Which album started Rush's "decline"?

[Mr. Not]

Rush

Fly By Night

Caress of Steel

2112

A Farewell to Kings

Hemispheres

Permanent Waves

Moving Pictures

Signals

Grace Under Pressure

Power Windows (declining!)

Hold Your Fire

Presto

Roll the Bones

etc..

[RUSHHEAD666]

"Test For Echo" for me!!!

[EagleMoon]

"Test For Echo" for me!!!

 

If I had to pick a time when the songwriting started to decline, it would be after this album. It's like they forgot how to write songs with good melodies. They became more pieced together sounding.

[LedRush]

It seems that most comparisons of every album in the last twenty-something years involve some sort of statement of which is the best album since MP. There's a reason for that, and the statement implies that Signal signaled a decline in the band.

 

 

[savagegrace26]

It seems that most comparisons of every album in the last twenty-something years involve some sort of statement of which is the best album since MP. There's a reason for that, and the statement implies that Signal signaled a decline in the band.

 

 

Which makes it a factual "truth"?

[RUSHHEAD666]

"Test For Echo" for me!!!

 

If I had to pick a time when the songwriting started to decline, it would be after this album. It's like they forgot how to write songs with good melodies. They became more pieced together sounding.

 

I totally agree with you. "Test" was the beginning of the end. There are some good songs on the record but nothing mind blowing and melodic.

I love "Time And Motion" but the keyboard part drives me nuts.

 

I hate to say it but thanks to Neil trying to reinvent himself on a Freddie Gruber feel and motion around the drum kit bullshit equals a new awkward style of drumming.

 

I mean let's face it. It Neil didn't embarrass himself at the Buddy Rich Tribute Concert he never would have tried to find Freddie and ruin his straight forward grip and an rip it progressive rock drumming. JMO

 

Then of course when Neil's daughter and wife were lost these horrific tragedies killed Neil. He had to get away of course and ride his motorcycle for 55,000 miles.

Poor Neil went through such a terrible ordeal but luckily he was able to rebound,

When I first heard "One Little Victory" I was fuckking blown away. I loved Neil's approach to the double pedal.

But sadly that was it.

When "Vapor Trails" came out I was like a little kid in a candy store. I picked up the disc at Tower Records when they opened up!

Back then I did get into the album but now in 2014 I can't even stomach the album.

 

So basically I might have messed up. Perhaps I should say that it's "Vapor Trails. It truly does drive me nuts. I can't even listen to it.

But I do enjoy "Snakes And Arrows."

 

Every band might have one or two bad apples in their musical canon.

 

For me it's "Testicle For Echo" and "Vapor Nails."

 

You are right though. The band has totally been going away from the melodic prog that many of us have grown up to love and cherish.

 

Perhaps that's why I like "The Wreckers" or "The Garden." Slightly melodic songs with that awkward and insipid sound.

 

If RUSH tours again with an orchestra. I'm not going.

 

I'm done with that shit.

 

I will pay the big bucks or shall I say "The Big Money" to see the boys play. Just the three of them!!!

 

 

On another note I remember when I bought "Signals" on cassette. I raced home on my bike to get to my Pioneer stereo in my room!!

 

I ripped the plastic off of the cassette box and I jammed that cassette in!

 

I sat on my bed and stared at my stereo.

 

The first side was over. I flipped it over in disgust.

Then I listened to the other side and a tear rolled down my cheek.

 

"WHERE THE FUCKKK IS ALEX'S GUITAR! WHERE ARE ALL THE INCREDIBLE DRUM FILLS???"

 

I was so pissed after the first listening. I was 14 years old!!!

 

That being said, I fuckking love the record today. It never gets old.

 

I can understand where some RUSH fans think that "Signals" was the birth of the synth shit.

Well I'm 46 and I don't think it's shit at all. There is no way the band started to decline in 1982. INSANE!

 

When I was 16 I saw the GUP Tour. Us young hooligans at the Cow Palace in San Francisco bum rushed the show!

Right when "Tom Sawyer" started we ran through security and took over front row! People in the front row seats were swinging punches!

I got lucky and was smashed into the barrier right under Geddy. He looked down at us and I could see the panic in his eyes.

I thought they were going to stop the show but the kept on playing!

 

I was so fortunate. I was able to see Neil's solo from the barrier. Once that red octopus of a kit spun around I almost shit myself!!!

That Tama red kit still blows my mind today!

 

Well ok so I was a teen ager during the "synth" years. I don't give a shit.

 

To me those were the best of times!!!!!!!!

 

RUSH IS THE GREATEST FUCKKING BAND IN THE LAND!!!!!

 

No band is perfect!

 

I will love RUSH until my dying day. YYZ will be played at my funeral!!

 

RUSH ON!!!!!

 

FOREVER!

[savagegrace26]

For me it's "Testicle For Echo" and "Vapor Nails."

 

Uh...do you mean "Incest Whore Gecko"?

[RUSHHEAD666]

"PRESTO" has four votes?

