Ritchie Ramone

I'm 20, and although for a long time I was only familiar with Moving Pictures, I seem to lean more toward the mid-to-late 80s material, specifically Grace Under Pressure and Power Windows. There's something about those two that appeals to me more so than the rest. However, that doesn't take away from how much I enjoyed Clockwork Angels.

Being a relatively "new" fan (I started listening to Rush in 2009, at age 17), I think it's an excellent collection of songs, love them or hate them. Before being properly introduced to their music, I was only really familiar with the "staples," and over the last three years or so, I've been drawn to the more obscure songs from the mid-to-late '80s that the average listener probably doesn't even know exists. Seeing that this year's set list has a pretty large chunk of those songs is an excellent opportunity for the band to introduce younger audiences to that era that is largely overlooked. The three of them sure seem to enjoy performing it. Sure, there are several people who do not like the "synth" period, and I can't blame them for their own opinion. You simply can't please every fan. I, for one, never thought I would get to hear a lot of those songs live, especially at this stage in their career. Sure, I could have done with a couple of changes here and there (example - I would LOVE to hear The Enemy Within just one time live before I die, and I'll be happy -- sure, it's pretty unlikely, but I can dream), but for what it is, it's an excellent set, and I for one can't wait to be there to hear it myself in October.

QUOTE (Mara @ Jun 13 2012, 04:23 PM)One aspect that I think is sort of coolly contradictory: much of the music doesn't really "match" the lyrics. By that I mean the music's pretty upbeat, cheerful, even. It's a neat contrast to the subject matter. That's one of the big reasons this song stands out to me, as well. The same principle also applies to The Enemy Within, which is perhaps my favorite Rush song for that very reason. I'm sure that kind of contrast was a conscious effort by the band while they were arranging this song.

Favourite Album - Counterparts Least Favourite Album - A Farewell to Kings A song that reminds you of someone OR a certain event - Time Stand Still Favourite Epic - 2112 The album you listen to the most - Moving Pictures The first Rush song you heard - YYZ A song that you can play on an instrument OR the first album you owned - 2112 (the whole song, on drums) A song that you wish you could play on an instrument - Hemispheres A song that you know all the words to - Limbo! A song that you used to hate but now love - Closer to the Heart Your favorite song - The Enemy Within Favourite Song from Moving Pictures - Vital Signs

QUOTE (evilsugar25 @ Mar 12 2011, 07:10 PM) tell your ride two hours is small price to pay for an experience of a lifetime... and shorter than the show, incidentally. Thanks! I was (understandably) upset when that happened, but now I couldn't be any happier. I've wanted to see them live for a good while now, and I'm jumping for joy that I'm finally getting the chance (and they're playing some of my favorite songs this year, to top it all off!)

I agree that he can still sing a good chunk of their material - from about Permanent Waves onward - with most of his "remaining" natural range, but you absolutely cannot deny that his voice sounds at least a little bit strained nowadays, especially during songs like Time Stand Still (I will never understand why he sings in a higher pitch during the chorus). But seriously, after 40 years of singing like a madman, can you honestly blame him for toning it down a little bit? This is only my opinion and nothing more, but I think because his range isn't as diverse as it once was, the emotion and certain intonations that he uses more than makes up for it. He's earned every bit of my respect for still giving it his all after all of this time. I mean, he doesn't have to endure the constant stress that touring has on his vocal cords (and still performing songs that demand a lot from him, both vocally and instrumentally), but he still does it, arguably better than he ever has. Can YOU name any vocalists (or even a band in general) that still puts a massive amount of effort - arguably MORE effort, in Rush's case - to delivering the best possible show like them? It's pretty amazing, when you think about it.

When the dates were first announced a few months back, I was disappointed that if I were to go, I would have to drive about 2 hours (or thereabouts) to see Rush in Greensboro - I live about a half-hour west of Charlotte - and after my ride told me they "absolutely" wouldn't go if it were that far, I was SO disappointed.....until a few weeks after when they announced Greenville, SC, which is FAR closer to where I live than Greensboro. So, I'm only traveling maybe an hour to see them. It'll be my first show, so I'm pretty excited. =]

QUOTE (What happen to Bun E Carlos on drums?? , some younger guy taken his place?) Bun E. is still the drummer - the younger guy is only there to fill in since Bun E. has been having back problems and was unable to physically perform. Or, at least, that's what I've heard. On topic: I agree, a performance by Rush would be great, but it's pretty unlikely.