Rush - La Villa Strangiato (What an Opus!): Reaction

Long been requested and so glad we now got here. A mind blowingly complicated track but delivered perfectly. We are in awe
#Rush #lavillastrangiato #reaction #guitargod #thamesmen
No copyright infringement intended, copyright belongs to this Artist and their associates. Used within the fair use clause for criticism and comment.

[@markferrett700]

This is quite simply three genuine masters of their instruments and their art...........geniuses.

[@timwhitnell7145]

The best instrumental ever, both live and studio versions. Alex Lifeson still doesn't get the immense credit he deserves. A top 5 guitarist ever for me.

[@JohnD.1969]

How do I know this reaction is legit? Hardly a word was spoken during the entirety of the song. Watched in awe, as it should be.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thankyou. Who wants to hear us talk over the music! That’s what we are here for. We can talk after😀

[@SpartanGuy83]

Yep, they've quickly become my favorite. One simple, main reason: authenticity. And they work so well together.

[@ericvonsteuben7533]

Agreed!

[@TheThamesmen]

@@ericvonsteuben7533 thank you. We are watching videos for first time and love we can really listen and appreciate them. Sure some people stop and start etc to try and beat copyright but we are not doing this for money. We love the community and the adventure!

[@ericvonsteuben7533]

@@TheThamesmen I like that you two are in it for the journey and not the destination.

[@GM-MarkOfExcellence]

I saw this live. Hemispheres tour, Saginaw Mi. I cried watching this because there can not possibly be anything as great from the production of mankind ever again, and they are no more RIP Neal. You have been and still are accompanying me in my car everywhere I go.

[@TheThamesmen]

Beautifully said

[@avsalom6632]

My first concert as well 1978 Milwaukee.The beginning of a lifelong love affair with Rush.

[@forcefeedingbbjsalad7933]

As a drummer for 50 years and Rush fan for 40, this reaction was amazing. The talent in these three guys is absolutely ridiculous, and it's always fun to see people discover that

[@Bass17yl]

While this is the “official music video”, it’s actually not the album version. This is a live performance on a closed soundstage. Because Rush. The studio recording starts with Alex shredding on a classical guitar. Absolutely brilliant!

[@TheThamesmen]

Sooo much to learn!

[@Bass17yl]

@@TheThamesmen If memory serves, every music video for this album was the same -a brand new live performance that’s almost indistinguishable from the studio recording. These guys were peerless!

[@LyonHall1]

to me this is the official version and the album one is the wrong one they put on the album lol

[@Bass17yl]

@@LyonHall1 I hear you, but that classical guitar intro is just so sweet :)

[@jons3808]

The studio version is the best IMO 👍🏻

[@chrisofnottingham]

The thing with Rush is that however complex and technically unusual the songs got, they always make perfect sense to the casual listener

[@TheThamesmen]

Good point. They right amazing clever music but it is still musical

[@thetreehugger]

Another Epic Masterpiece 👏

[@TheThamesmen]

Well.... George and I are good but that might be a bit far

[@corwinchristensen260]

All three are contenders for the greatest of all time with their individual instruments. Put them together, in harmony, and you have Rush. The depth that you can dive with this "Opus" alone is staggering. The back story is worth looking into. The same is true with most of what they put together for over 40+ years.

[@TheThamesmen]

Think need to also see this from the later years as would live to see how they evolved with it

[@winstonlane708]

🐐🐐🐐

[@alexhunter0815]

Best drummer ever lived!!! No discussion!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

He had absolutely amazing skills and it is a huge loss

[@antonylacroix6475]

3 masters at work , playing as 1 , back in the day ! Great reaction guys

[@TheThamesmen]

Legends!

[@davidodom1818]

These three are just at another level. No one else can get there. RUSH is the best

[@richieyyz]

I see RUSH and I’m here. You got a new subscriber. One of my favorite Rush songs. But I have so many of them.

[@TheThamesmen]

Be well rich!