 

I can't believe my eyes!!!!!!

 

"Presto" is one of the greatest albums on the planet!!!

 

Great production too!!! Even "The Pass" is one of the band's favorites!

 

I've been dying to hear "Available Light" for fuckking years! Not gonna happen!

 

"HAND OVER FIST!" Great drumming! "War Paint" too!

 

"Anagram: For Mongo" is one of Neil's best lyrics. Come on!! It's a homage to "Blazing Saddles!!!!!"

[RushBoingo]

Where is the option to say they have been so zig zaggy that it all evens out to a plateau

[RUSHHEAD666]

For me it's "Testicle For Echo" and "Vapor Nails."

 

Uh...do you mean "Incest Whore Gecko"?

 

HAHAHAHAHA!!! Now that is creative buddy! Love it!

[savagegrace26]

"PRESTO" has four votes?

 

I can't believe my eyes!!!!!!

 

I agree. Wonderful album. Wish most fans would open their ears.

[RUSHHEAD666]

Where is the option to say they have been so zig zaggy that it all evens out to a plateau

 

Wait you have a point. A zig zag career. So we all know that Geddy is obsessed with baseball. Basically Rush is like baseball.

It's the regression of the mean.

 

I fuckking love this thread.

[savagegrace26]

For me it's "Testicle For Echo" and "Vapor Nails."

 

Uh...do you mean "Incest Whore Gecko"?

 

HAHAHAHAHA!!! Now that is creative buddy! Love it!

 

I can't take credit. It's by a member who was banned recently.

 

You may enjoy his reviews:

http://www.therushforum.com/index.php?/topic/89725-wowtest-for-echo-review

[RUSHHEAD666]

"PRESTO" has four votes?

 

I can't believe my eyes!!!!!!

 

I agree. Wonderful album. Wish most fans would open their ears.

 

Awesome!! You and I agree on a lot man!! Cheers!!!

 

I've been listening to every Rush album over the last few days up to "Counterparts" only.

 

I'm in heaven.

 

You see I took a year off from Rush. I do this a lot. Especially after their last tour.

I was burnt and done with the whole orchestra thing.

I took a year off and now I am back into it.

Hell I'm playing my drums more too.

God, I loved playing to RUSH albums over the decades.

Never found a band myself but I just loved playing to Neil.

It never gets old and I am soooooo pumped up!!!!!

No band will ever touch Rush and I am a music WHORE!!!

 

RUSH ON!

[RUSHHEAD666]

For me it's "Testicle For Echo" and "Vapor Nails."

 

Uh...do you mean "Incest Whore Gecko"?

 

HAHAHAHAHA!!! Now that is creative buddy! Love it!

 

I can't take credit. It's by a member who was banned recently.

 

You may enjoy his reviews:

http://www.therushfo...for-echo-review

 

Hahaha!! Was the member Cosy Toes? That guy was classic!

 

Getting banned! Old 73 has been pretty cool to me but hey I do try to push the envelope.

 

That's why I will NEVER join their political arena!

 

I would rather talk Rush, sports and music.

[savagegrace26]

For me it's "Testicle For Echo" and "Vapor Nails."

 

Uh...do you mean "Incest Whore Gecko"?

 

HAHAHAHAHA!!! Now that is creative buddy! Love it!

 

I can't take credit. It's by a member who was banned recently.

 

You may enjoy his reviews:

http://www.therushfo...for-echo-review

 

Hahaha!! Was the member Cosy Toes? That guy was classic!

 

Getting banned! Old 73 has been pretty cool to me but hey I do try to push the envelope.

 

That's why I will NEVER join their political arena!

 

I would rather talk Rush, sports and music.

 

Spaghetti Lee.

 

He was banned for looking into Neil's sexuality too much.

Edited October 21, 2014 by savagegrace26

[RUSHHEAD666]

It seems that most comparisons of every album in the last twenty-something years involve some sort of statement of which is the best album since MP. There's a reason for that, and the statement implies that Signal signaled a decline in the band.

 

 

Which makes it a factual "truth"?

 

 

Holy Cow! What a review of "Test For Echo." I kind of agree. The opening title track is excellent. But then it starts to go drastically downhill!

[RUSHHEAD666]

For me it's "Testicle For Echo" and "Vapor Nails."

 

Uh...do you mean "Incest Whore Gecko"?

 

HAHAHAHAHA!!! Now that is creative buddy! Love it!

 

I can't take credit. It's by a member who was banned recently.

 

You may enjoy his reviews:

http://www.therushfo...for-echo-review

 

That indeed was some funny "shit" man.

 

I wouldn't go that far but yeah I think it's lyrically Neil's worst effort too.

[Pause Rewind Replay]

I'd say decline is too harsh a word. Also they didn't immediately improve on the debut. Rush to FBN to CoS is a decline that suddenly reverses and launches to the top with 2112. 2112>Presto IMHO has very few (can count them on one hand) bad songs.

