Help! What albums/songs to use to intro a newbie to Rush?

[coventry]

Hey all,

 

So, my neighbor is a late 20-something who's more into hipster bands than Rush. The other day after a show, I found myself, my guitarist, and another 40-something musician in a "discussion" with my neighbor about what Rush really is and what defines their sound.

 

Obviously, there was no easy answer, so I've invited him over to listen to the band tonight on my hi-end stereo.

 

His knowledge of Rush begins and ends with 2112 and TS. What would be a good sampling of their tunes that would be accessible but also engaging?

[bathory]

freewill, spirit of radio, working man, red barchetta, la villa, yyz, bastille day, anthem, fly by night, beneath between behind, limelight. easy to swallow, catchy tunes.

 

rush is hard to get into for those "hipster" types though. I've met people who have acted like they'd lose their "cred" if they liked something that wasn't robert christgau-approved.

[Narps]

Start'em like I did. Throw on All The Worlds A Stage, turn it up and step back. The only problem is most other studio stuff sounds wussy/tame in comparison..... :haz:

[coventry]

What about anything post-1990? I don't want to cement the "dinosaur band" impression this guy's got already.

[sabresman31]

Moving Pictures and Permanent Waves without a doubt!

[Cygnus 2112]

Throw on Retrospective 1,2&3. It'll give him a taste of all decades of Rush.

[yyz211282]

Start with Tom Sawyer

Then YYZ

Then the whole album

Then 2112

Then 2112's whole enchilada

Then THAT album

Then Spirit of Radio

Then Freewill

(no need for the whole album)

Then Fly By Night

Then Anthem

Then By Tor

(no need for the whole album)

Then Working Man

(no need for the whole album)

Then Dreamline

Then (if you want) Roll the Bones

(no need for the whole album)

Then a live album (I suggest ATWAS)

Then Time Stand Still

(no need for the whole album)

Then play YYZ again, but take it up a notch

And finally, he'll ask for more...he's a Rush fan.

[Anguyen92]

What about anything post-1990? I don't want to cement the "dinosaur band" impression this guy's got already.

 

Just pop in Rush In Rio with him, sit back, relax, and enjoy with him. If he doesn't like it, give a tranqulizer dart to him. Also, pop in the Snakes & Arrows Live DVD. That's pretty great stuff where the S&A songs were better live than the studio versions. Just to convince the guy that they are a magnificant live band.

 

All right, as for albums post-1990, maybe Clockwork Angels. That's what convinced me to listen to Rush on a more regular basis.

Edited May 8, 2014 by Anguyen92

[WavesandWindows]

My first Rush experience was Time Machine. Give him that, it got me hooked. It introduced me to synth era, the old school period and even has the keyhole into CA with Bu2B and Caravan. Show him that set and if he doesn't like it, as suggested by Anguyen92, give him a tranquillizer dart, then stick on Snakes and Arrows Live. Although, Snakes might be even better, though it doesn't contain any of CA...

[RushBoingo]

Wow you guys don't really understand Hipsters here. I am not one myself, but Hipsters are like second hand smoke to me. I have some friends and a cousin who are, and more importantly I listen to stuff that Hipsters listen to (basically if the website Pitchfork reviews it, it's probably hipster approved). Playing a hipster all of these 70s power trio songs will just solidify them as another 70s band to them. Hipster music is generally unique in that it has something distinct to it, NOT THAT RUSH IS NOT DISTINCT! But that their 70s stuff does contain things that you could find elsewhere (space effects on 2112 for example are not unique to that song alone). Meanwhile the whole purpose for Hipsters to exist is to enjoy something mainstream, before it theoretically becomes mainstream. This is not possible with Rush, as none of their songs at the moment are recent releases, so therefore, they must be exposed to what would be perceived to be hipster approved for the time frame. The Basic rule is, pick Rush songs that have don't get played on the radio, but in you're mind should have.

 

Having said that, we as Rush fans do want to demonstrate the enormous sound that they produce, and their musical skills, so some compromise must be reached.

 

Some other key points about Hipsters,

1. They might act like it, but they are not all masters of music theory, simple music can catch them so they call it brilliantly unique, and complex music can off put them, so they call it simple. This is not a rule, but take their theoretical opinions with a grain of salt if you don't know their background well. Focus on their personal opinions

2. Being a Hipster has a lot to do about pride and self worth. Again this is not a rule, as I know many that are not so high headed, but the average hipster loves to boast their knowledge of bands you have never heard of, and then brush them off when (more often if) they become popular. To the average hipster, if you can hear them in a regular radio rotation, they have sold out. There are exceptions to this rule however (Radiohead is probably the worlds most popular hipster band, just as Rush is the most popular cult band).

