Geddy Lee on Vocals
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Topic: Geddy Lee on Vocals
Posted By: Epignosis
Subject: Geddy Lee on Vocals
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 09:54
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Geddy Lee underwent a noticeable vocal change around 1980. On the 1970s recordings, he had a shrill screech, while after 1980, he had a clearer and generally "deeper" voice. If you know what I'm talking about, cast a vote.  Which vocal styling do you prefer and why? ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Replies:
Posted By: snobb
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 09:56
| Absolutely early Geddy Lee ( rock voice). You can like it or not ,it is quite specific, but on after 1982 albums, he just became pop-rock singer ( as well as all Rush became synth-pop-rock band) |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 09:59
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Later Geddy he became a finer vocalist imo. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: someone_else
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:00
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I prefer the later Geddy Lee as a singer. He sounds more mature.
Note: the shrill shrieking way of singing did not have a bad infulence on the early Rush albums. It actually fits in quite well with the music. ------------- 
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Posted By: Pekka
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:08
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I really like both of his sides, the wilder and the deeper. My favourite Ged moments come perhaps from the later period, like Losing It, but overall I think I prefer the earlier period a tiny wee bit. There's such youthful energy all bands lose at some point. ------------- http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=42652" rel="nofollow - It's on PA! 
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Posted By: Johnnytuba
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:27
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Early Geddy does it for me, raw, powerful, and sort of an immature sound. I think he carried that into moving pictures though because he noticably changes from signals on. I would lump in permanent waves and moving pictures with early Geddy though...imo. ------------- "The things that we're concealing, will never let us grow. Time will do its healing, you've got to let it go. |
Posted By: JLocke
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:32
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To be honest with you, while I prefer Rush's earlier music, the vocals sound more unique and identifiable AFTER the classic Rush era was over.
Before, Geddy sounded no different than Robert Plant, Axl Rose, Jon Anderson, etc. when he sang. There was nothing about his voice to me that I could identify simply by hearing tthe vocals alone. Where as these days, Geddy has a voice that is unmistakably his own. I get tired or all the Plant imitators, anyway. Geddy's newer vocal style hives him more character. |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:36
I don't know what you are talking about. Geddy sounded no different to Robert Plant? Are you crazy? Axl Rose...wtf???? Jon Anderson???? ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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p0mt3 wrote:Posted By: Pekka
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:42
All four of them very unique vocalists if you ask me. ------------- http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=42652" rel="nofollow - It's on PA!
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Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:45
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Geddy Lee has been regarded early on as an imitator of Robert Plant, but I don't see any comparison with the other singers.
------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: JLocke
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:49
Priests of the Temple of Syrinx - he sound's exacftly like Plant to my ears. Discovery - His soft vocals sound almost perfectly in pitch with Anderson's vocal style. Just two examples of the many instances Lee has reminded me of both singers. As for the Axl Rose comment, I meant that Just like Lee, Rose was also a Plant imitator. Forgive me, my choice of wording was haphazrd. Obviously Lee came before Rose. |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:50
Maybe he was, I don't agree though. Sounds nowt like him. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:51
Two example I entrirely disagree with I'm afraid. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: JLocke
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:51
Well, of course that's just my opinion, but honestly, I have never found Geddy's early vocals to be anything special or unique. Please don't hate me.  |
Posted By: JLocke
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:53
So this has become the ''agree with Snow Dog or be chastised'' thread? |
Posted By: A Person
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 10:55
| I like all of his vocals. |
Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 11:13
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I prefer his vocal style from Permenant Waves onward. His voice has matured very well imo. Moving Pictures, for me, is when the Rush formula really clicked, and Lee's voice was a big part of it, on that album. ------------- Ultimately bored by endless ecstasy! |
Posted By: Progosopher
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 11:30
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The later Geddy, definitely. His earlier vox have always been something for me to put up with rather than truly enjoy. He sounds his best on Hold Your Fire. ------------- The world of sound is certainly capable of infinite variety and, were our sense developed, of infinite extensions. -- George Santayana, "The Sense of Beauty" |
Posted By: Drew
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 11:32
I like his later vocals better- but the earlier are unique
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Posted By: Hercules
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 11:40
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I like early Rush very much, but as he has aged, Geddy's vocals have improved considerably.
