Album Information:
Album ID: 9598
About Rush:
Rush was a Canadian rock band that formed in 1968 in Toronto, Ontario. The band consisted of members Geddy Lee on vocals, bass guitar, and keyboards, Alex Lifeson on guitars, and Neil Peart on drums and percussion. Rush became known for their complex music, which featured intricate instrumentals, philosophical lyrics, and attention to detail.
In the early days, Rush was heavily influenced by blues rock and hard rock, and they released their self-titled debut album in 1974. Over the years, Rush evolved their sound and incorporated elements of progressive rock, new wave, and synthpop. Their music was often considered a hybrid of genres, with one critic describing their style as 'a synthesis of art rock, heavy metal, and new wave.'
Throughout their career, Rush released 19 studio albums, 10 live albums, and numerous compilations. They sold over 40 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. In addition to their commercial success, Rush was known for their technical proficiency and virtuosic instrumental performances. Neil Peart, in particular, was widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in rock history.
Rush's lyrics often explored philosophical themes, such as individualism, existentialism, and science fiction. They were known for their concept albums, which told cohesive stories throughout the course of the album. Notable examples include '2112' (1976), which tells the story of a dystopian future in which individual expression is suppressed, and 'Hemispheres' (1978), which explores the conflict between logic and emotion.
In addition to their music, Rush was known for their elaborate stage shows and use of cutting-edge technology. They were early adopters of digital synthesizers and electronic drums, and they incorporated video projections and elaborate lighting into their performances.
Rush continued to tour and record until 2015, when the band announced that they would be retiring from touring due to Neil Peart's health issues. Peart passed away in January 2020, effectively ending the band's career. Despite their retirement, Rush remained one of the most influential and beloved rock bands of all time, with a devoted fanbase and a legacy that continues to inspire musicians to this day.
About the album Permanent Waves:
Sure, I'd be happy to describe the album Permanent Waves by Rush in great detail.
Released in 1980, Permanent Waves was the Canadian rock band's seventh studio album and marked a significant shift in their sound and style. The album features six tracks, ranging from shorter, more accessible songs to longer, more complex pieces.
The album opens with 'The Spirit of Radio', an energetic and upbeat track that features pulsating bass lines and intricate guitar work from Alex Lifeson. The song is a tribute to the power of radio and its ability to bring people together through music.
Next up is 'Freewill', a philosophical exploration of the concept of free will and the choices we make in life. The song is marked by its powerful chorus and Geddy Lee's expressive vocals.
'Jacob's Ladder' is a more experimental track that features complex time signatures and intricate guitar and drum work. The song builds to a powerful climax with a soaring guitar solo from Lifeson.
'Entre Nous' is a more introspective track that explores the theme of human relationships and the difficulty of truly understanding one another. The song features a melodic and catchy chorus and some of Lee's most emotive vocals on the album.
The album's penultimate track is 'Different Strings', a gentle and reflective song that features acoustic guitar and vocals from Lee. The lyrics explore the theme of nostalgia and the feelings of loss and longing that can come with the passage of time.
Finally, the album closes with 'Natural Science', a sprawling and ambitious track that weaves together multiple musical themes and styles. The song is marked by its complex structures, intricate instrumentation, and evocative lyrics about the power of nature and the mysteries of the universe.
Overall, Permanent Waves is widely regarded as a classic album and one of Rush's finest works. The album marked a significant evolution in the band's sound and helped to cement their status as one of the leading progressive rock bands of the era.
Members:
Rush is a Canadian rock band that was formed in 1968. The band has had a few different lineup changes throughout their history, but the three key members are:
1. Geddy Lee - Geddy Lee Weinrib was born on July 29, 1953, in Toronto, Canada. He is the lead vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist for Rush. Lee's parents were both Holocaust survivors, and he grew up in a Jewish household. He developed an interest in music at a young age and began playing the guitar and piano. He joined Rush in 1968 when he was just 15 years old. Lee is known for his high-pitched vocals and unique bass playing style, using a Fender Jazz Bass that he has modified extensively over the years.
2. Alex Lifeson - Alexandar Zivojinovich was born on August 27, 1953, in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. He is the guitarist and backing vocalist for Rush. Lifeson's parents were Yugoslavian immigrants, and he grew up in a working-class family. He started playing guitar at a young age and joined Rush in 1968 with Geddy Lee. Lifeson is known for his intricate and melodic guitar playing, often using a diverse range of instruments and effects to create his signature sound.
3. Neil Peart - Neil Ellwood Peart was born on September 12, 1952, in Hamilton, Canada. He was the drummer and lyricist for Rush from 1974 until his death in 2020. Peart's parents were both musicians, and he grew up playing the drums and listening to jazz and progressive rock. He joined Rush in 1974, replacing their former drummer, and quickly established himself as one of the most talented and innovative drummers in rock music. Peart also wrote the majority of the lyrics for Rush's songs, often addressing philosophical and political themes.
