Battle of the Bands: Radiohead vs. Rush

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

RADIOHEAD

Radiohead are an English alternative rock band from Oxfordshire. The band is composed of Thom Yorke (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, electronics), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, other instruments), Ed O'Brien (guitar, backing vocals), Colin Greenwood (bass guitar, synthesisers) and Phil Selway (drums, percussion). Radiohead have released seven albums and have sold over 23 million records over their career.

Radiohead released their first single, "Creep", in 1992, and their debut album, Pablo Honey, in 1993. Though initially unsuccessful, "Creep" was a worldwide hit when reissued a year later. Radiohead's popularity in the United Kingdom increased with the release of their second album, The Bends (1995). The band's textured guitar atmospheres and Yorke's falsetto singing were warmly received by critics and fans. With the release of OK Computer (1997), Radiohead were propelled to greater fame worldwide. Featuring an expansive sound and themes of alienation from the modern world, OK Computer has often been acclaimed as a landmark record of the 1990s.

The release of Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) saw Radiohead reach their peak popularity, although the albums divided critical opinion. This period marked a change in Radiohead's musical style, with their incorporation of avant-garde electronic music, Krautrock and jazz influences. Hail to the Thief (2003), Radiohead's sixth album, blended styles from throughout the band's career, mixing guitar-driven rock, electronic influences and contemporary lyrics. Radiohead subsequently left their record label, EMI, and released their seventh album, In Rainbows (2007), through their own website as a digital download for which customers selected their own price.

RUSH

Rush is a Canadian rock band originally formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario; presently comprised of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. The band and its membership went through a number of re-configurations between 1968 and 1974, achieving their definitive form when Neil Peart replaced original drummer John Rutsey (1953 – May 11, 2008) in July 1974, two weeks before the group's first U.S. tour.

Since the release of the band's self-titled debut album in March 1974, Rush has become known for the instrumental skills of its members, complex compositions, and eclectic lyrical motifs drawing heavily on science fiction, fantasy, and libertarian philosophy, as well as addressing humanitarian, social, emotional, and environmental concerns.

Musically, Rush's style has evolved over the years, beginning in the vein of blues-inspired heavy metal on their first album, then encompassing hard rock, progressive rock, a period dominated by synthesizers and, more recently, modern rock. They have influenced various musical artists, including Metallica, The Smashing Pumpkins and Primus, as well as notable progressive metal bands such as Dream Theater and Symphony X.

Rush has won a number of Juno Awards, and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994. Over the course of their careers, the individual members of Rush have been acknowledged as being some of the most proficient players on their respective instruments, with each band member winning several awards in magazine readers' polls. As a group, Rush possesses 24 gold records and 14 platinum (3 multi-platinum) records. These statistics place Rush fifth behind The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Kiss and Aerosmith for the most consecutive gold and platinum albums by a rock band. Rush also ranks 78th in U.S. album sales according to the RIAA with sales of 25 million units. Although total worldwide album sales are not calculated by any single entity, as of 2004 several industry sources estimated Rush's total worldwide album sales at over 40 million units.

Videos:
"Fake Plastic Trees" - Radiohead
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"High and Dry" - Radiohead
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"YYZ" - Rush
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"Working Man" - Rush
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Vote now!

[AxlVanHagar]

RUSH. While I'm not a fan per se they are an institution to progressive rock and music in general.

I'm still not overly familiair with Radiohead but can't say as I've been blown away by anything I've heard from them thus far.

[JukeBoxHero]

Rush for me on this one. I like every Rush album that came out so far. Hemispheres is a great epic in my opinion.

I like Radiohead, particularly Paranoid Android but Rush will always be my favorite band.

Also, what videos are you using for Rush next round if they are successful and pass? I got a couple suggestions for videos if I may imply.

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I also composed a video playlist back in February, I posted it in OldFogey's Rush thread but no one replied so I took it down.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=70ADAF0237C4D073&page=1

I got the first album still, but it's at the back of the playlist. The only albums that are not in the playlist is Vapor Trails and Snake and Arrows.

[Rockbandfan23467]

Thanks Julio! I like to save the Epics for last.

Nothing Against Mr. Yorke, byt I vote Rush.

[polishdog90]

I can't vote against the musicianship in rush on this one.

