IT'S THE RUSH EPICS POLL

Tough to argue with 2112 but I love my Xanadu!

even if i choose not to decide, i've still made a choice!

so, i guess any run of the mill 7 minute rush song isn't epic enough? like working man or jacob's ladder? i love jacob's ladder. not more than 2112 or by-tor, but i love it. also, the working man/drum solo/etc on all the world's a stage is killer. and at least 15 minutes long.

i love xanadu too. i might vote for xanadu!

Well there seem to be loads of 6-7 minute songs on the later albums (by later I mean post 1984, i.e. when they started to suck), so fuck including all them. I just went for the tracks with different, named sections. And Xanadu.

I went for Xanadu because of that little "wee wee" guitar bit in verse 2, but I'm thinking By-Tor now.

Ranked :

Xanadu
Cygnus X-1 / Hemispheres
By-Tor And The Snow Dog
The Fountain Of Lamneth
2112
Natural Science
La Villa Strangiato
The Camera Eye
The Necromancer

"Well there seem to be loads of 6-7 minute songs on the later albums"

yeah, i know. it's just that jacob's ladder feels so epic. and working man has been their extended live jam forever.

that 30th anniversary dvd kills when they go into a live 2112/xanadu/working man medley. my heart almost stopped when i watched that.

"Xanadu" every damn time (especially when augmented with "Broon's Bane" and "The Trees" on Exit Stage Left)

even if i choose not to decide, i've still made a choice!

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I laughed at that one too. It's funny no matter who says it. Geddy or Scott or whoever.

:)

It's not long enough for this poll, but I think "Spindrift" off Snakes & Arrows is highly fucking epic. Especially live. It was ridiculously heavy.

Even Allmusic passes on this track as being noteworthy.

Play it again... it's pretty damn special.

LET THE FRAY BEGIN

Cygnus X-1 / Hemispheres for me - I do believe I will put it on now. Great Poll!

It's "2112", but Rush surely were not better at this than Yes.

"2112," dammit!

I listened to "2112" yesterday, actually -- in the middle of a semi-crowded train, and did catch myself singing out loud along with ol' Ged about those damn Temples of Syrinx. As you do.

2112 could be the best epic from any band. The version on All the World's a Stage is the best recorded moment of Rush's 30 plus year career.

"Jacob's Ladder" should definitely be on here. I'm torn between "Natural Science" and "The Fountain of Lamneth."

And "Cygnus X-1" and "Hemispheres" are SO two separate tracks! The production quality isn't even similar, let alone anything else (other than the 'story')! I might have considered voting for one of them otherwise.

(There's something to be said for LVS too...)

I'd like to see Alex belting out "Temples of Syrinx" on a crowded train.

"2112" has been in my head a lot this past fortnight.

guys this is almost impossible for me

Can I pick 5?

Yeah, the connection is largely titular. And if the chief requirement of "epic" status is Roman numerals (which I'm not saying it is), then "Xanadu" and "Camera Eye" don't count, fine as they are. (And hmm, maybe the "Fear" trilogy should've been included?)

Sufferin' jesus - that was meant to be an unitalicized reply to

And "Cygnus X-1" and "Hemispheres" are SO two separate tracks! The production quality isn't even similar, let alone anything else (other than the 'story')! I might have considered voting for one of them otherwise.

-- Sundar

Patty-cake, patty-cake,
Mother's going to buy you shoes
Father's going to buy you socks
Baby's going to have red cheeks

Xanadu by a mile. Past that, there's only about two, maybe three tops that I'd call any good.

BY-TOR IS AMAZING

but so is "XANADU", "2112", "Cygnus X-1", "La Villa Strangiato"...

;_;

la villa strangiato

By-Tor and La Villa are the front-runners, 2112 was my introduction to Rush, and Cygnus X-1 is the only other one i remember in full without going to reference material...

By-Tor

uh, i do remember Xanadu too- (milk/honeydew/etc.)

I wonder if all the Xanadu love on here is because we are readers that got the references?

or just really really gay and dorky.

plus Xanadu has the prettiest chords. (tho when I was a Rush fan, I probably would have gone w/La Villa or Hemispheres)

A Farewell To Kings is such a great album.

