Xanadu (solo) - Alex Lifeson / Rush. 30 Days of Lerxst (Day 21)

[@slicksalmon6948]

I'm continuing to give you thumbs up in spite of the fact that I don't think I'm smart enough to listen to Rush. Your playing remains unbelievably outstanding, and I enjoy your background stories.

[@nickybhoof]

Lol not smart enough to listen to Rush? That's silly, what do you mean???

[@stevenmurawski3805]

Love the concept of a month of Lerxst. Xanadu is a classic and you nailed it! I great way to end a long day on the job. Keep up the great work.

[@bluefunkt]

Ahh, this is the track that got me hooked on Rush! It blew my tiny 8-year-old mind back in the late 70s when I heard my brother playing this one. I immediately asked if he could tape this for me, and later when I had my own turntable I 'borrowed' the album from him! 😁 Such a masterpiece, and what I really love about this track is that it was recorded outdoors at Rockfield Studios, which was only a few miles away from where I grew up. So I like to think that the sparrows chirping in the background could have been the ones I heard in my own garden. Rush did Program music so well- a fine example is YYZ which tells a whole story that takes us around the globe in under 5 minutes. Very evocative solo, you can feel the protagonist's anguish pain at leaving Xanadu, the place he loved but fought to leave for so long. Amazing song, and one that got me into literature in a big way (which in turn inspired my daughter to study literature). Wonderful to see this piece examined.

[@Robert_Bubba_Baker]

Another great solo and a great explanation of prog. If someone doesn’t like Rush. That’s their problem lol

[@paulsagliocca982]

the people who tune in needs to keep growing. you are a joy watch and listen to, and the videos are well thought out, entertaining and informative. You definitely are one of the best at it! Love the tone, style and ability...Incredible

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

Thanks Paul, appreciate that mate. Would be incredible to get some love from the algorithm for a change, it's pretty brutal towards my channel overall. I'll just keep plugging away I suppose growing this channel organically one sub at a time.

[@sirwinston2368]

5/1/23 - I'm 62. I was a huge Rush fan in the late 70's. I have been playing the guitar since '74 (?) and I'm still a hack. I still play 2112, Fly by Night, Xanadu, Farewell to Kings, In the Mood, etc. I am nowhere near as good as you, however (I'm not much of a lead player, even after 49 years). I saw Rush with UFO at Cobo Arena in Detroit on 12/15/77. I was 16 years old. I sort of lost interest in Rush after Hemispheres. Thanks for the video. Brings back lots of memories.

[@jonbigg7385]

Can never get enough Rush! Thank you for all these videos. I think you and I have very similar taste. Pretty much very solo you picked, as well as the riffs you close in the riffs video (I absolutely love Red Sector A), were damn close to what I would've picked. I cut my teeth in a cover band back in the early to mid 80s and one thing we were really proud of was learning and covering Xanadu.

[@chrishh03]

Great video, great solo, great insight! Can't wait to see what you do next for 30 Days of Lerxst!

[@robertsims6718]

Fantastic job...a lesson playing Xanadu solo coming..?? But if not watching you play is a treat!!

[@thebluesrockers]

What a great Story with 2112. I've never heard programed music explained like you did here. Very interesting. One thing that usually blows my mind with Alex's solo's. He has a melodic approach to his solo's with bursts of chaotic bursts and flurries but always brings back the melodic touch to his solo's to end them. Truly an outstanding player as you're very aware of.

[@dwaynejessome1728]

love the work ethic KDA!!

[@TheAceneagles]

one of my favorite Rush tunes!! sick playing as usual, too!

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

Thanks Adam! And thanks for watching as well mate.

[@obieacres4676]

You do an awesome job explaining the songs.

[@timculp4126]

Great solo. Well done.

[@loveguitars]

Awesome!! 🔥

[@jeffpecosky5682]

RUSH is one of the BEST BANDS of all time and you my friend could of played in this band without a Question , you are a GOD brother.

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

Your too kind Jeff, but I appreciate that of course, haha.

[@gregb.5056]

Another awesome video. When you're finished the month, how about a video about setting up Bias FX 2 for classic 80s guitar tones. Just got the software and would love to hear your ideas. Keep up the great work, and thanks very much.

[@timculp4126]

Thanks!

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

Tim, you're awesome mate, thank you for that!

[@drblacko]

I've never been able to get into Rush and couldn't recognise any songs, maybe parts of 2112, from Guitar hero. However, I've really enjoyed watching these videos!

[@dbrown6451]

Yes! Nailed it with a 🔨

[@gregring895]

You're killing it👍👍👍

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

Cheers Greg, thanks man!

[@petemeyers5342]

Awesomely played! I think on the original he bent the Low E string behind the nut to sharpen it on those first few notes.

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

Yep, he certainly wasn't using a floating tremolo at this point. I just thought it sounded really cool (and close) doing it like this.

[@alanbroome7163]

damm thats good playing

[@dbrown6451]

Wish list 👉🏻 Leave that thing alone from Counterparts & Head Long Flight, The Garden.

[@JamMan6string]

Is Natural Science too lyrically vivid to fall into this Program Music category? btw - I picked up a perfectly ripe honeydew last week. That's not an easy task when they come all the way from Guatemala.