[@tonygamble6414]

Great reaction guys. Rush was and still is a band that can transport you to another state of awareness as you watch them perform and wonder how three guys can emit so much music. Bravo for your selection. Seen them three times with Neil best drummer I have ever seen in my life and I have seen some iconic ones. Bonham, Moon, Palmer, Cozy Powell to name a few

[@TheThamesmen]

You seen all those guys! My old man played with Cozy in the past.. he was epic

[@tonygamble6414]

@@TheThamesmen Yeah i did , I was and still an avid fan of good live music. Speaking of Rush I saw the band UFO open for them and the bassist Pete Way forgot where he was and toppled off the edge of the stage right into me and another guys arms he was unhurt so we threw him back on stage LOL True story!

[@Vimana]

I'm an old Rush fan and I've read many comments about them during my time. They were a really great live band. So, I completely understand why many of you like some of their live versions more. Their album versions are still absolutely fantastic. Rush has worked with some of the best producers like Terry Brown and Peter Collins. Terry Brown produced many of their classic albums. He's a great producer and the whole Hemispheres album sounds fantastic. Rush also used to play a lot of the parts live in the studio together. I think it's time to give more credit to the great work the band has done in the studio. It's really high quality work and I really enjoy hearing those albums with some great headphones or with some very good speakers. I sometimes feel that many details of these great recordings are lost on some people. I think we need to appreciate them much more. There are also lots of other bands whose work in the studio can be described as pure art. By the way... this has been mentioned before but all the music videos of the songs from "Hemispheres" were not the album versions. All the parts of the three songs (Circumstances, The Trees & La Villa Strangiato) in these videos were played live. Take care and enjoy the music.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for this.... I will defo check this out!!

[@1639danmcc]

Thank god for the video; it's hard to believe this instrumental was performed by 3 brilliant musicians...

[@TheThamesmen]

It is almost unbelievable as they are so good

[@ImaDrummer55]

When I was learning this song as a young drummer, I listened to this car at least 100 times before I had most of it down. My car was my practice room; it's where I learned to play bass with my left foot. Great practicing on a long ride. Amazing musicians !!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for being here, we never take it for granted. Be well and more soon!

[@ARain6500]

This is based on a wild dream Alex had.. “The Strange House”

[@TheThamesmen]

One hell of a dream!

[@1639danmcc]

Rush = 3 hard working men each giving 110%

[@TheThamesmen]

Not kidding. Be well

[@carlosdanielscala8605]

Molto bene grazie Evitaeterna.grande rush.

[@jackteppo9633]

Out of mind Great stuff!! Thanx guys for Rockin' us out!! Happy 4th weekend

[@TheThamesmen]

Our pleasure! Be well!!!

[@macintosh3990]

The thing i like about RUSH is that for all of the sounds they make on their studio albums is that they pull it off in their live performances and then some!!!

[@mrnobody9104]

anything off their Caress of Steel album is phenomenal, it proceeds this one although never an album to gain much of any acclaim. as a life long RUSH fan i wouldn't steer ya wrong!

[@mannyoliveira8271]

THE GREATEST ROCK TRIO OF ALL TIME. PERIOD!!!!!

[@cityhonors1]

🥰 I adore this reaction. 😁 Keep coming back to it. 🤗 I also attended Rush: Cinema Strangiato. My 1st time back at a Movie Theater. 13 of us. 🙋🏿‍♀️ I was the only girl but played 🥁 air drums just as well as the guys. Everyone sang high Geddy notes off key. 🤔 Just like last time. 😁🐰

[@TheThamesmen]

That's awesome! Be well and have a great week!!!

[@lvgelfling72]

La Villa Strangiato is basically the strange village or city. The song is based on the weird nightmares Alex would share with Geddy and Neil. I could only imagine what went on in his head. Lol

[@TheThamesmen]

Well quite! Really was amazing

[@lvgelfling72]

@@TheThamesmen and there are several different time signatures used in this song. 5/8, 7,8 and even 9/8 at one point. 😊 love this song. Thanks for the reaction. Natural Science next. 2112 comic book version though so you guys get what's going on in the masterpiece. Red Barchetta is a fun shorter song, that I love. By Tor and the Snowdog which is their first concept piece. Freewill or Fly by Night. Lol. 😊

[@GenXDaddyO]

I hate to be the “aaaactually” guy, but…a villa is a house or estate. Other than that, spot on!

