Silas Lang

Jacob's Ladder would work so perfectly in that spot. Then Far Cry could be the opener.

I don't get why it seems such a ridiculous notion to some that CA can be considered among their very best or a masterpiece. Being a fan for over 30 years now, I see no reasonable argument against that viewpoint.

It's cool that you were able to keep an open mind about it and put the same kind of time and effort into it as a listener that the band put into working on and creating it (which usually pays off when it comes to Rush music), without dismissing it or skipping and ignoring songs after a month.

This is what they had to say about it in 1990 on the radio program Rockline. Bob Coburn: You've gone all the way back to the first album for 'In The Mood'...why'd you choose to play this on this tour? Alex: Well we've actually been playing 'In The Mood' on every single tour that we ever ever did Geddy: Yeah I don't think we've ever dropped it Alex: We've wanted to...(laughs) Geddy: We've tried to (more laughter)...but yeah we kinda do a satirical version of it now. We've always felt that we have to play at least one song from that first album and that's the one we seem to have the most fun with. Also the set is so complicated and there's so much musically that's being digested and that we're having to think about during the show. We like to end the show on a really loose and upbeat kinda note and that song seems to provide an atmosphere of kind of reckless abandon, for lack of a better description. It's fun to do and everyone seems to enjoy it so it's been our sort of perennial end of set song.

QUOTE (bluefox4000 @ Sep 19 2012, 06:52 PM)QUOTE (Powderfinger @ Sep 19 2012, 06:34 PM) QUOTE (bluefox4000 @ Sep 19 2012, 05:44 PM) QUOTE (Powderfinger @ Sep 19 2012, 05:32 PM) I completely reject the notion that Signals was a major departure for Rush. That narrative is in serious need of revision. I'm convinced that too many fans have allowed that assertion to cloud their judgment of the record. It is a beautifully written, performed, and produced album. I'd elaborate if I had time. Right.....it was a natural Progression. Mick Can't tell if you are being sarcastic. But I do indeed intepret it as a natural progression. It's the next logical step after Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures. And aesthetically, I don't consider Signals that different from the two records that proceeded it. I consider Permanent Waves more of a departure than Signals. I know there are others who agree because we've entertained this discussion in the past. I don't want to debate Signals. It's one of my favorite albums of all time. I'd rather leave it alone and love it. No sarcasm here. I can agree that You can almost say the previous 2 albums were synthy. They had synths just not nearly as many. but they were there Mick There was certainly plenty of synth on the two previous albums, particularly side 2 of MP. The difference on Signals is the approach and method of their use, which was both a major departure and a natural progression. What makes Signals so different I think is that it was the beginning of the era of songwriting being originated on the keys for many of the songs, wheras prior to that the songs were written on guitar/bass with the synths added on later for texture and atmosphere.

Casual fans aren't true fans! Plus I would think Rush has far less casuals than a lot of other bands. Our reputation to the general public is a hardcore, rabid fanbase. And a minimum of 5 to 6 thousand a night wouldn't be too shabby after 40 years.

While I agree with evryone that it's a ridiculous notion that they would never consider, just to play along in total fantasyland I'd nominate Ann Wilson (she can belt out the Zeppelin stuff better than anyone else I've heard so why not the early Rush?)

snake

QUOTE (presto123 @ Sep 14 2012, 02:53 AM)QUOTE (gilpdawg @ Sep 14 2012, 02:49 AM) From my vantage point in the club level, looked like people were really enjoying WTW for some reason. I mean, I like it, but out of all the new songs that's not the one that you would think would get the crowd going. You know what........I kind of noticed that as well. Weird. I don't find that weird at all. It's a great rocker and one of the catchiest, most accessible songs on CA...would've been a perfect choice for a single.

QUOTE (Tommy Sawyer @ Sep 3 2012, 01:26 PM)QUOTE (t2s @ Sep 1 2012, 10:48 PM) False. Going for the One is Yes' best album, by far. No. Awaken is just sort of blah. Good, but way overrated. The other songs are kind of bland... title track is the best. The sound is way over-saturated and thick, hard to make out anything. Too much stuff going on at once. Every album from Time and a Word to Drama is better. Of course... IMO. Except for the part about Drama, I agree completely.

A true original, pioneer, rebel. A man who's remained true to himself and his artistic vision. They don't come along like him very often. Time has proven his genius. He makes most supposedly rebellious punk or metal acts look like posers in comparison. Anyone who thinks any differently needs to pull their out of their ass.

QUOTE (D3strukt @ Sep 11 2012, 02:37 AM)All it has going for it is "heavy, heavy, heavy." That's it. It's simple. FFS when I read stuff like this I really wonder if people know how to use their ears. It also happens to have an insanely catchy and strong melodic hook that works just as well with all its heaviness stripped away (as in its part 2). The lyrics add a lot to it also. Thankfully most of the comments here recognize these strengths.

While I've been reticent to declare Clockwork Angels a masterpiece too quickly, after three months now of pretty steady listening I think I've finally been able to absorb it all and take it all in. The breadth and scope of their achievement is really quite stunning with moments of incredible power, grace, emotion and beauty. The passion and effort that went into its creation really deserves to be experienced as a complete work from beginning to end and with repeated listenings its depth and brilliance is truly revealed. So yes I'm now ready to officially to state for the record that Clockwork Angels is a masterpiece and among Rush's greatest work. A classic in every sense.

