Kingdirk

When the group plays The Weapon live, the intro usually starts off with a monologue from the legendary Count Floyd (SCTV fame...Joe Flaherty). The album release doesn't feature this, but the Anthem 12" single does...the only studio version of The Weapon to have that intro. I also agree that Driven live is fantastic...its Geddy's song...it lets him really dig deep. I think he loves playing that little solo in the middle. Shlappin' Da Bass! One final one...Natural Science. Outstanding song in its own right, but let the boys open up a bit on stage and the song just pounds.

Yup...really cool looking item. There is also a 12" single of Prime Mover (RUSHR 1412 - Vertigo UK) where the picture sleeve is holographic...that is, if you hold it a certain way in the light, the image shifts.

The cartridge is the squarish piece at the end of the tonearm that houses the needle or stylus. On most higher end turntables, this is an interchangeable piece. For example, if you are planning to play 78s or shellac pieces, a conventional cartridge/stylus won't work...well, it will work, but the sound won't be quite right and the cartridge could get damaged since the grooves on a 78 are apparently different than a 45 or LP. My old Sony didn't have a replaceable cartridge and as such, the sound that the needle was picking up was substandard (well, it was good for the first 10 years I guess...getting older seems to be bringing on more discernable tastes it seems). There are several manufacturers and types of cartridges out there to work with whatever turntable you may have. The rule-of-thumb (or so I've been told) with upgrading a turntable is to start at the cartridge, if you can. Then from there, replace the platter with something like acrylic, cork, or leather (it all deadens the unnecessary resonance found when two things rub together, such as a needle and a disc). Again, its like a car...anything can be upgraded if you want it to be. Again...not an expert...just a newly informed and educated vinyl lover trying to spread the information.

I've listened to vinyl for well over 25 years. Over the course of time, different media types have emerged (and fallen) that have offered artists' musical wares to us, the adoring public. The advent of the cassette tape (Maxell, TDK, or Memorex, people?) and the compact disc brought a new sound and a new portability. The revolutionary arrival of the mp3 player offered us our music in the smallest possible way. I have over 25,000 mp3s, so I'm not going to slam the format. This is a posting about vinyl, and more specifically, turntables. I mentioned I love vinyl, but I am in no way an expert on turntables. I recently learned a vaulable lesson regarding turntables that I would like to share. My previous set-up included a relatively inexpensive fully automatic Sony turntable powered by a 20 year old Pioneer receiver, pushing out to 3-way Bose bookshelf speakers. I say "previous", because things have changed. The turntable had a permanent stylus without a cartridge. A simple switch allowed me to change speeds with ease. Press a button and everything just happened. I was given this piece of equipment almost 10 years ago as a gift to replace my old Scott "found in someone's basement - weighs 82 lbs" special that had fallen on some hard times. At the time, I was thrilled. Music played. I kept buying vinyl. Life couldn't be better. Recently though, I was noticing some aural deficiencies from my set-up, especially when playing some of my classic rock and jazz albums. Something was just not right. At first, I thought it was the receiver. Then, I experimented with the speakers. Nope...they seemed to be OK. Maybe its the cheap-ass turntable? So I decided to do some research into market options. Do I go used, or should I buy something new and shiny? Decisions decisions. When I went into my local audio store, the phalanx of turntables facing me was somewhat overwhelming. Who would have thought that turntables would hold such a resurgence (just ask Atlantic who chose not to put Test For Echo out, or the limited number of Vapour Trail discs!)? I sure didn't. With the helpful adivse of the shop owner, I examined all of my options. He had some terrific old pieces...solid pieces, that stood the test of time and would no doubt suit my needs perfectly. However, as dramatic as this sounds, I considered this purchase an evolution, and as such purchased a new turntable - specifically, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon in jet black with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. Certainly not a cheap upgrade, but defintely not the Ferrari of turntables either. The cartridge alone was worth more than my old Sony. The reviews of this device (yes, I went right home and checked every review I could before buying!) were heavily favourable, so I was confident in how I wanted to proceed. I took my new "toy" home and joyfully swapped the old with the new. Two words...blown away! Now, this isn't a post to advocate going to buy a new turntable (although if you are in the position to do so, and have a bit of "mad money" to spend, I highly recommend procuring the best equipment you can afford). This post is a reminder of the lesson I learned that I was hastily educated about by the shop owner. He said that there are two things you want out of a turntable: 1) silence 2) unnoticeability. Your turntable should be a simple device. Put the disc on the platter...turn it on...drop the needle. Done. There shouldn't be mechanical grinding or things moving. The only thing that should move is the record...that's it. He likened it to the make-up of a car. Think of the record as the asphalt - your tires as the needle and a cartridge. The better the condition of the road (record) and the tires (cartridge), the better the drive (sound output). When driving, the perfect scenario involves driving on fresh asphalt with new high-end tires. The same goes for listening to records on a quality turntable. The better the cartridge and the tonearm, the better your listening enjoyment. I found that out very quickly. The sound I hear now is not the vinyl...its the device being used to transport that sound. And I couldn't be happier. Disc...needle...cartridge...tonearm...motor...cables...receiver/amp...cables...speaker = the reward of true analog fidelity.

