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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

"Tom Sawyer" by Rush

Song#:  0627
Date:  06/06/1981
Debut:  85
Peak:  44
Weeks:  13
Genre:  Prog Rock, Arena Rock



Pop Bits:  Rush's second single from their classic LP "Moving Pictures" couldn't quite make the Top 40, but it was their highest peaking entry on the chart at the time. The group's prog rock tunes are not necessarily pop radio fare, so having this get more than halfway up the chart was quite an accomplishment. Although they have several rock radio staples in their catalog, this one is arguably their most recognizable and one of their signature songs.

ReduxReview:  Although not my top favorite Rush song (that would go to "Red Barchetta"), it comes close and is probably the quintessential Rush song. It has about everything you need to hear from them - philosophical lyrics, time signature changes, great drums, Geddy Lee's voice, and cool arrangement featuring interesting synth sounds - all meshed together into a short (for them) almost-commercial song.

ReduxRating:  9/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) This song was a collaboration with lyricst Pye Dubois, who worked with another popular Canadian group Max Webster. Dubois' poem "Louis the Lawyer" was transformed into the song using the title character of the classic Mark Twain book.  2) This song was used in a "Family Guy" episode along with the advertising character Chester Cheetah. It cracked me up (caution - language):



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