MasterEggCream

Thanks to everyone for the kind words! Eventually the cream rises to the top (and the burnt bits stick to the bottom). That review of "VT" wasn't mine. I always make it a point to use only one exclamation point at a time! Yes, the brief solos leave me wanting more, but I try to keep in mind that Alex is an artist -- and as such wants to avoid repetition and embrace new ideas and approaches. Speaking generally now and not only about "S&A": Are some of their songs better than others? Of course. When "RTB" came out I could not listen to "Face Up," and "Ghost of a Chance" was not something I fully embraced at first. And don't even get me started about "Test for Echo" (the song) and "Virtuality." But could I say that either of these albums was better than the other? I myself cannot. I try to avoid such comparisons, because to me they're flawed. There are too many variables involved -- the music, the lyrics, the production, when the album was released. So, to me, it's unfair to say one album is better than another. Of course, what makes it even harder is that I simply love this band. Everything about them appeals to me in myriad ways. And I'm still simply floored that they're still making music -- damn good music at that. Heard from my friend that Rush is currently in rehearsals. MEC

Oh, boy. A lot of perky people here today! Is "S&A" the best album since "Moving Pictures"? I don't know. I've only heard it a couple of times. I can't make that judgment right now. Are there keys? Yes. But the term "window dressing" is very appropriate. Oh, jeez! I made a typo when spelling "supposed"! Embarrassing. Sorry to hear you wasted your time reading my comments, and I never said it was a review. I really want to be rude here, cos some of you have been very rude to me and my efforts -- and that's really totally uncalled for, but I'll resist the urge. You can criticize my writing, my tone, my whatever -- but do not slam my *efforts.* Another thing I must take issue with: I have been a Rush fan since 1982. Been to at least one show on every tour since, sometimes traveling more than 500 miles to make it to a gig. Read all the bios and all of Neil's books. Does that prove anything? No. But you're entitled to your opinion, my friend! It's funny. I did this once before -- ran down my impressions of "VT" when my friend shared his promo copy with me. I posted my thoughts on the popular Rush site at the time (long shuttered now) and people jumped all over me. Don't you find it really, really sad that TNMS and whatever-that-site-was-called shut down because of folks' inability to get along? It's boggled my mind. One of the more frustrating elements to the Net. OK, I'm sorry, I went off-topic. So be happy -- there's a new album on the way. They're touring -- something that Neil, much to my surprise (as mentioned in "Roadshow") was vehemently dead set against not only for "VT" but also for whatever came next (he warmed up to the R30 idea, IIRC, and "S&A" was not in the cards yet as of the book's publication, I believe). And thanks to you who defended and/or appreciated my efforts. MEC

QUOTE (Gedneil Alpeart @ Apr 13 2007, 11:17 AM) From his impressions: * lots of acoustic guitar * diverse range of styles * very strong and melodic choruses * brief but powerful Alex solos (real solos) * TMMB is awesome but not as concentrated as MalNar * Great singing * Crisp production * Sounds to me like powerful lyrics No problem with the new thread. But man, you're one intense dude! Wouldn't want to be in front of you on line come May 1! (Not that I think anyone's capable of beating you to your local record store.) Just wanted to clarify that this is just one guy's opinion. You might hear "TMMB" and think I'm full of horse biddy -- and you might be right! One last note: It was very interesting listening to these lyrics after having read Nei's books, in particular his most recent. It gave me an appreciation, a fuller understanding of the words, having read his thoughts on many of the topics he addresses on the album. A very cool added experience. MEC