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ElfDude

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Member Information

  • Location
    Utah
  • Interests
    Music, Carvin guitars and amps
  • Gender
    Male

Music Fandom

  • Last Rush Concert Attended
    Clockwork Angels
  1. ElfDude

    Neils lyrics.

    Personally, I didn't mind so much the fact that Neil's lyrics took on a different, more serious, existential tone as time went by as I did the "preachy", almost condescending at times, tone that resulted from the change. I consider Pratt to be almost nigh a misanthrope or, at least, a closet misanthrope. His disdain for adulation and fan-contact has often been dismissed by many Rush fans as a quirk in his character, or something he is unable to control (i.e. shyness). However, in my estimation, there is a wide chasm between shyness and veiled cynicism. His distrust of, and brackishness towards, others necessarily caused his move away from fantasy into reality. It was a natural progression in his lyrical growth. He is an unparalleled drummer, a matchless lyricist, however, as a human being, he leaves a great deal to be desired... All IMO, of course... I've read most of his books, and find him to be an interesting individual. But I have to agree with the shyness vs cynicism comment. I am introverted to a fault. Didn't even know what that meant until a few years ago. Once I started reading articles on introverts my life suddenly made so much more sense. Anyway, what I'm getting at is that while I find small talk a little painful and crowds exhausting, when one of my bands plays a show and someone wants to come up and chat afterward, darn it, I'll chat for a little bit. I'm just so grateful that they came and they stayed, you know? I take my hat off to you sir. Your behavior, indeed, demonstrates your introversion/shyness and certainly not the cynicism I ascribed to Pratt. Imo, there is no human condition that justifies the purposeful poor treatment of another. That Neil considers his fans meddlesome when their only aim is to thank him for the positive impact he has had on their lives is petty and narrow-minded. Contempt prior to investigation is not an action undertaken by the shy and introverted. It is behavior, however, exhibited by the brooding and standoffish... When reading Ghost Rider, what really bothered me was his obvious disdain for "common" people. He didn't even TRY to act like he didn't consider himself better than most people. I still love his talent, but that book really kind of knocked Neil off the pedestal he'd been on...at least for me. I read that book during personal tragedy. Was able to identify with much of it and had to shake my head at some of it. Something that gave me a good chuckle at the time... I was looking at the reader reviews on amazon.com. One of them simply said, "Boy, Neil really hates fat people, doesn't he?"
  2. Very cool article. And interesting comments in here as well. :)
  3. ElfDude

    Neils lyrics.

    Personally, I didn't mind so much the fact that Neil's lyrics took on a different, more serious, existential tone as time went by as I did the "preachy", almost condescending at times, tone that resulted from the change. I consider Pratt to be almost nigh a misanthrope or, at least, a closet misanthrope. His disdain for adulation and fan-contact has often been dismissed by many Rush fans as a quirk in his character, or something he is unable to control (i.e. shyness). However, in my estimation, there is a wide chasm between shyness and veiled cynicism. His distrust of, and brackishness towards, others necessarily caused his move away from fantasy into reality. It was a natural progression in his lyrical growth. He is an unparalleled drummer, a matchless lyricist, however, as a human being, he leaves a great deal to be desired... All IMO, of course... I've read most of his books, and find him to be an interesting individual. But I have to agree with the shyness vs cynicism comment. I am introverted to a fault. Didn't even know what that meant until a few years ago. Once I started reading articles on introverts my life suddenly made so much more sense. Anyway, what I'm getting at is that while I find small talk a little painful and crowds exhausting, when one of my bands plays a show and someone wants to come up and chat afterward, darn it, I'll chat for a little bit. I'm just so grateful that they came and they stayed, you know?
  4. Was just listening to this earlier today. It's by far my favorite Lifeson solo. Been listening since the album was new and still get chills from it. As to how I compare it with solos from other guitarists, that's hard. There are other solos that really excite me too, like Holdsworth's in In The Dead of Night or listening to Steve Vai play For the Love of God. But LVS really is something special.
  5. I don't hate Limelight, but I don't enjoy it a whole lot either. As to whiny lyrics... yeah, kinda maybe. But he really gets whiny on Snakes and Arrows!
  6. Happy birthday! May it be epic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO3Cq1O0adI
  7. You get the same thing The supposedly environmentally "woke" folks don't take their trash home either.
  8. Except for the instrumentals and Armor and Sword, I really didn't like Snakes and Arrows much. Loved the instrumentals though.
  9. A lot of different themes and stories going on in this thread. Very sorry to hear about Michael. My guess would be that his mother suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder. When mom suffers from that, so does the rest of the family. As to religion, my parents were very religious (as am I). When they worried about the music I was listening to I would pull out lyric sheets and show them. They quickly learned that Rush was intelligent and posed no threat to my spiritual well being. :) One of the things I always loved about this band. As to forums, I was a very early member of the original therushforum.com ages ago, but drifted away. Seems like it even shut down a couple of times and then came back. Not sure if it's still run by the same people or not. I came back hoping to re-connect with Circumstantial Tree, but he doesn't seem to be very active on here these days. But I hope to become friends with you good folks. Spent a lot of time at by-tor.com but facebook has nearly killed that forum. I'm a moderator over at kieselguitarsbbs.com/ and love that forum as well. But it's not for everyone... just for manic lovers of that guitar brand. :)
  10. Just to make sure I get it (yeah, I can be kinda slow sometimes)... if I purchase the 2 CD set, disc two will contain the previously unreleased live stuff and disc one will be Hemispheres. Is disc one a remastered version of Hemispheres? As in less tape hiss and stuff than my old CD of Hemispheres?
  11. Thanks! I was actually one of the members of the original "therushforum.com" but haven't been around in a long time. It's good to be back.
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