eshine

Yeah, I'm not sure what the problem is with the editing - it all seems appropriate to me.

 

As far as Geds vocals - he sounds like he's singing live. The performance is nuanced and emotive.

 

The unfortunate result of the TMT is that his vocals are now being held to an even higher standard. If this were released prior to TMT I doubt anyone would be discussing how flat he goes in the "er" part of "world" ;)

The editing, album art and mix details are all integral to the art as a whole and very interesting individually.

Splendid!

Another remix thread you ask?

 

Yep - and a we love Geddys voice thread to boot ;)

 

I’ve always felt Vapor Trails contained some of Ged’s strongest vocal work, and this new remix really shines a light on just how good he sounds.

 

RTB and Counterparts are good vocally, but rather forgettable. He had begun to rest on his laurels I think. Vapor Trails finds him taking chances and challenging himself with a slew of different vocal styles, lush harmonies and emotional, aggressive singing that hadn’t been present on a Rush album for quite some time. The results, while not perfect, are some of his most interesting vocals.

 

I think much of this has to do with lessons learned during the recording of My Favorite Headache, where he plays with different styles (like falsetto). His voice really shines on that recording as well.

 

Of course the years of not touring didn’t hurt – but aside from shear power, there is an emotional element to his vocal that is really striking on Vapor Trails. The pre-chorus harmonies in Earthshine, for example, stand as one of Geds finest moments as a vocalist and arranger.

 

I think it’s especially cool that Dave Botrill didn’t listen to the originals much - he clearly honed in on the strength of Geddy’s vocals in these remixes. They are a showcase.

As someone whose online message-boarding began as an avid defender of Vapor Trails back in the day (lol - an effort in utter futility, but hey, I was a foolhearted, youngish fanboi) I have to admit this remix is rather stunning.

 

As previously mentioned – Vapor Trails now sounds like a proper Rush album. The separation and clarity of all the tracks are proof positive that the original was not only flawed, but really just destroyed. I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for the band to realize just how bad it was, but as Geddy stated recently – it was full steam ahead at that point. In retrospect I don’t blame them for not addressing it.

 

I also really like the comment that this isn’t as “self assured” as their other work. I agree and think that’s one of the many charms of this album. Vapor Trails remains a richly layered work of almost reckless abandon by a band with nothing left to lose and everything to gain. Talk about putting it all out there.

 

For me, it’s classic and important. I’m grateful that the band cared enough to go ahead with this project – and especially grateful that David Botrill was at the helm. He’s one of the best in the business, and obviously took on this task with a great deal of care and appreciation.

 

My verdict – BRAVO!

This thread is a testament to just how strong the melodies are on this album. There are too many good ones to choose from.

 

The Anarchist and Carnies are two of my particular faves, but really - Geddy totally nailed it on all of these songs.

 

Clockwork Angels on a whole is one of those great instances where there the lyrics and melodies just completely gel.

Funny, I still have no idea what any of these songs sound like or what they're about. I gave up long ago, after only 1.5 listens.

 

Uh huh, sure.

 

Dude, you need to seriously get laid

It's no wonder Rush fans have a reputation for being a bit more "intellectual" then the average rock fan.

 

Just look at the reaction to Neils latest essay:

 

"can someone please read this for me, it's too difficult"

"I wish he wrote about things that I like instead of things he likes"

"Why does he use so much detail and stuff"

"I wish he would get an editor so there would be less words"

"His essays should be videos instead"

 

:)

Five pages.

 

really?

 

GeminiRising79 is a troll who's posts are akin to a baby smearing it's crib with fresh shit

I don't MIND the attention

 

This.

 

You've gone the way of geminirising, I'm afraid.

you seem angry for some reason.

 

Dissapointed by the deterioration of your contributions to the board, which I find seriously - soul-crushingly f*cking boring.

Goob, as per your previous requests, you can read this one. Neil talks about, like, Rush and stuff. And the Rush stuff is in the beginning, so you won't have to look too hard for it. Clearly, Neil wrote this one for YOU.

 

ok, so i've tried twice now. i love so many of his lyrics, but as a writer i find him so soul crushingly f*cking boring that i find myself drifting off after a couple of sentences. can someone PLEASE give me a brief synopsis of any pertinent rush related news?

 

Oxymoron - ic

 

And no, you're a seemingly grown man read the f***ing thing yourself.

 

Technically, that's not an oxymoron, because the notion of Neil being soul-crushingly boring as a writer doesn't directly contradict the notion of loving many of his lyrics, but I understand what you're getting at. So for the sake of clarity, I will insert the words "of prose" after the phrase "as a writer," and agree with the substance of Goober's statement

 

Man, you know it's down-time in Rush land when the topic at hand is "spoon feeding" Rush highlights to a guy called Goober LOL

Maybe even Goober will end up liking it this time around! :P

 

Yeah, I heard that pigs were planning to fly on that day, too

 

Does anyone really give a shit if Goober likes Vapor Trails?

