The camera eye is the fastest 10 minutes of my life every time I listen to it. If you’ve never seen still kickin’s video to this song, CHECK IT OUT!!!! Along with all of their others. Test for Echo is another favorite.
Moving Pictures will always be quintessential Rush for me, and "The Camera Eye" is my favourite track, not just from this album, but from their catalogue. Epic. So glad you did this album 😎👍
It all came together here -- the virtuosity, along with the compositional and arranging skills. Geddy's voice was more developed -- less screechy, but still with extended range. And the production is fantastic. Each instrument sounds killer. No filler. A perfect album.
I have yet to hear a better produced album than Moving Pictures. So coherent and yet each instrument is fully audible all the way through. Just brilliant.
I would politely contend that 'it all came together' one album prior, but I might be biased toward Permanent Waves because "Natural Science" is my favorite Rush song. And one of my favorite songs, well, ever.
@@cthulhuferrigno6547 maybe it’s me, but MP has a fuller mix. PW sounds “thinner”. Even more so with Hemispheres. The holy grail would be Hemispheres with the sonic depth of MP.
The string of albums from 2112 to Moving Pictures is absolutely perfect. 2112, Farewell To Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and Moving Pictures. All masterclasses!
@@metalmike570 I love Hemispheres and Permanent Waves as much as the next guy, but i really think Moving Pictures and Signals is where they perfected their sound. Everything prior is fantastic, but is dripping with influence from other bands.
"Leave out the fiction. The fact is this friction can only be worn by persistence. Leave out conditions. Courageous conviction will drag the dream into existence." This is a motivational speech to every creative person.
Same. With or without the rest of the Fear tracks. It's just a classic study on the theme, full of mood and paranoia. Doug mentioned that we don't hear who or what they are mad AT, but Neil made it very clear what they were made mad BY, the fear and lies from people within their own 'side'. Neil's writing is so good throughout. It puts you in both perspectives. We should be wary of the fearful mob, but more importantly, we should be wary of those who might try to manipulate US with that fear.
I quote that last section often. Neil was an even better lyricist, than he was a drummer. Not to detract from his drumming, trust me.. I'm intimately familiar. 🤘🧙♂️🤘
You’re absolutely correct don’t get me wrong. I love all the other songs, but witch hunt to me was such a great song I used to sit in the back of my car in the backseat slap in the cassette and just crank it up and smoke a Doobie and listen to that whole album and especially when I got the witch hunt
"The Camera Eye" is such a pleasurable listen. They all sound fantastic. "Vital Signs" was a rarity in concert, but when they DID play it live, it would bring the house down...such a great live jam.
Fun Fact: On the last verse, when Geddy sings "Everybody got to elevate from the norm", the fourth time he sings the line, he says "evelate" instead of "elevate".
Stewart and Neil were great friends, as evidenced on Stewart's channel where Neil appeared regularly.I believe Stewart gave a speech at Neil's funeral.
Probably the reason why the record company issued "Vital Signs" as a single in the UK. It drew from the sound of The Police. I'm so glad the band decided to include it on one of their last tours, I really enjoyed that one live. It's one of my favourites
I listened to Camera Eye while walking the streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and it resonated so well. What an experience. Saw Moving Pictures done in entirety in 2010. One word,,,,,,,, Wow!!!.
I cut grass as a 13 year old and used my money to buy my first 3 albums. Rush: Moving Pictures, Van Halen: Women and Children First and AC/DC: High Voltage. I loved them all buy Moving Pictures stayed on my turntable for a year. Superb albulm!
DAMN. I'm 27 and grew up listening to these bands and albums as well. But to have been young back then and buying those 3 specific vinyls when they first came out?! I don't know how you or anyone else from those years are even alive after having your minds completely blown. 🤯
I was just starting high school when it was released, and i was able to buy that album and 10 others ( ACDC, KISS, Boston etc..) through Columbia House Records for $1.99. Great time to be alive
"Vital Signs" is the real gem here. Neil's playing is exceptional, and his drums sound spectacular! The feel is so refreshing after the heaviness of the previous tracks. And Geddy's playing is so strong. Just love that track!!
