The Daily Doug Analyzes Tom Sawyer (Rush) [studio and live versions] (Episode 257)

#Rush #RushReaction #TomSawyer
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm listening to the classic song Tom Sawyer by Rush. While not a first reaction, this is the first time that I'm taking a critical look at the musical and lyrical components of this tune. We're listening to the 1981 official video, using the studio recording...and then the 2011 live version from the Time Machine tour. Enjoy!
Reference video: • Rush - Tom Sawyer
Reference video: • "Tom Sawyer" by Rush (...
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[@reactionsaccount3955]

I admire how unlike so many other iconic artists, these guys once they realized that they couldn't give their 100% on stage anymore, they called it quits, so that even in the end they still had so much class and professionalism.

[@chrishayes4323]

It helped their decision to call it quits that their drummer was dying of cancer (R.I.P. Neil), but one of my friends saw them on their final tour and said they were awesome.

[@LeviRamsey]

@@chrishayes4323 Neil wasn't diagnosed until at least a year after the final show, though Neil had basically decided before that tour that he was done (he basically decided that he would only do that tour if Geddy or Alex said "I want to do one last tour because I don't think I'll be able to do it physically in a couple of years" because if someone one cares about really wants something and one is able to do your part to help them have it, then one should do it... and then Alex said exactly that (which precipitated a night of cursing in a hotel room in Toronto...)). They were awesome that tour, even if Neil's feet were in a ton of pain from an infection.

[@jennifere3851]

I saw them twice on that final tour...amazing

[@flagace4889]

Le Studio, which used to be located in the beautiful Laurentian Mountains, north of Montreal, Qc, Canada.

[@martinplamondon4145]

Unfortunately abandoned and vandalized... so sad. All artists who recorded there said it was an amazing studio.

[@mposh]

And then burned down

[@25newrush]

Doug I’ve seen Rush 30 times since 1982 signals tour And I’ve got to say I feel so lucky to be on earth at the same time they were

[@dtltmtgt]

Heard this song SO MANY times in my life, but it remains in my personal top 5 of all time. Great episode Doug! I very much look forward to more Rush.

[@pauljennings7595]

I agree with D. When Max Webster was opening for Rush, Rush joined them onstage to perform the Max Webster song Battlescar. There's a audio/video here on youtube. It's a very powerful and relevant song.

[@davenelson-xk6oc]

Hey Doug this concert is on DVD. I was at all three shows in Cleveland in 2011. Seen rush over 20 times in Cleveland over 20 years.

[@aloyalcatholic5785]

Definitely a Quebec winter outside. I've lived that.

[@gerryweed7697]

😎👍❄

[@marsdrums6298]

I saw every tour in the Chicago/Wisconsin area starting with this album. Then in 2005 we caught them a couple of times in the Atlanta area. Great shows always! They will be missed for sure. No other band could reach their level of professionalism.

[@Zseventyone]

I don't have to imagine getting this album and being blown away.

[@guydelorme8641]

Your right they tape this at Morein-Heights,at Le Studio.Sadly the place does not exist anymore.Morein-Heights is a paradise for cross country skiing.Back then everybody around kept the secret about the location of the studio...

[@greggsimmons3392]

Rush actually played at my high school in the early 70's - a few years before I got there. Moving Pictures came out while I was in high school and the songs were everywhere - it's still one of my favourite albums. I did eventually see them in Toronto on the Grace Under Pressure tour - just amazing. Thanks for some great insights (palindrome time?) for a song I grew up with!

[@debbieplato5107]

Yes, Max Webster are Canadian as well and used to tour with Rush in the early years. Check out the song Battlescar where both Max Webster and Rush play together. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@richpeltier9519]

It's odd listening to Rush now, without Neil in the world. I've been listening to these songs for decades and while my appreciation and understanding of them has grown over the years... the dramatic change in the experience of listening to them now is fundamentally different for me. Rush has always been music of purest emotions, quite often joy. Now every song has an additional twinge of loss, with the knowledge that the Professor has concluded his lessons. 🤘🧙‍♂️🤘 Rich the Ancient Metal Beast

[@pillsareyummy]

Bubbles will never get to hear Neil do his drum solo agian. Ricky, well ... He hates RUSH, he prefers Helix.

