grahamcracker Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (maxdistortion @ May 1 2007, 12:36 PM) QUOTE (PariahDog @ May 1 2007, 12:31 PM) It's the official Snakes and Arrows Haters Thread! Seriously, I do feel bad for those of you who are so dissapointed in S&A. But I'm surprised you find Snakes to be "slow" and "boring." At least six or seven of the songs are "uptempo" and even the slow or halftime songs have an energy and enthusiasm I haven't heard from Rush since CP or even GUP. If Rush has a "boring" record, I think it would be TFE. In TFE (the song) after the intro and buildup, when they go into that slow halftime verse the energy just seems to drop out of the song. TFE was the only Rush album I was ever dissapointed by, but I stuck with them and was happy with VT and happier now with S&A. S&A is a very different Rush record. It is pretty dark and is also (IMO) a very complex and dense record. Give it some time to grow on you before giving up on it. Go back and listen to some older Rush and see if Snakes really sounds so bad in comparison. I was listening to PoW recently and couldn't believe how cheesy and synth/poppy it sounds in places. I think Snakes is really closer to Rush's FBN-MP period than the synth/pop albums. dude, c'mon...this is a MUCH slower-tempo record compared to even CP and T4E. And Power Windows was wicked! As dated as it MAY sound, the songwriting aspect of it is pretty good and the beats were just faster... This album, in terms of SONGWRITING, is alot more similar in MY OPINION to Presto and Roll the Bones. Kinda softer, more melodic, and not as fast. It might be a bit of a stretch to say that theres so much enthusiasm since GUP...I think Counterparts was their strongest offering inbetween GUP and this--that was their statement that they're back to ROCK. BTW I agree with you 100% on the T4E the SONG. I never thought of it that way, good point.. hrm...i view the power windows/hold your fire era as a Rush low point. that is what is so great about them. not every album sounds like the last. VIVA LA DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!! or something.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joseph523 Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 I think too many folks are expecting them to sound like they used to. They will never again sound like they used to - that time has passed. It's not a bad thing though. It's not like the older material is lost! We have the best of both worlds. I, for one, like both the "crunch" of the old stuff and the subtlety (sp?) of the newer stuff. I love hemispheres but also think Hold You Fire is vastly underrated. I do wish Alex were a little more prominent in S&A. He is so talented that I don't know why he's hiding. But I think he's focusing on "textures" lately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILSnwdog Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 I don't hate this one, but in typical Rush fashion, it is going to take a little while to digest and make a verdict. I love GUP, but it was such a departure from their earlier work that it had to grow on me. I do know this...after just one listen, I was blown away by armor and sword...and the first 56 seconds of MalNar ain't too bad either! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barnacle Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 I have to admit the musician part of has a very hard time taking comments like "faster" or "slower" very seriously...I mean....wtf?.....I listen to music of all styles and there is no "optimal speed" for music... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxdistortion Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (joseph523 @ May 1 2007, 12:40 PM) I think too many folks are expecting them to sound like they used to. They will never again sound like they used to - that time has passed. It's not a bad thing though. It's not like the older material is lost! We have the best of both worlds. I, for one, like both the "crunch" of the old stuff and the subtlety (sp?) of the newer stuff. I love hemispheres but also think Hold You Fire is vastly underrated. I do wish Alex were a little more prominent in S&A. He is so talented that I don't know why he's hiding. But I think he's focusing on "textures" lately. I think he tried harder on S&A compared to VT however:) he said in an interview that he "conciously held back" on VT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamcracker Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (Barnacle @ May 1 2007, 12:42 PM) I have to admit the musician part of has a very hard time taking comments like "faster" or "slower" very seriously...I mean....wtf?.....I listen to music of all styles and there is no "optimal speed" for music... i've personally never constructed a song with "this needs to be up" or "lets do a slow song" they evolve naturally. and frankly i'm a bit put out when people refer to one as "too slow". take a song for what it is, not for what you THINK it should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxdistortion Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (Barnacle @ May 1 2007, 12:42 PM) I have to admit the musician part of has a very hard time taking comments like "faster" or "slower" very seriously...I mean....wtf?.....I listen to music of all styles and there is no "optimal speed" for music... true, but Rush didn't get their reputation by making songs like this. I know i know i know--they change it up, good for them. i'm just saying, the STRONG majority of thier fans have come to expect something SLIGHTLY more virtuostic then their last couple