Ive managed to lose my gut and get back my body. Feels phenomenal...

 

Sadly, it's done nothing to curb your attention whoring.

Great read. It's fantastic that they are still so excited and emotionally invested in what they do.

 

I consider Clockwork Angels to be Rush's modern masterpeice (my opinion, not really concerned with defending it) and this tour was easily one of the most exciting I have seen.

 

I saw no indication in this essay that the band was ready to hang it up. Quite the contrary.

 

I think both the band and us fans can use a good, long break before another album and tour - but it's almost inevitable.

 

They still have plenty of rocket sauce ;)

Goob, as per your previous requests, you can read this one. Neil talks about, like, Rush and stuff. And the Rush stuff is in the beginning, so you won't have to look too hard for it. Clearly, Neil wrote this one for YOU.

 

ok, so i've tried twice now. i love so many of his lyrics, but as a writer i find him so soul crushingly f*cking boring that i find myself drifting off after a couple of sentences. can someone PLEASE give me a brief synopsis of any pertinent rush related news?

 

Oxymoron - ic

 

And no, you're a seemingly grown man read the f***ing thing yourself.

... then Geddy hits that "Aggggggaaaaaaaaaaain" part so well. Every time he did it at all four shows I was at the audience went nuts.

 

Yep - brought the house down every time :)

I didn't realize the songs were in competition?

 

I saw 6 shows this tour ranging from front row to the very back of the lawn (literally lol)

 

The Garden got a great response at every single show.

 

But Headlong Flight is simply a monster of a live song. It has an infectious groove, a killer riff, soaring vocals and a drum solo.

 

What's not to love?

Even without all the snarky digs and self adulation, this is just a really stupid piece.

 

"Jesus-Fish / Corporate Rock"

 

Shut the f**k up, dude.

It was quite a moment - totally unforgettable :)

Just posted my glowing review :) It was a great night!!

 

http://www.therushforum.com/index.php?/topic/83454-chicago-review/

Fantastic show - Rush always bring their A-game to Chicago and you could really sense how much fun they were having. They are so far into the tour that the performance is a well oiled machine. Their playing was precise, yet loose and fluid.

 

Standouts from the first set are The Grand Design and The Analog Kid. What other band does note-for-note renditions of 30 year old material with such freshness and vitality?

 

Second set was outstanding. I cannot remember a tour where the presentation of new material was so exciting and well received. Clockwork Angels, The Anarchist and Carnies just blew the roof off. Headlong Flight is a show stopping monster of a song, easily the "highlight" of the show.

 

Neil's soloing was sublime throughout. The decision to separate his solo into three individual pieces was very smart. Adding space for improvisation has really elevated his playing. It's almost impossible to fathom how he does what he does with such intense focus - on top of driving a motorcycle to each gig???

 

Alex was spot on as well, delivering blistering solos with seemingly effortless ease and drawing thunderous applause. He was jubilant throughout the show and seemed to be having a particularly great evening.

 

Geddy's playing was typically flawless throughout. He has set such a standard for himself that superb bass performances are pretty much a given.

 

As for his vocals, I think Geddy Lee has aged into one of the best live singers in rock music. Period.

 

Watching this show, it really dawned on me what pressure it must be to have the entire production rest on this one instrument?

 

Harsh critics of Ged's vocal on this and other boards just have it wrong. His vocal ability at age 59 is far from a detriment to the band, but rather one of their greatest assets and he uses it with tremendous skill.

 

Sure, age has taken away some of that polished "sheen" - but it's minor. His tone and pitch are amazingly consistent and the power of his delivery is undeniable - again, Headlong Flight being a vocal triumph. Softer songs like Halo effect, The Pass and The Garden showcase some of the best live "singing" he has ever done, commanding the attention of the entire arena. No easy task.

 

And of course, there was the presentation of a certain Mr. Stanley :) Truly an awesome and unforgettable experience. As a proud Chicagoan and Rush fanatic you couldn't ask for more.

 

As this tour winds down, I see another album and tour in the future as a total inevitability. They are in a great place personally, creatively, and are in fantastic physical shape.

 

Heading to Summerfest for my last show of this incredible tour on the 4th of July - will be surrounded by friends and family in celebration.

 

This moment may be brief, but it can be so bright :)

Well, it's not romantic - it's sad - and the Exile on Main street comparison is about as absurd as your Geddy Lee, Bob Dylan vocal analogy.

Vapor Trails by a landslide. Warts and all, it's one of their most bracing, urgent works done with almost reckless abandon. Some people call it a hot mess - I call it rock and roll. The result of a band on the brink who came back with a vengance.

 

Test For Echo is like the polar opposite. I mean, it's fine - it sounds good and there is a certain melencholy to it's innocence now, considering the band was in a good place at the time and the unimaginable that came shortly after.

 

But on a whole it's rather weak - and interestingly, one of their most "dated" sounding records.

YES