I wonder if all the Xanadu love on here is because we are readers that got the references?

http://janbraum.unas.cz/rock/ELO/img/olivie.jpg

I wonder if all the Xanadu love on here is because we are just really really gay and dorky readers that got the references?

fountain of lamneth is very underrated but i guess no one else ever made it to the 2nd side of that album

2112 is probably the best still though, or xanadu

I. at the tobes of hades
The tobes of hades
Lit by flickering torchlight
The netherworld is gathered in the glare
Prince by-tor takes the cavern
To the north light
The sign of eth is rising in the air
By-tor, knight of darkness,
Centurion of evil
Devils prince

Ii. across the styx
Across the river styx
Out of the lamplight
His nemesis is waiting at the gate
The snow dog, ermine glowing
In the damp night
Coal-black eyes shimmering with hate
By-tor and the snow dog
Square for battle
Let the fray begin

Iii. of the battle

Instrumental

Iv. epilogue
The battles over
And the dust is clearing
Disciples of the snow dog sound the knell
Rejoicing echoes
As the dawn is nearing
By-tor in defeat
Retreats to hell
Snow dog is victorious
The land of the overworld
Is saved again

Prologue

In the constellation of cygnus
There lurks a mysterious, invisible force
The black hole
Of cygnus x-1

Six stars of the northern cross
In mourning for their sisters loss
In a final flash of glory
Nevermore to grace the night....

1
Invisible
To telescopic eye
Infinity
The star that would not die

All who dare
To cross her course
Are swallowed by
A fearsome force

Through the void
To be destroyed
Or is there something more?
Atomized ---- at the core
Or through the astral door ----
To soar....

2
I set a course just east of lyra
And northwest of pegasus
Flew into the light of deneb
Sailed across the milky way

On my ship, the rocinante
Wheeling through the galaxies,
Headed for the heart of cygnus
Headlong into mystery

The x-ray is her siren song
My ship cannot resist her long
Nearer to my deadly goal
Until the black hole ----
Gains control....

3
Spinning, whirling,
Still descending
Like a spiral sea,
Unending

Sound and fury
Drowns my heart
Every nerve
Is torn apart....

"To seek the sacred river Alph
To walk the caves of ice
To break my fast on honey dew
And drink the milk of Paradise...."

I had heard the whispered tales
Of immortality
The deepest mystery
From an ancient book. I took a clue
I scaled the frozen mountain tops
Of eastern lands unknown
Time and Man alone
Searching for the lost ---- Xanadu

Xanadu ---- To stand within The Pleasure Dome
Decreed by Kubla Khan
To taste anew the fruits of life
The last immortal man
To find the sacred river Alph
To walk the caves of ice
Oh, I will dine on honey dew
And drink the milk of Paradise

A thousand years have come and gone
But time has passed me by
Stars stopped in the sky
Frozen in an everlasting view
Waiting for the world to end
Weary of the night
Praying for the light
Prison of the lost ---- Xanadu

Xanadu ---- Held within The Pleasure Dome
Decreed by Kubla Khan
To taste my bitter triumph
As a mad immortal man
Nevermore shall I return
Escape these caves of ice
For I have dined on honey dew
And drunk the milk of Paradise

; I. overture
Words and music by geddy lee, alex lifeson, and neil peart

And the meek shall inherit the earth.

Ii. the temples of syrinx
Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

... the massive grey walls of the temples rise from the
Heart of every federation city. I have always been awed
By them, to think that every single facet of every life is
Regulated and directed from within! our books, our music,
Our work and play are all looked after by the benevolent
Wisdom of the priests...

Weve taken care of everything
The words you hear the songs you sing
The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes
Its one for all and all for one
We work together common sons
Never need to wonder how or why

We are the priests of the temples of syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls
We are the priests of the temples of syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls

Look around this world we made
Equality our stock in trade
Come and join the brotherhood of man
Oh what a nice contented world
Let the banners be unfurled
Hold the red star proudly high in hand

We are the priests of the temples of syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.
We are the priests of the temples of syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls.

Iii. discovery
Words by neil peart, music by alex lifeson

... behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was
Hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the
Dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in
My hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was
Beautiful ...
... I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn
The keys to make them sound differently. as I struck the
Wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious
Sounds, and soon my own music! how different it could
Be from the music of the temples! I cant wait to tell the
Priests about it! ...

What can this strange device be?
When I touch it, it gives forth a sound
Its got wires that vibrate and give music
What can this thing be that I found?

See how it sings like a sad heart
And joyously screams out its pain
Sounds that build high like a mountain
Or notes that fall gently like rain

I cant wait to share this new wonder
The people will all see its light
Let them all make their own music
The priests praise my name on this night

Iv. presentation
Words by neil peart, music by alex lifeson

... in the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up
To a circle of grim, expressionless faces. father brown
Rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed
Throughout the silent temple hall. ...
... instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were
Words of quiet rejection! instead of praise, sullen
Dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as father brown
Ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his
Feet...

