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'Rush 50': More Than Just Hits — An Epic Musical Odyssey

Unknown music, music and lyrics, music history, music industry, rock music

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 Forty-seven tracks into
 Rush 50
 - A comprehensive career-spanning compilation featuring 50 tracks over almost five hours introduces an intriguing auditory surprise. Early in "Headlong Flight," a song from Rush’s last studio album released in 2012, this hidden gem can be discovered.
 Clockwork Angels
 , Alex Lifeson delivers a cutting guitar solo, which Geddy Lee and Neil Peart respond to with swift synchronized bass and drum hits. This instance is
 deliberate
 , nearly identical to a section from "Bastille Day," which was initially released 37 years earlier and placed as track 10 on the compilation. It serves not only as an entertaining revisit but also demonstrates, when heard in this new setting, how
 Rush 50
 chronicles the group's extensive, over-four-decades journey as a single grand narrative.
 
 
 This narrative quality is
 Rush 50
 Its main advantage isn’t a compilation akin to what was seen in 1990’s.
 Chronicles
 Although it includes several of the band's most recognizable tunes, this compilation isn’t just another greatest hits package. It’s not solely focused on rare tracks either; instead, it offers a chronological musical journey through Rush’s discography, featuring both studio recordings from all their albums and choice live performances—culminating with the final medley they played during their last concert in 2015. Offered in multiple formats such as a four-disc CD set and a seven-record LP edition, it stands out as the inaugural post-breakup anthology from Rush, brimming with content fans will find deeply gratifying.
 death of Peart
 In 2020, this collection was thoughtfully selected, arranged, and presented. It serves perfectly as both a final chapter for one’s journey and a starting point for newcomers, all while being a valuable resource alongside previous works for dedicated fans.
 
 
 For individuals belonging to the latter group, one significant attraction is the very first re-release of Rush’s inaugural single. This 45rpm record came out in 1973 under the band's independent label, Moon Records, featuring a rendition of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away" alongside "You Can't Fight It." The latter track was penned collaboratively by Neil Peart—referred to as Lee—and founding drummer John Rutsey. Individually, these recordings do not stand out much; however, considering that this same period saw the release of albums like Led Zeppelin's, things take an interesting turn.
 Houses of the Holy
 , Genesis'
 Selling England Based on Weight
 And other achievements by bands that paved the way for Rush. (The band apparently concurs: "My God, we
 hated
 "It," Lifeson explains to David Fricke about the single in one of two liner-note essays featured within a comprehensive, over-100-page hardbound book accompanying the collection. The volume also includes numerous photographs and fresh, track-specific artwork crafted by long-time Rush illustrator Hugh Syme. However, these recordings provide crucial insight into the remarkable transformation that would unfold in the coming years.
 
 
 Rush 50
 Does justice to Rutsey, particularly through "Need Some Love" and "Before and After," which are live recordings from an October 1974 performance at a high school in Ontario—these tracks were notably featured in the 2010 documentary about Rush.
 Beyond the Lighted Stage
 - which stomps significantly harder than the studio versions on their eponymous first album. Nonetheless, the compilation’s beginning segment serves mainly as an introduction to what could be considered the most significant drum replacement in rock music: the addition of Peart in August 1974.
 
 
 It's fascinating to contrast a pair of previously unreleased tracks from a Cleveland gig that took place less than two weeks after Peart's debut - R&B cover "Bad Boy" and the early original "Garden Road" - with a live-in-studio version of
 Fly by Night
 The opener, "Anthem," was recorded just four months afterward. In the earlier track, Peart presents his authoritative style with Rush during their initial phase; conversely, the latter demonstrates his signature mix of intense power and astonishing accuracy, setting the groundwork for the group’s developed sound.
 
 
 Rush 50
 It beautifully captures the band's significant growth during the mid-to-late seventies via both well-known tracks ("2112"'s beginning segments, "Closer to the Heart") and intense live performances. By 1976’s rendition of “Something for Nothing” performed at Toronto’s Massey Hall, all components defining them as the definitive power trio had solidified: Neil Peart’s powerful drumming, Alex Lifeson’s aggressive guitar work, and Geddy Lee’s distinctive vocals. The exceptionally cohesive performance of the complex instrumental piece "La Villa Strangiato" from the 1979 concert at Holland's Pinkpop Festival demonstrates not only their enhanced compositional skills but also their capacity to push boundaries without losing audience appeal—evident in fans' roaring approval post-performance. This edition includes an unreleased version of “The Trees,” previously restricted to private vault releases.
 Rock Band
 The video game includes an alternative Lifeson guitar solo; much like a comparable version of "Working Man" featured earlier in the compilation, which was released digitally before, this serves as a small incentive for buyers.
 
