Powderfinger

QUOTE (ColdFireYYZ @ Mar 2 2012, 09:21 PM) I almost bought Chemistry last week. I have a Barnes and Noble gift card so I may get it next time. Go for it, it's worth it!

QUOTE (Presto-a RUSH fan! @ Mar 2 2012, 05:30 AM) Even though it's an "Authorized" book on RUSH, Contents Under Pressure by Martin Popoff is a must have, IMO. It's not available on Kindle, but this one you really need to own because of the full color pictures. There is a chapter on each album, including the live ones, that gives little stories from the guys on making the album, touring etc. It ends with a chapter on the 30th Anniversary Tour. It's a very easy and quick read and the pictures are incredible. Alot of the photos were by Andrew MacNaughtan, RUSH's long time photographer, who recently passed away, and he also did the editing. I always suggest it to any new fan who wants to read about RUSH, but even if you are not a new fan and already know alot of the history and have read Chemistry, which I liked too, you should get this one based on the cool stories that come right from the guys to the amazing pictures. It's almost like a mini tour book but with all the albums. Another cool book is Roadshow by Neil. It's really great to go thru a tour with Neil as he rides his motorcycle from show to show. It's got some really cool stories and I know alot of people get on Neil for not being "fan friendly" but he really makes up for it with his books, IMO. Of course if you are offended by his religious views, you may take offense to some of it, like his recounting of all the church signs around the country with different slogans, but I found it a fascinating insight into Neil and what it's like to be on tour for him. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did because it's a "travelogue" but I ended up blowing right thru it quickly. Those are my two recommendations. Edited because of bad english! Thank you so much for taking time to recommend these books. I'll take a look at both of them. Does Neil's book discuss playing live, or is it more an account of the "spaces in between"?

QUOTE (danielmclark @ Mar 2 2012, 09:03 AM) It was put out in the late 80's, but Visions is a great book if you can find it. Check your local used bookstores, keep an eye on eBay, it pops up every now and then. http://www.amazon.com/Rush-Visions-The-Off...30696947&sr=8-1 I actually had a copy of this, and forgot all about it. I have no idea where it ended up, but it is no longer in my possession. I remember liking it, even if it was a little thin.

I recently finished Jon Collins's Chemistry. I thought it was quite good! I only disagree with the author's treatment of Signals, which I would be happy to elaborate on in a subsequent post. Earlier today I downloaded Chris McDonald's Rush, Rock Music, and the Middle Class onto my Kindle. On one hand, I want to ask if anyone has an opinion on it. On the other, I don't want anyone to ruin it for me. I fully understand it is an academic study, and not a standard appreciation of Rush's music. As an academic myself, I'm okay with this. The reviews on Amazon were mostly positive. Those who didn't like it tended to complain about its scholarly tone. Are there other books on Rush worth recommending?

QUOTE (ShowgunSam @ Feb 24 2012, 05:56 PM) QUOTE (Powderfinger @ Feb 24 2012, 05:46 PM) When exactly was the red Tama era? I think it was Perm Waves-P Windows, right? I do like the Hemispheres sound. But yes, the red Tamas were probably the best--especially on MP and Signals, IMHO. That would be the Signals, GuP, Power Windows era, my friend. Got it, thank you. I know he used Tamas on Perm Waves and MP, but I was not distinguishing between his first Tama set and his Artstar/Candy Apple Red set from Signals through Power Windows...

QUOTE (Pound of Obscure @ Feb 24 2012, 05:30 PM) The red Tamas are still my measuring stick for drum sound. To my ear, that's what drums are supposed to sound like. His DW's sound good except the small toms. I think his small toms sound like soup cans. Pretty terrible. Plus he doesn't have enough toms anymore to play fills correctly, but that's another subject. Yeah, man. I just heard some "soup can" action in this R30 set. His floor toms sound good, but those high toms are a little off. (This can have something to do with the live mix. Certain instruments can be EQ'd to cut through, while having their tone compromised in the process.) When exactly was the red Tama era? I think it was Perm Waves-P Windows, right? I do like the Hemispheres sound. But yes, the red Tamas were probably the best--especially on MP and Signals, IMHO.

QUOTE (ShowgunSam @ Feb 24 2012, 05:19 PM) It's funny you mention R30, because I always felt the most biased towards that 30th Anniversary kit. I mean, the show was bad-ass and the recording quality was superb, but to me, the R30 kit sounded like cardboard, especially those toms. It just didn't seem to have any "balls" to it. LOL, I'm really only comparing the R30 sound to Rio, which I watched this morning. But I do like the sound of the R30 drums. Mind you, I am listening through my factory TV speakers. I have not listened to the audio discs (I just got this set in the mail earlier this afternoon). Perhaps my opinion will change, but I think the toms sound fine. I despise toms that sound like robo-cannons. But toms aside, I think his snare sounds great here. I'm on The Seeker now...

I'm watching the R30 DVD right now, and as far as live sound goes, his kit sounds pretty damn good here. Where the studio is concerned, the more natural the better. Some of the earlier records in places featured the 70s dull thud/paper bag sound--that isn't so much a criticism of Neil as it is a criticism of what was in vogue in the 70s. I also have trouble getting on board with the overly processed drum sounds of the Power Windows-Presto era, and even some of the Roll the Bones material. As a fellow drummer, I like drums to sound like drums...

It just occurred to me Presto is the only album not represented here. That's odd...

Just got my R30 Deluxe set in the mail. I'm about halfway through the opening overture. This is so badass! And I kind of already think it blows away the Rush in Rio DVD set. This just looks and sounds so much better, so far. I am totally digging this...

In the End Farewell to Kings Chemistry I did not see the Time Machine tour, so I'd love a second chance to see The Camera Eye and Vital Signs.

I've been listening to 2112 repeatedly the past few days. Looking forward to reading your and others' take on it.

I just ordered the Deluxe version with the audio CDs from Amazon for $24.99. Thanks everyone for the advice on this!

Thank you so much, Presto-a Rush Fan! That clarifies everything. I know I could have spent time researching my question, but I figured I could be assisted with minimal effort from an expert here! Also, thank you for your opinion on the set. I have the Rush in Rio DVD set, but wasn't sure where to go next...

Greetings Fellow Rush Fans, I was at the store earlier today and came across two new copies of the R30 DVD. One listed the second disc/bonus materials on the back cover. The other simply listed the main concert. My question is, will a DVD set with the second disc/bonus material automatically include the audio CDs? Or is that a different set altogether? Something else worth mentioning: both copies were being sold for $19.99. Is it a steal to grab the 2-DVD set for that price? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I sort of let my appreciation for Rush diminish in the last 15-20 years. But I'm back with a vengeance, and I'm trying to stock up on the post-Counterparts material, where I last left off. Thank you!

I just finished the section in Chemistry in which Jon Collins discusses how Rupert Hine, as a stipulation for taking on Presto, insisted that Geddy reconsider his vocal approach. "Half jokingly, Rupert suggested singing the songs a whole octave down. 'You wouldn't even have to change the key!' Both Rupert and Geddy were well aware of the potential dangers of changing style. 'It was a dangerous thing to discuss,' says Rupert. 'I knew they might lose legions of fans, who only bought the records because Geddy was up there in the Robert Plant range and that's what they loved. It wouldn't sound like Geddy Lee anymore.' Geddy, again very bravely, said, 'Well, why don't we experiement, it'll be something new.'" By the way, since this is my first post, I must add this: Rush Rules!!!