I know its most unusual
To come before you so
But Ive found an ancient miracle
I thought that you should know

Listen to my music
And hear what it can do
Theres something here as strong as life
I know that it will reach you

Yes, we know its nothing new
Its just a waste of time
We have no need for ancient ways
The world is doing fine

Another toy will help destroy
The elder race of man
Forget about your silly whim
It doesnt fit the plan

I cant believe youre saying
These things just cant be true
Our world could use this beauty
Just think what we might do

Listen to my music
And hear what it can do
Theres something here as strong as life
I know that it will reach you

Dont annoy us further
We have our work to do
Just think about the average
What use have they for you?

Another toy will help destroy
The elder race of man
Forget about your silly whim
It doesnt fit the plan

V. oracle: the dream
Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

... I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so
Vivid to me. clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the
Oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase ...
... I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities
And the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works
Of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and
Understanding as I saw a completely different way to life,
A way that had been crushed by the federation long ago. i
Saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss
Of all these things ...

I wandered home though silent streets
And fell into a fitful sleep
Escape to realms beyond the night
Dream cant you show me the light?

I stand atop a spiral stair
An oracle confronts me there
He leads me on light years away
Through astral nights, galactic days

I see the works of gifted hands
That grace this strange and wondrous land
I see the hand of man arise
With hungry mind and open eyes

They left the planets long ago
The elder race still learn and grow
Their power grows with purpose strong
To claim the home where they belong
Home, to tear the temples down...
Home, to change..

Vi. soliloquy
Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

... I have not left this cave for days now, it has become
My last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of
The waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live
Under the control of the federation, but there is no other
Place to go. my last hope is that with my death I may pass
Into the world of my dream, and know peace at last.

The sleep is still in my eyes
The dream is still in my head
I heave a sigh and sadly smile
And lie a while in bed
I wish that it might come to pass
Not fade like all my dreams

Just think of what my life might be
In a world like I have seen
I dont think I can carry on
Carry on this cold and empty life
Oh...noo!

My spirits are low in the depths of despair
My lifeblood spills over..

Vii. grand finale
Music by geddy lee, alex lifeson, and neil peart

Attention all planets of the solar federation
Attention all planets of the solar federation
Attention all planets of the solar federation
We have assumed control.
We have assumed control.
We have assumed control.

srsly Rush is one of the greatest bands to have ever existed

By-Tor definitely has the best lyrics.

Wish I'd included Jacob's Ladder though.

"conform or be cast out!"

rad live version of la villa:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78D00dYOBrM

It may not truly be the best, but I thought "The Camera Eye" deserved some love. Definitely has one of Alex Lifeson's best guitar solos - and that's saying something indeed!

I never appreciated Lifeson that much til I saw the 30th anniversary tour. Some of his leads literally raised hairs on the back of my neck. He had some very David Gilmour moments, only with much more energetic material to work with. Totally made me re-evaluate his necessity in the trio.

"Fountain of Lamneth" is kind of a dark horse - "The Gates of Delirium" to "2112"'s "Close To The Edge", maybe. But I gotta say "2112". And yeah, I like every one of those epics. (Nearly.)

(And hmm, maybe the "Fear" trilogy should've been included?)

Make that "quadrilogy" - they've apparently recorded Part IV in recent years, who knew?

A quadrilogy is actually a tetralogy. But who's counting?

Obviously not me - not accurately, anyways...

I only know from reading too many science fiction novels.

By-Tor and Xanadu are ridiculously awesome, as is Rush. God, I love Rush.

Automatic thread bump. This poll's results are now in.

Last week my brakes were going out, and I needed to get a new master cylinder. The aging, fat, bald mechanic was very businesslike until I set my keys on the counter with the RUSH keychain attached. He instantly perked up and told me that he's seen Rush 9 times and that I'm "a man after his own heart".

It is good to have mutual respect like that with an auto mechanic.

This poll might need to be executed again, with Jacob's Ladder in the running.

a shifting shaft of shining weaves the fabric of their dreams

I'd still vote for The Camera Eye. But damn, I love the live version of 2112 that they did on the Test For Echo tour. The advent of modern amplification and super high tech PAs made it sound absolutely huge. Check it out on the Different Stages set - pure rock mayhem.

This poll might need to be executed again, with Jacob's Ladder in the running.

Plus Cygnus and Hemispheres as separate options too, why did I do that?

too bad natural science didn't get any votes that one is good