“Freewill” by Rush
From the 1980 album Permanent Waves

This post is an experiment in trying to fully research and compose an entry solely using the iPhone. It has posed challenges I do not care to describe in detail on a touchscreen keyboard. But I have proven: it can be done… at least with reliable WiFi and abundant patience.

As for the song, what can I say? It’s a great song. The recording is a bootleg, probably from a cell phone. But the performance is great, and I should know: I was at this show at St. Paul’s Xcel Center last year! The band is scorching in the fusion-jam instrumental section, and Geddy can still hit those high notes right after that — even if you can tell he’s keeping a reserve of energy throughout the show just for that moment.

This video also demonstrates both the good and bad of close-up seats: great view, the best sound, and Geddy can watch you illegally recording him on your phone. But you pay a lot more, and your view is always obscured by the towering giant right in front of you who insists on not only standing but bouncing for the duration of the show.

Me? I’m usually 90% of the way back, in the cheap, sitting down, drinking beer, and actually watching the show seats, as was the case at this concert.