I'm going to throw it on the turntable this weekend when the house is empty (read: PLAY LOUD!)

This came in the mail yesterday. Nothing TOO rare, but a nice little promotional addition to the collection. (Sorry...I forgot to take a photo of the front cover!) http://i.imgur.com/7UwHNBx.jpg http://i.imgur.com/IwK7YCt.jpg http://i.imgur.com/xJSkz9K.jpg

Right, there's my answer, then. OK, carry on... Rush music over the past few decades has had so many different styles and textures that I don't think I could listen to the whole catalog chronologically. At some random time I could be listening to Permanent Waves and a song from Hold Your Fire might pop in to my head. And I have very little self-control about that kind of thing, so I would inevitably listen to some things 'out of order'. WHat can I say, though? I've gotta be me. I couldn't agree more...I find myself often listening to an album, and then switching to something from a different era, just to change the "tone" of the music. One isn't necessarily better than the other...just different. That's why I sometimes let "random" run through my playlist...for the whimsical lack of order.

That does look sweet. Almost has the look of legitimacy too. To me, it looks like the Atlantic and Anthem logos are off slightly. But that is a nice piece and I can understand why you took the plunge. I have those Japanese 45s too. Very nice. I love Japanese pressings, but I don't have many of them. I used to go to record shows myself. Unfortunately they don't have them much anymore. I got my Signals Radio show at one too. it seems to be the most common of the Anthem Radio Specials, but they are still quite rare. The Japanese Fly By Night picture disc has been around for awhile, if it is real it was a small press run. And that is one cool record player! I gave the TFE a quick spin over the weekend and it sounds as good as any of the other pieces on vinyl. Whether its legitimate or not, I'm thrilled to have it in the collection. It adds some "completeness" to the studio releases. My city has record shows twice per year...other cities within an hour of here have them lined up through the year. Most of the same vendors (like a travelling circus) so its hit and miss. I did come VERY close to one of THE Rush vinyl grails on Sunday though. The vendor who I bought the radio special from had a copy of Not Fade Away/Can't Fight It. There it sat...4 feet away from me. THE grail. I wasn't in any position whatsoever to buy it (my wife would have done things that aren't suitable for mention in this forum), but I did ask him what he was asking. The price? $800. Within the range of prices you see for this when it pops up, but wow... If I had the extra money though... One day