 
 The first half of
 Rush 50
 includes many of the band's well-recognized hits, making space for a comprehensive look at the lesser-appreciated periods that came after the American commercial high point of their 1981 album.
 Moving Pictures
 Selections from the group's synthesizer-focused late Eighties era now resonate more firmly than ever when placed within the broader timeline.
 Rush 50
 , challenging the conventional rock purist view that the trio ventured too far during this phase. "The Big Money," from 1985's
 Power Windows
 , showcases some of Lifeson's most innovative guitar performances – such as a solo characterized by its dazzling textural brilliance – whereas “Time Stand Still,” from 1987’s
 Hold Your Fire
 , discovers Peart skillfully adjusting his exceptional agility to suit the style of modern, sophisticated pop-rock.
 
 
 Similarly, the sections dedicated to the Nineties and 2000s strongly advocate for underappreciated albums such as the one from 1993.
 Counterparts
 (the raw intensity of 'Stick It Out' truly stands out here) from 2007's
 Snakes & Arrows
 (represented by the vibrant, exotic instrumentals like "The Main Monkey Business" and a lively version of the moving track "Working Them Angels.") It’s delightful to witness the band energetically delving back into their older material during performances, such as an intense snippet from the progressive rock journey “Cygnus X-1” released in 1977, captured live in Rio in 2002, along with a somber take on "Between the Wheels,” a lesser-known song from 1984.
 Grace Under Pressure
 (The aforementioned song is one of multiple tracks on
 Rush 50
 Whose lyrics written by Peart now appear ominously prophetic?
 Moving Pictures
 For instance, the song "Witch Hunt," when experienced in an intense live performance, inevitably brings to mind Trump-era xenophobia through lyrics such as, "They warn of outsiders who menace us / Our immigrants and non-believers."
 
 
 In addition to the introductory "NotFadeAway" single, the most historically significant track on this album is the last one – a never-before-released recording that captures an earlier performance.
 The final roughly 10-minute performance that Lee, Lifeson, and Peart shared on stage.
 Wrapping up their R40 tour, where the setlist followed a chronological order starting from recent releases backward, they revisited their beginnings by performing a medley of songs from their debut album—namely "What You're Doing" and "Working Man"—and ended with a piece of "Garden Road." These performances were powerful, yet what came next left an even deeper impact. Halfway through expressing gratitude toward both the audience and the team, Lee exclaimed, “Whoa, what a surprise.” This reaction stemmed from the surprising presence beside him of Peart—a move unprecedented for the drummer who typically adhered to his own rule known as the "back-line meridian,” avoiding appearing upfront alongside his fellow musicians post-show. By capturing this touching instant effectively,
 Rush 50
 celebrates both a sense of fraternity and a collection of albums, ultimately wrapping up an appropriately grand journey through one of rock's most enriching and satisfying eras.
 
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'Rush 50': More Than Just Hits — An Epic Musical Odyssey

Unknown music, music and lyrics, music history, music industry, rock music

Forty-seven tracks into Rush 50 - A comprehensive career-spanning compilation featuring 50 tracks over almost five hours introduces an intriguing auditory surprise. Early in "Headlong Flight,…

Mike Oldfield: 5 Decades of Progressive Rock Mastery

Unknown music, music albums, music and lyrics, music industry, rock music

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1rtxQ6" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1rtxQ6.jpg"/>

 
 Back in the early '70s, a remarkably gifted 19-year-old British musician successfully persuaded recording executives (including a fledgling Richard Branson) to provide him with studio access. His vision was to create an elaborate extended composition which ultimately materialized as "Tubular Bells."
 


 
 When a segment of the music was featured in the score for "The Exorcist," the investment yielded substantial returns, catapulting the album onto global charts and exposing millions to progressive rock as a musical style.
 


 
 Oldfield proceeded to enjoy a fruitful yet low-profile professional journey, and Branson expressed his gratitude for Oldfield contributing to Virgin Group’s initial significant financial triumph. "The phrase 'tubular bells' wasn’t something I anticipated would become so pivotal in our story," he remarked in 2013. "Without hiring this specific instrument, Virgin venturing into space probably wouldn’t be a reality today."
 


