In honor of Live365 securing Canadian music licensing last week, we decided to do a "Top 10" for one of the greatest bands to ever come out of the Great White North -- RUSH!
10. The Trees (Hemispheres, 1978)
Even though they have their tree "facts" slightly mixed up, "The Trees" made this Top 10 list because it's just that great.
9. What You're Doing (Rush, 1974)
The groovy bass line is absolute perfection and enough to leave anyone wanting more. But lucky for us, Rush gave us more than just a great bass. We have the guitar taking the lead around two minutes in and intense drumming keeping everyone in check.
8. The Big Money (Power Windows, 1985)
The synthesizers in the first 10 seconds scream '80s, and what were the '80s without Rush? Apparently money "hold the prize" in 1985 because Dire Straits also had a song about money released that year.
7. Limelight (Moving Pictures, 1981)
"Limelight" might be one of the most personal songs put out by Rush. Success meant constant autographs and lack of privacy, which put a strain on the band's relationships with each other. Luckily they were able to overcome it.
6. Tom Sawyer (Moving Pictures, 1981)
That guitar solo! When asked to describe it, Alex Lifeson said he winged it. We can't even do basic multiplication without concentrating, and here Lifeson is winging one of the greatest guitar solos of all time.
5. Fly by Night (Fly by Night, 1975)
A song so good they released it twice! This track off the band’s self-titled album was released for a second time a year later as part of a medley with “In the Mood” on their live album, “All the World’s a Stage.”
4. Working Man (Rush, 1974)
A disc jockey at WMMS in Cleveland is credited with Rush getting a record deal. Donna Halper began playing "Working Man" on the air and the song grew increasingly more popular. Rush thanked DJ Donna Halper for her contribution to the band and dedicated two albums to her.
3. Anthem (Fly by Night, 1975)
Inspired by author Ayn Rand, Peart penned these powerful lyrics: "Live for yourself, there's no one else more worth living for."
2. The Spirit of Radio (Permanent Waves, 1980)
Rush didn't get much airplay in their early days other than on Toronto radio station CFNY-FM. As an ode to CFNY, aka "The Spirit of Radio," RUSH wrote this song about them and titled it the station's slogan.
1. Closer to the Heart (A Farewell to Kings, 1977)
Finishing out the list in the number one spot is "Closer to the Heart." No explanation needed!
Article image: Enrico Frangi (uploaded by user Jonasz)[Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
