The "Best" Argument.

From their inception, Rush has always been a "fan's band". This simply means that the wider view of them by industry insiders and many critics was that they just didn't seem to understand what all the fuss was about when they released a new album. The faithful would wait patiently on line at their local record stores for the chance to be the first to possess what they knew would be an exploration into greatness and perfection. I did this several times myself and what I noticed first and foremost about the crowd was how polite everyone seemed to be. There was a jovial air of excitement as the disparate members of the mass talked about their favorite albums, songs and instruments the band played. It had an almost carnival atmosphere and you could see the joy on people's faces because they knew they would soon be holding the latest and potentially greatest thing the band had to offer. It was a bit like a concert without the rampant drug use. The idea that we would all "rush" home to drop the needle on this wondrous thing lent an air of anticipation to the whole event that was palpable. It was a physical presence that you could feel and when the doors opened it climaxed in a frenzy of excitement.
The camaraderie of Rush fans is legendary in the music business and they are often spoken of as the most loyal and dedicated fan base of all time. Speaking only for myself and a few close friends, I can say with no fear of reprisal that statement is unequivocally true.
Rush fans aren't merely loyal, they are rabid when it comes to the band. They will vociferously defend the band's place in the pantheon of the immortals of rock and never give an inch of ground. They may disagree about what the best album or song may be but they are united in the belief that Rush is the best band of all time. As for myself, I tend not to join that argument because I simply cannot choose a "best band" because music is more than something I listen to, it's something I am. All of the music I listen to is the "best" in one way or another. I love the sound of John Scofield playing jazz guitar and the opening strains of Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suites" as much as I love Rush, just for different reasons. The way I view it, the "best" music is whatever I happen to be listening to at the time because I love music so much. Music, to me, is the purest and most direct art form out there because it moves and touches me so deeply. Music is the salve of the soul. It heals the hurts and speeds recovery from the travails of life. I suppose that is what is best about music. No matter what ails you, there is a prescription available that will bring relief in minutes. There are times when only Rush will do but then there are also times when only Iron Maiden will do the job for me.
Music can not only evoke a mood, it can transform one. It can bring light into a dark day and bring solace and comfort to an aching heart.
I am a die hard fan of Rush but I am also a true believer when it comes to music itself.
For me, music is a religion and the songs that I love are the prayers that are spoken in sometimes hushed tones as a way to give thanks for the medium that has given me so much throughout the course of my life.
I can't quantify any one band or style as the best because they have all served to be the anchor and my own personal true north as I traversed the occasionally violent and storm ridden sea of my life. Being a musician as well gives me an even greater love and understanding for how powerful music can be. Playing my guitar is a form of worship to me and my own way of paying homage to the music I love and I will pour my heart and soul into a classical guitar piece just as much as I would if I were playing 'YYZ' by Rush.
Music is beyond important to me, it is the source of my joy and being able to play it is like possessing some sort of super power that only a privileged few ever get to experience.
The very act of classifying any band or style of music as the "best" is pointless at best and completely subjective according to the person listening to it.
In my own case, learning the music of Led Zeppelin gave me the confidence and skills needed to tackle a band as complex and demanding as Rush. In turn, learning Rush music gave me the ability and confidence to tackle the likes of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.
What is a favorite for any one person is objective and unique to that person. What is best is also unique to the individual.