 
 Many revised editions and updated versions of Tubular Bells have been released over the years, along with sporadic live concerts. The 50th
 
 th
 
 The anniversary tour initially began in 2023 and has since announced an extensive lineup of performances extending through 2025. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether the elusive Oldfield will make personal appearances at these events.
 


 
 There are numerous peculiar aspects of Tubular Bells that deserve mention:
 


 
 The iconic sleeve was designed by Trevor Key, reportedly paid just £100 (EUR 120 or USD 134) but who went on to design numerous other high-profile releases.
 

<ul>
 <li class="MsoNormal">
 
 The provisional title for the album was "Opus One."
 
 </li>
 <li class="MsoNormal">
 
 The album has sold in excess of 20 million copies.
 
 </li>
 <li class="MsoNormal">
 
 In 1985, Oldfield’s publisher demanded a co-writing credit for a similarity to the Paul Hardcastle hit, “19”.
 
 </li>
 <li class="MsoNormal">
 
 The title of the fourth album, “Ommadawn”, is a phonetic spelling of the Gaelic “amadán”, idiot. The chant that can be heard, "Amadán ag ceól", means "Idiot singiing".
 
 </li>
 <li class="MsoNormal">
 
 Many of the wide range of instruments were hired for the occasion. But the actual tubular bells were from a previous John Cale recording session.
 
 </li>
 <li class="MsoNormal">
 
 Not happy with the sound he was getting from them, Oldfield chose a harder hammer and cracked one of the bells.
 
 </li>
 <li class="MsoNormal">
 
 In 1986, an interactive Commodore 64 version of the album was released, which used a sound chip to play a simplified re-arrangement of the album, accompanied by some simple 2D visual effects.
 
 </li>
 <li class="MsoNormal">
 
 American singer Tori Amos has frequently used the opening
 Tubular Bells
 theme of her live performance.
 
 </li>
 <li class="MsoNormal">
 
 Virgin Airlines named one of their planes "Tubular Belle."
 
 </li>
 <li class="MsoNormal">
 
 In 2017, Mike created demo recordings for a fourth installment of the Tubular Bells series, which he was unable to complete.
 
 </li>
</ul>

 
 The events for 2024 and 2025 will span locations throughout the UK and Europe. Additional information can be found here.
 Mike Oldfield tour info
 .
 


 
 (Michael Leahy. Photo: UMG)
 


 
 
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Mike Oldfield: 5 Decades of Progressive Rock Mastery

Unknown music, music albums, music and lyrics, music industry, rock music

Back in the early '70s, a remarkably gifted 19-year-old British musician successfully persuaded recording executives (including a fledgling Richard Branson) to provide him with studio access. His…

From YMCA to "Born in the USA": Unraveling Rock's Most Misinterpreted Anthems

Unknown music, music and lyrics, politics, popular culture, rock music

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vrsJW" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vrsJW.jpg"/>

 In 1981,
 Bruce Springsteen
 He sat with his legs resting on a coffee table in his house in Colts Neck, New Jersey, contemplating a song partly sparked by a script sent to him by screenwriter Paul Schrader. As he strummed his guitar, The Boss flipped through his notebook searching for scrawled lyrics about the struggles faced by veterans returning from the Vietnam War. He decided to use as the chorus the provisional title of the screenplay beside him, titled "Born In The USA."


 As Springsteen would go on to pen in his memoir,
 Born To Run
 From 2016, " Born In The USA" continues to be one of my most significant yet widely misinterpreted musical works. This song juxtaposes melancholic bluesy verses with uplifting anthemic choruses, simultaneously calling for a 'critically' patriotic stance alongside celebrating national pride—a duality that seemed contradictory or bothersome to those who listen without much scrutiny... Music albums frequently act as auditory inkblot tests; we interpret them based on our personal perspectives.


 Surely, we can relate. There have definitely been numerous times when I've found myself stumbling.
 foul of misunderstanding songs myself
 For several years — let's say about thirty years — I genuinely thought that the lyric "I was invited in for coffee and I gave the dog a bone," from the Squeeze hit "Cool_for_Cats", implied that the singer actually provided bonemeal to a dog. At least I wasn’t as clueless as another guy at the Hammersmith Odeon back in the late 1970s during Tom Robinson’s performance of "Glad_To_Be_Gay" when he turned to his companions asking, “Do you think he’s homosexual?”