[@Bass17yl]

@@TheThamesmen A note about the comic book version of 2112 suggested above : Some reactors are getting blocked for the video content. So if you use the comic book version, you may have to blur the video to keep it from flagging. But it’s definitely a good version to use, because you’ll pick up on more of the story.

[@OriginalMergatroid]

Isn't a villa a house? So then, The Strange House.

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

OMG!!! There are not enough curse words in he English language to describe how great this is!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Do it. Say it!!

[@sandrasimpson9673]

Love, love, love this reaction👌✌️🇨🇦❤️

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Sandra!

[@GenXDaddyO]

Please add Jacob’s Ladder to your Rush to-do list! It’s a favorite of mine but gets passed by in favor of their more popular songs. I know you’ll love it.

[@bostonwhofan]

Indeed! Also: "Entre Nous" is another great one that gets overlooked.

[@TheThamesmen]

Never heard of it - Noted!!

[@OriginalMergatroid]

That's a great song, along with Natural Science. They deserve a place in Rush's best.

[@generoberts9151]

@@TheThamesmen Anything from the album Permanent Waves is gold. My favorite all time Rush album

[@dsomerville5293]

One of Lifeson best riffs and interesting songs Jacob's Ladder. Live in Cleveland version is great

[@tarjapartanen8126]

A fiest for the ears and the soul 😍

[@mikedown3219]

You mention ‘how do they remember all that stuff’. After that album, Hemispheres, they made the decision, enough. They had pushed themselves to the limits remembering such long, complex songs that after that they mostly kept to shorter, albeit still technically brilliant. Spirit if Radio was the first song on the next album which heralded the new era

[@vanlifeson6773]

Its like a roller coaster when I listen to this. I can imagine Alex's dream ghosts dancing through the haunted strange villa.

[@J3scribe]

Listen to their last live show in Brazil playing this song. It's insane. They kept getting better, and better, and better and better. Greatest guitar trio ever. Better than Sabbath. Better than Zeppelin, better than whoever. Rush.

[@TheThamesmen]

Many thanks. Noted. Be well.

[@ashleygraham8781]

Alex playing Taurus at the beginning as well.

[@TheThamesmen]

I know... The dudes an octopus

[@donnelson6694]

Amazing reaction guys!! Loved it!!

[@TheThamesmen]

So did we!

[@lewisbernstein4272]

While I agree that at some point you need to do 2112 and Cygnus X-1 (both books of course) and even the Caress of Steel ones (The Fountain of Lamneth and The Necromancer), I would wait on '70s long form for 2-3 more reactions. Mix it up with songs from when they learned (and mastered) the short form. The first one would be Freewill (studio is great, but the version from the Time Machine tour is elite), then I would go off the beaten path and pick (with lyrics which are brilliant) either The Pass, Marathon, Ghost of a Chance or Headlong Flight (this is from their final album which was released in 2012 when they were almost 60). The Rush catalog is deep and almost everything is good. They evolved and had many different sounds through their careers always reflecting, but not copying, the music of the day.

[@TheThamesmen]

Wow.... WOW that's allot :) All noted. Thanks for being here and more soon!

[@OriginalMergatroid]

In the Mood, Working Man, Fly by Night and Closer to the Heart were all early, short and masterful.

[@kerrysmith1899]

@@OriginalMergatroid I Think I'm Going Bald.

[@JeffOnTheRoads]

My vote from the non-70s above is Marathon. The human brain can’t process the solo section in one listen. It’s impossible. Neil plays not only a drum solo but the bass solo then the guitar solo on the drums at the same time…mind blowing. I’m surprised more people don’t talk about this. It’s astonishing.

[@SpartanGuy83]

Guys, another great review/reaction to one of my favorite Rush songs. Thank you for your authenticity. It shows through in every vid.

[@TheThamesmen]

Our pleasure! We honesty love the music so its a treat to us! Thanks for being here and more soon!

[@OriginalMergatroid]

This is one of my absolute all time favourite pieces of music. This, and 2112, are why I rate all other music on a scale of 1 to Rush.

[@TheThamesmen]

2112 keeps coming up. If we know what is good for us we will listen!