For me, Moving Pictures was the pinacle of Rush. I began listening when I saw 2112 at a friend's house. He had to go out, so I stayed and listened. When the album was over, I was hooked. From Fly by Night to Power Windows, the ride has been a pleasure and a dream. RIP prof.
I agree. Moving Pictures was one of my first concerts. I think they were peaking musically between MP and Signals. I think Caress of Steel is my favorite overall, tho.
There’s not a “bad” rush album. I’m more partial to their later stuff as that’s what I heard first but there are highlights in the 70’s and 80’s track wise.
Because the 5 senses are not alone. There's also thought. And when you combine the senses and thought you get an infinite amount of different opinions and feelings from different kinds of people. And Neil was brilliant in the way of depicting all that and making it very visual.
Back in 1980-81, I was an impressionable 16 years of age. I remember skipping Tom Sawyer, gravitating to Camera Eye and Witch hunt, playing with awe over and over. The following week I purchased 2112, Permanent Waves and Hemispheres on the same day. I'm still in awe of them to this day. Now I'm watching new Rush listeners experience the same "rush" I had, with delight. Thanks Doug 😊
That reggae guitar riff on Vital Signs is a repeat of the band bringing in that genre as they did on Spirit of Radio. Rush brought in New Wave, jazz and all other kinds of influences that you didn't usually hear in "hard rock" from that era. That's one of the many things that made them so different - they were beyond genre expectations. They were their own genre.
Not sure if the is mentioned elsewhere in the posts, I didn’t see it. On ‘Vital Signs’ the drums were recorded using a piezoelectric microphone taped to Neil’s chest (so can see this in the official video of the song). This gives us the unique chance to hear what his drums sound like from his perspective, and why they sound so different from the rest of the songs on this incredible album.
I’m compelled to say it again - “The Camera Eye” is the track that turned me from casual Rush listener into a loyal lifetime fanatic. In my far from humble opinion, one of the best tracks they’ve put on vinyl. And if not, certainly the most cinematic, the most grand, the most likely to be immortalized by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The main riff is to Rush, what the Star Wars suite is to John Williams. Neil’s lyrics are vivid poetic imagery that conjure up a place, a moment, a visceral and palpable experience that at first listen at the age of fourteen, teleported me onto the crosswalk of Broadway and 42nd, and the heart of Trafalgar Square in flawless prophecy despite the fact that I hadn’t yet visited either… physically. Geddy’s growling bass in step with Alex’s guitar wage a battling march that meticulously manifest the sense of that “purposeful stride.” And those very first six notes (seven if you count the note bend on the third) of Alex’s guitar solo…. by far his finest moment. Not another note need be played to elevate me to a high wire walk between two midtown skyscrapers as the wind precariously sways me and I struggle to maintain my balance. This song just moves me in ways no other song, not by Rush or anyone else, can.
The "Fear" Series originally was a series of three songs (later four) that cover the concept of fear. It consists of (in order of release) part three, "Witch Hunt" (Moving Pictures); part two,"The Weapon" (Signals); part one, "The Enemy Within" (Grace Under Pressure); and part four, "Freeze" (Vapor Trails). The first three were released in reverse order
Another fun fact, each one of those 4 start and end differently. Witch Hunt fades in and end sudden, The Weapon fades in and fades out, The Enemy Within begins sudden and fades out, and Freeze both starts and ends suddenly.
fun fact. there were no fear suite to begin with. they just made that up as they went along, pretending that it was a well thought through suite. it was not. The jokes of Rush was very much their own universe that before the internet was very hard to keep up with. Even now they elude. Three clever guys they are/were.
The first Rush album I ever heard was "Moving Pictures." It still hits as hard today as a complete album as it did then. Just a masterclass in production, lyrics, musicianship and art. They didn't try to do too much, and they left enough space for every nuance...and just as Doug indicated, it left you wanting more Neil; more Geddy; and more Alex. That is what a well done album leaves you with, IMO. Exhausted and wanting more.