By now, anyone who has been following this thread would know that I love the obscure. Though sometimes not "rare" by the conventional description of the word, I like to label obscure as those items that come along once in a while (or once in a lifetime in some cases) that as a collector, you simply have to have them. I had the pleasure over the weekend to attend a local CD and record show...an assembly of tie-die wearing, Zeppelin-hawking fellas hell-bent on sharing the vinyl word with anyone holding money in their pockets. I was one of those fortunate souls who was drawn to their wares. I walked out of there with 4 items...2 Rush obscurities and 2 other "grails" for me (although this isn't the place, I'll satisfy your curiousity...first Canadian pressing of the Stones' Sticky Fingers in NM condition with working zipper, and a NM box pressing of George Harrison's legendary Concert for Bangladesh...great stuff). But you're not here to talk Stones and Harrison. Here are my other two findings: 1) I LOVE historical recordings such as radio broadcasts. I actually have several of them in my collection that as soon as I can get a couple of hours free, I'll take the pics and share them with you. In the meantime, I stumbled on a very rare MINT copy of the Anthem-release Signals Radio Show. Now it didn't come with a call sheet, but you can see the contents on discogs.com. There is something about listening to a snapshot in time including all the corny radio ads that 1982 would have produced. Great Stuff! http://i.imgur.com/friosen.jpg 2) This one was a "shot in the dark" as they say. If you've ever been to a record show, it is quite literally rows upon piles upon more rows of crates of vinyl. Most vendors sort them alphabetically, but if you don't have the time and patience, it can be overwhelming. At the show, I only had a half hour to scavenge due to other commitments yesterday. Like rolling the dice, I stumbled upon a NM Russian copy of A Farewell to Kings. While the picture shows the cover has some ringwear and a bit of a crimp (considering the thinness of the paper and the age...), the vinyl is pristine. Ten dollars. Considering the historical significance of how music was smuggled or illegally manufactured in Russia during the Cold War, this is a really cool piece to have. No labels. No catalog numbers. And the lyrics are printed on the back. I haven't played this yet, and I'm not expecting sonic excellence, but to know that someone in Russia had this as part of their vinyl collection in times where music of this sort was not sanctioned by the governing bodies? The things people will do... http://i.imgur.com/ihgti8o.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/7EELmXl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/yVvxVOe.jpg?1

I recently delved into the catalog much like billybobjoe1881 did...I have absoutely everything possible digitally so I simply put it on random and let it go. Like a radio station, I just simply get to listen and let "someone/thing" else do the work. I'm fortunate to work in a job where I can throw on the headphones, put my chin down, and work. I also commute 4 hours per day, so my time on that particular day was filled with Necromancers, Analog Kids, and Wreckers. What a great day and I hope to do it again very soon. That being said, my next marathon adventure is to play my entire collection on vinyl; with the caveat being of course that not everything in their catalog was released on vinyl.

Musically, the album for me was solid from the get-go. Picking up where S&A left off, but with something a bit different. At the time, I couldn't put my finger on it. Then, I read the book. All became clear. The music became more pronounced and the lyrics "popped" afterwards. Like many who've posted here, I have to listen to the whole album...front to back. Its like reading a novel...there will be parts that are hard to get through, but without them, the story wouldn't be complete. I remember seeing them play Caravan and BU2B live and while the songs were great, they held no meaning to me at the time...because I didn't understand their meaning or their "place" in the overall story. Now I do. I still get blown away by the time changes and the sheer proficiency that these crazy Canucks can still produce. Easily in my top 5 for sheer quality.

The Pass...especially the part where Geddy wails "Christ what have you done?

Don't want to derail the thread!! This is about amazing Rush vinyls! THe GUP "egg in a vice" is one of the best Rush images, imo. Thanks for sharing!! No worries...vinyl and the tools we use to play the discs are all relevent. Seriously...I just called my grandmother to ask her if her floor model still works! LOL Yeah...the "egg in a vice" image is one of my favorites...the definition of grace under pressure!

