condemned2bfree

Good stuff, enjoyable read.

QUOTE (CygnusGal @ Aug 7 2012, 01:21 AM) I have not seen the role of satire on the Clockwork Angels album addressed on another thread and I think it is significant to the CA narrative. Neil writes: "Time is still the infinite jest". This statement leads my mind to the question: then what are finite jests? Satire is an answer. I think Clockwork Angels (album) is a deep satire. I believe satire adds more dimension and cohesion to the album - a wondrous work of fiction that reflects our own world. I think the "proverb" in CA song provides the deepest insight into satire: Lean not upon your own understanding Ignorance is well and truly blessed Trust in perfect love, and perfect planning Everything will turn out for the best. Geddy repeats: "And everything will turn out for the best." The "proverb" comes from an "In-N-Out" milkshake - that is a burger joint (The In-N-Out). So, the CA universe philosophy is based, in part, on a "proverb" from a burger joint's milkshake? It sounds silly, because a "proverb" coming from a burger joint is silly. Satire. "The universe has a plan; all is for the best; some will be rewarded and the devil will take the rest; we are only human, it's not ours to understand; in a world where all must fail, Heaven's justice will prevail; believing what we're told until our final breath, while our loving Watchmaker loves us all to death." "And everything will turn out for the best." Familiar themes in our society and culture. "It is what it is - and whatever". A rebuke of the naivety of the "proverb", but an awakening to its underlying reality. "The Watchmaker keeps to his schemes/The Watchmaker has time up his sleeve", but now "the measure of a life is a measure of love and respect; in the fullness of time it's the only return that you expect". The love is the reward is the work is the love...an on and on until time plays its final jest. Stunningly complex yet stunningly simple. Clockwork Angels (or Optimism). A brilliant satire. Standard disclaimer: Totally felt and agreed.

Even Dwarves Started Small

QUOTE (Tombstone Mountain @ Jul 24 2012, 08:02 PM) 2007s Snakes and Arrows suffered desperately from a lack of pace and passion, it basically sounded like a classic rock album recorded by a bunch of 50-somethings. While there isn't anything drastically wrong with most of those songs (though there are certainly some poor moments, hello Larger Bowl...) it's simply an uninspired record. Clockwork Angels, on the other hand, sounds like a band reinvigorated and with a sense of purpose. Totally agree with this. On snakes and arrows, the guys were reaching for something, they couldn't quite grasp. The positive reviews just keep coming!

QUOTE (treeduck @ Aug 3 2012, 11:18 PM) Come on now, let's see the colour of your vision! yes you doughnut.

QUOTE (Rush-O-Matic @ Jul 30 2012, 09:47 PM) An impressive marketing push from Roadrunner could help. They'll have to get creative, though. The album is pretty long. Maybe Roadrunner could market it like: "Most minutes per dollar of any other 2012 rock album!" or "Do you demand more notes per album for your music purchases? Well, have we got the record for you!" nice.. start a marketing thread for ideas.

QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jul 30 2012, 03:02 AM) QUOTE (D3strukt @ Jul 29 2012, 08:56 PM) These polls are getting slightly annoying. Neil never went anywhere. No, he never went anywhere, but his drumming wasn't as inventive or as energetic as in the past or now in CA. It was a great album but I felt the only thing that S & A lacked was more aggressive drumming from Neil. I actually think the sound of his drum was better in S & A but those classic long drum fill were not present at all! It had its moments but it was a Far Cry from what they use to be and have recently become.

Anarchist @ 6:08 On the list went with Clockwork angels 6:13 - nice tension build up high toms!!!!!!! from days of old. Agree totally, he is back in a big way on this album, so much nice playing free and loose...great fills.

Conviction.... Really well thought out album, great rush of old playing, superb vocal melodies. The lyrics are not alienating, being both universal and interpersonal. Having a narrative, but the listener still being able to relate and connect emotionally with the words.. Its one of the best rush albums, classic. Edit; Love the guitar heaviness and it rocks!

QUOTE (clearingsky @ Jul 26 2012, 03:44 AM) The "concept album" as well as the "new" adds a bit to the idea of CA being "better". I love it, as I loved S&A. But make no mistake, this work is a veritable "masterpiece. C.A.

Enjoy Gonna have to get this book!