It doesn't seem possible that such an album should even exist, it is so sublime, almost eerily so. Its collection of tracks so superbly recorded all blend in to an isoteric sonic journey from stupendous beginning to sublime end. What a listen. Love Rush
I miss having a ton of insights about music theory in your videos, like you did with some Genesis songs that you even had sheet music on screen... With Rush there's so much interesting detail. Like, the intro for Camera eye is all "sus" chords, and while the guitar goes Csus2 Gsus4 Bbsus2 Fsus4, the bass goes C G F Bb, so the Bb chord has a 5th in the bass, and the F chord has a 4th. The verse time goes 4/4 7/4 6/4 6/4. In Vital Signs, those sharp guitar chords sting alternatingly on beats 1 and 3, and 2 and 4 of each measure. Much of Rush's sound goes unnoticed and comes from Alex' guitar tapestry. It's harmonically and rhythmically interesting and we only notice it when it isn't there anymore (isolated bass+drums tracks are good for that). Edit: typos.
This album the same as 2112 sums up Rush. This is them it's unmistakable. Still makes me sad to think that Neil has gone. Really sad but so happy that Rush were a big part of my formative years. What a great great album this is. Thanks guys and thanks Doug.
Hello, I’m 60 years old and I’ve seen RUSH 16 times beginning March 6th 1980 in various perspectives to the stage and once heard a fan being interviewed on the radio the day after a San Diego show and he described it perfectly; “Each one is performing so inhumanly that you just don’t know which one to watch” So very true.
Hey Dr. Doug...Great reaction video to a classic Rush masterpiece, thank you! I swear I could just read your face and what you were thinking regarding the Witch Hunt lyrics and how relatable it is as to what is happening right now in our country...Neil was preaching to me as well!!!
The breakdown in Vital Signs starting at 3:05 is just unbelievably good. The cyclical synth pattern, the high hat accents rolling into the upbeat, the short bass solo before coming back to the original groove - its just so eerie and funky and cool. A great little instrumental that sometimes gets overlooked. Its also the perfect song to end the album with, as this record was the transition from 70's to 80's.
They certainly liked playing with different time signatures, even for one or two bars. Underrated composers, Master musicians. We, as listeners, were privileged to have them for 40 years.
Great catch on The Police influence on Alex's guitar's sounds in Vital Signs. That carried on a bit into Signals and heavily into Grace Under Pressure. He's mentioned multiple times how Andy Summers was a strong influence
@@charleskandrut7022 exactly. Summers later worked with Tony Levin too, and had strong influences from Prog Rock in general. Love his style of playing so much
Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand; ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand. Pure poetic Peart. As well, beginning at 7:17 listen how Neil seamlessly moves the snare beat from the fourth beat for a few bars, to the third beat for a few bars 7:53, then 2 and 4 at 8:04 for the remainder of the phrase.
A collaboration of the 3 most talented musicians in the universe and our life time will never happen again to such perfection ! Miss them , how lucky we are !
That was a cool reaction, Doug! I grew up listening this through high school. Neil's 80's lyrics are so powerful "ignorance and prejudice and fear go hand in hand" is so deep. Power Windows and Hold Your Fire have some amazing lyrics as well, Mission is a masterpiece. Related to the theme of fear, Peter Gabriel has a gorgeous song called Mother of Violence (fear is) the album recording is beautiful with along piano and Robert Fripp playing just one chord a single time in the whole track and there's an amazing live version on RU-vid as well. BTW I'm the guy who sent you the Congreso link a few weeks ago 😉
Doesn't it just! PoW has a huge, airy and crystal clear sound to it. It's an amazingly well produced album. Neil's bass drum thuds strongly and Geddy tears it up on Peter Collins' own Wal bass. The sound of that bass was like a lightning bolt of zingyness after the Rickenbacker growl and Steinberger tautness.