of releases. But I pretty much knew that after Vapor Trails, those days were over, and at least this is an improvement over VT and at least the music is still enjoyable but not so much in the musicianship sense as much as it is in the SONGWRITING sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bytorcygnus Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 Rush has a new album out? Ya don't say? (giggle) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxdistortion Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (bytorcygnus @ May 1 2007, 12:45 PM) Rush has a new album out? Ya don't say? (giggle) hehe. to many people, Rush stopped making albums after Signals. They're missing out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruggy66 Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 Perhaps they should have brought Rutsey back for this album. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamcracker Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (bruggy66 @ May 1 2007, 12:47 PM) Perhaps they should have brought Rutsey back for this album. yeah, then we can listen to nothing but 4/4 time and that GAWDAWFUL ride cymbal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rushman14 Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 06:51 AM) My beef with Snakes is that it's as boring as hell. First off, Neil's lyrics are getting out of hand...have him step asided and let Geddy and Alex try writing ONE album. Just for fun. they already let Geddy write a Rush album and it was titled "My Favorite Headache". I don't know Lerkst, I have to disagree with most of your review. I'll elaborate after about 10 more spins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barchetta82 Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (tangdog @ May 1 2007, 10:53 AM) One listen so far and I say Today is a very good day. I agree. I've listened to it three times now, and liking it better each time. I guess that I'm in the "masterpiece" group and I'm very glad of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PariahDog Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (maxdistortion @ May 1 2007, 11:06 AM)Every other song in my opinion -- while it hasnt grown on me yet -- i DID notice the particular "distjointedness" and "poor structure" people are talking about. Some of it is done on purpose--songs being in 3/4 time and weird counterbeats Sorry, I have to comment on this "song structure" complaint. Have you guys ever heard of a song called La Villa Strangiato? It's all over the freakin' place! It has a completely bizarre structure, but I hope you'll agree it's brilliant. Or how about twenty minute song suites like 2112 or Hemispheres? Rush has always bended the rules of song structure. Why would you expect a Rush song to go: verse, chorus, verse, chorus, solo, chorus? And I REALLY hope you're not complaining about the shifting time signatures and tempos, because that's another Rush trademark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natalie Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 My First post on this thread. One or two songs have a couple of tired sounding parts. The REST of the album is extremely fresh, complex and f$#@^$#ing rocking. Love it. If you play music you can understand how complex a few sections of this album really are. It is so thick, it takes alot to digest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lerkst Posted May 1, 2007 Author Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (rushman14 @ May 1 2007, 12:49 PM) QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 06:51 AM) My beef with Snakes is that it's as boring as hell. First off, Neil's lyrics are getting out of hand...have him step asided and let Geddy and Alex try writing ONE album. Just for fun. they already let Geddy write a Rush album and it was titled "My Favorite Headache". I don't know Lerkst, I have to disagree with most of your review. I'll elaborate after about 10 more spins. While you do that, I'll be listening to Green Vinyl Dream....and making a pass at your sister. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barchetta82 Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 Just finished my third full listen....this album is freakin' sick!!! I'm sorry that so many aren't liking it. Please don't give up. We should all know that it takes a while to fully digest a new Rush album. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rushman14 Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 11:12 AM) QUOTE (rushman14 @ May 1 2007, 12:49 PM) QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 06:51 AM) My beef with Snakes is that it's as boring as hell. First off, Neil's lyrics are getting out of hand...have him step asided and let Geddy and Alex try writing ONE album. Just for fun. they already let Geddy write a Rush album and it was titled "My Favorite Headache". I don't know Lerkst, I have to disagree with most of your review. I'll elaborate after about 10 more spins. While you do that, I'll be listening to Green Vinyl Dream....and making a pass at your sister. I dont have a sister so you must have the hots for my brother. That explains it. Enjoy the GVD! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReRushed Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 Why the hate? Maybe the songs aren't "masterpiece level" but they are certainly good songs. Anyway, on the first few listens it's a very good album and I definately had less pleasurable experiences with quite a few other Rush albums. Well done, especially for fiftysomethings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Test4VitalSigns Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (1-0-0-1-0-0-1 @ May 1 2007, 11:52 AM) QUOTE (Finbar @ May 1 2007, 11:33 AM) QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 08:51 AM) Song Structure. Yup. That's what it lacks. Finbar, I assume you're being sarcastic there? I thought you were a musician. I love people here telling guys who have been writing songs and selling millions of albums and playing countless shows and building up one of the most loyal fan bases in music for 33 years that their new songs lack "song structure." That's hysterical. Hysterical indeed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
