Rush vs. Yes

BassGod · #1 11-26-2006, 07:30 PM

I've always seen these two prog kings as sort of rivals, like one might look at Maiden and Priest, or Megadeth and Metallica.

So which band do you prefer?

Rush is my favourite band, so this really isn't a contest in my eyes. But then, Close To The Edge is one of my favourite albums ever.

Rush wins for me. How about you?

Graeme

Dr. Cheese · #2 11-26-2006, 07:39 PM

I can't see them as rivals. Yes clearly came before Rush and influenced them. To me it is natural that a seminal band like Yes would inspire similar bands that show their influence.

Against Will · #3 11-26-2006, 07:45 PM

Yes has Rush outnumbered, the only one I could see putting up a decent fight is Neil Peart. Geddy and the other guy would fold like a bad hand of cards. Rick Wakeman would subsequently write an 8 hour long rock-opera about the battle that would be performed entirely with shadow puppets.

Petary791 · #4 11-26-2006, 07:45 PM

Rush simply because after Relayer, Yes is terrible. They have 1 good song after that, being "Tempus Fugit." I don't know how a band can go from "Close to the Edge" to "Owner of a Lonely Heart." It's disgusting really. Rush never put out crap. Their first CD is great. Everyone of their CD's are great.

Peter Squire · #5 11-26-2006, 07:54 PM

I voted carrots because I hate these "Vs" polls. They're a different kettle of fish. I like both bands, don't get me wrong.

Yes is a 5 piece full of classically trained art rock maestros, who are always upstaging each other and bickering amongst the many members. They haven't done anything much apart from live albums, orchestral live albums, acoustic live albums, retrospectives, box sets and various pension plan collectors items etc for the past ten years.

Rush is a 3 piece band that started life as a mix of Zeppelin and Cream and moved toward progressive, technical rock. They moved on from sword and sorcery to complex, arty techno rock, then through a period of heavy synth, almost adult orientated rock, and back down to a stripped bare three piece modern rock outfit in the latter 90's.

Different bands, different story.

LifeIsBass · #6 11-26-2006, 08:28 PM

I don't really see these 2 bands as rivals. I mean, I guess you'd label both as prog rock but they're very different to me.

I've heard a few Yes songs I like and I've always enjoyed Squire's tone but their vocalist gets on my nerves bigtime!

I've always been a huge Rush fan so they got my vote.

peteroberts · #7 11-26-2006, 08:32 PM

you know, I'm not going to vote...but, when it comes down to it...

Yes.

Quote:

Rush simply because after Relayer, Yes is terrible. They have 1 good song after that, being "Tempus Fugit."

Wrong, wrong, you are sooo wrong. Awaken is one of the best Yes songs. And how about Parallels? I think you forgot about 'Going for the One'.

Jazzin' · #8 11-26-2006, 08:41 PM

Hard to decide, but I ended up voting for Rush.

SlavaF · #9 11-26-2006, 08:44 PM

I can't vote on this one - I find myself listening to Yes more and more now, but Rush is still my all-time favorite band.

Petary791, you might just be one of those prog nazi, but I really like some of the post-Drama albums, especially 90125 and Talk - I mean, as a prog head, how can you not like "Endless Dream"? There's some great songs on those albums, like "Hold On", "Real Love" and I've always liked "Cinema". Instead of lumping it all as crap, try listening to it with an open mind and you just might like it!

Scottgun · #10 11-26-2006, 08:52 PM

After Relayer, Yes put out Going for the One, which is many die-hard pre-80's Yes fan's favorite album. Certainly high on my list along with Drama. I even enjoy the Rabin years albeit to a lesser extent. Magnification has some excellent moments. Anderson, Wakeman, Bruford and Howe and Union were dreadful however.

I stopped listening to Rush after Signals

dave64o · #11 11-26-2006, 09:05 PM

Another vote for "carrots". They're both very high on my list of favorite bands but in my mind thy're very different. I can't pick between them.

msquared · #12 11-26-2006, 10:08 PM

I don't even get how you can say that Metallica and Megadeth are rivals. Certainly there is personal beef there, but in the case of all the bands you mentioned it always seems more complimentary than a rival situation.

I prefer Rush over Yes, but that's entirely because of sentimental value. Both bands are fantastic and I could spend an entire day listening to either.

buliwyfff · #13 11-26-2006, 10:08 PM

I like em both but I definently like rush more.

supernaut_1 · #14 11-27-2006, 01:28 AM

i can't stand either one. i've always looked at both bands as musicians that have gotten together to make really lame music. (Dream Theater too).

bassmonkeee · #15 11-27-2006, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Against Will

Yes has Rush outnumbered, the only one I could see putting up a decent fight is Neil Peart. Geddy and the other guy would fold like a bad hand of cards. Rick Wakeman would subsequently write an 8 hour long rock-opera about the battle that would be performed entirely with shadow puppets.

You apparently forgot about Alex getting in a fight with the police in Florida a couple of years ago on New Year's Eve. They had to mace him. I think he could take out Steve Howe fairly easily. John Anderson would get all wrapped up in one of those mumus he likes to wear and fall down the stairs, or something....

Jumbotron · #16 11-27-2006, 07:44 AM

Yes's peer group in no way includes Rush--I think it's misleading to suggest that they're like Maiden and Priest or some such. The most natural comparison class of bands for Yes includes Genesis and King Crimson (both of which, IMO, are vastly better). Honestly, Rush doesn't have a natural peer group--their career trajectory is unlike any band's I can think of. Love 'em or not, they're pretty unique. Must be a Canadian thing.

SteveC · #17 11-27-2006, 07:48 AM

I agree. RUSH is quite a unique band. It is hard to compare the two. I had to vote RUSH as Geddy was my inspiration way back in 7th grade to learn the bass. I even had a Ric!

Scottgun · #18 11-27-2006, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassmonkeee

You apparently forgot about Alex getting in a fight with the police in Florida a couple of years ago on New Year's Eve. They had to mace him. I think he could take out Steve Howe fairly easily. John Anderson would get all wrapped up in one of those mumus he likes to wear and fall down the stairs, or something....

Match 'em up:

Chris Squire is a pretty big dude. Either Alex or Neil would have to take him on. In a Squire vs. Geddy fight, Chris would crumple Geddy like a wad of paper.

But then, since Steve Howe is a floating skull atop a stick body, Geddy might be able to take him.

agreatheight · #19 11-27-2006, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumbotron

Honestly, Rush doesn't have a natural peer group--their career trajectory is unlike any band's I can think of.

That's exactly why I voted Rush. I can think of no other rock band with the longevity, experimentation and evolution as Rush. I can't wait for their next album.

keb · #20 11-27-2006, 09:26 AM

Apples and oranges, though they both get thrown into the "prog rock" pile. I kinda think Rush is a genre in itself.

Other than some flailing Moog synthesizers and grungy Rickenbacker bass from both bands in the '70s, I don't think they have much in common really.