Bradford Pearson

My Case For: Rush

In the long history of rock and roll, there are the overrated bands (U2, the Allman Brothers Band) and the underrated bands (The Kinks, The Band). There are the classic bands (Beatles, Stones, Pink Floyd) and the niche bands (The Replacements, Fugazi).

Then there are the bands that divide us. Rush is one of those bands.

Detractors will say that Neil Peart’s lyrics are ridiculous, steeped in sci-fi and fantasy worlds. Well you know what? So were Robert Plant’s and Jimmy Page’s, and Led Zeppelin seemed to do alright for itself.

But put the lyrics aside and what you’re left with is a wall of sound by three of the hardest rocking men in history.

As far as musical trios go, the top five look something like this:

5. Cream

4. Big Star (okay maybe they’re a little light for “power” trio, but they kick ass)

3. Nirvana

2. The Jimi Hendrix Experience

1. Rush

Yes, Rush is higher than Hendrix, Cobain, and Clapton. And the reason is consistency. Nearly every Rush album is a great, layered piece of art.

Rush songs sound perfect, whether on a stereo or headphones. Peart is one of the greatest drummers of all time, and Geddy Lee bassline on “Spirit of Radio” is one of the most recognizable in all of music.

The band has 24 gold records, and 14 platinum ones, selling more than 40 million albums worldwide.

So why no respect? Number one, they’re Canadian. I usually hate Canadians (like most good Americans should) but I’ll put my hatred aside for Rush.

Number two? Well, there is no number two because you should love Rush.

And look at this! Jason Segal, from How I Met Your Mother and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, loves Rush! Well, at least his character in Freaks and Geeks does. Check it:

Oh and they somehow aren’t in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Just another reason why I hate that stupid place.

Share |

Posted by Bradford Pearson at 11:09 PM