Geddy Lee

GRAHAM SG1 · #1 12-26-2010, 02:48 PM

I have been listening to Rush recently and am amazed I have never really been into them, they are an amazing band, I suppose because I have only been on bass a relatively short time and have always been into other stuff .
Geddy Lee truly is a brilliant bass player

I want to buy some Rush CDs, is it better to start at the beginning and work through them over time ?
Its true that playing bass opens your ears

What do you consider to be the best Rush album/period ?

I<34080 · #2 12-26-2010, 02:51 PM

My top 5 Rush albums, in order, are

1) Hemispheres
2) Power Windows
3) A Farewell to Kings
4) Signals
5) Moving Pictures

I suggest starting with an album that has songs you know you like on it, so Moving Pictures or Permanent Waves would be good. Many will tell you the Golden Era of Rush is A Farewell to Kings-Moving Pictures, but I like all of their work. Rush changes a lot, so you will most likely find your own niche within their repertoire.

benjammin420 · #3 12-26-2010, 02:59 PM

I'm relatively new to Rush, didnt start listening to them until I bought a Geddy Lee jazz bass, I started with the first and went thru them in order, thats usually my method when checking out a 'new' band, and it worked well with Rush.

That said, the 3 that stand out the most to me are: Rush, 2112 and Permanent Waves

Sam Hain · #4 12-26-2010, 03:00 PM

For me the amazing thing about Rush(besides talent) is their staying power and there ability to stay focused. That band has had it's share of tragedies and they stuck by each other and come through it all. I wonder if had the band had any different member, would they had been as successful. Anyways...sorry about the tangent.

I'd have to say Moving Pictures is my favorite. I also really liked Vapor Trails but that wasn't a very well received album....I still liked it.

dmot002 · #5 12-26-2010, 03:08 PM

Rush has such a extensive catalog that it would be impossible to label one as the best. I think each album is fantastic and I don't believe they wrote a bad one. It's like each album has these hidden gems. You just have to get them all. I recently have been listening to:

Grace Under Pressure
Moving Pictures
Roll the Bones
Test for Echo
Snakes and Arrows

Every one you listen to is just as good as the last. Enjoy and collect them all. You can't go wrong.

**superdick2112** · #6 12-26-2010, 03:10 PM

I love their classics, and their newer material as well - Snakes and Arrows is another fave of mine, as is Test for Echo.

SactoBass · #7 12-26-2010, 03:11 PM

My vote would be to start off with Moving Pictures.

GianGian · #8 12-26-2010, 03:23 PM

If you have money, go chronologically. This way you will be able to understand how his playing evolved. You may be put off by their 80s period, but give it a try, it is worth it.

Duke21 · #9 12-26-2010, 03:35 PM

Different Stages Live is a great live album with lots of good songs from various studio CDs.

ilovenofrets · #10 12-26-2010, 03:37 PM

As stated above, Rush's sound has evolved tremendously over the years. I must agree with most here, that they NEVER released a stinker, I love them all. My faves(in no particular order)- Farewell To Kings, 2112, Hold Your Fire, Counterparts, Roll The Bones, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures

jgiroux · #11 12-26-2010, 06:57 PM

I got into Rush recently (saw them live in town this summer). iTunes has some "Retrospective" series which cover all eras. It's a quick overview, but if you like one song, then you know where to go. I enjoyed the latest, Retrospective III which has lots of videos. My band is know doing "The seeker"!

GianGian · #12 12-26-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgiroux

I got into Rush recently (saw them live in town this summer). iTunes has some "Retrospective" series which cover all eras. It's a quick overview, but if you like one song, then you know where to go. I enjoyed the latest, Retrospective III which has lots of videos. My band is know doing "The seeker"!

I presume that you are aware that The Seeker is a Who song.
It is from their Feedback album, which is an all cover versions album.

Shanty · #13 12-26-2010, 07:05 PM

Moving Pictures and 2112 are where it's at. But yeah, chronologically is the best way.

**steddy2112** · #14 12-26-2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SactoBass

My vote would be to start off with Moving Pictures.

Half of everyone on the face of the planet has heard this album already.

There is no 'best' Rush. I go back and forth with what I like all the time.

In my opinion some of my favorite bass work is on Signals. Permanent Waves is a good album start to finish.

A lot of people dislike Caress of Steel...but if you're into the longer songs, Fountain of Lamneth is AWESOME as is the Necromancer has some great lines you can use for jamming out.

Starting from finish to end will probably get you bored, just pick up random ones and go from there.

I suggest one from each 'era' so like

Hemispheres
Fly By Night
Signals
Counterparts
Snakes and Arrows

and go from there

Bytor1974 · #15 12-26-2010, 07:49 PM

Every Rush album is different and unique, which i love. Start with what you like, then trying going chronologically. I started listening to them 3 years ago, and the first thing i really got into was snakes & arrows, so i kinda went in reverse. Any way you listen to Rush though is gonna be good

definatley my favorite band and always will be. RUSH ON!

skwee · #16 12-26-2010, 07:52 PM

Exit Stage Left is a monument, as are Moving Pictures, 2112, and while not a monument, Signals is remarkable in that it is a major style departure, showing that Rush was greater than the sum of its previous albums, and able to change in unexpected, yet artistically compelling ways.

MUSHROOMSeAcOw · #17 12-26-2010, 07:55 PM

My favorite album for bass work is Permanent Waves, but my overall favorite album is a tie between Presto and Counterparts. Roll the Bones is great too.

rickdog · #18 12-26-2010, 08:21 PM

+1 to all the above... and treat yourself to a live performance next time they come around, it's worth the price!

jgroh · #19 12-26-2010, 08:34 PM

I think an underrated bass album is Hold Your Fire. It was during their "less than hard rocking" phase, but still great songs and bass playing. But as others have said, if you are looking for great basslines, you cant go wrong with ANY Rush album!

OPBASSMAN1994 · #20 12-26-2010, 08:40 PM

I have been a rush fan for forever.

for the best bang for your buck, if you like live (which Rush is fantastic live and in studio. always), go with "Different Stages". It's Rush in the Counterparts and Test for Echo era, and the third disc is a live recording from London in 78.

As for albums. ALL OF THEM ARE FANTASTIC.

but my top 5 are:

1. Permanent Waves

2. Caress of Steel

3. 2112

4. Farewell to Kings

5. Moving Pictures