[@Pyratic]

Rush are amazing. I saw them perform in Red Deer AB back in 2013 or 2014. They were originally supposed to perform in Calgary. However, Calgary had a massive flood in 2013 and they had to postpone it since the stadium was flooded. The concert rescheduled to Red Deer became a benefit concert where all proceeds went to the flood relief for Calgary. Rush didn't use opening bands at that time. They would come out, play for an hour and a half, take a 20-30 minute break then play another set for an hour and a half or so. For the Red Deer show, they played the first half of the show with no in-ear monitors. There was a technical error and they couldn't get it to work. They fixed it for the second half, but you wouldn't have been able to tell. It was a great show.

[@chrismacrae6990]

I have not had the pleasure of seeing Rush live. Sounds like they put on a good show

[@Barnes466]

April Wine from Canada also recorded here!! You have to check out that band too sometime!!!! Thanks for the reactions love and support from Halifax, Canada :)

[@ericsyre9418]

Sadly, the studio it was recorded in has been left abandoned for decades. There is a cool documentary hidden somewhere on KZbin about it.

[@jackteppo9633]

I was at the Time Machine tour in Cleveland. It was so cool.

[@robburgess4556]

Hey Doug, Neil has said many times that getting this song right was incredibly difficult and a good gauge of how his playing was holding up. So, yeah, he played it the same as the original record. He could have simplified it on a rough night but 1,000 air drummers would have noticed 🤘🏼

[@JungleScene]

yep, neil also mentions its still one of his favorite songs to play even after all these years because its so difficult to play even for himself. it was always very important to neil to NAIL this song live.

[@gerryvandyk5551]

i always found it interesting when Neil was interviewed, he always spoke about playing this song "Right" as opposed to playing it 'Well" or some other adjective. He mentioned on many occasions that he's not all that improvisational when playing, much more compositional in his approach.

[@josefkurtz2223]

Love when you throw your keys into it. Not a student of music but i appreciate it. Father joe taught me violin in catholic school. Wish i could remember that now. I just do tab on the guitar.

[@BMichel347]

Le Studio saw so many great artists. I saw Rush 7 times, always great

[@romanthedog6861]

I was really impressed to know that they are using the chords from both E major scale and E minor scale even in E major key. It’s intriguing. Your videos always stimulate my intellectual curiosity. Thank you so much, Doug!

[@davidstanbridge9942]

Max Webster (Kim Mitchell) is a great Canadian band - love them to death - check out the songs Battle Scar (with the boys from Rush); Toronto Tontos: Hangover: Diamonds Diamonds: Blue River Liquor Shine: Paradise Skies: and so many other cuts - the band never broke in the US but were huge in Southern Ontario

[@TayR0C]

You go rock a piss, I'm gonna rock some Mitchell.

[@paulphilp1193]

OMG. A favorite band. I'd add Gravity to that excellent list.

[@TayR0C]

kidding aside. I saw Kim live at the Taste of Edmonton. That was a good day.

[@mrnobody3161]

Found Max Webster as a teenager in the 70's. Oh War! Is my favorite song by them. PG rated (language). 💭🤔

[@Bartysquire]

Max was a great fucking band. Kim Mitchell another Canadian treasure.

[@kevindohn6776]

Hi Doug, thanks for doing this. I like all kinds of music, but Rush is definitely one of my favourite bands since i first saw them back in 1978. I had all the records, tapes, and cd's and was always excited when a new record came out. I saw one show from every single tour since then, i think 19 times in all. About 6 years ago, I was walking around exploring inside of Le Studio morin heights, and by then it was falling apart, but i remember the feeling of being in that room thinking, this is the room that is in the Tom Sawyer video, this is where permanent waves, and moving pictures and signals were recorded, was pretty cool day, mixed emotions, now the building is gone.

[@ptrlxc]

A musical palindrome? I’m still learning more of songs I’ve listened to for years. Thank you.

[@jamcam9]

The reason why we guys with high voices like to play bass is because we then command the entire harmonic spectrum. Everyone in the band has to adjust to what we're doing both at the top and the low end. ULTIMATE POWEEERRRRRR.

