Animate Posted May 31, 2012 Author Share Posted May 31, 2012 (edited) Edited May 31, 2012 by Animate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted May 31, 2012 Author Share Posted May 31, 2012 (edited) Edited May 31, 2012 by Animate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilb1972 Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 QUOTE You know, what would be kind of cool would be photos of unusual places you are at while listening to CA I won't be able to get anywhere unusual really -- I plan on throwing it in the CD player the moment I get my grubby little hands on it, and that will most likely be in my living room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat 3 Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 (edited) Wound up the official listening today with the following... Rush - Caravan / BU2B Single http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/CaravanSingle.jpg/220px-CaravanSingle.jpg Rush - Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland CD Rush - Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland DVD http://www.covershut.com/covers/Rush-Time-Machine-Live-In-Cleveland-2011-Front-Cover-60655.jpg Rush - Headlong Flight Single http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/coverpics/HeadlongFlightSingle.jpg Rush - Working Man (Vault Edition) Single http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/coverpics/WorkingManVaultEdition.jpg Rush - Moon 1973 Single (Not Fade Away / You Can't Fight It) http://www.2112.net/artifacts/volume1/track1/notfadeaway.gif ...All I can say is, wow! After working my way through Rush's audio/visual history you would think that I'd be ready for a new band to listen to. Just the opposite has occurred... ...in preparartion for Clockwork Angels, I plan on working my way through some of my favourite Rush bootlegs and will continue to post here. Thanks for the challenge, it really has been great fun! Edited May 31, 2012 by ReGorLaTroy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtrusive Companion Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 Day 7 - Permanent Waves Bang! Straight into this album with that incredible riff, welcome to The Spirit of Radio! This is probably Rush's best song commercially, and you can see why. It's just brilliant all the way through, in all aspects. They even throw a quick reggae bit in! We then power on to Freewill. Another excellent song, catchy and upbeat. Immense instrumental break, then some impressive high notes from Geddy. Even more impressive is his ability to hit them nowadays, if inconsistently. Jacob's ladder up next, mysterious beginning before Alex hits us with a solo. Not his best, but perfectly listenable nonetheless. It's not a popular opinion, but I think this song is "meh" at best. It does nothing for me at all. Entre Nous, now that's a different kettle of fish. I really like this song, just love the groove of the verse. It plods along a bit, but not enough for me to dislike the song. Also, I think it sounds great live. Different Strings - different class. This is Rush at their short-song best. It's a slower one, but it keeps you hooked, and when listening you always get the sense that it's a very, very good song. The musicianship is simple, yet executed in such a way that it knocks you for six, and appears to be so much more complex and intricate than it actually is. The piano is a rare thing in a Rush song, but here is compliments the other instruments perfectly. It's a shame the song fades out during the solo, I hate it when rock songs do that. Anyway, Natural Science. Another incredible song. DS and NS have got to be one of the greatest closing couple on any Rush album. It's a joy to listen to the end of this album, which is a big relief as you get the impression the album will peter out to nothing after Jacob's Ladder, which is disappointing, and Entre Nous, which is good, but no where near as good as it could have been. Excellent start, excellent end. It's a shame the central tracks did not compare. Ratings Rush 7/10 FBN 8/10 CoS 4.5/10 2112 10/10 AFTK 8.5/10 Hemispheres 9.5/10 Permanent Waves 8/10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmotionDetector Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 Day 6 (May 30) - HEMISPHERES Hemispheres - Ah...another 'in your face' album opener. The 'Prelude' section is arguably one of their best musical pieces IMO. I will admit...I don't get around to spinning this epic track nearly as often as I should. I really don't know why...especially after getting the chance to hear it many times over. It was absolutely mind-blowing. 