]

It's been a while since I've listened to this tune, and to Rush as a whole, and one thing that struck me was the drum sound. I didn't remember how amazing Neil's kit sounded! It sounds really similar to Phil Collins' sound, which is up there with my favourites. I was happy to hear you guys bring attention to it.

[@toddashton9696]

Thanks for this reaction. Just discovered your channel. Looking forward to more Rush reactions along with getting in to your other videos. The song ends abruptly, because its like awakening from a dream. Its suddenly over when you wake up. I agree in principle that music has covered a lot of ground. One thing that has evolved or changed over time, are the Sounds created with new technology. This is very evident in the Rush catalogue Their sound evolved as instruments and technology evolved. From guitars, to drums, and keyboards, they always brought something fresh to their albums. Great discussion guys, I enjoyed the reaction very much.

[@massimobattaglioli6651]

Phenomenal song by phenomenal musicians

[@AdrVdb]

Dynamics, vibrato, staccato, sustain, arpeggio, power chords, volume swells, crescendo, distortion, hammer ons and pull offs, neck slides, harmonics, bends and pre-bends and use of multiple modes. That’s just Alex’s guitar playing. A masterpiece.

[@jamesmay3941]

I stumbled across La Villa Strangiato on a borrowed compilation tape in the 1980s. It also had stuff by Tangerine Dream, The Enid, Blue Oyster Cult and similar. (When I think about it now, wow what a tape!) But the Rush track stood out for me immediately, I was mesmerised and had to hear more from the band. That ended up with me getting all their albums on vinyl and cassette and going to every tour they did that included England. Been a fan for about 40 years, I had the pleasure of meeting my hero Geddy Lee in London on his book tour and as I'm a bass player I of course play a Rickenbacker. All from hearing a dodgy tape recording of La Villa Strangiato on my Walkman that particular day 👌

[@derrickparran]

Life changing music. RIP Neil

[@RobertMichaelStewart]

Mike Portnoy once told my there would be no Dream Theater without Rush

[@BrendaNelson-ll4ls]

I've been a Rush fan for 45 years. I saw Rush play live 5 times. Natural Science and La Villa Strangiato always blew me away Live. The first time I heard Rush was a friend of a friend played 2112. I was blown away. The next day I asked my father the take me to a music shop to buy the album 2112. I was 14 years old. I listen to the entire album. Rush are incredible musicians. Please react to "Natural Science" and "Jacob's Ladder " "The Spirit of Radio" "Closer to the Heart" Choose one performance Live. Alex wrote La Villa Strangiato at age 24 or 25 years old. Other bad ass instrumentals "YYZ" "Main Monkey Business"

[@damnyankeefl]

i loved when neil used 13 inch hi hats. so crisp and delicate.

[@dadvader64]

My favorite song of Rush.

[@Lebowski55]

This has got to be one of the greatest rock instrumentals of all time

[@SirCharlesWeatherby]

It's pronounced, Peert. I know, I'm that guy. But it drives me nuts when, in this day and age, people still call the Professor Pert. Cheers!

[@JoDdy420-]

This song by Rush it's one of my all-time favorites it's off of Hemispheres. The song that precedes it is called The Trees, which is also one of my all-time favorite Rush songs

[@dkwoodsy2082]

You have to check out Xanadu from the 1977 album A Farewell to Kings- the one just prior to Hemispheres. I saw them live in 1990 on the Presto tour and they did both that one and Strangiato in the same show. They were masters at tying in their older work with the new. It was my 2nd favorite live show behind Snakes and Arrows in 2007. I saw them twice on that tour. Check out some of that album also. Far Cry live was unimaginable.

[@UpTheIrons51510]

You’re spot on with big band influences. There are videos of Neil Peart playing at a Buddy Rich tribute. He shreds

[@RB-YWGLGA]

Great, thoughtful reaction, guys! Around @21:30, you ask whether the bass drum or bass guitar comes in under the guitar, glockenspiel, synth and melotron… almost a trick question, as part of what makes the RUSH rhythm section sound so amazing is how Neil and Geddy syncopate the kick drum and bass guitar so uniquely. But in this case the kick came in first - Ged was too busy on 2+ keyboards. 😊

[@ronaldviens7862]

Geddy and Neil WERE the rhythm section, after all. Two impresarios.

[@stevenmurphy7334]

Just thankfully all three got together and recorded their gift for all to hear for centuries later to see yes nothing is impossible

[@TheErazar]

Judson got excited, finally 🤭

[@BradLeoS]

Interesting, good perspective and I have watched alot of these. To pick up the Big Band and Jazz, something I never caught, very impressive but I am also not a musician, although my sons do play drums. Because you said that watch the Drum Solo. Live in Frankfurt. The Big Band and Jazz becomes very obvious, just never noticed it in La Villa Strangiato. So very good video

[@BradLeoS]

I know Neil Peart spent some time in Africa, the drum solo, in my eyes, it is a combination of different styles of music he has heard over his life, all combined in one very good drum solo. With a a few tributes to Buddy Rich as well. My opinion, read a few things, nothing is fact.

[@ИльяНикифоров-н2ф]

Спасибо за ваши реакции. Всегда приятно посмотреть на образованного, и воспитанного человека.

[@jmg5878]

You’re 100 percent on the money. His favorite drummer was Buddy Rich and the imagery you described with the dancers 😂 they had a compilation of those dancers from the 20s live when he did his solo. Spot on lol and for the next Rush song…YYZ live in Rio for sure for arrangement 2112 of course or Cygnus-X Book II off Hemispheres-that whole album is amazing