Spirit of Radio by Rush
Created | Updated Mar 6, 2009
"Off on your way, hit the open road. There is magic at your fingers."
Rush's Permanent Waves album marked the beginning of a new decade being released on 1st January, 1980. Being Rush, this meant a change of musical direction and this track makes use of rock, jazz and even ska influences.
"The words of the profits were written on the studio walls. Concert halls echo with the sounds of salesmen."
Written by Neil Peart and Pye Dubois, the lyrics describe the magical relationship between a car driver and the radio. The track was based on a poem called A Short Morning Drive and was a tribute to the few rock DJs who played their first records in the early 70s. Ironically, this gave Rush their first airplay on many mainstream radio stations. Making many references to the music industry practice of pressurising or even paying radio stations to play their artists' records, how could a DJ resist playing it?
"One likes to believe in the freedom of music but glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity."
Rush's Permanent Waves album marked the beginning of a new decade being released on 1st January, 1980. Being Rush, this meant a change of musical direction and this track makes use of rock, jazz and even ska influences.
"The words of the profits were written on the studio walls. Concert halls echo with the sounds of salesmen."
Written by Neil Peart and Pye Dubois, the lyrics describe the magical relationship between a car driver and the radio. The track was based on a poem called A Short Morning Drive and was a tribute to the few rock DJs who played their first records in the early 70s. Ironically, this gave Rush their first airplay on many mainstream radio stations. Making many references to the music industry practice of pressurising or even paying radio stations to play their artists' records, how could a DJ resist playing it?
"One likes to believe in the freedom of music but glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity."
