RUSH “TOM SAWYER”
Bored with everyday town life, a kid sets out on his own whirlwind adventure on a river. That was part of Mark Twain’s inspiration for his 1876 book “Tom Sawyer.” Rush, a three-man band Canadian rock band, tapped into Twain’s idea, releasing a song by the same name 105 years later, in 1981. Aside from the cohesive, rip-roaring keyboards, bass, drums and lead guitar that intertwine majestically, the lyrics suggests to the listener (a bored one, perhaps) to follow one’s own path in life — and on one’s very own river. Some examples: “His reserve, a quiet defense/Riding out the day’s events/The river” and “Catch the mist/Catch the myth/Catch the mystery/Catch the drift.” And one more: “The world is/Love and life are deep/Maybe as his skies are wide.” For me, the song is incredibly energetic, provided by the virtuoso performances of drummer Neil Peart (check out from 2:35 to 2:45!!!), guitarist Alex Lifeson (check out the solo from 2:03 to 2:29!!!) and keyboardist Geddy Lee, who also provides the high, screeching voice and thumping bass guitar. If you like rock and roll and you like it fast and hard-driving and you haven’t heard these guys or haven’t really listened to “Tom Sawyer” very closely when it comes on the radio, I suggest giving it a chance. Aloha.
— Nick Abramo, Bedrock Sports Hawaii