[@darkether1170]

I'm really glad you enjoyed this one - I thought you would. As I've posted before a few times, I think comparing this to the Rush in Rio version would just make you giggle with happiness. This is one track that shows what you can get when the best drummer plays with the best bassist and the most underappreciated guitarist of all, and they all take lead at some point. The way Alex switches seamlessly from a rhythm guitar part to a lead guitar shows his talent that more people should know about.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Dark and soyry to take so long to get here... Thanks for being here and more soon!

[@stevecollette6831]

Don't forget, both Alex and Geddy play foot pedals during this song. Much of the synth background comes from them playing the pedals live. (And bass pedals when Geddy is playing keyboards too) No backtracks or sampling. I'll add the recommendation that you can choose just about ANY Rush track and enjoy the musicianship. They went through phases and fans have their favorites, but what I find amazing is that you can find amazing headbangers, musically complex, on their last album Clockwork Angels that are just the mature expression of the songs you've seen from the 70's.

[@TheThamesmen]

if we did a track from their last album what would it be as I would love to see how they evolved?

[@stevecollette6831]

@@TheThamesmen I would do "The Anarchist" Great rocker showing that 60+ year old guys still have it. The other option is "The Garden". The live version brings tears to my eyes. First time I heard this I cried, because I knew. I knew Rush was done. This is a amazing capstone song to an amazing career. It's quieter but more poignant than 99% of the music out there. If you do this, do the live version from Dallas. Thanks for your reviews. Love your approach to music.

[@jimtatro6550]

Where’s my Thing?(Here it is) is another awesome instrumental from Rush

[@TheThamesmen]

Classic :) Also thanks for being here... more soon!

[@OriginalMergatroid]

Along with Leave that Thing Alone.

[@IanHillan]

I would like to suggest them playing YYZ Live in Rio. It will blow your minds.

[@MrAitraining]

Overrated and cliche request. Rio goes nuts for anyone.

[@nigelsixx8126]

'The Strange Village' (perhaps a ham-handed translation) was inspired by a dream that alex lifeson had one night, and developed in the studio into an EPIC FREAKIN' JAM. there are bits that segued into a warner-bros. cartoonish homage ("powerhouse" from the 'carl stalling project'...)

[@scottlaughlin9897]

Geddy lee is no joke on Bass! Probably one of the best in Rock!

[@TheThamesmen]

agreed

[@winstonlane708]

🎸🐐

[@BrakRulesAll]

To see a much newer live version, check out the 2011 performance on the Time Machine tour. It was the first encore at the end of the show. The comedy stuff at the show had a polka theme, so the beginning of the song was tweaked accordingly. Check out the puzzled looks on some of the up-front fans' faces as the song starts and they have no idea wtf they are doing.. then BOOM!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKC3qYeDa9B1q7c

[@TheThamesmen]

Noted and thanks!! Thanks for being here and more soon!

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

That was top drawer. The guy on bass was also using what looked like Moog Taurus bass pedals and was that a Mini Moog as well? Love a good instrumental especially when it’s played as well as this

[@TheThamesmen]

CLASSIC !! Thanks for being here and more soon!

[@dave131]

My older brother put this song on for me then gave me his headphones. 2 months later after saving my lawn mowing money, bought by first guitar. This guitar solo caused that and I'm still playing 40+ years later.

[@TheThamesmen]

They are truly inspirational and genius

[@RGP0503]

Thanks for this. This is one of my favourite Rush tracks. You used the word “opus” a couple of times. To hear Rush’s real opus, try listening to 2112. This is created in 7 parts. It is 20 minutes long and live crowds go wild when they hear the beginning and end at a concert. If you do have the time it would be well worth it. It is their classic. But use the version with either the lyrics or the comic book (cartoon). Well done. You have a wonderful channel. From Canada..... keep up the great work!

[@TheThamesmen]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RogueReplicant]

Yes, I hope they do the best version ever of 2112, the one off the live album All the World's a Stage.

[@danr7708]

Great vid and reactions. To me it's not just that they *remember* the parts - it's that they come up with them first and then arrange them so the sequences make sense musically. Songs like this, Xanadu, 2112 etc. etc. (I do wish more 2112 reaction vids would avoid the cartoon video; reading-while-listening pulls focus away from the music and really, the story is fairly self-evident on listening.)