[razorsedge81]

Rush kicks serious ass!:)

[Hungryfreak]

This is a no-brainer. Rush.

[TheCrimsonSaint]

I never really saw what made either of these bands so great. Geddy Lee wins it for Rush, just because he has the best tone of any bass player ever.

[next jimmy page]

rush all the way

but if pearl jam got that last vote and beat radiohead, i'd be voting 4 pearl jam:D

[SteelersFreak1]

Radiohead can't touch Rush with a 1000 yard stick.

[Runesmith]

Although I enjoy both bands immensely, Radiohead is a no-brainer for me. I'd kill to have Thom's voice or Jonny's tone. Ed O'Brien is also a highly underrated rhythm guitarist.

[KingofQUEEN92]

Rush Ftw!!!!

[BhindBluEyes430]

Although neither bands really do it for me I find radioheads music alot more enjoyable. Radiohead has much better lyrics. Just cant stand geddys voice. Bot are too technical in my opinion.

[nirvanarush2112]

Rush is a no brainer on this one. I like radiohead but Rush is 1000 times better than them in every way.

[Quinarvy]

Both are amazing.

Rush has the best bassist and drummer ever and a great guitarist.

But Radiohead gets my vote, just like the lyrics so much more and I give Thom the edge for singer.

Close one indeed...

[WhiffleBallTony]

Radiohead wins by a landslide.

[TakeABow]

I would not have chosen either of those videos to showcase Radiohead, sadly. Paranoid Android needs to represent.

[OldFogey]

Well I'm learning to appreciate Rush more thanks to the fans who've very patiently helped me find tunes to cut my teeth on. And for instrumental prowess no question Rush is superior. But I'm into songs, and Radiohead has some beauties. Bends and OK Computer are probably my favorite albums from them.

So -- it looks like I'm going to keep my streak of voting for the losers going. It's Radiohead for me...

[frizzy_bj]

Oh, let's see.

I love both of these bands....but.....

Rush it is...:)

[AxlVanHagar]

Wow! I'm surprised at how much of a gap there is so far.:eek:

[Runesmith]

Wow! I'm surprised at how much of a gap there is so far.:eek:

The gap is bigger than I expected, too. I knew alt rock fans are in the minority on this forum (yes, all four of us), but wow...we're getting slaughtered out here. :D

[OldFogey]

The gap is bigger than I expected, too. I knew alt rock fans are in the minority on this forum (yes, all four of us), but wow...we're getting slaughtered out here. :D

I have a theory -- the game selects people who are into the instrumental side of things. So there's a bias towards folks who really go for instrumental prowess. I think, therefore, it's really about bands who have stand out instrumentalists, as opposed to bands whose forte is a well crafted song.

[Zidane]

I'll say Rush. Only because I know more about them...

[JukeBoxHero]

I have a theory -- the game selects people who are into the instrumental side of things. So there's a bias towards folks who really go for instrumental prowess. I think, therefore, it's really about bands who have stand out instrumentalists, as opposed to bands whose forte is a well crafted song.


I don't choose them for their instrument prowess, I choose them because with Rush I love every aspect about them.

[SteelersFreak1]

I have a theory -- the game selects people who are into the instrumental side of things. So there's a bias towards folks who really go for instrumental prowess. I think, therefore, it's really about bands who have stand out instrumentalists, as opposed to bands whose forte is a well crafted song.

Rush has plenty of well crafted songs, and considering they've been playing 4 times as long as Radiohead and probably have 3 times as many songs, I'd say they have more "well-crafted" songs than Radiohead does.

[Runesmith]

I have a theory -- the game selects people who are into the instrumental side of things. So there's a bias towards folks who really go for instrumental prowess. I think, therefore, it's really about bands who have stand out instrumentalists, as opposed to bands whose forte is a well crafted song.

I definately agree with this theory, Fogey. Radiohead's music tends to be quite textural. Most of their songs are subtle, and don't really give Thom and the boys much opportunity to "rock out" like Rush usually does. Of course, I still think everyone in Radiohead are extremely skilled musicians, but this is just my personal opinion. Even talent can be pretty subjective.

[TuesdaysGone]

Lol Rush beat Lynyrd Skynyrd, didn't they? So of course they're kicking Radiohead's ass.

