Something for Nothing: A RUSH Fancast

Ep. 30: A Farewell to Kings, Pt. 1

With this episode, we enter the most interesting, creative, and imaginative phase of Rush's career. A Farewell to Kings, in our humble opinions, is about as perfect as any Rush album gets--or any album in the history of Rock. OK, maybe we gush a little too much, but can you blame us? It's A Farewell to Kings!

Ep. 29: Feedback

On this episode, we're talking about Rush's 2004 covers album, Feedback. This 8-song EP clocks in a brisk 27 minutes and features songs from the 1960s that influenced the band. Once the tracks are discussed, we give our own suggestions for what the guys could have also covered. 

Ep. 28: Counterparts, Pt 2

This week on Something for Nothing: A RUSH Fancast, we finish our discussion of 1993's Counterparts. Again, one of us likes side 2 more than the other one does. Who falls on which side? Listen to find out!

Ep. 27: Counterparts, Pt. 1

On this week's show, we dissect side one of 1993's Counterparts. In many ways, Counterparts, with its heavy guitars and full sound, is a return to form for Rush, a sonic goodbye to the 1980s. Still, we disagree on the overall merits of the album. Who likes Counterparts more, Steve or Gerry? There's only one way to find out!

Ep 26: Interview with @RushFans

This week, we talk to two of the admins of the @RushFans Instagram account, Ryan and Alex. @RushFans is incredibly popular, with over 29 thousand followers, and has recently started a video series called Rush Roundtable. We discuss the history of the account and the top 5 songs that Rush never played live that we would've wanted to hear. 

Ep. 25: Roll the Bones, Pt. 2

This week, we tackle the second half of Roll The Bones. Feedback on part 1 has been mixed, and we can only assume that the same will hold true for this episode. Oh, and we talk about a fascinating truth about the Berlin wall. So let the games begin!

Ep. 24: Roll The Bones, Pt. 1

This week, we take on 1991's Roll The Bones. RTB went platinum, and the singles charted well, but only one of us thinks the album holds up to scrutiny 29 years later. But all is not lost: we get to talk about the science show Nova, what Where's My Thing has in common with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and what a parallax is. 

Ep. 23: The Inboxer Rebellion

This week, we have a little housekeeping to do. We read gentle corrections from listeners, continue discussions begun on earlier podcasts, and fill in some gaps left behind by incomplete research. Did we mention there are corrections? And something to look forward to: another installment of The Inboxer Rebellion that does all of the above for this episode!

Ep. 22: Interview With Nathan Santos, "Rush: Progressive Rock and Modern Society"

This week, we speak with Director of Commercial Music and Instructor of Music at Tiffin University in Ohio, Nathan Santos. Nathan made news when he taught a course called "Rush: Progressive Rock and Modern Society" in the spring of 2014 and the fall of 2016. Our discussion ranges from Nathan's first exposure to Rush, how Rush's ability to reflect the times in their music contributed to their longevity, and what Rush has to say to the Millennials who took the class.

Ep. 21: Afterimage: a Celebration of the Life of Neil Peart

Last week we heard the heartbreaking news of Neil Peart's death. Upon joining Rush in 1974, Neil changed the trajectory of the band and of every Rush fan's life. His contributions to music cannot be overstated, and his effect on the lives he touched will never be forgotten. In this episode, we reflect on what The Professor means to us, and we read tributes to and memories of Neil from our listeners.

Ep. 20: Presto, Pt. 2

It's a new year, and that can only mean one thing: it's time to talk about side 2 of Presto! Fewer keyboards, more guitars, and a song called "Anagram (For Mongo)" that contains precious few actual anagrams but is nonetheless one of the most awe-inspiring songs in the RUSH catalogue. Gerry really, really, REALLY loves "Anagram (For Mongo)." A lot. Like, a lot!

Ep. 19: Presto, Pt. 1

On this week's show, we dive into one of our favorite Rush albums, 1989's Presto. The album sees the band stepping away from the heavy keyboards on their previous two albums while maintaining the quality songwriting that made Power Windows and Hold Your Fire exceptional entries in Rush's discography. "The Pass," "War Paint," and "Scars"? Who could ask for anything more?

Ep. 18: Fly By Night, Pt. 2

This time around, we finish our discussion of what many will, in time, regard as the first true Rush album, Fly By Night. Side 2 contains some classic Rush tunes, and the album as a whole signals the trajectory of the band's career for decades to come. The guys are flying high on this one, so let's go along for the ride!

 

Ep. 17: Fly By Night, Pt. 1

The New Guy, a Snow Dog, and an angry owl. It's Fly By Night!

In this episode, we talk about the man who helped Rush become Rush: Pratt, The Professor, Bubba--Neil Peart! With Peart on the Throne, the band began its journey into the beautiful weirdness of their prog days that began with "By-Tor and the Snow Dog," and we ask the question, "How did Geddy wrap his mouth around the lyrics to 'Beneath, Between, and Behind'?"

Ep. 16: Rush, Pt. 2

On this week's show, we finish up our discussion of Rush's first album, the appropriately titled Rush! Side 2 contains the band's first big song, the crowd favorite "Working Man." Gerry also shares his thoughts on who gets into Rock and Roll of Fame and why. So grab yourself an ice-cold beer and join us!