[@AvindDeMaros]

It was great to see Rush in their younger days. Now, if you want to see them around 40 years later you really need to do YYZ from Rush Live in Rio.

[@tpronko1]

In a previous video, you commented about how you think the bass player (Geddy Lee) was playing pedals. He does so in most songs. You can see him make several bass stabs during the wide shot at 8:18 into this video. Usually whenever you see him on the keys, he's playing pedals. Also, if you ever watch a live Rush video and hear something but don't know where it came from, odds are it was coming from Geddy's feet. I really enjoy your videos!

[@jaywitt5171]

Gents - watch the live from Cleveland time machine tour video to see them 30 years later. It's the same but better.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Jay.... noted

[@bevofrancis4309]

Gives Me Such Pleasure To See You Guys Having Such A Fun Time In All Your Reactions .......🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦😎

[@TheThamesmen]

Well we are not doing it for money! We are two old friends who have an epic excuse to listen to music and hang out. Just happy others can join us.

[@mylesdevine9513]

Neil is and was the worlds greatest drummer!!!!!!!! Check out his solo!!!!!!! Neil Peart live in Frankfurt!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Will check this... Many thanks. Thanks for being here and more soon!

[@ericvonsteuben7533]

I agree, but watching the below is my favorite, because Neil knew how important Buddy was to drumming. You two should react to this... kzbin.info/www/bejne/imHKinuCoL5np6M

[@gold98gtp]

@@ericvonsteuben7533 I prefer the 2008 version. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3Wtg6KEbr6il9U

[@ericvonsteuben7533]

@@gold98gtp Never saw that. Thanks for the link!

[@VegasAlien1]

No, he was not the world's greatest drummer, but I am guessing your favorite. You need to open your ears and broaden your horizons.

[@generoberts9151]

Guys, that is probably their best rendition. All the live stuff from Exit Stage Left is phenomenal. Circa 1981 when Rush was at its peak. Got to see Xanadu from that. Limelight is good too.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks also many thanks for being here and more soon!

[@grahamkey8496]

1981 was the year I first saw them. Seen them on every UK tour ever since, and one US tour too.

[@MsBenlane]

laura secondary school 1974 st catharines ontario video has early rush with the first drummer and rush with rock star outfits, necklaces, bracelets, hair. there is also footage of alex about 16 in a documentary doing jimi hendrix. hell of a guitarist even then

[@michaelkeller6223]

Contains TWO of my top 10 favorite guitar solos of all time! The drum composition is off the charts including some of the best high hat work I have ever heard..oh and Geddys not bad either…😜

[@TheThamesmen]

Couldn't agree more!

[@drwho9209]

First time I saw them was at a local hockey rink, Tour of the Hemispheres rocked.

[@TheThamesmen]

You're a lucky person!

[@toronto57]

Great reaction lads... Cheers!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for being here with us

[@wadesworld6250]

The guitar solo at 7:57 I believe is one of the best in all of rock and roll, but sadly most rock fans have never heard it. BTW, you should do a reaction to "La Villa Strangiato Live in Cleveland." It's one of their best videos IMHO, they're so relaxed and having so much fun.

[@TheThamesmen]

So is that some years later and so a good contrast?

[@davecole2561]

Lifeson's playing oozes soul and moves me like few other guitarists, right up to the end with his last recorded solo on The Garden. Considering this was meant as a tongue in cheek instrumental about his dreams, it's strangely moving and magnificent as it builds.

[@osn3215]

Some song facts: This video was recorded live. Alex and Geddy also played pedals in early chapters of this song. Go back and watch Alex's feet while he's playing guitar.

[@TheThamesmen]

No idea how they do it!

[@LeewardStudios]

The song they had to record in sections because they could not get through the whole song without messing up in the studio. Now check out the live version from the Time Machine tour from Cleveland. The song evolved and blows me away like it was brand new.

[@TheThamesmen]

Will do! Many thanks for being here!

[@bradb3248]

Hey guys, you need to see the Rush documentary, Beyond The Lighted Stage, three great guys.