'Armageddon' and 'Cygnus' in particular are two parts that really hit me this time around. I found the outro to 'Cygnus' giving me goosebumps! I definitely plan to start paying more attention to this beauty of an epic going forward. Circumstances - From the very first time I heard this song, I loved it. I love the power in the opening riff, and Geddy's vocals are great on this one. I can 'feel' the feelings that Neil portrays in the lyrics. To top it off, I've always been a huge fan of mixing the French lyrics into the song...just a cool idea that works. HUGE fan of this one. The Trees - A famous Rush classic. I can remember being amazed by the lyrics the first time I read them as a young teen. It was unlike anything I had heard before...in a way, it's where I started to see the genius of Neil's writing. That middle bridge section is still as enjoyable as ever to listen to. It maintains a mood that almost puts the listener right in that 'forest' with the trees. This is really Neil's song IMO...all of the various chimes and blocks...he makes this song. It's fantastic. La Villa Strangiato - Well, my favourite song on the album. One any given day...my favourite Rush song, period. From that glorious acoustic intro (why doesn't he perform this part live?), through to 'A Lerxst In Wonderland', which is far and away my absolute favourite guitar solo of all time...this song has it all. It tells a story...and it's a great one. It's their first stab at a full-on instrumental, and needless to say, absolutely successful. It blew my mind from the first time I heard it some 12 years ago, and it's simply a song I can never get sick of. Overall, just a stellar album. They continue on an upward trend of making an album even better than the last. Once again, Hemispheres as an album is extremely cohesive, and everything fits together in a nice package. With only 4 tracks in total, they prove that the quantity really doesn't matter, when the quality is this superb. Another important piece in Rush's legendary career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmotionDetector Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 Day 7 (May 31) - PERMANENT WAVES The Spirit of Radio - Yet another great opening track, as is typical for Rush. They come out of the gate flying with this radio-friendly (pun) hit. It obviously has 'single' written all over it. It's catchy, it rocks, and it keeps you hooked. I love the little bridge section, leading into the very cool "concert hall" part that I always love. The outro is also really cool. Freewill - This song IS Rush. It's what I love about this band. The groove, the music...it all works perfectly. This really isn't going to surprise anyone, but the bridge/solo section is off the chain. I mean, arguably the best thing they've ever done. That part coming out from the solo into the "Each of us..." gives me chills EVERY single time. Amazing. This is without a doubt, a Top 5 song for me, if not my favourite Rush song ever. Jacob's Ladder - Once again, I find myself feeling guilty for not putting this epic on more often. With such a vast catelog, and me being a fan of every song, I find some songs simply get missed more than others. Jacob's Ladder is one of them. I really enjoyed hearing this one...I love the bassline, and I love how they manage to capture the eerie feeling before battle. This one definitely has that 'epic' feel. Entre Nous - I remember the first time I saw this thinking, 'what a quirky title'...but I really do love it. It certainly sounds better than "Between Us". The song is a nice little upbeat tune that can sometimes be forgotten between all of these incredible tracks. It's a sweet sounding tune...with a nice melody, and the lyrics are great of course. Different Strings - It's noted that Geddy wrote the lyrics for this one. That always surprised me, as these lyrics sound very Neil-like. This is probably Ged's best moment behind the paper and pen. The music is also so sweet...love the beautiful strings from Al, and I really love that bassline leading into the solo. If there is ever one negative thing to say about this one, it would be that the song gets cut too short, especially because Alex is in the middle of a beautiful solo when it begins to fade out. Other than that...just a fantastic piece. Natural Science - Wait...what, another Top 5 song for me on the same album? Yep...it's true. Natural Science is exceptional. Along with Xanadu, it's probably my favourite epic. This has all the elements. I love the opening guitar chords and the lyrics...before hitting 'Hyperspace' hard! My favourite part of course, and I was so happy to hear it live on two tours! So awesome! It's also the perfect closing