[OldFogey]

I don't choose them for their instrument prowess, I choose them because with Rush I love every aspect about them.

That's fair -- I was generalizing, of course.


Rush has plenty of well crafted songs, and considering they've been playing 4 times as long as Radiohead and probably have 3 times as many songs, I'd say they have more "well-crafted" songs than Radiohead does.

Bad choice of words -- didn't mean to sound negative about Rush's songs. It is true that the difference in longevity definitely gives Rush an advantage in terms of amount of material to draw on. And they seem to have been pretty consistent for that long period of time. But IMO Thom Yorke is a better songwriter than Peart and team.

BTW -- I didn't mean to say it's bad taste to favor bands for their instrumental ability. I sometimes go one way sometimes another myself. I'm just generalizing that there may be more of the type who do prefer strong instrumentals to those who are satisfied with a song who parts come together really well even if the instrumentals are not stand outs.

[DSOTM]

voting for rush on this one
honestly, i havent listened to a lot of radiohead, but i think theyre great. however ive heard more by rush, and i like them a lot better

[U218]

This isn't really a question is it? Rush's music style actually varies from song to song, its great. Radiohead plays that same dreary Nirvana-esque stuff most of the time.

[Gartz]

I picked Rush, not just because Rush is technically better, but because I never really got into Radiohead. None of their songs really pulled me in like a lot of Rush songs do. Plus, I really like Geddy's voice.

[OldFogey]

Plus, I really like Geddy's voice.

:eek: :confused:

well 2 each his own....

[Quinarvy]

This isn't really a question is it? Rush's music style actually varies from song to song, its great. Radiohead plays that same dreary Nirvana-esque stuff most of the time.

The two songs in Rock Band aren't even similar, and if you listen to Radiohead, it is alot of non-dreay Nirvana-esque stuff.

Creep is. My Iron Lung, Paranoid Android, Anyone Can Play Guitar, Just, Jigsaw Falling Into Place aren't.

[Alright_Computer]

This isn't really a question is it? Rush's music style actually varies from song to song, its great. Radiohead plays that same dreary Nirvana-esque stuff most of the time.

OK, listen to the song "Climbing up the Walls". Then listen to "Pyramid Song". Finish it up with "Karma Police". Then go ahead and pick up the whole Kid A album. Then tell me that Radiohead sounds like Nirvana. Yeah, Creep does. That's one song, out of about 100.


Rush has plenty of well crafted songs, and considering they've been playing 4 times as long as Radiohead

Rush have been playing for 80 years???? :eek: That's interesting, since Geddy Lee is only 54. Yeah, yeah, exaggeration, I get it.

My vote goes to Radiohead, because while Rush is very technical, and I like a lot of their albums, I've just gotten into Radiohead more.

[The_Little_Buster]

This isn't really a question is it? Rush's music style actually varies from song to song, its great. Radiohead plays that same dreary Nirvana-esque stuff most of the time.

It's posts like this that show the whole flawed nature of the poll. Radiohead vary
about just as much but I guess this know it all would say otherwise. I enjoy both bands very much but I definitely have to give it to Radiohead. It more or less boiled down for me to who is better:

Rush - Radiohead

Bass: Rush (Geddy is one of the best and theres no doubt he's a better bassist than Colin and Thom)

Drums: Rush (It's Neil Peart, need I say more?)

Guitar: Radiohead (Jonny is definitely on par with Alex but I then narrowed down to creativity in which Jonny edges by in spades. Plus Ed hardly gets enough love for the effort he puts into the band. Not to mention Thom also joins in the fray and can makes it all a pretty chaotic but somehow beautiful cacophony of guitars.)

Vocals: Radiohead (This one also was a toss-up as I realize that both singers have a vocal style that would be an acquired taste for any newbies but I feel Thom changes his singing style up a bit more than Geddy and it's usually to good effect giving him the slight edge.)

Lyrics: Radiohead (Both write great lyrics and Neil definitely made great use of Science-fiction and fantasy and for what it is it's great and the album 2112 is proof of this. But rarely do I feel satisfied after listening to these songs, theres just no substance for me. At least with a Radiohead song I can relate to these songs and get hit by the impact the songs carry. Songs like The Tourist are just so powerful even though it's message is simple, overall it's just so effective.)