I feel the same way. Power Windows has so much more of a full sound, especially when Geddy uses those booming foot pedals. Compare that to Roll The Bones where that album sounds so tinny or full of treble, barely no booming bass at all. Like its on AM radio.
Doug, thank you for another great reaction, and doubling-down with Rush. Rush's 2nd live album "...Exit Stage Left" was released right after Moving Pictures, and has the famous extended YYZ w/Neil Peart's epic drum solo in the middle. There is another live drum solo prior to Moving Pictures on their 1st live album "All The World's A Stage." Neil pounds the drum solo in the middle of Working Man on that live album. Both drum solos are in a class of their own. Ohhh... side bar suggestion, Mon. Oct. 31st, 2022 Halloween is a "Metal Monday", and what better metal song to react to than the original 13-minute version of "Halloween" by Helloween on their album "Keepers of the Seven Keys I". Thanks again for all your enjoyable reactions.
Witch Hunt is one of my favourite RUSH tracks. Camera's Eye is really well mixed and shows just how much their production has improved!! Geddy's voice as he cuts in is perfect with the Bass!! Honestly a truly fantastic album! I love the cover!!!
Doug, London really isn't like that anymore - it's much more like New York now. The people are more likely to get annoyed about you talking to them, than to be friendly!
The half-step interval in "The Camera Eye" wasn't due to Ged's or Alex's inability to do something more 'complex.' It's there because it was the perfect musical way to convey the mood, feeling and intent of Neil's lyrics in that song. Sometimes the simplest choice, compositionally (if that's a word), is the best one for a particular song. Some of the beautiful and/or iconic pieces in the history of classical music aren't particularly complex. When you're painting pictures with words and music, sometimes basic blue or green works better than a more complicated hue that's a mixture of four different colors. And while the chord structure under Alex's guitar solo may not be particularly complex, his blistering solo is far from simple. His choice of notes, phrasing, the chirps, and the way he builds tension and interest to a perfect climax is phenomenal. Not many other guitarists could've written and played such a perfectly appropriate solo IMHO. Lots of guitarists could've played more notes and done gymnastics on the fretboard, but that isn't what great music is about.
Great thematic development in this song. All the parts assemble to a dense and colorful mix. Superbly effective in creating an epic that really grabs you.
Doug, to me the final transition into the next phase of Rush's sound changing is in the album after Moving Pictures which is called Signals and if you haven't listened to it you should. I think its very good.
The sound quality of this, is awesome! More and more I appreciate the songs I know, each time I watch one of your Eps. Many thanks Doug! If you ever come to the UK, I’m not too far down the line from London!
Doug Doug!! Talking over the best part of the song...the solo and growling bass underneath...wowsers! Do love your reactions even though I am clueless to the 'music speak' of time and notes...just love Rush and other bands you react too...The recent Images and Words was fantastic...Thank You!
I got to see them on the Test For Echo tour at the Meadowlands, NJ(still got the t-shirt). Most memorable moment in my mind still is Neil's drum solo. The overall sound was amazing. Moving Pictures and Rush are an influence in my own music. I love how this band has touched generations. May it continue to do so.
The live in Cleveland version of this song is just amazing. Neil’s lyrics were just so vivid. Even the song countdown recaps their experience of watching the first space shuttle launch in such a clear fashion.
Paul Gale Agreed 👍.. I've had two speeding tickets in my 61 years. (45 yrs driving) The 1st ticket Listening to Sweets Ballroom Blitz 😍 The 2nd one listening listening to vital signs.. 😁😁😁😁😁
@@oilrules4302 Ernest, your old like me(64 with more than 2 tickets in my life), and I dare say a long time fan. All of side 2 is great to drive with for sure. If you have a long drive ahead, try Rick Wakeman's Journey to the Center of the Earth. You won't speed but you may get lost because the music takes you places you may not have been before. RIP PROFESSOR PEART
Greetings from Brazil! Excellent analyses! "Red Barchetta", especially the live version of the following live album, "Exit: Stage Left" is simply my favorite song IN MY LIFE! And "The Camera Eye" whenever I listen to it I feel a certain sadness because it reminds me that it is the last song of "long duration" that Rush wrote in their career... and I really think that this album starts a transition phase for the years 1980, a transition that continues on the following studio album, "Signals" (which I also recommend you listen to in its entirety): there we have even more presence of synthesizers, and it is the last album that Neil Peart uses a totally "analog" drums (in later album, "Grace Under Pressure", he switches drums and incorporates "electronic" elements into it, like "pads" - I'm not sure that's the exact term).