Together, Lee, Lifeson, and Peart formed the core of Rush and created some of the most beloved and influential rock music of all time.
Track List for Permanent Waves:
1. 'The Spirit of Radio' - 4:56: A fast-paced rock anthem, 'The Spirit of Radio' features intricate guitar work and lyrics that celebrate the importance of radio in spreading music and culture.
2. 'Freewill' - 5:23: A philosophical track that explores the themes of free will and determinism. It features catchy riffs and intricate drum fills, and is considered one of Rush's most popular songs.
3. 'Jacob's Ladder' - 7:22: Inspired by the biblical story of Jacob's Ladder, this track features complex time signatures and haunting melodies. It builds up to a powerful climax and has been praised for its technical proficiency.
4. 'Entre Nous' - 4:37: A softer track compared to the others on the album, 'Entre Nous' features acoustic guitar and introspective lyrics about the complexities of human relationships.
5. 'Different Strings' - 3:50: Another softer track, 'Different Strings' features a mellow guitar riff and melancholic lyrics about feeling out of place in the world.
6. 'Natural Science' - 9:27: A sprawling epic that is split into three parts, 'Natural Science' features complex time signatures, intricate guitar work, and abstract lyrics that explore the relationship between science and nature.
Overall, Permanent Waves is considered a masterful album that showcases Rush's technical proficiency and songwriting prowess. The album helped cement the band's reputation as one of the greatest prog rock acts of all time.
Discography for Rush:
Here is a complete discography for Rush in chronological order, including all studio albums, live albums, compilation albums, singles, and other releases:
Studio Albums:
1. Rush (1974) - March 1, 1974
2. Fly by Night (1975) - February 15, 1975
3. Caress of Steel (1975) - September 24, 1975
4. 2112 (1976) - April 1, 1976
5. A Farewell to Kings (1977) - September 1, 1977
6. Hemispheres (1978) - October 29, 1978
7. Permanent Waves (1980) - January 14, 1980
8. Moving Pictures (1981) - February 12, 1981
9. Signals (1982) - September 9, 1982
10. Grace Under Pressure (1984) - April 12, 1984
11. Power Windows (1985) - October 14, 1985
12. Hold Your Fire (1987) - September 8, 1987
13. Presto (1989) - November 21, 1989
14. Roll the Bones (1991) - September 3, 1991
15. Counterparts (1993) - October 19, 1993
16. Test for Echo (1996) - September 10, 1996
17. Vapor Trails (2002) - May 14, 2002
18. Snakes & Arrows (2007) - May 1, 2007
19. Clockwork Angels (2012) - June 12, 2012
Live Albums:
1. All the World's a Stage (1976) - September 29, 1976
2. Exit...Stage Left (1981) - October 29, 1981
3. Grace Under Pressure Tour (1984) - VHS release only, November 1985
4. A Show of Hands (1989) - January 10, 1989
5. Different Stages (1998) - November 10, 1998
6. Rush in Rio (2003) - October 21, 2003
7. R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour (2005) - November 22, 2005
8. Snakes & Arrows Live (2008) - April 15, 2008
9. Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland (2011) - November 8, 2011
10. Clockwork Angels Tour (2013) - November 19, 2013
Compilation Albums:
1. Archives (1978) - April 1, 1978
2. Rush Through Time (1981) - November 1981
3. The Story of Kings (1987) - VHS release only, June 29, 1987
4. Chronicles (1990) - September 7, 1990
5. Retrospective I: 1974-1980 (1997) - February 25, 1997
6. Retrospective II: 1981-1987 (1997) - February 25, 1997
7. The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974-1987 (2003) - February 11, 2003
8. Gold (2006) - June 12, 2006
9. Retrospective III: 1989-2008 (2009) - March 3, 2009
Singles:
Rush has released many singles throughout their career. Some of their most popular songs include 'Working Man' (1974), 'Fly by Night' (1975), 'Closer to the Heart' (1977), 'The Spirit of Radio' (1980), 'Tom Sawyer' (1981), 'Red Barchetta' (1981), 'New World Man' (1982), 'Subdivisions' (1982), 'Distant Early Warning' (1984), 'The Big Money' (1985), 'Time Stand Still' (1987), 'Show Don't Tell' (1989), 'Roll the Bones' (1991), 'Stick It Out' (1993), 'Driven' (1996), and 'Headlong Flight' (2012).
Other Releases:
Rush has also released various DVDs, videos, box sets, and other special editions of their albums and concerts. Some notable releases include:
- Rush in Rio (DVD, 2003)
- Rush R40 (box set, 2014)
- 2112: 40th Anniversary (box set, 2016)
- Time Stand Still (documentary, 2016)