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1sE9cM" data-reference="video"/>

 In certain uncommon cases, it can happen that a songwriter might misinterpret their own work. Actually, just this week, Victor Willis, the creator of the song often hailed as the gay anthem "YMCA," has threatened legal action against those who refer to the Village People hit as — hold on — a gay anthem.


 In January 2025, my spouse plans to initiate legal action against every single news outlet that inaccurately portrays YMCA as some sort of gay anthem—whether in their titles or within the body of articles—because this claim apparently hinges only on certain suggestive lyrics from the song," Willis penned earlier this week, somewhat unclearly.
 
 wife
 
 Still, she'll be the one filing the lawsuit. Not much can be more definitive than that, right?


 However, I'm certain we've all faced setbacks in various ways. My late father, who had an unusual knack for misinterpreting song lyrics, used to tell me more than forty times that "Livin' Thing" by ELO was about a man going bald (though it definitely isn't). Even stranger was his belief that the narrative of "Mrs. Robinson," performed by Simon & Garfunkel, mirrored the plot of the movie *The Graduate*, where the song originally featured. Despite my efforts, I couldn't convince him that the introductory lines — including the couplet “We'd like to know a little bit about you for our files / We'd like to help you learn to help yourself” — were meant differently.
 
 clearly
 
 “Don’t be silly,” he would respond, “why would anyone write a song about this?” as she entered a mental health clinic.
 
 that
 
 ?”

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 When discussing "Born in the USA," it's interesting to think about how this prominent song might have been perceived if it had been included in the stark and gloomy format of the album "Nebraska." Issued in 1982, Springsteen’s haunting acoustic gem presents a collection of individuals struggling at society's margins within a nation indifferent toward its underprivileged citizens. A protagonist unable to find respite in America or an individual driven mad during the Vietnam War battle could easily fit into such a setting.


 Supported by the E Street Band in powerful form upon its release in 1984 on an album bearing the same title, this song later turned into a prime example of how quickly tunes with clear-cut lyrics could be misinterpreted. For instance, the trade publication Cash Box characterized it as "an unambiguous hymn extolling America’s core principles," whereas libertarian writer George Will opined, "I am utterly oblivious to Springsteen’s political leanings" — quite unsurprising indeed — yet he felt that the refrain from "Born in the U.S.A." amounted to "a splendidly joyous declaration.” He went so far as to propose to Reagan’s team that they seek Bruce Springsteen's backing for President Reagan's reelection bid during the 1984 presidential race. This suggestion was promptly declined.


 It seems to demonstrate the strength of popular music that even lyrics which are highly rebellious or complex can occasionally be presented with such ease. These lyrical elements remain concealed yet noticeable over extended periods of time.


 Sometimes, however, overlooking things can have advantages. "Pills And Soap," a song by
 Elvis Costello
 & The Attractions' album attributed to "The Imposter" was pulled from shelves just 72 hours following its release, coinciding with the 1983 general election. Despite being overtly political—lines like "the sugar-coated pill is getting more bitter every day; you believe your nation requires you, yet deep down you know it doesn’t really care"—Costello managed to circumvent broadcast restrictions for sensitive content through an agreement with executives at Top Of The Pops, persuading them that the ominous tune actually advocated for animal welfare. In fairness, he
 
 had
 
 turn into a vegetarian that very year following a documentary on factory farming.

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 Last week, during a bus tour around Belfast, I was struck again by how Costello often begins his politically charged songs with imaginative embellishments and grandiose wordplay. While driving through the north side of town, our guide mentioned that we were passing what locals call "Murder Mile," a former volatile Protestant neighborhood featured prominently in one of the artist's most popular tracks. However, Oliver’s Army does not reference Belfast at all. The song, penned following their performance in the city in 1978, initially aimed only as a B-side track until pianist Steve Nieve added the piano riff reminiscent of ABBA’s Dancing Queen to the composition.


 However, even though I enjoy picturing Elvis Costello being completely satisfied with how the magnificent tunes of "Oliver's Army" overshadow words and phrases like “Palestine,” “Johannesburg," and “white n-----” for those who aren’t inclined to catch the lyrics, some musicians become quite upset when their song's essence gets overlooked.