I think the album had the matured playing, composition and lyricism all coming together at a perfect time, also technology bringing a crisp recording and sound
19:03 - Neil's drum sound was even better on Rush's next album, and particularly the toms! You'll love 'Signals' already for that fact alone, Doug! 😁👍 I sometimes wish he'd had the same great sound on 'Moving Pictures'! Which of course isn't bad per sé, but I've aways found the snare's sound to be a bit flat.
The Camera Eye has been my favourite Rush track for 30 years. There so much more in than the C# and he C. The coloration is so profound it gives the chords very different feels.. like the two cities.
Thanks, Doug. I'm sure we've all been waiting for your Side 2 reaction. To me, their entire sound at the time crystallized down to The Camera Eye. Enjoyed your reaction. Keep up the good work! LL
This will always be my favorite Rush album. I saw Tom Sawyer and Limelight for the first time live in Allentown, PA before Moving Pictures was released and just 6 months later saw the tour in Canada. Five 18 year olds driving from NJ to Ottawa amazing
I don't know if you noticed this, but one of the pictures shown on the album cover is of Joan Of Arc being burned at the stake, a reference to Witch Hunt. As an example of what can happen when prejudice and hatred really get out of hand, I recommend the song Red Sector A from Grace Under Pressure, which was based on the experiences of Geddy's mother as a Holocaust survivor, which IMO includes some of Neil's most powerful lyrics ever. 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🔥 🔥 🔥
Hey Doug, I just wanted to shout a giant thank you. Yesterday was my birthday and Moving Pictures would absolutely be my desert island album. I discovered Rush when this album was released. and they have been my favorite band from that moment forward.
Aw man...Side 2 gives me the feels. Camera Eye... Where do I start. That section where it's just toggling between C and C#, in my mind, that's when you are in the subways (or Tube) of these respective cities. The sound of the angry mob in Witch Hunt is the band shouting in the yard multi tracked. Drum set is double tracked left and right, what a great effect for this song. I think this was their first sequencer song? That's the fast bass you mentioned. Love how this side closes out with a preview of the sound of Signals, a nod to the future. Neil's kick drum sounds so thick and the gong bass drum is used to full effect. What a band, what an album.
Side 2 was the turning point, for me. From an earlier Rush perspective, it was never going to be the same, again. New Rush starts with side 2 of Moving Pictures. For others it's the next album, Signals. When they started loading floppy disc's, during live performances, I checked out,for 20 years. Then, I re-fell in love with them for r30. You reference the Police. Interesting. I really wish Neil never heard Stewart Copeland, and his piccolo snare.
One of the greatest albums of all time. Listened to the cassette tape of this on 1 side and Signals on the other that my friend in Junior high have me and it changed my life forever musically. Vital Signs onev of my all time fave songs. Always brings a tear to my eye. Wish that song could go on forever..... Neal home too soon. Matter lyricist for sure "Everybody's got to deviatw from the norm...."
Neil’s lyrics for The Camera Eye were inspired by the writer John Dos Passos book The 42nd Parallel. There is a section of the book titled Camera Eye. It tells the story of a newly arrived immigrant to New York City and the feelings and emotions he felt as he walked the city street one night. He felt a sense of possibility. It is a really great read.
