cygnify

I get your drift, and Dogman is my fav, but I think Tape Head is criminally underrated. I revisited that recently and it blew the doors off. I agree after Tape Head the output is a lot more hit and miss.

Marillon: first four with Fish - f***ing fantastic, among my favorites. everything after that with Hogwarts - no. Currently happening: Steven Wilson everything with Porcupine Tree and all of his solo albums through To the Bone - Golden Masterpieces or at least respectable and interesting efforts. everything I have heard from the new "change of direction" album - no.

Yes, I did! It is a nice collection and really cool to go through and reminisce and also, still very sad. I had actually already received all of his cover issues as a subscriber; I've subscribed continuously since ~1983. I got his first cover (1980) as a back issue. I still have all of my original issues - most of them in storage now. Someday I'll have a drum room at home again! One thing that was missing from the tribute was all of the "ask a pro" columns that Neil responded to. Some great questions and responses. Back in the day he would actually respond individually to questions forwarded from MD - I have two such postcards from Neil (1989 and 1993). Anyway, a very nice tribute - and I felt very emotional reading all of his interviews - his efforts, his struggles, his hopes... it can be crushingly sad.

I voted CTTE, but "In the Court of the Crimson King" an observation by King Crimson is the greatest prog album of all time.

I really enjoyed this too! Really cool that Nick and Co. have revitalized songs that otherwise would have never been played again by an original member. Super cool!

I'll start by mentioning that the guitarist in my high school band (my best man), and I, like so many others of our generation, were massively inspired by Neil and Eddie on our respective instruments. There is no denying that they both had incredible influence over an entire generation of young musicians (check out almost any issue of Guitar Player or Modern Drummer magazine; chances are high they will be name-checked if not featured in some manner). In January, my guitarist buddy called me the minute he heard that Neil had passed - because he knew what Neil meant to me. So, earlier this week, I reciprocated and called him the moment I learned Ed had passed. We talked for hours about it - reflecting on their music and influence and our own ageing... some thoughts that came up: VanHalen as a band had a larger piece of popular culture - I think this is largely fueled by the Van Hagar era and a series of successful pop-rock tunes. I don't know what the record sales stats are, but I imagine VH was easily outselling Rush most of the time after 1984. Ed clearly had more "celebrity" than Neil and this is evidenced by more mainstream acknowledgement of his passing. Another striking difference we thought about was Eddie's public persona was more that he was a sort of a megalomaniac; of course, the band bore his name - but the very public feuds with Roth, and then Hagar, and Anthony, and the dissing of Anthony, the sacking of Cherone, and then again bickering with Roth. Now there's three sides to every story, but the optics were that Ed was difficult (to put it nicely). Meanwhile Neil, Alex and Ged had this sort of "Geek rocker" persona, nice to a fault (Canadian influence? lol), a true brotherhood, there was a joke that they could never make a "behind the music" because there was so little controversy. While these public persona were somewhat supported by various stories from the inside, nobody really knows. But the bottom line is their images were quite different. Another thought that I had about them was Neil's lyrics - obviously VH, was much more a Sex, Drugs, & R&R themed band. Almost to a cliche. While Roth and Hagar wrote a few excessively cheesy lyrics, VH as a band portrayed that "partier" mentality. On the other hand, Neil, while he did have a few clunkers, was an exceptional lyricist and pushed so many interesting themes and ideas not normally explored in rock music. Personally, for me, I know that lyrical connection meant alot more. I can't say I felt any really deep connection lyrically to many VH tunes (maybe Dreams?), nobody would have called VH "A thinking man's rock band", as Rush was. Not saying that in a snobby way, sometimes parties call for party lyrics, lol. I just felt a lot deeper connection to Neil's writing. Perhaps many other wouldn't, and that's fine, But there is a difference. I didn't ever get the chance to see VH live. By the time I was of concert-going age, 1984 tour had already passed. By the time 5150, came out, I wasn't too keen on the new VHagar sound. I'm not embarrassed to say that I much preferred Eat 'Em and Smile! and got to see Roth with his incredible band. I felt like he blew them out of the water with that. But that was short lived! VH kept cranking out gold; much of it I did not totally care for; I suppose my taste trending in different directions. I had the chance to see VH in 2007, but did not go - and the local reviews were horrible. Ed was having trouble, Roth was really in poor form, the band left the stage after a half set at one show. I'm kinda glad I didn't go. Meanwhile, I really enjoyed Snakes and Arrows and Clockwork and all the tours up to the end. So, from a band trajectory there was an enormous difference as well. Anyway, jut a couple of thoughts. I do have tremendous respect for the man and his music, which really meant alot to me in my youth. Neil & Rush were able to keep that fire alive in my through to my adult years. RIP EVH. RIP NEP.