 

Then they became inconsistent again. RTB is saddled with Heresy and Face Up, Cp is a big improvement, then T4E backslides.

 

Followed by their second big comeback: VT, S&A and CA are all better than RTB and T4E

[RUSHHEAD666]

For me it's "Testicle For Echo" and "Vapor Nails."

 

Uh...do you mean "Incest Whore Gecko"?

 

HAHAHAHAHA!!! Now that is creative buddy! Love it!

 

I can't take credit. It's by a member who was banned recently.

 

You may enjoy his reviews:

http://www.therushfo...for-echo-review

 

Hahaha!! Was the member Cosy Toes? That guy was classic!

 

Getting banned! Old 73 has been pretty cool to me but hey I do try to push the envelope.

 

That's why I will NEVER join their political arena!

 

I would rather talk Rush, sports and music.

 

Spaghetti Lee.

 

He was banned for looking into Neil's sexuality too much.

 

HAHAHAHA!!!! Really? No? Did he really pull the g@y card out on Neil? That rumor was circulating back in 1982!!! I never believed it!!

Neil has been blessed even though he is "Faithless." He has a beautiful wife and I think he has two kids now.

He is living in beautiful Santa Barbara or Montecito next to Oprah Winfrey!

 

HE'S GOT IT MADE!! LOL!!!

[RUSHHEAD666]

I'd say decline is too harsh a word. Also they didn't immediately improve on the debut. Rush to FBN to CoS is a decline that suddenly reverses and launches to the top with 2112. 2112>Presto IMHO has very few (can count them on one hand) bad songs.

 

Then they became inconsistent again. RTB is saddled with Heresy and Face Up, Cp is a big improvement, then T4E backslides.

 

Followed by their second big comeback: VT, S&A and CA are all better than RTB and T4E

 

If anything the band is declining NOW! The boys are human too right? LOL! I mean sometimes during the last few tours it was hard trying to listen to Geddy sing.

Neil seemed like he was huffing and a puffing like Puff The Magic Dragon! HAHAHA!

 

To be honest the only one who is NOT declining is Alex!! Damn he's getting better during each tour!!!! JMO!!!

 

How will Geddy's voice survive the next tour in the spring of 2015? Thank GOD there is no new album so maybe they will play "Jacob's Ladder" so every fanboi can grab a Coke, pop some Cheetos and jack off on the internet! Jesus!

 

I pray there is no orchestra this time around. Maybe they will open with an instrumental medley like they did on the R30 Tour.

 

What will this tour be called? R40.5?

 

 

I'm going off the rails of a crazy train. I have just lost my wit.

 

So hey, it is what it is.

 

We are lucky our band is still alive and well.

 

Personally I'm just not going to travel anymore for the band outside of California.

 

Time will tell.

[savagegrace26]

What will this tour be called? R40.5?

 

Maybe R41

 

http://www.rushisaband.com/blog/2014/03/20/3975/Rush-making-plans-for-a-2015-41st-anniversary-tour

 

I'm going off the rails of a crazy train. I have just lost my wit.

 

Are you sure that didn't happen a long time ago?

[goose]

This guy would say Signals, due to the changed nature of Alex's guitar parts...

 

For all you Rush freaks out there, I have always wondered about the drastic change in Alex Lifeson's guitar playing in the 1980s. I'm talking specifically about the change that occurred on Signals but really progressed to Grace Under Pressure. There were hints of this coming change as far back as Permanent Waves I think and it certainly is there on Moving Pictures. However, in 1982, his playing changed dramatically with heavy use of the tremlo bar, and those "shiny", angular chords. Prior to that, his playing was very loose and heavy like Jimmy Page. From 82 till 93, he played a diminished role and since it went on for the better part of a decade, I can only assume he willingly let the keyboards take over the mids previously handled by guitar. Has anyone ever heard why he changed his playing style so dramatically? To me, this was the part of Rush's synth period I liked the least. There were moments of heavy guitar solos (Analog Kid, Kid Gloves, Red Tide), but for the most part he seemed to hang back until Counterparts came out and since then, the guitar has become more forward with the keys taking a back seat. He's been quoted as saying he always wanted to emulate Page, so why did he willingly take on such a reduced role in the bands playing?

 

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/alex-lifeson-and-his-80s-minimalism.325314/

[savagegrace26]

P/G is an awesome guitar album, and not just because of the solos.

[tas7]

Decline is too harsh, after Signals the albums became hit and miss at times. I still think the writing on Signals was in the same vein as Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures so didn't mind the added synths, let's face it, it wasn't like Rick Wakeman noodling over everything.But things changed with Grace Under Pressure and the four albums afterwards in terms of writing, and the sound changed dramatically from album to album. It became, "Guess what the new Rush album sounds like?" to the point where anything was possible amidst,"What is this?" The change of each album from Grace Under Pressure through to Roll the Bones was too much for some but there are moments of sheer magic on all of their albums that surpass 99% of all other music; solo in Kid Gloves, Marathon, Mission, War Paint, Where's My Thing?