Ep. 15: Rush, Pt. 1

This week, we go back to the one that started it all: 1974's self-titled debut, Rush! The guitars are loud, the voice is high, and the drums thunder. Rush is the only album to feature original drummer John Rutsey. And make no mistake about it, John is a fantastic player. So put on your platform shoes, pop those shirt buttons, and throw on your bell bottoms, we're listening to Rush!

Ep. 14: Vapor Trails, Pt. 3

Here it is, the the last episode of our Vapor Trails triptych. The final five songs are heavy with symbolism and metaphor. There's also part four of the Fear Trilogy. Hold on. *checks notes* Yup. Part four. Douglas Adams would be proud. 

Ep. 13: Vapor Trails, Pt. 2

This week on the show, we continue working through Vapor Trails, this time covering "The Stars Look Down," "How It Is," "Vapor Trail," and "Secret Touch." There's a lot to process on this album, which is why we'll finish it up in the next episode.

Ep. 12: Vapor Trails, Pt. 1

Welcome back to Something for Nothing: A RUSH Fancast! This week we begin our 3-part discussion of 2002's "Vapor Trails." This album sees Neil coming to terms with the deaths of both his 19-year-old daughter and his common-law wife within a 10-month period, with songs inspired by the 55,000-mile motorcycle trip he took following the tragedies. Geddy and Alex rise to the challenge presented by Neil's heartbreaking and insightful lyrics, and the result is a masterpiece.

Ep. 11: Skip Daly and Eric Hansen, Authors of "Rush: Wandering the Face of the Earth: The Official Touring History"

This episode we welcome Skip Daly and Eric Hansen, authors of the fabulous book "Rush: Wandering the Face of the Earth: The Official Touring History"! Their meticulously researched book chronicles the life of Rush on the road, from their inception in 1968 to their last show in 2015. It's a must read for every Rush fan, which means this episode is a must listen! 

Ep. 10: Test for Echo, Pt. 2

We're back with out most rounded episode number to date: episode 10! On the aluminum-anniversary episode of Something for Nothing: A RUSH Fancast, we wrap up our discussion of Test for Echo. Topics include the dog days of summer, a little bit of Einstein, and a fun dance. Join us!

Ep. 9: Test for Echo, Pt. 1

The album discussed in episode 9 of Something for Nothing: A RUSH Fancast was chosen by you, our loyal listeners: Test for Echo! This is a late-career gem that didn't grab Gerry back in 1996, but sure did this time around. Steve and Gerry delve into Neil's deep commentary on the state of the world and marvel at the peerless musicianship. In other words, we listen to a RUSH album!

Ep. 8: 2112, Pt. 2

This week on Something for Nothing: A RUSH Fancast, we wrap up our discussion of arguably the greatest RUSH album of all time: 2112! From Passage to Bangkok to our title song (Something for Nothing, natch) and all that lies between, there's more to 2112 than side 1. Namely, side 2! 

Ep. 7: 2112, Pt. 1

This week on Something for Nothing: A  RUSH Fancast, we tackle side one of the granddaddy of all RUSH albums, the career-making 2112! 

Listen as we break down the title track and hit upon Ayn Rand's "Anthem" (obviously), Gerry's fringe theory about what the number 2112 refers to, and what actually happens to the song's protagonist before control is assumed.

Ep. 6: Caress of Steel, Pt. 2

Welcome back to Something for Nothing: A RUSH Fancast! This week we finish off Caress of Steel with a looong take on the album-side song The Fountain of Lamneth. Other topics include The Odyssey, perfume, and how Gerry's brain misfired when he said his favorite RUSH font is the one from AFTK but then describes the one from Hemispheres! Please don't yell at me! I sometimes call my kids by the dogs' names!

Ep. 5: Caress of Steel, Pt. 1

On this very special episode of Something for Nothing: A RUSH Fancast, we discuss the under-appreciated--even by Alex, Geddy, and Neil--Caress of Steel. The album has some amazing highlights and some not so amazing highlights, but highlights all the same. Topics include the Necronomicon, Victoria Day, and the French Revolution. And, of course, we discuss the songs. Join us as we go down the tubes with Caress of Steel!

Ep. 4: Hold Your Fire, Pt. 2

In this week's episode of Something for Nothing: A RUSH Fancast, we finish our discussion of Hold Your Fire. Topics include why someone would put every song on the album near the bottom of their list of favorite RUSH songs, the proper way to juggle, and why Tai Shan is at the bottom of Gerry's list. 

Ep. 3: Hold Your Fire, Pt. 1

In this episode of Something For Nothing: A RUSH Fancast, we discuss the merits of 1987's synth-heavy Hold Your Fire. Topics include the Beaufort Scale, what happened to us the summer before the album came out, and what does "hold your fire" mean anyway? Oh, and we discuss the songs, too

Ep. 2: Power Windows, Pt. 2

Can you believe we're celebrating the second episode of Something for Nothing: A Rush Fancast? How time flies. This time, we finish our discussion of Power Windows, and learn why Steve loves "Middletown Dreams" so much.

Ep. 1: Power Windows, Pt. 1

In this, the premiere episode of Something for Nothing: A RUSH Fancast, we discuss the divisive Power Windows. Seeing RUSH on the Power Windows Tour turned us into the fans we are today, so spoiler alert: we love Power Windows!