7 rpm? Wow! Yup...she's busted. Sorry to hear about your loss. :( I recently picked up an old turntable at a flea market (20$). It is obviously well made, very nice housing, and in good shape in that it must have been in a well maintained home (no mildew, corrosion, spider webs, cochroaches etc). But the turntable mechanism seems to be jammed- not the drive belt but some other aspect of the mechanism (it has all the stop, start, play a stack of records automatically, retract arm on command). Do people still fix turntables? Any leads on where to take one to? Ooo...tough one. Without knowing where you are or what's in your area, the answer based on my experience is a cautious "yes". The audio/video store near my place sells both used and new turntables, and as such, will do repairs as required. However, with what you paid...is it worth it to spend time and money on the repair? It might cost you more than the actual equipment. That being said, its quite possible that the fix might cost you next to nothing. Hard to say. The simple answer though is "yes, there are people out there who fix turntables". Start with a local high-end audio store and find out if they sell turntables. Another option is to check out your local independent record store...those guys live for vinyl and might have some resources for you...the old "I know a guy who knows a guy..." Good luck and let us know how you make out. It came in this great old cabinet, with working speakers and a working radio, so I got a real deal on it http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o586/animate2112/RecordPlayer_zpsa5d2a15f.jpg It could cost a lot more than what I paid and still be worth it. My current working record player is new with a USB port, so it still plays through my computer and computer speakers. I just can't wait to hear records in 100% analogue again! THose are some great leads! Thanks! CHECK THAT OUT! That is one handsome piece of equipment you have there! When you mentioned that you bought a turntable for $20, I thought it was a table top...not the entire table! That's fantastic. And don't take this the wrong way, but my grandmother still has hers! LOL I believe it might actually still be in working condition. Years ago, there were some issues with it and my grandfather found someone to fix it. He's long passed and I can't remember for the life of me who fixed it for him...or the type of business that would do such a repair. Another option (which I just thought of) is to check out any local antique stores. While they might not be able to actually fix it, they may know someone who can fix it. After all, they are in the business of furniture and cabinet restoration. I would defintely give it a shot. And I agree, the cost to get it fixed (provided its not an insane amount) would be well worth the final output. Thanks for posting the nostalgia!

7 rpm? Wow! Yup...she's busted. Sorry to hear about your loss. :( I recently picked up an old turntable at a flea market (20$). It is obviously well made, very nice housing, and in good shape in that it must have been in a well maintained home (no mildew, corrosion, spider webs, cochroaches etc). But the turntable mechanism seems to be jammed- not the drive belt but some other aspect of the mechanism (it has all the stop, start, play a stack of records automatically, retract arm on command). Do people still fix turntables? Any leads on where to take one to? Ooo...tough one. Without knowing where you are or what's in your area, the answer based on my experience is a cautious "yes". The audio/video store near my place sells both used and new turntables, and as such, will do repairs as required. However, with what you paid...is it worth it to spend time and money on the repair? It might cost you more than the actual equipment. That being said, its quite possible that the fix might cost you next to nothing. Hard to say. The simple answer though is "yes, there are people out there who fix turntables". Start with a local high-end audio store and find out if they sell turntables. Another option is to check out your local independent record store...those guys live for vinyl and might have some resources for you...the old "I know a guy who knows a guy..." Good luck and let us know how you make out.

As I wrote in the very post on this forum, my hope was to engage discussion with other collectors on what vinyl is "out there"; and I have to say, the participation has been fantastic. Thanks! I also mentioned, that as time allows, I wanted to share photos of some of the "odds and sods" from my Rush vinyl collection...in hopes to provide a resource for other collectors to help identify what they have in their collections or what's out on the market. Quite often, I go on eBay or other vinyl market sites and the descriptions of the items for bid/sale are horrible. I know...buyer beware...but when I'm looking to make a purchase, its comforting to know that the item I'm buying is "real" and does exist. Sometimes, I just get fascinated with what's out there. Hopefully, by reading this forum you feel the same way. So as promised, here are couple more photos of some items that just arrived in the mail. I was thrilled to get these for two reasons: 1) They are my first Rush Japanese pressings of any sort 2) Afterimage...I don't think that this track was ever released anywhere besides Japan...so its cool to know that this is "it". Both arrived in absolute MINT condition! http://i.imgur.com/SPfgyxd.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/dS5bs0p.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/rk6H16J.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/80On9X3.jpg?1 More to come over the weekend!