3. Try to figure out what the popular hipster music of the area is, and base you're decision on what to play on that. Hipsters like whats popular at the time, so appeal to that. You could hit the jackpot, and the newest retro trend is prog rock, or synth rock or something.

 

Finally, as a suggestion for what to play, from first hand experience, playing a hipster a rush album for the first time. I thought quick about what would both get the general picture of what rush is while appealing to his interests (for which, we listened to a lot of Animal Collective during the same trip, a band which like Radiohead has survived becoming popular while still being hipster-friendly) for which the album...

 

Permanent Waves

 

...seemed like the best choice. It starts with a familiar song with good instrumental and sonic qualities that are distinct. Freewill presents their performance abilities, Jacobs Ladder will appeal for its odd characteristics and 3 distinct sections, Entre Nous for it's relative "Not for Radio" sound, Different Strings satisfies the minimalism component, and Natural Science provides the electro-acoustic component. The Album received the hipster sign of approval, not that he rushed out to buy the album, but he did not compare it to anything "better" or immediately switch topics to other music after hearing it.

 

I would also suggest playing the Clockwork Angels live album do demonstrate their live capabilities, it has a really good mix of obscure songs on it, and the large amount of new material compared to playing a hits set would be greatly appreciated. Also I suggest Xanadu, the Fear series, Marathon, and Presto (the song) to cap it off.

 

Hope that helps.

[RushBoingo]

Oh also, don't expect a huge response even if he like them, Hipsters like boasting, but they don't like being boasted to, so they pretty much take all suggestions like its nothing, and then next time asked, will act as though they are boasting and were the first to boast when talking to others.

[H. P. L.]

I'd start with Power Windows if he's more into melodic stuff or Clockwork Angels if he's into more heavy stuff.

[Zeppster]

Albums Moving Pictures or Grace Under Pressure

 

Songs Tom Sawyer, Spirit of Radio, Free Will, Limelight, Red Barchetta, Working Man, New World Man, Fly By Night

[The Analog Cub]

You can't go wrong with Moving Pictures, Grace Under Pressure, Permanent Waves, Hemispheres, 2112 (just the song, not the album), and once he's taken those in and if he likes them, ease him into Power Windows, Counterparts, Clockwork Angels.

 

If he likes acoustic stuff or anything that's more supportive of vocals, throw on Snakes and Arrows and Presto.

 

If he's looking for raw and heavy stuff, explore the rest of the 70's, particularly AFTK, and T4E and especially Vapor Trails.

 

If he's looking for a live experience, you bet your ass Rush in Rio is the choice. If his interest was only piqued by the 70's stuff, give him ATWAS instead.

 

The one thing you DON'T want to do if you're trying to get away from that idiotic "dinosaur band" mentality is throw on the debut at the start because that's just gonna drive him away. Also don't put Clockwork Angels on right away. While it's one of their greatest masterpieces you're better off showing him their work everybody loves from 2112-Grace.

Edited May 8, 2014 by BowlCity

[Segue Myles]

I truly think Clockwork Angels is a good choice.

 

As mindblowingly wonderful as it is, he will astonished to note they have even better albums! Plus its very modern sounding, but not in the boring way of nineties era rush and VT or SA

[x1yyz]

Throw on Retrospective 1,2&3. It'll give him a taste of all decades of Rush.

 

I think this is exactly what the Retrospectives are for—introducing someone to Rush. You can fine-tune it a little by starting with one you think he'd like the most, i.e. start with #1 if he thinks retro is cool.

[Your_Lion]

Wow you guys don't really understand Hipsters here. I am not one myself, but Hipsters are like second hand smoke to me. I have some friends and a cousin who are, and more importantly I listen to stuff that Hipsters listen to (basically if the website Pitchfork reviews it, it's probably hipster approved). Playing a hipster all of these 70s power trio songs will just solidify them as another 70s band to them. Hipster music is generally unique in that it has something distinct to it, NOT THAT RUSH IS NOT DISTINCT! But that their 70s stuff does contain things that you could find elsewhere (space effects on 2112 for example are not unique to that song alone). Meanwhile the whole purpose for Hipsters to exist is to enjoy something mainstream, before it theoretically becomes mainstream. This is not possible with Rush, as none of their songs at the moment are recent releases, so therefore, they must be exposed to what would be perceived to be hipster approved for the time frame. The Basic rule is, pick Rush songs that have don't get played on the radio, but in you're mind should have.