to this album, and the ocean sounds are really cool. Flawless. Overall, what can be said? Just an outstanding album. PeW contains two tracks that on any given day, I could consider my favourite Rush song. So yeah, I love this freakin' album. It was an interesting change from Hemispheres, where they really started focusing on shorter songs. This album just has a very upbeat feel to me...always a pleasure to listen to this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat 3 Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 (edited) The Rush Marathon continues... Today's trip is into the world of solo recording and some brilliant Counterparts Demos. Here's my listens, all in their entirety, of course... Geddy Lee - My Favourite Headache Alex Lifeson/Victor - Victor Neil Peart's miscellaneous recordings 1: Momo's Dance Party 2: Pieces Of Eight 3: Cotton Tail (From - Burning for Buddy: A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Rich, Vol. 1 4: One O'Clock Jump (from - Burning For Buddy: A Tribute To The Music Of Buddy Rich, Vol. 2 5: The Hockey Theme (Single) Rush - Deja Vu - The Counterparts Demos (1993)  This is the "Counterparts" Demos and interviews regarding the recording of "Counterparts." http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51O9n6vda8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GHMRc280L._SL500_AA300_.jpg http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KmFBesw2Zx8/SPiOr6frmaI/AAAAAAAAAwM/htsESuRHvXU/s400/burning_for_buddy_a_tribute.jpg http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/d97ef60ca195687b4f6faf156175cd77/361899.jpg http://cdn.7static.com/static/img/sleeveart/00/007/178/0000717879_350.jpg http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/59d23b598ffdad922451aba000dfb062/391175.jpg Here's some info on Deja Vu... http://www.digitalrushexperience.com/datab...ecordingID=1333 Edited June 1, 2012 by ReGorLaTroy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted June 2, 2012 Author Share Posted June 2, 2012 QUOTE (wilb1972 @ May 31 2012, 12:36 PM) QUOTE You know, what would be kind of cool would be photos of unusual places you are at while listening to CA I won't be able to get anywhere unusual really -- I plan on throwing it in the CD player the moment I get my grubby little hands on it, and that will most likely be in my living room. If it leaks in a non-downloadable format, then most peoples first listen will be chained to the computer with head phones one, too bad really when you think about it.  I hope the CD gets here early- which is not impossible according to the UK fan pack email that it has been shipped... I enjoy hearing music while moving- driving in the car or while horse back riding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted June 2, 2012 Author Share Posted June 2, 2012 QUOTE (ReGorLaTroy @ May 31 2012, 01:50 PM) Wound up the official listening today with the following... Rush - Caravan / BU2B Single http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/CaravanSingle.jpg/220px-CaravanSingle.jpg Rush - Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland CD Rush - Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland DVD http://www.covershut.com/covers/Rush-Time-Machine-Live-In-Cleveland-2011-Front-Cover-60655.jpg Rush - Headlong Flight Single http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/coverpics/HeadlongFlightSingle.jpg Rush - Working Man (Vault Edition) Single http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/coverpics/WorkingManVaultEdition.jpg Rush - Moon 1973 Single (Not Fade Away / You Can't Fight It) http://www.2112.net/artifacts/volume1/track1/notfadeaway.gif ...All I can say is, wow! After working my way through Rush's audio/visual history you would think that I'd be ready for a new band to listen to. Just the opposite has occurred... ...in preparartion for Clockwork Angels, I plan on working my way through some of my favourite Rush bootlegs and will continue to post here. Thanks for the challenge, it really has been great fun! U R the BEST!! Â Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted June 2, 2012 Author Share Posted June 2, 2012 QUOTE (ReGorLaTroy @ Jun 1 2012, 05:24 PM) The Rush Marathon continues... Today's trip is into the world of solo recording and some brilliant Counterparts Demos. Here's my listens, all in their entirety, of course... Geddy Lee - My Favourite Headache Alex Lifeson/Victor - Victor Neil Peart's miscellaneous recordings 1: Momo's Dance Party 2: Pieces Of Eight 3: Cotton Tail (From - Burning for Buddy: A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Rich, Vol. 1 4: One O'Clock Jump (from - Burning For