Xanadu - Rush (1977)

"Xanadu" was a song recorded by the Canadian progressive rock trio Rush for their 1977 album "A Farewell To Kings". It is approximately eleven minutes long, beginning with a five-minute-long instrumental section, then transitioning to a narrative written by lyricist Neil Peart, inspired by the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem "Kubla Khan". In Peart's lyrics, the narrator describes searching for something called "Xanadu" (although it is not explicitly stated what this is, references to the poem "Kubla Khan" imply that it is a mythical place based on the historical summer capitol of the Mongolian Empire) that will grant him immortality. The narrator finds Xanadu and attains immortality. A thousand years pass, and he is left "waiting for the world to end", bitter in the reality of his successful quest. "Xanadu" is the first Rush song in which synthesizers are an integral part. Unlike the previous "2112" or "Caress Of Steel" albums, "Xanadu" used both guitar and synthesizer effects, and thus represented a transitional phase for the group. The song also marks Rush's clear foray into program music, a type of art music that attempts to render people musically an extra-musical narrative. Previous albums had displayed some elements of program music. Subsequent Rush albums during the late '70's and early '80's would see the group explore program music more systematically. "Xanadu" required each member to utilize an array of instruments to effect the performance. Alex Lifeson used a double-necked Gibson electric guitar (one twelve-string, the other six-string) as well as synthesizer pedals; Geddy Lee made use of a double-necked Rickenbacker (bass and twelve-string guitar) as well as extensive synthesizer arrangements (through both pedals and keyboards) while singing; and Peart took on various percussion instruments (notably temple blocks, tubular bells, bell tree, glockenspiel and wind chimes) in addition to his drum kit work. "A Farewell To Kings" is the fifth studio album by Rush, released in 1977. The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, and mixed at Advision Studios in London. "A Farewell To Kings" would become Rush's first U.S. Gold-selling album, receiving the certification within two months of its release and was eventually certified Platinum. This channel is dedicated to the classic rock hits that have become part of the history of our culture. The incredible AOR tracks that define music from the late 60s, the 70s and the early 80s . . . Classic Rock is here!

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Copyright 1977 Anthem/Mercury Records
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Category:

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[RadarHawk52]

Rush. Accept no substitutes.

[DRpretorius39]

This song NEVER gets old!!!! RUSH RULES!

[TimGuareclever]

great song!!!

uareclever . com



[duduspp]

one m0:00re time!!

[9caps2hell]

@IAM7DEMONS people we never want to meet lol

[IAM7DEMONS]

2 dislikes???????

[TheMatimaiden]

@YouAreABunghole and what the fuck happened at 11:04? D:

[justanotherjeff]

lol @ 8:38



[alaskagrl37]

Well done!! Like all the old pictures and magazine covers too. I saw them 2x in 2010 on the Time Machine tour; I lost my voice...LOL!

[AdamTheDroog]

@YouAreABunghole I agree. They could have done without that first second.

[SkankRemix3]

Been lovin it for 16 years!