Watched that yesterday - loved it. I miss Bill; one of my top 3 drumming influences.

I picked this up recently; waiting for the right time to check it out fully!

waiting for my Deluxe version... :dweez:

Good list; but my 3 favorite American "bands" are not on there: * Frank Zappa * Tool * King's X

Impossible Choice. My "top tier" favorite bands (non-English in parentheses): (Rush) Led Zeppelin Yes King Crimson Pink Floyd Porcupine Tree and English bands in "tier 2" not far behind: The Who Jethro Tull Peter Gabriel Genesis The Beatles I went with King Crimson (**though a strong argument could be made that for more than half of their time they were Anglo-American)

Almost forgot, but had to mention - a very cool and endearing tribute from Ari Gold (the director of "Adventures in Power" that weird air-drumming movie). Really cool, touching, story that shows what a stand-up guy Neil was.

I loved it - as a drummer, I could listen to solos all day! I've been to some of these drum festivals before, and plenty of clinics, so I knew what to expect. Some highlights: * some very heartfelt, tear-inducing messages/remembrances from Lorne, Doane Perry, Stewart Copeland, John Good (from DW; nearly in tears), Rob Wallis (Hudson music DVDs), Stewart Copeland, Greg Bissonette among many others... * for me, Keith Carlock was an absolute beast - his linear funk groove solo just did not let up. Unbelievable. * Todd Sucherman (Styx) was Fantastic!! a very classy, nice story about Neil and raising the Macallen! * Modern Drummer establishing the Neil Peart lifetime achievement award and scholarship award. Neil would have loved the scholarship award idea!! * Carrie Nuttall Peart accepting the lifetime achievement award and her recorded message - very touching, and just tear inducing. *Greg Bissonette's solo was killer * Gavin Harrison's solo riffing on the YYZ rhythm - incredible as Gavin always is! * That dude "66Samus" inhuman speed - sheesh, kits and hands and feet must be bionic. * Mike Portnoy playing on his NP replica kit, coping some of the well known Peart solo bits and speaking about Neil too.. * Thomas Lang's insane independence drum solo. Dude is incredible. * Chad Smith (Chili peppers) played 2112 Overture (from memory; so not perfect, but very cool! and Chad always crushes it! A nice tribute) *Rick Allen (Def Leppard) talking about meeting Neil at their common rehearsal studio and then breaking out a percussion jam *Kenny Aronoff - talking about being awestruck at the Burning for Buddy session and then meeting and hanging with Neil; his solo was GREAT too! * I think it was Carrie mentioning that Neil listened from outside the door for all of Olivia's drum lessons (another PEART drummer coming up!!!) * there was one photo of Neil, in recent years, that he appeared to be wearing a hearing aid. or perhaps it some treatment for cancer? I knew someone with the same deal that had some continuous medication flow deal. But I wouldn't be surprised if it was a hearing aid either; something that certainly concerns me as a drummer (what??) and should concern all musicians. Anyway, it was just really, really cool tribute; I think Neil would have loved the show (except any part that glorified him; lol) It was a very moving experience to watch - I spent the whole day in Rush binge mode. I started by watching "Time Stand Still" documentary for the first time since it's release, which had me in tears. Then, the 90's Presto show, the 97 Toronto show (part of R40 book), Exit Stage Left, and part of R30. the MD tribute was the icing on the cake.

I've had my tickets for weeks - I've been a Modern Drummer subscriber for 38 years and actually got a little mention myself in the magazine in 2000 (For me, it all started with Neil) - looking forward to it!

I was very saddened to learn of his passing yesterday morning; my condolences to his family and fans. I had the unique opportunity to play music with Paul on several occasions back around the year 2000, while playing in a bar band here in Orlando. He would occasionally be at this one bar we were regulars at - and one time he introduced himself and we asked him if he would join us for a jam. He did - and then it became a regular thing, every month or so; joining us for 4 or 5 songs in front of a crowd. I dug up some photos that I had of our jams today. He was quite a partier, had some sense of humor - and when he found out I was a Rush fan, he was full of stories regarding his time on the road with UFO supporting Rush. He would, of course, refer to Geddy as "Glee" (I believe Pete Way originated that on the 77 tour), and he told me the pink slippers nailed to the stage story (I think they repeated this from 77 tour as well; I believe Paul only did support shows in 78.) It was clear that they had a fun relationship with Rush and kept in touch for a few years after that tour. He showed up at one of our shows with the drummer for Bad Finger, whom he was starting a little project with (never heard what became of that, if anything.) Paul was a great guitarist and was super kind to my band. I lost touch with him after that band broke up - but would occasionally see some chatter about a possible reunion of UFO. RIP Paul.