Buddy: A Tribute To The Music Of Buddy Rich, Vol. 2 5: The Hockey Theme (Single) Rush - Deja Vu - The Counterparts Demos (1993) This is the "Counterparts" Demos and interviews regarding the recording of "Counterparts." http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51O9n6vda8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GHMRc280L._SL500_AA300_.jpg http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KmFBesw2Zx8/SPiOr6frmaI/AAAAAAAAAwM/htsESuRHvXU/s400/burning_for_buddy_a_tribute.jpg http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/d97ef60ca195687b4f6faf156175cd77/361899.jpg http://cdn.7static.com/static/img/sleeveart/00/007/178/0000717879_350.jpg http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/59d23b598ffdad922451aba000dfb062/391175.jpg Here's some info on Deja Vu... http://www.digitalrushexperience.com/datab...ecordingID=1333 Cool! Three whole new categories! 1. Solos 2. "Public Service" (is that how the Hockey Theme should be categorized? Sort of like the RAD advert with Geddy that is played a lot on Rush Radio) 3. Outtakes  oooooo.... thanks for the link.... I am going to have to explore the Digital Rush experience web site very closely.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted June 2, 2012 Author Share Posted June 2, 2012 QUOTE (EmotionDetector @ Jun 1 2012, 09:42 AM) Day 7 (May 31) - PERMANENT WAVES The Spirit of Radio - Yet another great opening track, as is typical for Rush. They come out of the gate flying with this radio-friendly (pun) hit. It obviously has 'single' written all over it. It's catchy, it rocks, and it keeps you hooked. I love the little bridge section, leading into the very cool "concert hall" part that I always love. The outro is also really cool. Freewill - This song IS Rush. It's what I love about this band. The groove, the music...it all works perfectly. This really isn't going to surprise anyone, but the bridge/solo section is off the chain. I mean, arguably the best thing they've ever done. That part coming out from the solo into the "Each of us..." gives me chills EVERY single time. Amazing. This is without a doubt, a Top 5 song for me, if not my favourite Rush song ever. Jacob's Ladder - Once again, I find myself feeling guilty for not putting this epic on more often. With such a vast catelog, and me being a fan of every song, I find some songs simply get missed more than others. Jacob's Ladder is one of them. I really enjoyed hearing this one...I love the bassline, and I love how they manage to capture the eerie feeling before battle. This one definitely has that 'epic' feel. Entre Nous - I remember the first time I saw this thinking, 'what a quirky title'...but I really do love it. It certainly sounds better than "Between Us". The song is a nice little upbeat tune that can sometimes be forgotten between all of these incredible tracks. It's a sweet sounding tune...with a nice melody, and the lyrics are great of course. Different Strings - It's noted that Geddy wrote the lyrics for this one. That always surprised me, as these lyrics sound very Neil-like. This is probably Ged's best moment behind the paper and pen. The music is also so sweet...love the beautiful strings from Al, and I really love that bassline leading into the solo. If there is ever one negative thing to say about this one, it would be that the song gets cut too short, especially because Alex is in the middle of a beautiful solo when it begins to fade out. Other than that...just a fantastic piece. Natural Science - Wait...what, another Top 5 song for me on the same album? Yep...it's true. Natural Science is exceptional. Along with Xanadu, it's probably my favourite epic. This has all the elements. I love the opening guitar chords and the lyrics...before hitting 'Hyperspace' hard! My favourite part of course, and I was so happy to hear it live on two tours! So awesome! It's also the perfect closing to this album, and the ocean sounds are really cool. Flawless. Overall, what can be said? Just an outstanding album. PeW contains two tracks that on any given day, I could consider my favourite Rush song. So yeah, I love this freakin' album. It was an interesting change from Hemispheres, where they really started focusing on shorter songs. This album just has a very upbeat feel to me...always a pleasure to listen to this one. Now that you mention it, Different Strings does seem very Geddy, being wistful and sweet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted June 2, 2012 Author Share Posted June 2, 2012 (edited) QUOTE (Unobtrusive Companion @ Jun 1 2012, 08:12 AM) Day 7 - Permanent Waves Bang! Straight into this album with that incredible