7 rpm? Wow! Yup...she's busted. Sorry to hear about your loss. :(

That sucks! Did the motor die?

Its amazing really. When they released VT back in 2002, they released what?...maybe 5,000 copies on vinyl? Who knows? (actually, if anyone does know, I'd really be curious at the numbers). There were some who bought it back then when vinyl was a niche item. Likely fans and true vinylphiles. Who would have thought that this one particular album is considered a "grail" for most Rush collectors? The prices certainly support that theory. Now, granted, the poor audio from this recording is well-documented. However, I liked the music from this album...I liked the direction they were going; especially Neil and his lyrical escape to try to put closure on the trauma in his life. I recently picked up a copy of VT on vinyl sealed in the original wrapping. I paid ALOT of money for it. Like you, I "got the itch" and had to have it. It was a missing piece to my vinyl puzzle. I haven't broken the seal yet. I'm not sure I will. Its the ultimate conflict...music lover vs. collector. I suppose I have to consider how this disc is most valuable to me...as a valuable artifact on a shelf; or as a sonically frustrating record that I might listen to once. I'm leaning to the former right now.

Good point about the sunlight!

Nicely done! Enjoy that really cool piece of Rushtory!

I thought I would have time tonight to throw it on the platter, but I think I'm going to have to wait until the weekend. If I do though, you know I'll post the results here. If I can whip up a quick YouTube video, I'll post the link here as well.

I really wish I knew. As I said, I've Googled this thing like mad and I can't find a lot on it...which leaves me to believe that it isn't the legitimate T4E vinyl pressing that everyone is craving for. What I do know however, is that the prices for this are quite high. Recently a Fly By Night Japanese promo pic disk encountered a bidding war on eBay, even though there is no proof that such a pressing was ever "authorized". Again, there are no reasons to believe that this is legit. I laugh because it was passed off as being produced by Anthem/Atlantic which WE ALL KNOW, wasn't possible. When you hold it in your hand, it has to be at least 180 or 200 gm...very heavy, and everything about it looks and feels real.

OK...so the item I'm going to show here is proof that I am a completeist (my wife says obsessive compulsive). Over the past little while, I've been receiving a pile of new Rush discs, from 45s to pic discs to rare bootlegs to the truly obscure (I promise...as soon as I can find the time, I'll take the pics and share them with you). However, this one I've particular been looking forward to its arrival. There is nothing legitimate about this item, but I simply HAD to have it. I'm almost not even concerned about the sound (which I'll test drive tonight)...it just looks SO COOL! I've Googled this thing to death and all I can find is another forum discussing its legitimacy (see above), but no one can confirm it. It cost me a pretty penny to bring in and I know that the band didn't get anything for it, but as I mentioned in my first statement...I'm a completeist. Check it out and let me know your thoughts... http://i.imgur.com/xaXt5dm.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/2fy6EJx.jpg?1

Depending on your turntable, sometimes there are knobs on the arm that can be adjusted that can fix this. Sometimes people have been known to tape some coins on the arm (near the part where the needle is, but on top)...sometimes there is nothing you can do. On a side note, I have had a few albums in my life where there is a slight skip in one song that sounds weird when you finally hear it without the skip. I agree with hogtown...most turntables have minor adjustments that allow you to determine how much pressure is put on the needle in the groove. A couple of things to remember as well. With a disc like 2112 which was pressed over 35 years ago, dirt might have accumulated in the grooves over time and this may be pushing the needle out of the groove. Not noticeable to the naked eye, it is treatable. There are disc cleaning systems out there, but even a mild soap and a microfibre cloth can do a decent job. I have some new vinyl that curiously skips and for the most part, its because my tonearm is very sensitive. A little tap here and there, and away we go. Now...if the disc is scratched all to hell, there might be no saving it. That would be your call though. How much do you love the disc and are you prepared to replace it?