------------- A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life. |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 11:42
I don't hate you. Just disagree.  ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: mistertorture
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 12:33
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I like both, but I prefer later Geddy, for the reasons exposed by some of you: more mature, deeper, more diverse. And still he reaches most of the highest notes of those years when he need to do it , so...
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Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 12:55
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I kind of flip back and forth with this. As of right now I prefer his earlier vocal style, mostly because it's worse. It's not pretty, it's very abrasive, often unpleasant. I enjoy it very much. ------------- "One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. " |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 13:02
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Early Geddy can get pretty annoying, but I love his voice on later Rush albums. -Jeff -------------  Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: The Sleepwalker
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 13:13
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I enjoy his vocals on earlier Rush songs, but not as much as Permanent Waves and later releases.
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Posted By: crimhead
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 13:28
Can I get an option of neither? 
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Posted By: The Quiet One
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 13:57
| Earlier, no doubt. His singing on 2112, Fly By Night and Caress of Steel it's all top-notch. |
Posted By: The Quiet One
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 14:05
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burke_Shelley - Burke Shelley is also often regarded as a young Geddy, he also plays bass, has long hair and uses glasses:  |
Posted By: JLocke
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 14:13
Figures that I've never heard of him. |
Posted By: The Quiet One
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 14:29
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^ Do you find his voice similar? |
Posted By: JLocke
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 14:34
Absolutely. It shocked me when he first opened his mouth. I'm also flabbergasted that the song is actually really good! 
You've turned me onto another band today, my friend. |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 14:36
Great band, Budgie! And welsh too...like me! ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: bsms810
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 16:16
Funny you mention this, as when i first heard priests of the temple of syrinx i thought exactly the same thing about the similarity with plant ------------- 'when was the last time you had a girlfriend?' 'I dont look at it as when, I look at it as who...and why' - David Brent |
Posted By: harmonium.ro
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 16:27
| The similarity between Geddy's voice and Plant's is such a common issue that I'm surprised there would be anyone left not knowing. The metaphor "Plant on helium" is often used to describe this similarity, I've seen it in PA reviews on early Rush albums. |
Posted By: The Quiet One
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 16:42
That's great! They're here in ProgArchives under Prog Related. If you're looking where to start, either Squawk or Never Turn Your Back on a Friend are superb. |
Posted By: JROCHA
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 16:44
| I like both, but if had to pick it would be later Geddy. His vocals on Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures are some of his best performances. Red Barchetta! That's all I have to say... |
Posted By: SaltyJon
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 18:15
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I'm more a fan of the earlier stuff than the later stuff.
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Salty_Jon" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: MovingPictures07
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 21:24
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This is tough, but I'd say Geddy's vocals have gotten better with time.
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Posted By: Mellotron Storm
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 22:12
 I didn't know that BUDGIE singer looked like that I have "Never Turn Your Back On A Friend" and it's very,very good.I do like Geddy's earlier vocals.I miss when he used to just lets it rip. How long could he keep that up though.That has to be a vocal cord killer. ------------- "The wind is slowly tearing her apart" "Sad Rain" ANEKDOTEN |
Posted By: chefrobb
Date Posted: November 23 2009 at 22:49
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You didn't give a space for Geddy Lee....silence. The best "singing" he does! ------------- chefrobb |
Posted By: questionsneverknown
Date Posted: November 24 2009 at 05:40
Yeah, that seems about right. While I can still listen to pre-Permanent Waves Geddy, it's probably more with a sense of nostalgia, of remembering when I first listened to those albums. I stopped listening right around Power Windows, and, probably like a number of people, didn't pick up anything until Snakes and Arrows. But even though I don't know as much of the post-Waves material, I think Geddy's voice on the later albums is a much better trained instrument.
