Another poster mentioned his favorite artist, the Weekend, which got me thinking about another Canadian act: Rush. For the uninitiated, Rush is progressive rock band, now regarded as "rock's greatest power trio." I appreciate that may not mean much to the younger TRP ardents who favor EDM or other forms of music outside of my listening zone. However, I would ask you to consider giving them a listen both for their musical mastery and RP 'truths' expressed in their lyrics.

Consider Tom Sawyer

No his mind is not for rent To any god or government Always hopeful, yet discontent He knows changes aren't permanent But change is

Other RP themes:

Freewill

You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill I will choose a path that's clear I will choose freewill

Anthem

Live for yourself...there's no one else More worth living for Begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more

Spirit of Radio

All this machinery making modern music Can still be open-hearted Not so coldly charted It's really just a question of your honesty, yeah Your honesty One likes to believe in the freedom of music But glittering prizes and endless compromises Shatter the illusion of integrity

Limelight

Living on a lighted stage Approaches the unreal For those who think and feel In touch with some reality Beyond the gilded cage

One must put up barriers To keep oneself intact

I can't pretend a stranger Is a long awaited friend

Bravado

We will pay the price But we will not count the cost

I could do this all day as they have been churning out music for 40 years. My enthusiasm is heightened after having seen them last month on their R40 tour. Their music has always represented artistic integrity and an unyielding desire to so see reality for what is, without compromise to outside forces.

They are at their best live and I recommend going to Youtube and streaming either the Live in Cleveland (DVD) or Snakes and Arrows Live (DVD). Netflix has a great documentary about them: Beyond the Lighted Stage.

Lastly, here is one of many papers examining the philosophical relevance of Rush and in particular, the lyrics of Neil Peart (their drummer):

http://www.nyu.edu/projects/sciabarra/essays/rush.htm

Tl;dr: prog rock band Rush may be the most RP band ever. Give it a listen, enjoy the music and enjoy considering the concepts within.