 At first glance, the choice made by New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, to utilize "Tubthumping,"
 Chumbawamba
 As a theme song, it's quite straightforward. After all, we're not dealing with a working-class national anthem that speaks to the unyielding spirit of marginalized communities in overlooked parts of England, which would be similar to a populist politician known for their strong views on social and economic issues, making even someone like Liz Truss appear mild-mannered compared to Pete Seeger.

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 However, when using a chart-topping song from a group that previously criticized
 John Prescott
 — starting from the left, no less — by pouring water from a bucket holding bottles of champagne over the deputy prime minister during the Brit Awards in 1998, Winston Peters attracted unavoidable backlash that could have been sidestepped with some minimal investigation into Chumbawamba’s background. If he had researched them beforehand, he might have understood that using their most well-known song for a political figure who previously opposed the decriminalization of homosexuality would be utterly absurd.


 Allow me to clarify: 'Tubthumping' was composed to honor the resilience and determination of working-class individuals who continue to fight despite tough circumstances," wrote Boff Whalley, the band's lead guitarist, in an article for The Guardian released last month. "The song bears absolutely no resemblance to wealthy politicians advocating extreme anti-liberal platforms.


 Whalley proceeded to criticize "the new generation of populist leaders who believe they can conceal their millionaire 'champion of the common folk' paradoxes with popular hits everyone adores." Expanding his criticism, he pointed out that Donald Trump specifically lacks knowledge regarding his selection of campaign anthems; as a result, he has had to cease using music from artists like Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, and Elton John. When it came to Chumbawamba, we also had to issue our own 'stop and desist' order because an aspirant President Trump mistakenly believed he could utilize 'Tubthumping,' not anticipating our strong objections.


 Boff Whalley believes that the real problem here is that “the right doesn’t have any good songs [which is] why they keep trying to nick ours”.


 Who am I to claim he’s missing the point? Undoubtedly, when conservative politicians, particularly, declare their support for political adversaries, they often tread on metaphorical land mines visible even from outer space. Following David Cameron identifying "The Eton Rifles" by The Jam as one of his favorite tunes, the song's creator, Paul Weller, reacted by questioning, “Which part did you fail to understand… It wasn’t meant to be some cheerful anthem for military training groups.” Similarly, Johnny Marr expressed little enthusiasm about the ex-Prime Minister’s approval.
 
 his
 
 The old band, again. "Quit claiming you enjoy The Smiths," the guitarist stated firmly. "You really don't. I prohibit you from liking them."

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 Things inevitably get complicated when a song is versatile enough to be embraced by various political factions. For instance, the undeniably inspiring "We're Not Gonna Take It" by construction workers-turned-glam-metal band Twisted Sister, has served over the years as an anthem for widely differing groups such as protesting educators, supporters of stricter gun laws, and even Republicans. However, when members of the extreme right adopted this tune, frontman Dee Snider voiced his disapproval openly. He tweeted, "ATTENTION QAnon, MAGA fascists: Each time you belt out 'We're Not Gonna Take It,' keep in mind it was penned by someone who enjoys dressing up as the opposite sex, supports liberal causes, loves nature, identifies partly Jewish, and despises everything you represent." Adding, "Your anger fueled each bitter line of that song! GET LOST!"


 Keep in mind, "We're Not Gonna Take It" has been misinterpreted since day one. Following years of performing in Long Island’s clubs throughout the early '70s and into the mid-'80s, Twisted Sister found themselves thrust into controversy when they were included among 15 rock and pop tracks flagged by the politically connected censor organization known as the PMRC [Parents Music Resource Center]. With his appearance resembling chaos akin to an explosion at a Bette Midler merchandise plant, Dee Snider had to appear before this group during a Senate hearing where he aimed to debunk the idea that he was corrupting youthful audiences.


 I want to share some information about myself with the committee," he stated. "I am 30 years old, married, and have a three-year-old son. I was brought up as a Christian and continue to follow those values. Surprisingly enough, I neither consume alcohol nor cigarettes, and I abstain from using any kind of drugs.


 
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From YMCA to "Born in the USA": Unraveling Rock's Most Misinterpreted Anthems

Unknown music, music and lyrics, politics, popular culture, rock music

In 1981, Bruce Springsteen He sat with his legs resting on a coffee table in his house in Colts Neck, New Jersey, contemplating a song partly sparked by a script sent to him by screenwriter Paul S…