condemned2bfree Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 Here's a review of an album that lerxt might think applies to S+A "This tasteless cover is a good indication of the lack of musical invention within. The musical growth of this band cannot even be charted. They are treading water in a sea of retarded sexuality and bad poetry." S+A is fantastic man, its not immediate fluff overall, but its a grower, its very dense. Songwriting is good playing is good Tmmb kick ass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxdistortion Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (PariahDog @ May 1 2007, 12:58 PM) QUOTE (maxdistortion @ May 1 2007, 11:06 AM)Every other song in my opinion -- while it hasnt grown on me yet -- i DID notice the particular "distjointedness" and "poor structure" people are talking about. Some of it is done on purpose--songs being in 3/4 time and weird counterbeats Sorry, I have to comment on this "song structure" complaint. Have you guys ever heard of a song called La Villa Strangiato? It's all over the freakin' place! It has a completely bizarre structure, but I hope you'll agree it's brilliant. Or how about twenty minute song suites like 2112 or Hemispheres? Rush has always bended the rules of song structure. Why would you expect a Rush song to go: verse, chorus, verse, chorus, solo, chorus? And I REALLY hope you're not complaining about the shifting time signatures and tempos, because that's another Rush trademark. no no, I wasn't knocking rush for the 3/4 time thing. I can tell the difference between when a song is in an odd-time signature or the feel of it changes, and when a song is disjointed. and i believe some of them sound disjointed. Vapor trails was more so then this though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew28 Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 01:12 PM) QUOTE (rushman14 @ May 1 2007, 12:49 PM) QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 06:51 AM) My beef with Snakes is that it's as boring as hell. First off, Neil's lyrics are getting out of hand...have him step asided and let Geddy and Alex try writing ONE album. Just for fun. they already let Geddy write a Rush album and it was titled "My Favorite Headache". I don't know Lerkst, I have to disagree with most of your review. I'll elaborate after about 10 more spins. While you do that, I'll be listening to Green Vinyl Dream....and making a pass at your sister. I was going to compliment you, Lerkst, on your ability to criticize the album and defend your arguments without getting personal or attacking others' opinions. But now you're just being a baby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rushman14 Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (andrew28 @ May 1 2007, 11:51 AM) QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 01:12 PM) QUOTE (rushman14 @ May 1 2007, 12:49 PM) QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 06:51 AM) My beef with Snakes is that it's as boring as hell. First off, Neil's lyrics are getting out of hand...have him step asided and let Geddy and Alex try writing ONE album. Just for fun. they already let Geddy write a Rush album and it was titled "My Favorite Headache". I don't know Lerkst, I have to disagree with most of your review. I'll elaborate after about 10 more spins. While you do that, I'll be listening to Green Vinyl Dream....and making a pass at your sister. I was going to compliment you, Lerkst, on your ability to criticize the album and defend your arguments without getting personal or attacking others' opinions. But now you're just being a baby. he's not attacking my opinion. we're friends so he gets a pass, even if his tastes are suspect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew28 Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 QUOTE (rushman14 @ May 1 2007, 01:58 PM)QUOTE (andrew28 @ May 1 2007, 11:51 AM) QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 01:12 PM) QUOTE (rushman14 @ May 1 2007, 12:49 PM) QUOTE (lerkst @ May 1 2007, 06:51 AM) My beef with Snakes is that it's as boring as hell. First off, Neil's lyrics are getting out of hand...have him step asided and let Geddy and Alex try writing ONE album. Just for fun. they already let Geddy write a Rush album and it was titled "My Favorite Headache". I don't know Lerkst, I have to disagree with most of your review. I'll elaborate after about 10 more spins. While you do that, I'll be listening to Green Vinyl Dream....and making a pass at your sister. I was going to compliment you, Lerkst, on your ability to criticize the album and defend your arguments without getting personal or attacking others' opinions. But now you're just being a baby. he's not attacking my opinion. we're friends so he gets a pass, even if his tastes are suspect. My apologies (not for being his friend; but for my previous post)! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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