[@tomatoseed1443]

Doug's delighted smile says it all! Great reaction to truly great music!

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

There will never be another bank like RUSH! Their sound is unique and their talent and innovation nothing short of amazing. I am so grateful that this amazing trio contributed so much great music to the soundtrack of my young adulthood and coming of age.

[@alwaysprepared]

I saw the Time Machine tour in Tulsa a month or so later. The only time I saw Rush, unfortunately. But, glad I got to go, for sure!!

[@The66Malibu]

The band members are such professional musicians. Seen them 10 times and they always sound just like the album. #RIPNeil

[@robthomson916]

Max Webster is definitely worth a listen if you’ve never heard them, very unique. Max Webster was the support band on the Moving Pictures tour.

[@OurBrilliantMistake]

Certainly from Ontario I’d know of Mitchell and Max Webster

[@stevefick3919]

"No cigarettes, no matches!"

[@siddokis2945]

"Alka-seltzer, Tang and a 50, it's all over, I got a hangover."

[@SirManfly]

@@stevefick3919 haa haa my favourite album of theirs!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnandrews3568]

Max would be an awesome band for Doug to review.... I have NO FIRE... on MEEEEE

[@Jonno2summit]

Rush is the perfect drug. Take it, and it will send you on a trip and actually make you smarter and live a better life with no ill effects.

[@blanewilliams5960]

Very well done, Doug. I have been following Rush since the beginning. It's too bad you never saw them live as they were always Excellent. I saw them several times, mostly in the earlier years and was always amazed. Cheers!

[@TayR0C]

I saw them live in 2010 and a week later was Iron Maiden. That was a good week.

[@blanewilliams5960]

@@TayR0C Nice, I saw Maiden a few times as well.

[@TayR0C]

@@blanewilliams5960 I've seen Maiden more than any other band. Five times. Sonata Arctica 4 times. Nightwish 3 times. And the rest are all 2 or 1.

[@wm-nu1yf]

I remember when this was new. Took me a long time to get into Rush, now they are one of my favorite bands. Saw them on the Time Machine tour in Ft Lauderdale. Incredible concert.

[@trip2way]

Dude, I'm subscribed. You're modest frame of reference is very refreshing. Thanks for sharing!

[@EnerGeezerSquirrel]

Geddy's voice had reached the "No speaking on off days" stage in the last years. Consistency has its costs... [ p/s: "Working Man - Live in Cleveland" is a super live track. Playing it where they "broke" gave them an energy, and especially the ending, that's the best they ever put into that piece. Admittedly, I haven't seen every performance of it they ever did. ]

[@danausten1046]

Jon Anderson of Yes won’t speak on tour either from the 80’s to save his voice.

[@harvey66616]

I love Rush. My favorite band for decades. But IMHO Geddy's voice was already failing during the 2011 tour shown here, in spite of whatever precautions he'd been doing between shows. Years of strain have taken their toll. :( I am ever grateful that he gave himself to his art though. This was the cost, but it brought us years of amazing music.

[@ATAH69]

Hi Doug, Nice reaction. RUSH are amazing! I'm kind of an old school RUSH fan but totally understood that you have to record song's Playable for radio in order to make a good living.... Personally I prefer the earlier day's vocal tone by Geddy up to Their Hemispheres album... But musically they have been always at the top, if not on the top! It's always been solid from their beginning right up to their last album release.... Oh man, I feel for you. Seeing RUSH live is truly an experience that will last forever.... I consider myself lucky to have seen them so many times... As for Max Webster, They were a great Canadian band with lead guitarist & vocals by Kim Mitchel who also had a pretty successful Solo career. Definitely recommending you check them out as well... A few song's to listen/react too are (Here Among The Cats) (Gravity) (Coming Off The Moon) (Research, At Beach Resorts) (Hangover) Here's a couple of their more softer tune's (Blowing The Blues Away) (Diamonds Diamonds) You just might be pleasantly surprised as well.... Thanks Kevin

[@sants.guitar]

I finally get to see this! Rock on Dr.Helvering!