QUOTE (clearingsky @ Jul 26 2012, 03:48 AM) QUOTE (condemned2bfree @ Jul 25 2012, 01:58 AM) QUOTE (clearingsky @ Jul 25 2012, 02:57 AM) Alchemy, Alchemists, Alchemism..........It's all an unknown topic for me personally. I like the idea and i love the story as it is. Any ties to religion at all? There certainly are parallels. Whats your take on the watchmaker/pedlar, having time up his sleeve? There's an interesting parallel with religion and alchemy. This being the 'philosophers stone' through the 'magnus opus' was supposed to replicate the blood of Christ, that fell on wood. That's why I posted here. I don't know! Racked my brain. In the garden song, it says the watchmaker/pedlar mortal man, has 'time up his sleeve' .Suggesting he has gained immortality, or at least longevity. How could mortal man have time up his sleeve, while for mortals 'the hours tick away?' Alchemy as the theme of the story, seems to hold the answer for the pedlars extended time. Mr peart has cleverly interwoven religious connotations into the story line. This is my take, all albums being open to personnel interpretation.

QUOTE (The Omega Concern @ Jul 26 2012, 02:53 AM) Very odd to see that glyph here as I just saw it for the first time last night. It is used in the book "The Charlemagne Pursuit" by Steve Berry. Still reading so not sure of it's meaning in the book. I will follow up if it has any relevance to this discussion. What a coincidence. In what context was this glyph used in the book? Someone pointed out in another post, this glyph(John dees) is an elaboration on the standard 'messenger' glyph, the one at 3 o'clock on Rush's clockwork angels clock. Messenger.

QUOTE (clearingsky @ Jul 25 2012, 02:57 AM) Alchemy, Alchemists, Alchemism..........It's all an unknown topic for me personally. I like the idea and i love the story as it is. Any ties to religion at all? There certainly are parallels. Whats your take on the watchmaker/pedlar, having time up his sleeve? There's an interesting parallel with religion and alchemy. This being the 'philosophers stone' through the 'magnus opus' was supposed to replicate the blood of Christ, that fell on wood.

QUOTE (Gedneil Alpeart @ Jul 24 2012, 02:56 PM) QUOTE (Tony R @ Jul 24 2012, 08:38 AM) QUOTE (Gompers @ Jul 24 2012, 02:34 PM) QUOTE (Tony R @ Jul 24 2012, 09:21 AM) QUOTE (Gompers @ Jul 24 2012, 01:24 PM) I already submitted a review and a rating of 4 stars. Waiting to see Tick's review. Wait until you see mine.... http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=792040 Is that really you, Tony?? Reveal yourself, imposter! He may just have the driest sense of British humour and goading possible, for all these past posts.

QUOTE (Tony R @ Jul 24 2012, 02:38 PM) QUOTE (Gompers @ Jul 24 2012, 02:34 PM) QUOTE (Tony R @ Jul 24 2012, 09:21 AM) QUOTE (Gompers @ Jul 24 2012, 01:24 PM) I already submitted a review and a rating of 4 stars. Waiting to see Tick's review. Wait until you see mine.... http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=792040 Enjoyed that, cheers.

QUOTE (Gompers @ Jul 24 2012, 12:46 PM) Out of 5 stars: Moving Pictures 4.405 Hemispheres 4.37 A Farewell To Kings 4.34 Permanent Waves 4.3 2112 4.05 Clockwork Angels 3.99 Signals 3.96 Counterparts 3.83 Grace Under Pressure 3.66 Snakes & Arrows 3.57 Power Windows 3.52 Caress Of Steel 3.48 Vapor Trails 3.47 Hold Your Fire 3.3 Fly By Night 3.26 Presto 3.12 Roll The Bones 3.1 Rush 2.83 Test For Echo 2.82 It is making a great impression on Prog snobs. very near my ranking of 7th in the rush albums, as it stands now. I think that's a really fair position.

So rewarding to listen to this album in one. It works so well as a collective piece. Each song links up. Hard pushed to think of a rush album that does this so well. Reminds me of Pink floyd's dsotm, for flowing ability~

QUOTE (Gedneil Alpeart @ Jul 21 2012, 07:45 PM) Did anyone here convert CA vinyl digitally onto a CD yet? Just wondering why the " authorities ", who hear the vinyl master sound, could not say, " hmmmm, this sounds better than the CD master sound.....how can we get the CD to sound like this??". ??? really would like opinions on those who have both the cd and vinyl. Dynamic range is supposed to be 11 on the vinyl..more head space separation etc. come on you rush audiophiles with the vinyl..

