SecondNature

If they make a "regular" studio album, lyrics and all, then IMO there will be plenty of pressure for them to tour. Neil would not go for that (except possibly for a one off charity show). An instrumental album would give them the freedom to do what they always did best - deep dives into material like Hemispheres, Xanadu, Jacobs ladder, natural science, 2112, By-Tor and the like. I'm not opposed to lyrics and I would love another album by Geddy. I just think an instrumental might be workable at this point. Those who don't like instrumentals are not under any obligation to listen to it :)

The days of touring seem to be over. The physical demands on Neil, the tendon issues that Alex has his hands and the strain on Geddy's voice - not to mention the grind of a long tour. I have always thought it would be nice for them to go into the studio and create an awesome instrumental album - or maybe instrumental with a limited amount of lyrics. This would allow them to create something awesome that was NOT required to be played live - thus opening the door to something more advanced and complicated. I think the guys should consider this. It could be done at their own pace and give them an opportunity to play together without the demands of a tour.

Definitely loved the Chicago show. My 26th Rush show overall. I was totally happy with the setlist - especially getting to hear so much of CA. The show had a lot of energy and everyone around me seemed to be eating it up. Awesome show!

IMO, one reason for the number of CA songs is that so many fans had wanted another concept album like 2112. This one was kind of a return to that era and the band was obviously thrilled with the way the album turned out. One other reason I believe CA got so much concert time - - - its possible this will be the last tour. I'm sure the band wanted the chance to play CA live in case they decide not to tour anymore. I doubt its the last tour but we have been hearing them talk more and more about when to stop. I saw the Chicago show and thought it was incredible. Maybe sometimes it isn't all about us and what we want.

The song is truly a masterpiece. One of their all time best. I hope they play it on the tour!!

The Anarchist is tied for number 1 with me. I agree about the Porcupine Tree influence. I thought that about several of the songs. For example, the strange background noises in the new intro to BU2B have a PT sound. I LOVE PT so I think any influence is a big +

Definitely in the top 5 for me! I think it will endure longer than some of the others. Time will tell.

Great ! Glad the album is getting some of the prog respect it deserves.

Seems to me the problem with satellite radio is - where to play new music from an "old" band. All the channels are specialized. It doesn't fit on the classic rock type channels where you might normally hear RUSH because its new music. It doesn't get played on Octane and heavy rock because they usually concentrate on new/younger bands. I did hear Headlong Flight once on Octane but just that one time.

I have been listening to the CD for the last couple of weeks and not satellite radio. Has Sirius/XM been playing any of the album?

I love the wreckers. It made so much more sense when I heard the historical explanation of where that came from. I also love how it parallels with Neil's own experiences. The line at the end just sums it all up so well. That song is a masterpiece.

QUOTE (GeddyRulz @ Jul 4 2012, 08:23 AM) Actually, I think my favorite drumming part is just the simple "stick count" on the title track, which he does twice. I don't think he's ever done that on a studio album before. Me too. I LOVE the count ins in the song. Brilliant.