Singer/drummer/lead guitar It's totally dependent on who has a musical voice within a band. Alot of bands that I like (as a drummer) feature drummer's with a musical voice in the band; that's why I put them second. Neil Peart, Bill Bruford, Gavin Harrison, etc. Typically, yeah, the singer is most immediate and a literal voice. That said, another band I like, Opeth, replaced drummer and a shared-lead guitarist successfully - it's not that they didn't have a voice in the band - but the overall vision was Michael Akerfeldt. On the other hand, you could have an egomaniac guitarist that tries unsuccessfully to replace everyone around him and ends up fronting a tribute band - like Journey. (who today announced their new drummer replacement for the fired Steve Smith... to play with their tribute band vocalist and tribute band bassist. I doubt they will make any new musical statement, so, yeah. Tribute band.) I'll cut EVH some slack because of his health concerns, but he almost ended up there as well.

I received my portrait yesterday - really nice color 8"x 10" photo with no print on it. I've framed it and placed it in a prominent place in my home. An excellent cause.

and sorry for using a link from that bullshit Photobucket... I haven't used that in years, indeed sucks what they've become...

When I started, of course, I played Promark 747 in Japanese Oak. After the years though, I found I preferred a heavier size (5B) - but it HAS to be the Shira Kashi oak. The density of the wood and the smooth lacquer finish are the bomb. On very rare occasion, I've had to use the Promark hickory sticks and they tear the shit out of my hands. There is a texture on those and my grip technique relies on some relative motion (keeping the stick light in my hand) which, with hickory, results in massive trauma to my hands (not easy to do considering 30 years of drumming callous build up!). This is usually not an issue though as I buy 12 pairs of Promark Oak sticks at a time! My favorite pair of sticks, however, are these: http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad352/cygnify/Autographs/228379_10150198207569857_6348901_n_zps006baaf0.jpg I walked out of the St Pete Times forum Cp show on Mar 4 1994 gripping these like they were the holy grail - handed to me by Larry Allen! He didn't want to give them to me initially, but I pointed out that I actually knew his name (Larry Allen) and he walked up to Neil's kit and picked these off the floor tom - Neil had just used them to finish YYZ in the encore. One of them is cracked; he was clearly gripping the tip end and still playing with the butt end in those days.

I love both bands. Impossible to choose. I flipped a coin. Floyd won. For what it's worth, my "top tier" favorite bands are: Rush, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Yes, Porcupine Tree, Tool (with Zappa, The Who, Kings X, Genesis, Opeth, Chili Peppers, Van Halen, Grateful Dead, Alice in Chains, Jethro Tull, and Peter Gabriel rounding out tier 2)

For studio albums - as previously stated, Steven Wilson's band. (and I can honestly say that for the last decade, now that his new album is postponed until 2021 - I don't care for what I've heard. Not so much a "band" as it was. Apparently the future blows. lol) For live shows - without a new studio album, but really killing it live, King Crimson Honorable mention, Opeth.

Top tier for '76: Presence, Trick of the Tail, Leftoverture, Rising, Dreamboat Annie, Romantic Warrior, Songs in the Key of Life, Royal Scam, Hotel California.... and, wait for it.....: BOSTON

Yup, Hemi would take it. But there are other spots of excellence: Peter Gabriel, The Who, Bruford, Heart, Boston, Tull, UK, Dregs, but rising above them: VanHalen

70's still not any easier... IMO, mastepiece level: Animals, Rumours, Songs from the Wood, Going for the One, Point of Know Return, Elegant Gypsy, Aja, News of the World, Freefall, Heavy Weather, Peter Gabriel, and a host of other great, great albums. (I like that you include all those great fusion albums in the choices!) and the answer is.... YES! Going for the One. and my obligatory, if this were my poll, I would definitely have this album in the list for this year:

another ridiculously tough 70's choice.... For me, it came down between Floyd, Queen, Zeppelin, Frank Zappa and Jeff Beck - all masterpieces. I also really dig the first Journey album (Aynsley Dunbar kicking ass!), both Kansas, Gentle Giant, and Tull are great; Aerosmith at it's pinnacle IMO, However.... Wish You Were Here is a crowning achievement of human kind.