 

Having said that, we as Rush fans do want to demonstrate the enormous sound that they produce, and their musical skills, so some compromise must be reached.

 

Some other key points about Hipsters,

1. They might act like it, but they are not all masters of music theory, simple music can catch them so they call it brilliantly unique, and complex music can off put them, so they call it simple. This is not a rule, but take their theoretical opinions with a grain of salt if you don't know their background well. Focus on their personal opinions

2. Being a Hipster has a lot to do about pride and self worth. Again this is not a rule, as I know many that are not so high headed, but the average hipster loves to boast their knowledge of bands you have never heard of, and then brush them off when (more often if) they become popular. To the average hipster, if you can hear them in a regular radio rotation, they have sold out. There are exceptions to this rule however (Radiohead is probably the worlds most popular hipster band, just as Rush is the most popular cult band).

3. Try to figure out what the popular hipster music of the area is, and base you're decision on what to play on that. Hipsters like whats popular at the time, so appeal to that. You could hit the jackpot, and the newest retro trend is prog rock, or synth rock or something.

 

Finally, as a suggestion for what to play, from first hand experience, playing a hipster a rush album for the first time. I thought quick about what would both get the general picture of what rush is while appealing to his interests (for which, we listened to a lot of Animal Collective during the same trip, a band which like Radiohead has survived becoming popular while still being hipster-friendly) for which the album...

 

Permanent Waves

 

...seemed like the best choice. It starts with a familiar song with good instrumental and sonic qualities that are distinct. Freewill presents their performance abilities, Jacobs Ladder will appeal for its odd characteristics and 3 distinct sections, Entre Nous for it's relative "Not for Radio" sound, Different Strings satisfies the minimalism component, and Natural Science provides the electro-acoustic component. The Album received the hipster sign of approval, not that he rushed out to buy the album, but he did not compare it to anything "better" or immediately switch topics to other music after hearing it.

 

I would also suggest playing the Clockwork Angels live album do demonstrate their live capabilities, it has a really good mix of obscure songs on it, and the large amount of new material compared to playing a hits set would be greatly appreciated. Also I suggest Xanadu, the Fear series, Marathon, and Presto (the song) to cap it off.

 

Hope that helps.

Yeesh ... it's like one of those episodes of Start Trek TNG where Picard has to learn a bunch of silly rules so that he doesn't offend an alien ambassador.

[RushBoingo]

Wow you guys don't really understand Hipsters here. I am not one myself, but Hipsters are like second hand smoke to me. I have some friends and a cousin who are, and more importantly I listen to stuff that Hipsters listen to (basically if the website Pitchfork reviews it, it's probably hipster approved). Playing a hipster all of these 70s power trio songs will just solidify them as another 70s band to them. Hipster music is generally unique in that it has something distinct to it, NOT THAT RUSH IS NOT DISTINCT! But that their 70s stuff does contain things that you could find elsewhere (space effects on 2112 for example are not unique to that song alone). Meanwhile the whole purpose for Hipsters to exist is to enjoy something mainstream, before it theoretically becomes mainstream. This is not possible with Rush, as none of their songs at the moment are recent releases, so therefore, they must be exposed to what would be perceived to be hipster approved for the time frame. The Basic rule is, pick Rush songs that have don't get played on the radio, but in you're mind should have.

 

Having said that, we as Rush fans do want to demonstrate the enormous sound that they produce, and their musical skills, so some compromise must be reached.

 

Some other key points about Hipsters,

1. They might act like it, but they are not all masters of music theory, simple music can catch them so they call it brilliantly unique, and complex music can off put them, so they call it simple. This is not a rule, but take their theoretical opinions with a grain of salt if you don't know their background well. Focus on their personal opinions

2. Being a Hipster has a lot to do about pride and self worth. Again this is not a rule, as I know many that are not so high headed, but the average hipster loves to boast their knowledge of bands you have never heard of, and then brush them off when (more often if) they become popular. To the average hipster, if you can hear them in a regular radio rotation, they have sold out. There are exceptions to this rule however (Radiohead is probably the worlds most popular hipster band, just as Rush is the most popular cult band).