QUOTE (losingit2k @ Sep 13 2012, 10:10 AM)I think Geddy is going to struggle with "I'm think I'm going Bald". Who cares! It's from the '70s and the owe us!!

This need of having to declare this song better than that song is getting kind of old to me. Music is about moods and feelings so whatever mine are when listening will dictate which hits home more in that particular moment. Sometimes I may enjoy say, "Wish Them Well" over anything else. The main thing to me is that every track on the album has the capability to be the best on any one listen...it's that deep.

QUOTE (ClassicB @ Sep 12 2012, 08:33 PM)Agreed! Rush wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the keyboards. Good point. I imagine it would be pretty hard if you were a musician and alive in the late 70s/early 80s to not use the new keys/synths that were becoming more available and convenient. And there's no reason one should - to remain a contemporary musician you almost have to try new things and embrace whatever the current technology may be or remain a one dimensional, stale punk or metal band (which is what it seems the setlist complainers would've preferred).

QUOTE (CygnusGal @ Sep 12 2012, 03:42 PM) Yeah, sometimes folks can get a little passionate about their opinions and everything becomes extreme and hyperbole rules the day. There is some very good content in here, from some very good and intelligent people, but as Neil says: Like a rare and precious metal beneath a ton of rock It takes some time and trouble to separate from the stock Sometimes you have to listen to a lot of useless talk Personally, I try to post to the positive and keep the negativity to a minimum. Just like real life. I feel the same way - I think there's enough negativity flying around here without me adding to it. Besides, when you step back and look at the whole picture there really isn't an awful lot to complain about. If you add up all the criticism it's actually a relatively small percentage. It doesn't amount to much more than a flea gnashing its teeth on the hide of a rhinoceros - the band and this forum is big enough to take it.

QUOTE (ReGorLaTroy @ Sep 9 2012, 07:51 PM)QUOTE (iluvgeddy05 @ Sep 9 2012, 07:45 PM) QUOTE (ReflectedLight @ Sep 9 2012, 07:42 PM) QUOTE (iluvgeddy05 @ Sep 9 2012, 07:41 PM) They played Working Man. Quite well too. now there's a tune we haven't heard in a while. Psh. I could listen to Alex's live solo in that everyday for the rest of my life. I so agree! Hearing/seeing this live just blows me away time and after time after time. Alex just kills on this. This song, in my opinion, should always be on the setlist! I would've preferred if they'd ditched the reggae intro this time around though.

QUOTE (lerxt1990 @ Sep 9 2012, 09:32 PM)QUOTE (tim2112 @ Sep 9 2012, 10:30 PM) i really dont get u guys who complain about what they play. Cmon their rush,after almost 40 years of playing together ,giving us the most outstanding music, u cant expect them to play everything everyone likes.Lets b grateful their still playing,puting out great new music. i think its a great setlist, and i cant wait to see their wesern canadian swing.Lets not complain, and embress what is the best band ever,after all this could very well be their last tour,and then what are you going to complain about One can be grateful theyve come around and still complain about Dreamline vs. Limelight. We'd like to hear their best stuff. Or deep cuts they've never played. Or something from Counterparts or VT rather than a Power Windows party. I have no problem with someone expressing genuine disappointment with certain song selections/omissions. For myself, the lack of Jacob's Ladder or Cut To The Chase (again!) would fall into that category. What bothers me is the sense of entitlement and the "they owe me" mentality that rubs me the wrong way. And the anger displayed by the op is downright childish.

QUOTE (oldworldman @ Sep 12 2012, 12:58 PM)The thing about threads like this, and really all of the negative "criticism" (air quotes there because few on this board have the knowledge and writing chops necessary to be an effective critic) is that it's completely self-serving. This thread is sub-titled "don't waste your money," and ostensibly seeks to do those folks who haven't bought tickets yet a favor, but in reality it's just a look-at-me thing. If you didn't like the show/setlist, that's fair enough, but do you honestly think those folks who haven't gone yet, or who haven't ever seen a Rush show, will now avoid going because of your opinion? This board is mostly adults who don't need help making entertainment choices, which leaves the motivation behind the constant negativity in question. Do you think the band cares about your opinion, negative or positive? No? Then what's the point? Venting frustration? Making sure everyone else is unhappy too? I just don't get the mindset. It's not that difficult to understand: it's selfishness and the feeling that everything revolves around you without any thought or consideration for the band's needs and desires. That any "fan" could be so utterly clueless as to call the band lazy at this stage of the game is simply ludicrous.

The Out of Towners (1970), with Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis

I would say since Power Windows but I have to mention Vapor Trails, the best of anything in between.

QUOTE (Mr. IsNot @ Aug 20 2012, 06:06 PM) Bad: Poop: Not applicable in this case. Everything on Clockwork Angels exudes such excellence that for me it's pointless to even attempt ranking them anymore.

QUOTE (Presto-digitation @ Sep 1 2012, 07:25 PM)My opinion is that your opinion on the matter is absurd, lacks sensibility, and good taste. But you're entitled to be all of those things on any subject matter. Thank you. It never ceases to amaze that some people think they know what's better in terms of songwriting than guys who've been doing it professionally for the better part 40 years or are so utterly clueless to the fact all the lyrics, melody and music are discussed extensively between the guys throughout the entire creative process. The Wreckers is a gem of a song - cinematic and vivid lyrically with a strong melodic hook and excellent music. The "in the teeth of an icy grave" is particularly satisfying and epic. The best thing Cold Fire has going for it is its insistent riff but otherwise is rather uninspiring. The Wreckers, easily.

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