Winner for me: Radiohead

[Gartz]

:eek: :confused:

well 2 each his own....

Hehe, I know I'm in the vast minority on that. It's kind of hard to not like Rush for me, the code to my garage door is 2112 :eek:

[Joatmon]

Is this a joke thread? Are you serious? Sheeesh, what a waste... Rush vs Radiohead... haha!

[foolosophy]

Rush is more technically sound. But Radiohead hits all the right buttons. I don't know what to call it. It's just an innate attribute with their music for me.

[SPARTANofS7RIFE]

Rush, I didn't have to think that one out at all.

[frostywolf]

I voted Rush though it was a tough choice for me. I like Thom's voice better than Geddy's, Radiohead is more experimental and has better lyrics but Rush just comes together better for me. I'm not really sure what it is, I think that having "Mood for a Day" stuck in my head is subconsciously urging me to vote for the bigger prog band but that's just speculation. Speaking of which, has Yes been in the Battle of the Bands?

[Wheezy]

Rush for sure... I mean c'mon, I live where Neil Peart grew up! ;)

[Black Flame Zealot]

I've been listening to Rush since before Radiohead even existed. So, definitely Rush. But then again, Rush wins no matter who they're stacked against.

However, I will say Radiohead's a great band. I'm seeing both of them in concert this summer.

[Loucifel]

No-brainer for me. I really like Radiohead, but to me Rush are beaten by few bands in the world. They just seem to fit together so well.
Oh, and I'm also in the minority who likes Geddy's voice :D

[JukeBoxHero]

:eek: :confused:

well 2 each his own....

I guess if I haven't already said it enough I'll say once more. Now before I say it, keep in mind, I like Radiohead's vocals. I like anyone who can bring something great to a song vocally. Geddy Lee is my favorite singer, I love the 70s era, 80 era, 90 era, and present day era in how his voice matured. I even like the little bit rapping he did in Roll the Bones,.

[Cosma]

I don't think I've seen this lopsided of a BotB poll before. I thought the last one was the last mismatch.

Oh and Rush btw

[Rockbandfan23467]

I don't think I've seen this lopsided of a BotB poll before. I thought the last one was the last mismatch.

Oh and Rush btw
What? They're both Prog.


(Well, we do have a mismatch were both bands are Metal, and the other is arguablely a mismatch....)

[Cosma]

Well if mismatch means two different genres then no this isn't one. However if we mean a David and Goliath type mismatch.......well I think David forgot his sling for this one.

[Alright_Computer]

What? They're both Prog.


(Well, we do have a mismatch were both bands are Metal, and the other is arguablely a mismatch....)

Actually, Radiohead is more art rock, not prog. This is very mismatched, although to be honest, Radiohead would be mismatched against any band still here, on these forums at least.

[Rockbandfan23467]

Well, Alright_Computer, Here's all the bands that won last round, which is least Mismatched for Radiohead?:

Bob Dylan
The Beatles
Iron Maiden
Pink Floyd
Led Zeppelin
AC/DC
Rush

[The_Little_Buster]

Actually it's kind of humbling then that Radiohead makes it by vote along with all of these, but then again it's sad. Not to discredit any of those bands but I know there would be a lot of narrow-minded fans (again sorry but it appears that way a lot) that would vote for any of those fans in a heartbeat based on their name and legacy. The only ones I'd see Radiohead fitting with would be Pink Floyd and Rush but once again yeah it would be lopsided.

[Alright_Computer]

^ I agree. You pretty much just said it there.

I'd say Pink Floyd is the best match for Radiohead. Either way, I don't think they'd win. Radiohead doesn't really fit with anyone since they're the only band that is less than 30 years old.

[Rockbandfan23467]

I wonder if next round will be Rush vs. Iron Maiden (Both have GIANT followings, so it works)

[TheCrimsonSaint]

Rush vs. Iron Maiden would be the best final match-up.

[Alright_Computer]

I wonder if next round will be Rush vs. Iron Maiden (Both have GIANT followings, so it works)

That would leave me in a pickle. Both have great guitars and legendary drummers. Though Maiden wins for vocals.

[BennyTrizzz09]

Radiohead can't even touch what Rush has donw...well when radiohead has a song better than working man on rock band then maybe...but besides that rush kick assss....