[@Safe-Cracker]

want to be blown away... do the same with working man original version then their live in cleveland version of it and see them go all in

[@claudegougeon3066]

I think it was mixed at Morin Heights Studio in Quebec Canada

[@CanadaMikeB]

Tom Sawyer remains the only song that all of my cover bands has had to play. My band Purple City (from Edmonton) opened for Kim Mitchell in 2018. Met him backstage. He and his bassist Peter Fradette were very cool to hang and talk with. I play the bass, keys, and bass pedals in this one and it is one of my favourites but I actually much prefer The Camera Eye on this album. Would love to hear your take on that epic song.

[@na-tv6rn]

Rush is life.

[@SylviusTheMad]

It's ironic that Rush making shorter songs got them more radio play, because their first radio hit (Working Man) was originally chosen by a Cleveland radio station because it was the longest song on the album.

[@alainrobert9096]

I saw them often on show and it was always wonderful! Thank you for this analysis Doug !

[@tazyou11]

I am thankful to have seen Rush live 3 times, although the last time was for the Test For Echo Tour in 1996 or so. I regret not seeing them towards the end of touring.They were amazing live. All their music is amazing. I would recommend you listen to every song you haven't Doug, because each one is worth listening to, even if they aren't all masterpieces.

[@garywaterman814]

As others have mentioned, the studio "LeStudio" where this was recorded and filmed is an interesting study in itself. Its a legendary studio. Plenty of little documentaries and home video available to look at to understand how amazing that studio was. Bands would stay there for weeks at a time when recording. It a remote retreat. Many huge albums by big names came out of there. Id say its one of the top 10 studios of importance in music history. For Rush it was known as their "Abby Road". I believe they recorded 5 albums there (maybe more). Another fantastic music video filmed in the same studio in very much the same atmosphere is "I Like to Rock" by April Wine. If you spent an hour understanding the history of the studio you wouldnt regret it. It would have been such a cool place to visit. Unfortunately its all but destroyed in recent times by vandals and fire.

[@dartagnan6634]

Really cool reaction 🤘

[@curtarmmar]

Neil has often said that the most difficult thing about his drum parts is playing them exactly the same every time. He made it seem easy but we all know his parts are incredibly thoughtful and intricate. By the way I have the same aroma diffuser as you do, Doug!

[@edwinwoods8294]

incredible...insight

[@gregbecker8446]

Neil once said that playing Tom Sawyer was his penultimate song because the fills were so involved.

[@afbill4219]

I've always felt that one thing overlooked about Rush's music is how, a lot of the time, the bass will take over the melody. It was a great way for a trio to have a lead over the melody.

[@meandragon5984]

rush and max webster played at my high school in the 70's

[@Maxpower36912]

Try some of their longer more complex songs such as: hemispheres, Cygnus x1, la Villa satraignato, Xanadu. I'm super happy to see you dissecting some Rush

[@kelvindoekes1951]

He has a reaction video for La Villa Strangiato

[@nitro13333]

4:04. 40 years later I can still remember the place and the first moment I heard that opening riff.

[@gerryweed7697]

😎👍✨ Next one from RUSH - Red Sector A = song about Holocaust . Geddy Lee parents was survive to holocaust .. Neil Peart deep lyrics .. 😎👍🎶

[@ileanaospino126]

Rush es otra de las más Icónicas Bandas del Rock Progresivo!! Tom Sawyer es mi tema N.1 de estos Máster's!! 💖💖🖤🖤💖💖🖤🖤

[@SAVAGE09100]

Great Canadian band and song!!

[@danausten1046]

What a shame, Rush were one of the best live bands ever. I saw them 78 Tampa, 80 in Tallahassee, then in London - 81, 4 more times including this tour and their last tour in 2015 (7 total)! Truly amazing and pretty much time and note perfect without too many changes.

[@andyman58]

Great job on this one.

