Originally Posted By: JoanneCooper
Just watched the documentary on Netflix on Rush. What a great documentary. So interesting to watch such a hard working band of “nerds”. You would never think that a rock band could consist of nerds! Completely devoted to each other.

Such talented musicians just sticking to their guns. Fascinating. Was never into their music but have now downloaded their albums am going to give them a listen. Incredible lyrics.


Joanne, there probably isn't another 3 person rock band in history where two of the members would be listed in the top 5 on their instruments by others that play the same. Alex Lifeson doesn't get the credit he deserves for staying out of the way of Neil Peart and Geddy Lee. Had he had the intricate melodic chops of the other two (yes, Neil Peart is a 'melodic' drummer), the music of Rush probably would have gotten too crowded and kept them mostly under the radar. Think Dream Theater for too many virtuosos in a single band. Yep, you probably haven't heard of them.

Some of Rush's lyrics are borne out of fantasy literature wannabe behavior, but others are incredibly prescient, or at least, perceptive social commentary. The one that sticks out in my mind the most is 'Subdivisions': Circa 1982

Sprawling on the fringes of the city
In geometric order
An insulated border
In between the bright lights
And the far unlit unknown

Growing up it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided
The future pre-decided
Detached and subdivided
In the mass production zone
Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone

Subdivisions --
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
Subdivisions --
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
Any escape might help to smooth
The unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe
The restless dreams of youth

Drawn like moths we drift into the city
The timeless old attraction
Cruising for the action
Lit up like a firefly
Just to feel the living night

Some will sell their dreams for small desires
Or lose the race to rats
Get caught in ticking traps
And start to dream of somewhere
To relax their restless flight
Somewhere out of a memory
Of lighted streets on quiet nights

Subdivisions --
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
Subdivisions --
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out

Any escape might help to smooth
The unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe
The restless dreams of youth

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