[@TheThamesmen]

I ned more time in my life :) Be well and thanks for being here

[@ashleygraham8781]

Take a trip into space with Cygnus X1 Book 1 and 2. Book one is the final song on A Farewell to Kings and Book two is the first song on the next album, Hemispheres. Or just listen to both albums in full. It's all good.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Ashley - We will check it out!! Thanks for being here and more soon!

[@VANISHTHEWEAK]

As a group. They are the best Musicians together. Individually they are all top 3 in their categories. That's just my thought. I'm seldom wrong. Music is better then dodging Bullets. Stay strong Ukraine.

[@lawman2112]

The album notes this song as an "Exercise in self indulgance". fittingly

[@TheThamesmen]

Brilliant :)

[@hulaGUNZ]

It astonishes me to this day that Neil had to audition for tihs gig in the best trio of all time...Alex & Geddy were successful already.

[@TheThamesmen]

would it not be great to see audition tapes and how it went down?

[@brianparsa7794]

Actually Alex & Geddy were not successful already; their first album (recorded with their original drummer) was a sales dud, and that drummer had health problems too. They needed a new drummer, and Neil wasn't a high profile, widely recognized drummer yet; thus he had to audition. Perfectly reasonable in retrospect.

[@hulaGUNZ]

It even further astonishes me to this day that these 3 met up to play....the music industry has changed so much now. More recently, this part of the world has provided us with musicians like Bieber, Drake, The Weekend, Shawn Mendes. Imagine if they all somehow knew each other and formed a band that lasted 40 years....you can only imagine....and there's one too many.

[@kevlar_t4echo]

Here is another great, early version of the track w/ a different guitar intro from Alex...for your viewing and listening pleasure. Back in the day when Eddie Van Halen was asked what it was like to be the greatest guitarist of the time, he replied "I don't know, ask Alex Lifeson".

[@TheThamesmen]

Cool response! He is pretty amazing

[@OriginalMergatroid]

That's a myth. Check around youtube and you will see that exact same quote attributed to a lot of other guitarists about assorted guitarists. As far as I have seen it goes back at least as far as Hendrix.

[@kevlar_t4echo]

@@OriginalMergatroid Perhaps...i read an article many years ago and it has been referenced many times by other artists. I would have to seek it out. I recall the article having him saying it tongue in cheek, as he and Lifeson both tended to be w/ comments. They were friendly as well...so it is not that far fetched, whether fully intended or meant to be a rib of sorts. As well it wouldn't be unlikely if it were stated that it was passed down the pipeline and utilized in different instances many times. For myself, i wasn't insinuating Lifeson is better....i like them both, but they are different players.

[@winstonlane708]

🎸🐐

[@christhecurator]

Like yourselves I had only heard bit and pieces of Rush over the years, but boy am I relishing the journey with you two. Please keep Rushing! Also, was the Viennese sausage anything to do with your virginity loss Alex? It's a safe space, let it out. Great video guys, really enjoyed it!

[@mattycobby27]

What a masterpiece. Check out the whole album, Hemispheres. Their best in my opinion.

[@TheThamesmen]

Will do....just need more time in my life!

[@j.r.huffnstuff3549]

A year late, but I ALWAYS have to listen to A Farewell To King's and Hemispheres together. Cygnus x1 with both parts is a must, and the songs on both albums feel like a montages of different eras of a world/universe where the entire thing takes place. It's wonderful.

[@infectedvector]

40 years later, Rush never fails to impress with ALL of their music. This song, however, only got better. Check it out.

[@TheThamesmen]

OK... that sounds ace!

[@dsomerville5293]

Gotta listen to THE EPIC 2112. I was hooked when i was 14 yrs old first time listening. I wanted to be a guitarist that day

[@TheThamesmen]

We will absolutely do this. Just need some time to get there!

[@j.c.a2872]

the studio version is an absolute must !!!! I would also suggest Cygnus X-1 and Cygnus X-1 Book 2, Bastille Day, Natural Science and Jacobs' Ladder !!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Noted - Many thanks!!