3. Try to figure out what the popular hipster music of the area is, and base you're decision on what to play on that. Hipsters like whats popular at the time, so appeal to that. You could hit the jackpot, and the newest retro trend is prog rock, or synth rock or something.

 

Finally, as a suggestion for what to play, from first hand experience, playing a hipster a rush album for the first time. I thought quick about what would both get the general picture of what rush is while appealing to his interests (for which, we listened to a lot of Animal Collective during the same trip, a band which like Radiohead has survived becoming popular while still being hipster-friendly) for which the album...

 

Permanent Waves

 

...seemed like the best choice. It starts with a familiar song with good instrumental and sonic qualities that are distinct. Freewill presents their performance abilities, Jacobs Ladder will appeal for its odd characteristics and 3 distinct sections, Entre Nous for it's relative "Not for Radio" sound, Different Strings satisfies the minimalism component, and Natural Science provides the electro-acoustic component. The Album received the hipster sign of approval, not that he rushed out to buy the album, but he did not compare it to anything "better" or immediately switch topics to other music after hearing it.

 

I would also suggest playing the Clockwork Angels live album do demonstrate their live capabilities, it has a really good mix of obscure songs on it, and the large amount of new material compared to playing a hits set would be greatly appreciated. Also I suggest Xanadu, the Fear series, Marathon, and Presto (the song) to cap it off.

 

Hope that helps.

Yeesh ... it's like one of those episodes of Start Trek TNG where Picard has to learn a bunch of silly rules so that he doesn't offend an alien ambassador.

Yep Hipsters are a delicate thing. You have to know you're facts to approach them on music, and in the case of Rush, highlighting their relative obscurity is a must. Hipsterdom is all about cool things before they are cool, not the music itself.

[Lorraine]

Will someone define "hipster" for me?

 

Thank you.

[Narps]

Will someone define "hipster" for me?

 

Thank you.

Me too...

[lifeson90]

To be honest, if permanent waves doesnt automatically convert someone into a devout disciple, they just havent got it.

 

2112 did it for me in a past life aeons ago before waves absolutely sealed it.

 

 

[bathory]

I'm not sure what the official definition is but when someone says "hipster" they usually mean the person being accused of hipsterdom listens to exclusively "indie" rock bands (google search arcade fire, the decemberists, wavves, best coast, etc, although I doubt any of those groups are still on independent record labels) and generally sees 70s rock as "overblown" and "pretentious"

[bathory]

lorraine, if you ever read the village voice when you were a teen, you've probably read some of robert christgau's reviews. I think that dude definitely qualifies as a "hipster."

[Lorraine]

lorraine, if you ever read the village voice when you were a teen, you've probably read some of robert christgau's reviews. I think that dude definitely qualifies as a "hipster."

 

Bathory, I used to read it all the time in the seventies. I don't think I ever committed to memory the names of those who contributed articles.

 

Thanks for the definition of "hipster."

[RushBoingo]

Will someone define "hipster" for me?

 

Thank you.

In one word, they are trendsetters. But to better define it, they are a proud group who seek acceptance by supposedly being the first group to catch on to a fad or popular thing (mainly clothes and music) before they become mainstream (and if!). They feel uplifted by boasting that they are into this thing that everyone else should find popular, but once said thing does become mainstream, they genreally move on to the next thing, claiming that the now popular thing is not popular any more. They are also big embracers of doing things ironically, but in truth I believe they do this as an excuse to enjoy things that hipsters are not supposed to enjoy. Some bands and fashions however do stand the test of time and never die, something like you're entry requirements for being one, fashions like Plaid shirts, Crop Tops, and anything that is expensive yet designed to look like you got it at a thrift shop, and meanwhile the big three calling card bands that have always been for hipsters despite mainstream acceptance are Radio Head, Arcade Fire, and my personal favorite Animal Collective (I'm sorry but they might beat Rush out as my favorite band, but I am letting the test of time run a bit before I make that statement official).

 

This may not put them on the highest pedastal, and for alot of people, hipsters are a bad group because of their relative snobiness of the high school cliques, but there are plenty of good hipsters that, though they still follow the trends, do not have such a bad attitude to the mainstream, and not so worried about acceptance. Just look at the quick story about playing a hipster permanent waves I made in an earlier post.

Edited May 8, 2014 by RushBoingo