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Three part Vocal and Acoustic version of Rush's "Closer To The Heart"

32 views · Published 3 June 2016 · 3:02 · Indexed 20 October 2026

Channel: Brian Mack Blues and Rock Songs · 2016 · Music

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This harmonic version came together quite quickly, though it had been in the file for some years. Finally figuring out to just remove the drum and bass and retain only the guitar and bells, the harmonies got done in under an hour. It really helps when you love a song and know the sucker inside out. The original remains as close to my heart as they get. 

I saw Rush at Stafford Bingley in 1981 and major props to the Cygnus X1 tribute site for an amazing array of photos and memorabilia from this time, some of which have been borrowed (?) to develop this tribute. Forty years in the business is an amazing achievement and being able to maintain artistic integrity throughout is miraculous. The perception was that they were and remained honest rockers at the top of their games - virtuoso musicians and massively creative and that is why we loved them still. And a wealth of songs that are forged in the soul - Xanadu, Temples of Syrinx, By-Tor and the Snow Dog, The Trees, Bastille Day - many hours were spent listening to these and many more of musical delights.

I also own a copy of the "Closer To The Heart" EP which was where I first heard this track. Literate, resonant, intelligent lyrics, the songcraft of the rhyming remains as stunning as it did all those years ago. Always wanted to write like Neil Peart - never happened. So it goes.

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