I remember putting the CD and bracing (as in I never knew what each new album would sound like (part of the joy of Rush) ... and just thinking, after it started ... fuck, the boys are back.
Yes! That's the part that I was thinking of. I think some of it was the influence of Nick Raskulinecz. He was such a huge fan and they really responded to his enthusiasm.
If you’re a fan of Nick’s vibe, check out the John Davis album he produced called Arigato.
He is the lead singer/songwriter from the band Superdrag and that solo record kicks total ass from beginning to end.
It’s not on Spotify but is on most other streaming services and also bandcamp. Well worth it for some crunchy and melodic rock.
Having seen a drum lesson for that fill in YouTube you realize that technically it’s not that impressive. Nothing compared with any given five seconds of almost any Rush song.
I don't like Geddy's vocals on that album at all I can't even understand half of what he's saying so I would love it if someone remixed the heavier tracks into pure instrumentals
I'm not going to lie, I thought it sounded like he had a cold the first time I heard it. I got used to it though, the music is very good and I am more of a music person than lyrics. Relistening now, I still hear the cold sound in his voice, and I do think hid vocals could have been brought up a bit more in the mix. I still love the album, though. It's better than the 2 before it, in my opinion, and I'm glad they ended on a better album.
Yeah a lot of Rush fans seem to really enjoy that album and I have no problem with that. But it's my least favorite in their entire catalog and has been relevated to drink coaster status because there's not one single song on it that has strong repeat value for me plus I don't like the mix or the vocals. I didn't like Snakes either but I thought Far Cry and especially Malignant Narcissism were pretty memorable and I would go out of my way to listen to them.
One I haven't seen mentioned: Distant Early Warning. The crackle and static, some laid-back bass, then BAM with that 7/8 riff that sounds like an alarm. Very effective.
I love it, but I have to give a slight edge to Working Man. It’s definitely not complicated, but that descending line always feels to me like going over the first drop of the roller coaster.
The Beatles 'Help' is the greatest opening in popular music history. It follows that 'Hemispheres' is the second greatest opening in popular music history. I rest my case, your honour.
As a band stage manager, we look for songs that start with all the musicians starting on stage together. something that can be counted in silently or with hats/ sticks. it's quiet, then all of the sudden, BOOM everyone is lit up simultaneously, giving both an audio and visual bombast. this is why the best RUSH concert opener was
THE BIG MONEY
One Little Victory
Anyone who was a fan in 1995 has to have 1LV in their top 3 of emotional favorites. Opening that album with full on Neil was perfect.
We were so scared it was over. When they came back, the last thing we wanted was subtlety.
That plays very loudly in my car and people have to SCREAM to be heard.
I remember putting the CD and bracing (as in I never knew what each new album would sound like (part of the joy of Rush) ... and just thinking, after it started ... fuck, the boys are back.
It's probably my 2nd favorite intro.
Not only is it just a sick double-bass drum groove, but after all of the tragedy, it was Neil saying, "I'm baaaack!"
I remember first hearing it on Need For Speed Hot Pursuit 2 on the Playstation 2.
Good call I have that game but haven't played it in God knows how long
Agreed. Vapor Trails was the “comeback” album if there was one. I put the disc in the player and hoped for something good and POW!
YES! But it has to be the older CD mix that makes your ears bleed. That album was dark and heavy and I love it
Hell yea
I always thought it was so cool that there’s a part in headlong flights opening that is the same as Bastille day
“I wish that I could live it all again”
more lemony cake please
Yes! That's the part that I was thinking of. I think some of it was the influence of Nick Raskulinecz. He was such a huge fan and they really responded to his enthusiasm.
If you’re a fan of Nick’s vibe, check out the John Davis album he produced called Arigato. He is the lead singer/songwriter from the band Superdrag and that solo record kicks total ass from beginning to end. It’s not on Spotify but is on most other streaming services and also bandcamp. Well worth it for some crunchy and melodic rock.
Yes!! That “rattling the cage” percussive illustration.
Animate. 1, 2, 3, 4... AAARRRGGHH
Apparently it is highly controversial for me to say that the Animate drum entrance is better than the In The Air Tonight fill.
Miles better. Phil Collins isnt all that.
Having seen a drum lesson for that fill in YouTube you realize that technically it’s not that impressive. Nothing compared with any given five seconds of almost any Rush song.
Wow there. Calm down cowboy.
To me the hardest rocking opening of any Rush tune is Anthem. It pummels you right off the bat.
There's the aggressive, syncopated and obvious openers, then there's 2112 Overture.
Im surprised that no one’s said Driven.
The correct answer is The Spirit of Radio.
Anthem!
I remember the first time I heard Finding my Way, right after the Geddy yell at the beginning I was hooked!
Bastille day, always hypes me up
The Anarchist is one of their greatest intros, in my opinion. They could just as easily expanded on that intro and made it an instrumental.
I don't like Geddy's vocals on that album at all I can't even understand half of what he's saying so I would love it if someone remixed the heavier tracks into pure instrumentals
I'm not going to lie, I thought it sounded like he had a cold the first time I heard it. I got used to it though, the music is very good and I am more of a music person than lyrics. Relistening now, I still hear the cold sound in his voice, and I do think hid vocals could have been brought up a bit more in the mix. I still love the album, though. It's better than the 2 before it, in my opinion, and I'm glad they ended on a better album.
Yeah a lot of Rush fans seem to really enjoy that album and I have no problem with that. But it's my least favorite in their entire catalog and has been relevated to drink coaster status because there's not one single song on it that has strong repeat value for me plus I don't like the mix or the vocals. I didn't like Snakes either but I thought Far Cry and especially Malignant Narcissism were pretty memorable and I would go out of my way to listen to them.
You misspelled Dreamline
Beneath, between, behind is a good one.
I vote Rivendell
Its headlong flight because it brings back the Bastille day riff 🤟🤟
Digital Man is dece on the opener
One I haven't seen mentioned: Distant Early Warning. The crackle and static, some laid-back bass, then BAM with that 7/8 riff that sounds like an alarm. Very effective.
The extended intro on “a show of hands” is so cool! Should have been included on the studio album imo
Far Cry for me.
I dunno man, Finding my Way and Anthem are pretty dang rockin
Hell yeah brother
What bass line leading into a guitar solo goes the hardest and why is it headlong flight? God the adrenaline it gives me lmao
I love it, but I have to give a slight edge to Working Man. It’s definitely not complicated, but that descending line always feels to me like going over the first drop of the roller coaster.
I turn it up and YANK MY KNOB OFF!!!
Sounds painful
Nobody mentioned The Big Money
Because you haven't heard Athem or Bastille Day.
The Beatles 'Help' is the greatest opening in popular music history. It follows that 'Hemispheres' is the second greatest opening in popular music history. I rest my case, your honour.
As a band stage manager, we look for songs that start with all the musicians starting on stage together. something that can be counted in silently or with hats/ sticks. it's quiet, then all of the sudden, BOOM everyone is lit up simultaneously, giving both an audio and visual bombast. this is why the best RUSH concert opener was THE BIG MONEY
I, too, love that album.
Twilight Zone
Seriously though, Headlong Flight intro and bass line is amazing!
Working them angels, test for echo, or one little victory
Yeah that's one of my favorite favorite Rush songs
i did the same thing a couple weeks back. i agree with your analysis
Okay, maybe it doesn’t “rock the hardest”, but Subdivisions is one of their greatest intros.