[@mjlmmjlm262]

Like your reaction.👍 Alex is a guitar god and is often said to be underrated. I look at it a little different. You're playing with a top 3 drummer ever. Maybe the same rating for the bassist. Yet he fits in flawlessly. If he wasn't that good it would definitely be noticeable. Cheers.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for being here, we never take it for granted. Be well and more soon!

[@tilemonkee5510]

Hey,I'm already well aware, and justified, that anyone who doesn't like this can FECK OFF!! Still, there's a certain joy in watching someone else enjoy this virtuosity. Welcome the world's most common club- people that like Rush! Great reaction, guys!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thank you! Love the word Feck, did you ever watch Father Ted?

[@tilemonkee5510]

@@TheThamesmen haven't watched father Ted, but I've watched quite a few Mrs Brown's boys. Good fer a laff!

[@JeromeDukes]

People mentioned this song is based on Alex's dreams. Alex would mentioned to his mates about the funny dream he had and the boys would get a chuckle about it. That's why the section in the song "Monsters" has a comedy feel think Monster's Inc. The section after Monsters Peart wanted it to have a big band feel, hence the jazz drumming but it you listen to Alex's guitar solo, it sounds like the horn section of a big band. Great reaction.

[@garylogan3640]

A composition in 12 movements, based on some of Alex Lifeson's nightmares.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thank you for supporting us and being here. I hope you enjoyed the vid. Have a fab weekend. Cheers G&A

[@bengriffin1089]

Another great reaction, thanks guys. It’s not my favourite Rush song, but the drum part in the 7/8 section is absolutely spellbinding: one of the passages that sets Neil Peart apart from everyone else. In addition to the classic tracks, you might consider some of the more recent tracks like “Clockwork Angels” or “Armour and Sword”.

[@TheThamesmen]

Added! There's a 7/8 section? Gawd.... didn't pick any of that up!!!

[@clab5864]

Doesn't Rush just make you HAPPY!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

:) Many thanks for being here!

[@TheIpadfanatic]

ATTENTION ALL NEWCOMERS: Consider staying and subscribing. This channel is dedicated to GOOD music reactions. No pausing. Then discussion. That said, there are still questions we need answered: 1) Why isn't RUSH considered one of the greatest bands of all time? 2) Why is George turning into Gandalf the Grey? 3) Why are there no Dentists in the UK? 4) Why does Alex spin 360 degrees at random intervals and does The Working Man with the Viennese sausage have anything to do with the rotation? 5) What is the Meaning of Life? (Monty Python's explanation was a little vague) Great job Thamesmen! Can't wait for the next installment.

[@TheThamesmen]

Answer to all those questions is 42

[@paultreneary]

How? Practise, practise, practise, and passion. My mate and I used to try to play this - we weren't a million miles away (I could never solo, but he could - and he was a drummer!) but if you love something, you can give it a decent stab (even if you do sound a bit ropey in places!).

[@Clever01010]

Everybody thinks Alex lifson is underrated. He's not. Rolling Stone Rated Alex Top 3 Best guitarist of all time. That's Facts and proof from this song and 2112.

[@circulation69]

For a later version of the song, there's a version from Rio, Brazil where the crowd is going nuts to this song, probably a good version to pick. Loads of great Rush songs you could pick, some great suggestions already mentioned, but if you don't know it then the track 2112, that's the place to go. It's the track that turned them stratospheric and many would site it as the moment Prog Rock turned into Prog Metal. Great reaction as always guys :)

[@TheThamesmen]

Awesome... noted and we do need to do a later version! Thanks for being here and more soon!

[@winstonlane708]

RUSH 🐐🐐🐐 G.O.A.T

[@TheThamesmen]

HA :) More Rush soon

[@rickdaniels1789]

Hey, just discovered you lads, brilliant channel. My first thought was Bill Gates and Steve Jones, haha! Only joking of course. Loving the content!

[@TheThamesmen]

Awesome, thank you!

[@brettking1014]

Epic track! If you want a good live version later on in their career, check out this song Live in Rio. They goof around a lot with this song live. Great reaction!

[@TheThamesmen]

Bloody amazing track

[@davymc6764]

The best version is pink pop festival included in the exit stage left dvd/vhs

[@macintosh3990]

You have listen to Neal Peart play with a big band / jazz band !! Song is called "cottontail" in 2008 ... amazing track !!