QUOTE (mazyyz @ Jul 22 2012, 02:17 PM) QUOTE (Tombstone Mountain @ Jul 22 2012, 09:02 AM) QUOTE (mazyyz @ Jul 22 2012, 07:58 AM) QUOTE (ReflectedLight @ Jul 22 2012, 08:50 AM) QUOTE (hermy @ Jul 21 2012, 11:16 PM) QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jul 21 2012, 08:33 PM) QUOTE (ReflectedLight @ Jul 21 2012, 07:54 PM) QUOTE (SchemingDemon @ Jul 21 2012, 05:52 PM) QUOTE (mazyyz @ Jul 21 2012, 03:24 PM) QUOTE (ReflectedLight @ Jul 21 2012, 02:25 PM) QUOTE (Tombstone Mountain @ Jul 21 2012, 09:46 AM) QUOTE (ReflectedLight @ Jul 20 2012, 06:54 PM) QUOTE (Tombstone Mountain @ Jul 20 2012, 02:55 PM) QUOTE (BrightAntennae @ Jul 20 2012, 01:23 PM) QUOTE (Tombstone Mountain @ Jul 20 2012, 05:12 AM) QUOTE (BrightAntennae @ Jul 19 2012, 11:10 PM) QUOTE (Tombstone Mountain @ Jul 19 2012, 05:55 PM) I'm very curious about what the orchestra will wear. Sure its not t shirt and jeans. Will they have a style of dress? Will it be tuxedos? Anybody have good ideas ??? I just kinda assumed in my mind they would wear black tuxedos. But it's an excellent question. I like your idea with steampunk attire or red jumpsuits. I know I'm setting myself up for a huge disappointment...but when I heard they were bringing a string section....I envisioned a violinist going up to center stage to jam with Alex during Losing It. They probably won't even play that song. But it would be very cool if they did! My gut feeling is that they will go some kind of steampunk garb for the CA set just to blend in with the theatrics on screen. It's funny I say that and the first thing that pops into my head is Terry Gilliam's art. Can't see them wearing tuxedos and evening gowns (if chicks are in the orchestra). They will probably wear some type of boring black attire... but I like your ideas! From what I read of Alex's interview in Guitar World, the orchestra is going to be on stage for the entire show. i can't believe it. the entire show? this is not good. Not a good thing...a fantastic change of pace. They are playing a lot of stuff they never played live...that's what I want that's what i want also but only use the orchestra for the songs it was intended for, not side b tunes, classics, or anything else that might be bringing to the table. Just because they are on stage doesn't mean the orchestra will be incorporated into every song. I hope you're right me too. I'm sure that Rush will utilize the string section appropriately. Just like they have on Clockwork Angels. You damn pussies...drop the "O" word. It's an 8 piece string section for 6 songs on the back side of the stage. They either push the trigger or have actual strings play it as it was recorded. You cry-baby old school "high school" "shopping mall" wanna-bes can sure rain on a parade. so you know for a fact that they are going to use the string orchestra for 6 songs? He doesn't know shit This guy also thinks Neil won the FIELDS medal too. Alex has confirmed its for the entire show! Yeah, they'll be out there because it's probably more trouble and more time consuming to be switching them in and out for different songs. I can't see them incorporating the orchestra for every song. yep, cant imagine them playing every song. interesting to see how they are going to incorporate the string section.

QUOTE (ReflectedLight @ Jul 21 2012, 12:54 AM) QUOTE (Tombstone Mountain @ Jul 20 2012, 02:55 PM) QUOTE (BrightAntennae @ Jul 20 2012, 01:23 PM) QUOTE (Tombstone Mountain @ Jul 20 2012, 05:12 AM) QUOTE (BrightAntennae @ Jul 19 2012, 11:10 PM) QUOTE (Tombstone Mountain @ Jul 19 2012, 05:55 PM) I'm very curious about what the orchestra will wear. Sure its not t shirt and jeans. Will they have a style of dress? Will it be tuxedos? Anybody have good ideas ??? I just kinda assumed in my mind they would wear black tuxedos. But it's an excellent question. I like your idea with steampunk attire or red jumpsuits. I know I'm setting myself up for a huge disappointment...but when I heard they were bringing a string section....I envisioned a violinist going up to center stage to jam with Alex during Losing It. They probably won't even play that song. But it would be very cool if they did! My gut feeling is that they will go some kind of steampunk garb for the CA set just to blend in with the theatrics on screen. It's funny I say that and the first thing that pops into my head is Terry Gilliam's art. Can't see them wearing tuxedos and evening gowns (if chicks are in the orchestra). They will probably wear some type of boring black attire... but I like your ideas! From what I read of Alex's interview in Guitar World, the orchestra is going to be on stage for the entire show. i can't believe it. the entire show? this is not good. playing during neils solo

C.A. by a fair amount. Its not clipping like v.t's so that's great. C.A. is one of rush's greatest albums, even with these slight audio anomalies, it doesn't get in the way of the greatness.

QUOTE (Tigershark2112 @ Jul 20 2012, 04:40 PM) I really liked this post, as I'm deeply involved with the story of CA. This is the first time in a while I've actually learned something from a forum post rather than just reading some bonehead's opinion on what they don't like! Very intriguing! its great on here to read peoples creativity, ideas and thoughts on rush topics, discussing them openly. All too often its smart ass one upmanship, trying to get one over, on some one else. its a blood bath on here sometimes.