Grapthar's Song of the Day: Rush 'The Trees' (RIP Neil Peart)

grapthar (74)in #music • 5 years ago

Rush - The Trees

Since legendary drummer

Neil Peart passed away a few days ago, I figured it'd only be appropriate to have a Rush tune for a song of the day. Rush was formed in 1968 in Toronto, Canada, and by 1974, had established their most famous line-up, with Geddy Lee (bass, vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitar), and Neil Peart (drums, lyrics). Though they began with a heavy blues-rock sort of style, they quickly became identified with the progressive rock movement, experimenting with more complex metric ideas, song structures, and philosophical themes. All three members are incredible musicians, and their style came to define and inspire all progressive rock that followed.

Listen to The Trees by Rush here.

This song is from the band's

6th album, Hemispheres, released in 1978, and was the first song of theirs I heard, many years ago. I was introduced to them in a music appreciation elective in High School by the teacher of the course, and quickly became a fan. This song is a great example of their sound: it has the sort of medieval acoustic guitar, heavier rock parts, interesting harmonic and melodic ideas, and a high level of virtuosity. Lyrically, the song tells the story of the Oaks and Maples, who fight over sunlight, unable to accept that they both need it, and must compromise to survive.