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Posted By: UMUR
Date Posted: November 24 2009 at 06:36
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Later ------------- http://www.metalmusicarchives.com/" rel="nofollow - Metal Music Archives https://rateyourmusic.com/~UMUR" rel="nofollow - UMUR on RYM |
Posted By: mohaveman
Date Posted: November 24 2009 at 13:11
| Must have been nasal surgery involved |
Posted By: Tsevir Leirbag
Date Posted: November 24 2009 at 18:17
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Usually, I prefer soft vocals, but to be honest, I prefer Lee's vocals in early Rush albums. ------------- Les mains, les pieds balancés Sur tant de mers, tant de planchers, Un marin mort, Il dormira - Paul Éluard |
Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: November 25 2009 at 11:12
The only ( male ) singer that can be compared to Geddy would be David Surkamp or Kate Bush. ------------- |
Posted By: Icarium
Date Posted: November 25 2009 at 11:38
I like his Bass playing better 
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Posted By: EliasMisael
Date Posted: November 25 2009 at 20:26
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Even though I voted for Later Geddy, I have to admit that some of his best singing (if not the best) is recorded on The Fountain Of Lamneth can anyone agree? Or everybody disagree?
------------- "...Basic temperamental filters on our eyes Alter our perceptions Lenses polarize..."  |
Posted By: Johnnytuba
Date Posted: November 25 2009 at 20:36
I completely disagree with this assessment. Lee, Plant, and Anderson, have very differently vocal styles, tone, and range ability. To say that Lee's voice sounds like Plant in Priests, or Anderson in Discovery is...well...not very accurate at all. I don't think there ever was a time in my life where I sat back and said, Wow! Geddy Lee sounds just like Robert Plant in this song....Jon Anderson? Forget it. I do understand that this is your opinion though, I just happen to disagree.....a lot. ------------- "The things that we're concealing, will never let us grow. Time will do its healing, you've got to let it go. |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: November 25 2009 at 20:47
Geeze, next you'll be saying that he sounds like David Surkamp.  Interesting that both band's debut studio albums were in '74.Don't really hear the Plant, or Jon Anderson (other than both sing high), similarities either. ------------- Just a fanboy passin' through. |
Posted By: SgtPepper67
Date Posted: November 26 2009 at 14:44
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I like all the early albums but I use to find Geddy's voice quite annoyingand it took me a long time to get into the band. I think his voice got a lot better since Permanent Waves, it still sounds good on the last two albums. -------------  In the end the love you take is equal to the love you made... |
Posted By: ghost_of_morphy
Date Posted: November 27 2009 at 01:34
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I vote later Geddy, but I think you started the later Geddy period WAAAYYYYYYY too early. ------------- 
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Posted By: uduwudu
Date Posted: November 30 2009 at 22:06
Kate Bush is a male singer? Who'd've thought... Back on topic... I do think it's quite fascinating how a singer so dramatically changed his style. Most bands have to get a new singer to do that. The high stuff would not have worked with the synth era material anyway. I like the high vocal for it's drama and dynamics which is more in keeping with the era. The smoother vocals suit the maerial they produced thereafter. Now how about all that antagonism over less Lifeson guitar and more (as it happened) Lee synth. Now that did cause arguments way back when... |
Posted By: Tarquin Underspoon
Date Posted: November 30 2009 at 22:17
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This is exactly why people hate his early style, but to me.....
Ya just CAN'T BEAT the shrieks of Cygnus X-1.