[@schafn]

In 2016 I rode my motorcycle from western Wisconsin to Morin Heights to visit Le Studio. It had been vandalized by then and was all boarded up, but it was still there. I listened to Permanent Waves by the new front door, Signals out back by the lake, and (saving the best for last) Moving Pictures by the old entrance to the original studio you see in the video. While I was listening to Moving Pictures two guys from Nova Scotia pulled up and waved. They started poking around (as I had) and soon came over to tell me they had found an unlocked door. They said they were going in and asked if I wanted to as well. Of course I did. The whole place had kind of a creepy feel and it was evident people had been going in and doing weird things in there. That said, it was a very cool experience. We made our way through the new part of the studio, mostly in the dark. I had a good flashlight so that was a life-saver. Eventually we got to the old studio where the Tom Sawyer video was made and so many great albums recorded. You could see the old parquet floor and the windows (now covered with plywood) that looked out over Lac Perry. I pulled up the Limelight video on my phone and we watched it in the place it had been recorded. Cool. I think it was the next year that the "renovation" started and the fire occurred. Eventually the whole thing was torn down and the property is now on the market. It is a prime lake-front lot so I'm sure there's some value there for a developer. All the same, it's a shame this shrine of musical history is gone forever. I count myself as lucky that I was able to see it before it disappeared. I still have a piece of glass from the windows behind Neil's kit, as well as a piece of the parquet floor. A great video, to be found on KZbin, is a guy setting up a drum kit in the studio and playing The Spirit of Radio. He was in there before the vandals wrecked the place so you can still look out the windows and see the lake. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHilkIyCr7epptE

[@danielstartek9729]

R.I.P. Le Studio Morin Heights!

[@toddashton9696]

Doug, thanks for this reaction. I missed it when you posted. Love your insightful comments from a composers perspective. This was an interesting way to cover Tom Sawyer from old to new performances. If you want a really fun listen, check out the Max Webster song Battle Scar, which features Rush. PS I loved your epic reaction to Cygnus X-1

[@gregdyar6451]

One word awesome.....

[@marilyncatterall402]

Reagrding Doug's comment at about 12:55 ....... Sting once spoke about singing and bass playing. He liked the fact that his voice occupied the high register, his instrument the low, and the rest of the band sat inbetween.

[@John_Mack]

Kim Mitchell (patio lanterns fame) was the lead singer for Max Webster. Max Webster and Rush were joined at the hip earlier in their carriers. Max would open for Rush and sometimes Rush would open for Max. Worth checking out. Also, keeping Canadian, check out Zon. You will not be disappointed. Zon were a cross between Yes, Led Zeppelin and Rush.

[@bluefenderboy]

It is cool that the music video is filmed in Le Studio. Unfortunately this great studio has been demolished. So much great music was recorded there. It's really quite sad.

[@scottbrown5818]

I love RUSH! I read that because Geddy Lee was the vocalist and the bass player, his bass lines are more melodic, in contrast to say AC/DC. RUSH rocks, yeah! Didn't know that thing about Pi Dubois. RUSH lyrics, very deep. You rock Doug! That was fu**ing Amazing listening to you analyze this. Geddy Lee's voice finally went to shit, so that sucks. Oh well. I still think RUSH is amazing. No other comparable band.

[@dhamilton67]

Yes, Max Webster is a Canadian band, and they KICK ASS

[@realityfuze42]

Interestingly, this is the very first song I ever heard on CD. I was in Victoria, BC (at a stereo shop called A & B Sound) in the summer of '82 and a record company rep was there pushing the new format. The opening riffs of this song absolutely blew me away on CD.

[@somekindoflatindude9497]

Its so heartbreaking that i will never see Rush alive but, i rather be happy because they gave us all this awesome music which we can enjoy than being sad for not watching on stage

[@dabilq5560]

The Professor. Lucky to have seen the volume of music this three man band could produce.

[@GibsonBuck]

Filmed at Le Studio in Morin Heights Québec.

[@mposh]

RIP le Studio

[@SoiledWig]

Peart played the exact same thing in concert all those years later, because he said that after all that time, that drum part was still one of the more challenging, and therefore fun, for him. No need to change it.

[@Barnes466]

The Tea Party is also a great underrated Canadian trio, just amazing group!

[@tommi_marsetio]

That Neil Peart was a legend... inspiration for so many drummers

[@marcntexas]

The ‘81 Exit Stage Left version is also epic in how they performed this live in their younger days. As we all know 😉

[@singer3188]

Went to see Rush on their R40 tour in Chicago for my older brothers bachelor party Easily one of the best live shows Ive had the fortune to see.