Yer killin me Smalls. In my mind, the genius of The Camera Eye is the simplicity of half stepping so it provides a backdrop for the imagery of the lyrics without interference. Like could you imagine La Villa Strangiato as the soundtrack for those lyrics? Haha. And what band could maintain an 11 minute song based upon half step movement and still blow it to shreds? Only RUSH 💖 You missed Alex's brilliant guitar solo that punctuates the piece like a cherry atop a sundae because you talked over it. I realized many years ago that when I do a 1st listen on anything, I put the lyrics completely aside for later, or I know I won't be 100% focused on the music, which is the entire point 🤷♂️
Rush are truly in a league of their own. I wanted to recommend you a song by a relatively unknown artist from Australia, Aquilus, the song is called "Loss" from his debut album titled "Griseus". Aquilus is an atmospheric metal band from Melbourne, Australia. The works encompass different styles of atmospheric music inspired by classical and folk. I would really like to see your reaction to this, as this is a solo project, which honestly blows my mind. Both the composition and musicianship are astounding.
Doug, I appreciate so much your analysis and reactions to Rush. As a 40 year Rush fan I love seeing people discover Rush for the first time. It takes me back to when I heard these songs for the first time. Although I don't have the musical talents that you do, as the old saying goes, 'I don't know art but I know what I like'.
Such a perfect album. Kind of fitting that the last lyrics include "elevate from the norm" as they definitely deviated from their norm. I wasn't as thrilled by their 80's music but there was some amazing stuff produced in those years by these 3 cats from my hometown.
I get you; I was arguing with someone else on this thread about why Moving Pictures and Signals are not really better than the prior 5 albums. Moving Pictures and Signals may be better produced but to me that doesn't mean the music is better.
Vital Signs is one of my favorite Rush songs. I also somehow associate the feel of "Witch Hunt/Vital Signs" as album closers with "Girl Gone Bad/House of Pain" that end VH's 1984. They're all dark & odd while melodic and rhythmic.
@@Cpayne30 He was good on his other reactions that I've seen. Once in a while this happens to him. ANother good reaction channel is Lost In Vegas, but sometimes they stop it right at a bridge or a lead break!!
He's too busy listening to chord structures and compositional stuff. I'd love it if he's do a "second listen" series, where he re-visits certain music and just LISTENS, without attempting to talk about keys, time sigs or chord changes.
1982 one of the most important years personally & musically. My high school graduation year & the first year I performed with my band on a stage. The culmination of my dream since I was 12 years old & since I had seen Neil Peart perform. Later my bands would cover Red Barchetta & Limelight along with RUSH classics like Fly By Night & Working Man.
The focus is SHARP... C to C#. C SHARP. Now does the choice make sense? Love Camera Eye. Incessant but warm in its elevation to the sharp consistently. Thanks for doing this one Doug. I always learn something from you!
Great record filled with a seemingly didactic way to play rock. Well thought out lyrics. I was just getting into Rush when this came out. I was barely 13 years old. In 1984 the “Camera Eye” song was featured in one of my high school lyceums in the gym. The school had a giant screen to show inspirational and motivational songs matched up with happy scenes where kids were made to look successful. But then they played shitty popular music like Michael Jackson which got more cheers. Lol
Hi my friend, thanks for discription of this fabulous box set from Rush 1981. Got the set my selv nearly play one side a day amoung other great 80 group. Ill wait to hear more from you, you made it speciel, thanks.
I can tell you from personal experience that this song is wicked fun to play on guitar.. wicked fun ! my favorite line: "Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand."
A few years ago, I was having a burger at the Rosedale Diner. Two of Rush were at a table beside me. I was too scared to approach them as the seemed to be in their safe place.
Doug has reacted to both in his Extended Play Lounge on his Patreon. Fantastic breakdowns. See the Daily Doug Directory in this video's description for a list (with links) of all of Doug's reactions.
The Camera Eye is an Epic piece of music, and if I had to pick a favorite Rush song this would be it. The driving groove, stunning musicianship, all comes together and just rocks my soul... I started seeing Rush in 1977, and finally got to hear TCE on the Time Machine tour... Worth the wait...!