Blood-curdling stuff, there. ------------- "WAAAAAAOOOOOUGH! WAAAAAAAUUUUGGHHHH!! WAAAAAOOOO!!!" -The Great Gig in the Sky |
Posted By: MAVIII
Date Posted: December 01 2009 at 03:02
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"Spinning whirling, Still descending, Like a spiral Sea Unending!!!! . . ." Man, I can't vote . . . Its all Cherries and Cherry Pie to me! Hemispheres: Cygnus Book II Ranks as no. 1 for me (see Avatar) but 2. changes every Week !And no, you can't make me Vote . . . I reserve the right of "Man against the Masses" (See Man and Star). How about what "Sound/Tone" of Alex's GUITAR, Or Ged's Bass Tone? Neils Best Drum Kit? Hehehe . . . just opened another Can 'O Worms !Added note: The ONLY 3 Vocalists to me that sound anywhere near close to Ged is: 1. Budgie's "Burke Shelly", and he plays Bass! Take Geddy on the Debut and Fly by Night and speed it up to 78rpm . . . it's Burke! :P 2. Leviathan (yet another Leviathan, but a Tech Prog/Metal Band from Colorado-from the early 90's), singer Jack Aragon. Info available under Review for the album "Deepest Secrets Beneath" can be found here at PA (with NO reviews yet). 3. "Diabelo", a Female Vocalist who sings "Start Today" on Alex Lifeson's "Victor" album. There are moments when she adds vibrato to her vox, its frickin' Geddy! ------------- "Shapes and forms, against the norms..." And join the Prog Family: prOgulus.com |
Posted By: stewe
Date Posted: December 01 2009 at 16:46
Agreed with Diabelo) I would add Mark Slaughter on Rush Tribute, Working Man...but it is even more piercing than early Geddy. Btw. I would prefer his voice he had around Exit... stage Left (Moving Pictures/Signals), where he was able to sound mature, restrained, but still could reach high registers and shriek without problems. On A Show of Hands few years later, where he is singing Closer to the Heart, his early ability is already gone, the high notes he has to shout , barely articulates etc.) ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/trevorrabin/?chartstyle=basic10" rel="nofollow">  <a href="http://steveer.ic.cz" rel="nofollow" |
Posted By: cyclysm748
Date Posted: December 01 2009 at 19:02
| I'll take the early Geddy. His vocals on 2112 and Anthem are my favorite. He has a nasty bite to his voice. |
Posted By: llamalime
Date Posted: December 10 2009 at 01:19
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Early Geddy for his raw sound. Although, I do like his more mature voice as well.
------------- "Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid." -Frank Zappa |
Posted By: nahnite
Date Posted: December 12 2009 at 14:00
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This is a tough one! I think Geddy's vocals have matured and gotten deeper, but that's necessary. The material he was working with has progressed over time, but I tend to think that every vocal track he's laid down fits the music.
I also think it's a matter of what lyrics he's singing. Example: 2112. Note that during "Presentation", he mostly uses a low-pitched vocal (for the verses), but when emotions run high (like in the chorus), he screams his head off.
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Posted By: Elderflower Man
Date Posted: December 12 2009 at 16:04
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Probably early Geddy for me. I love the energy his singing has on their earlier records, and later Geddy just lacks that a bit, in my opinion. |
Posted By: Basíleia
Date Posted: December 15 2009 at 07:30
Definitely early Geddy Lee, 'cause he can be very gentle at times (not very often though, Tears is a good example, or some parts of 2112) and still has the abilities of that high pitched screaming, which I love
He still is a good singer, but he can't reach the same levels he used to...
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Posted By: Hanke666
Date Posted: December 16 2009 at 13:01
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He's obviously technically better now, but I prefer his early voice, love those screams
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Posted By: Rushlover13
Date Posted: January 03 2010 at 14:39
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Early Geddy just makes me feel right! ------------- I Love Rush. |
Posted By: FusionKing
Date Posted: January 03 2010 at 17:04
| Both. |
Posted By: Bonnek
Date Posted: January 04 2010 at 19:42
| Both really, but I voted for the later period because his vocal melodies became a lot more sophisticated. |