[@JungleScene]

That beautiful studio they recorded this in (Le Studio) was completely dilapidated and burned down to a fire. Its dow been fully bulldozed, which is very sad. That studio was used to record for countless legendary artists, such as chicago, the police, the beegees, david bowie, queensryche, celine dion, and a well kept canadian secret called the tea party. There was a kickstarter a few years back to raise money to turn Le Studio into a rush museum of sorts, but basically nobody pledged much money and the place was eventually pulled down.

[@SoiledWig]

Ah, Thet Tea Party! i know them! But i did not know they were Canadian. Heard them so many years ago, now i want to see what they've been up to.

[@edwinwoods8294]

i..loved..this.....great...job

[@kevinmichael2593]

Me Studio is such a wonderful space. So sad it is gone

[@nonsuch]

"Imagine getting this album and hearing bowwwwwwwww..." I did. It was life changing.

[@harryfrigard3975]

Hi Doug,I´m Harry writing and listening from Sweden I just love your programs , would like to hear your reaction on Budgie 😀

[@Frank424]

Pye Dubois was the main lyricist for MaxWebster and half of the driving force behid the band along with Kim Mitchel (founding guitarist/lead vocalist). Pye had a reputation as a poet and progrock visionary. Most of their albums were produced by Terry Brown, RUSH’s producer. MaxWebster was one of my early (and lasting) favs. Pye had a long relationship with RUSH.🇨🇦😃👍

[@danreed5171]

Im a drummer who thinks he is a guitarist as well but, I gotta learn the keys.I feel it but finger place-ment is next

[@digibirder]

Thanks for doing to different performances so far apart. Really great comparison and contrast. You definitely need to to "Battlescar" by Max Webster and RUSH. Its pure hard rock fun verging on metal. Both bands playing at the same time!

[@jenniferadler9473]

You mentioned bassists having high voices. Take a listen to Type O Negative. Peter Steele sang in the bass-baritone range.

[@mikemalade2303]

Rip, Neil, Rip "le studio"

[@mikemalade2303]

BTW live solo was the same!

[@martynsmith6789]

Max Webster, considered by many as the greatest Canadian Band

[@scoutbeavers7355]

Do "subdivisions", that's my favorite 👌

[@moose2577]

I'm such a caveman, I can't understand how you can keep 3 different beats with your feet and both hands.

[@davidbridgeman5828]

Unfortunately I never saw them in concert either, they played in Detroit often through the years. RIP Neil/The Professor!

[@chrismacrae6990]

I have Rush's clockwork angels tour blu-ray and it was a great show

[@patmcc7758]

Check out Brad Mehldau's recent album 'Jacob's Ladder' which features a great interpretation of Tom Sawyer (Mehldau being one of the best jazz pianists in the world).

[@carlbusque1856]

You could buy Le Studio, home to other great recordings of the 80’s. Great review, more Rush please!

[@GibsonBuck]

I've seen them 3 times; Hold Your Fire, R30, R40. Best shows.

[@MrObelisk2290]

Neil said this was the toughest song for him to play

[@donovanemery597]

The band were 27 or 28 when this was recorded

[@johnw706]

Yes , Max Webster is an excellent Canadian band . They came up around the same time as Rush , and they often opened up for Rush . You should check out their music . Start with the albums High Class in Borrowed Shoes and Mutiny Up My Sleeve . They would make a very interesting subject for one of your videos . I think that you might really like them. Cheers !

[@mattdematteo3771]

The song and album the cemented all of their work before… I’ll always side with lifeson in that they should have made 2 more albums in this synth friendly yet guitar heavy formula, WHILE they were hot off this album! Clicks were used on this album, and likely, clicks used live, if only for the count ins! Neil wanted always to be in time, and admits he’d rather have a conductor than sound wrong or too fast or slow… my 5 cents. I once worked with terry Brown long enough to ask a few questions and see his amazing tape/edit/click techniques used with Rush!

[@danreed5171]

Doug your kool as shit bruh.........keyboarding to the song is rt on.........