[@Alandennis1]

On the album, La Villa is described as "An exercise in self-indulgence". That's not the definition but it is how they viewed this song. How dynamic and challenging can a song get yet still be played night after night live? Never get tired of it. Love the live version on Exit Stage Left live album. Fun fact: Part of the middle piece came from Bugs Bunny factory music.

[@lewisbernstein4272]

which came from a jazz group called Powerhouse

[@mewubzy]

love how the drumming and guitar come together at 8:50

[@SaulTyre]

Great reaction guys and yes they deffinitely improved year on year, especially live. I'm one of their biggest fans, never missed a tour of UK from 1977 - 2013 taking in 14 concerts, phenomenal is an understatement. Neil Peart RIP. Here's a beautiful song of similar quality from 1979, a different genre but just as comparable in complexity and charisma - Narada Michael Walden - The Dance of Life - video link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4K3lq2LbsaZn9E - sorry I could not find a live performance.

[@1teamski]

Welcome to the magic that is RUSH.

[@TheThamesmen]

They sure are!

[@cityhonors1]

😍 YAAAAAAAS! 😍 La Villa Strangiato! Let's Go! 😊 I got snacks! 😏 And left you The Gilmour Project links as requested. 🍿🐰

[@TheThamesmen]

Welcome back. Awesome recommendation from everyone!

[@kenmolinaro]

They have said that when they first wrote this song it was beyond them to play through correctly in one go. The version on the album is actually cut together because they could not do it in one take. My recommendation for the next Rush reaction: Natural Science.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Ken and noted. Thanks for being here and more soon!

[@sean---the-other-one]

Cracker track. La Villa Strangiato is all the more impressive when you think that they were about 24-25 years old when they conceived, wrote, and recorded it. Stunning stuff. Hey, aside from the Aussie stuff I suggested off the back of Aussie week, I’ve got a single song suggestion that I think you’ll love. Lopsy Lu by Stanley Clarke, the studio version. If you search on YT you’ll find a thumbnail with his self-titled red album cover and Stanley playing his bass on it. Stanley is sort of the bass version of an amalgamation of Stevie Wonder and Stevie Ray Vaughan. It’s the chops with the funk. Check it out, even if you can’t afford the time on the channel, have a listen for your own personal listening enjoyment. Cheers, guys!

[@TheThamesmen]

Kool... take care

[@wendylynn4318]

The Camera Eye -- it has a section about London!

[@kerrysmith1899]

Down the rabbit hole with these two.

[@TheThamesmen]

Lost mate...

[@kerrysmith1899]

@@TheThamesmen Rush fans refer to going down the rabbit hole, as when new fans discover what a terrific band they were. So many great tunes to listen to and explore. We're all down the rabbit hole.

[@TheThamesmen]

@@kerrysmith1899 or is it Rabbit warren?

[@kerrysmith1899]

@@TheThamesmen Hole. Alice in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll was English, wasn't he?

[@nodrush80]

The greatest.

[@TheThamesmen]

Its stunning eh!

[@AlexBarregon]

My wife and I were fortunate to see Rush’s 30 anniversary performance in Glasgow. They are magic live, it is a real shame how it had end. I would suggest 2112 or for something different The Trees.

[@TheThamesmen]

You are very lucky and congratulations on the anniversary some years ago! Thanks For the advice

[@AlexBarregon]

Thanks! If would like to see Neil’s drum kit used in full look at Der Trommler on R30 (Rush’s 30th anniversary). Absolutely magical.

[@3felinesstudio]

Whew!!!!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Yep!

[@verarodriguez3970]

Rush is amazing! you brits have some of the best bands in the world (rush, deep purple, pink floyd, led zeppelin, judas priest, genesis, the who, Jethro Tull, black sabbath, Supertramp, I mean the list is infinite). Apart from Nightwish of course, I suggest Yngwie Malmsteen - Black Star , for some guitar ecstasy

[@TheThamesmen]

Love to claim Rush but Canada might invade as they are very much from there!

[@verarodriguez3970]

@@TheThamesmen LOL my mistake. I have to admit, it's the only band I haven't really gotten too deep into yet. You win anyway!