[Loucifel]

Rush vs. Iron Maiden would be the best final match-up.
I wouldn't be able to vote then, Rush and Maiden are by far my two favorite bands and it'd be impossible for me to choose:rolleyes:

[jbh300zxna]

well this is easy RUSH duh i mean 4 real how could you even compare these two nothing against radiohead i like 1 song by them ROFL creep thas it i like evey song RUSH ever put on paper go GEddY lEE and peart

[idiotec]

well this is easy RUSH duh i mean 4 real how could you even compare these two nothing against radiohead i like 1 song by them ROFL creep thas it i like evey song RUSH ever put on paper go GEddY lEE and peart
Is this a sarcastic post? If not... WOW :eek:

[WhiffleBallTony]

Rush vs. Iron Maiden would be the best final match-up.

I would hope that Maiden would win.

[WhiffleBallTony]

well this is easy RUSH duh i mean 4 real how could you even compare these two nothing against radiohead i like 1 song by them ROFL creep thas it i like evey song RUSH ever put on paper go GEddY lEE and peart

Name me every Radiohead song you've ever heard.

[DSOTM]

Name me every Radiohead song you've ever heard.

ahahahahahahahhahh

[Jhero123]

RUSH is the clear band that should win this. They have amazing songs like Limelight, Working Man, Tom Sawyer, YYZ, Fly By Night, The Twilight Zone, and a lot more.

[Fatal_T]

Rush should win, hands down. One of the best live shows I've ever seen.

Radiohead - I only really know Creep, and Creep does not motivate me to seek other Radiohead music.

[Joe-D-Stortion]

I'm not even going to bother reading the thread. I just can't imagine comparing the two. It's like birds and bats. Both have wings, but both are different. In this case, both are rock bands, but they both did their own share of starting a path instead of following it.

Honestly I could never get into Radiohead. Rush, on the other hand I enjoy a lot of. I know people who love one but hate the other, or hate both bands. But I am 100% indifferent about Radiohead. However I think Rush is great. However I will say I don't consider Neil Peart that great of a drummer. His songwriting is strong however. I also like Alex Lifeson's guitar playing. Some of the rhythm guitar on the album 2112 you can clearly tell he's inpspired by Pete Townshend, among others. Also while I think Geddy Lee's bass and vocals aren't that great, I think his musicianship is incredible.

On a 1 to 10 scale I score Radiohead a 1 and Rush a 7. I'm sure a few will not appreciate my assessment. But we're all entitled to our opinions.

-Joe

[Runesmith]

Rush should win, hands down. One of the best live shows I've ever seen.

Radiohead - I only really know Creep, and Creep does not motivate me to seek other Radiohead music.

I think this reason is partly responsible for the huge voting gap. Radiohead has far less exposure than Rush does - the only Radiohead song I have ever heard on mainstream rock radio is "Creep", which is not at all representative of their stronger material, and arguably their 'worst' song. Because "Creep" tends to turn a lot of people off with its not-so-subtle self-loathing, few people care enough to seek out the rest of their discography. Rush, however, are "classic rock" (I hate this term so much) radio staples. I can't get through a single day without hearing at least one of Rush's songs on the radio.

[frizzy_bj]

I think this reason is partly responsible for the huge voting gap. Radiohead has far less exposure than Rush does - the only Radiohead song I have ever heard on mainstream rock radio is "Creep", which is not at all representative of their stronger material, and arguably their 'worst' song. Because "Creep" tends to turn a lot of people off with its not-so-subtle self-loathing, few people care enough to seek out the rest of their discography. Rush, however, are "classic rock" (I hate this term so much) radio staples. I can't get through a single day without hearing at least one of Rush's songs on the radio.

I agree. Although I like the song, "Creep" I like "Karma Police" the best.:D

[Rockbandfan23467]

this Ended A Long Time Ago So Please Stop!!!!!!!!

[TheCrimsonSaint]

What, we can't still discuss it?

[Alright_Computer]

We should still be able to discuss it if we want to.

I think that the majority, or at least some of, the people who voted Rush had only heard Creep. That is why I bestow upon you Karma Police.

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And Paranoid Android:

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FYI, I don't particularly like the song Tom Sawyer either, but I went and checked out some of their other albums on a recommendation and liked it. So try it, you'll like it.