riff, welcome to The Spirit of Radio! This is probably Rush's best song commercially, and you can see why. It's just brilliant all the way through, in all aspects. They even throw a quick reggae bit in! We then power on to Freewill. Another excellent song, catchy and upbeat. Immense instrumental break, then some impressive high notes from Geddy. Even more impressive is his ability to hit them nowadays, if inconsistently. Jacob's ladder up next, mysterious beginning before Alex hits us with a solo. Not his best, but perfectly listenable nonetheless. It's not a popular opinion, but I think this song is "meh" at best. It does nothing for me at all. Entre Nous, now that's a different kettle of fish. I really like this song, just love the groove of the verse. It plods along a bit, but not enough for me to dislike the song. Also, I think it sounds great live. Different Strings - different class. This is Rush at their short-song best. It's a slower one, but it keeps you hooked, and when listening you always get the sense that it's a very, very good song. The musicianship is simple, yet executed in such a way that it knocks you for six, and appears to be so much more complex and intricate than it actually is. The piano is a rare thing in a Rush song, but here is compliments the other instruments perfectly. It's a shame the song fades out during the solo, I hate it when rock songs do that. Anyway, Natural Science. Another incredible song. DS and NS have got to be one of the greatest closing couple on any Rush album. It's a joy to listen to the end of this album, which is a big relief as you get the impression the album will peter out to nothing after Jacob's Ladder, which is disappointing, and Entre Nous, which is good, but no where near as good as it could have been. Excellent start, excellent end. It's a shame the central tracks did not compare. Ratings Rush 7/10 FBN 8/10 CoS 4.5/10 2112 10/10 AFTK 8.5/10 Hemispheres 9.5/10 Permanent Waves 8/10 Interesting that you and Unobtrusive Companion made very similar observations, regretting that Different Strings cuts short an amazing solo that should be longer .  Yes, it is sad that that Different Strings cuts short an amazing solo that should be longer . There had to have been more to it to start! Totally agree that DS and NS is a powerful pair to end an album on! Edited June 2, 2012 by Animate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted June 2, 2012 Author Share Posted June 2, 2012 (edited) oops,, double post Edited June 2, 2012 by Animate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted June 2, 2012 Author Share Posted June 2, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtrusive Companion Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 Day 8 - Moving Pictures Wow. One of the greatest albums of all time, and boy is it fun to listen to this! Unmistakable introduction to the album, the drum beat, two lines of vocal, then that guitar riff. Simple, yet so, so effective. Tom Sawyer is one of the great Rush songs, and I for one will never tire of hearing it, it's the guys at their very best (up until CA according to some reviews!). Red Barchetta is probably my favourite Rush song, as hard as it is to choose. The story it tells is just so vivid,m and the way the music compliments and almost replicates the idea of a fast car engine is just pure brilliance. We then move on to YYZ. Along with La Villa, it is one of the best instrumentals ever to be consigned to tape. Each member has their chance to do their thing, without overdoing it or showing off. YYZ is another live staple that will never get old for me. No sooner does YYZ finish, we are introduced to Limelight in the best way possible. That riff! The stop start nature of it, and the drums, make it one hell of an intro, and the song never lets up after it. Another excellent song, and the finale to what is, in my opinion, the best opening 4 tracks of any album ever. The Camera Eye is next up. 10 minutes long, and firstly we are treated to a Rush-esque lengthy intro. Songs of this length can get boring, especially after 4 sub-7 minute efforts, but this is the exception. Top class music all the way through. The final two tracks, despite being the weakest on the album, are still above and beyond awesome. Incredible intro to Witch Hunt. In fact, it's an incredible song all round, especially on full volume through the iPod! Another superb intro to Vital Signs. This truly is Rush at their very, very best. All too soon, the album ends, and I'm left breathless by the sheer musicianship on show here. There is not a bad bass/guitar riff or drum fill on this album. Is this the greatest album ever recorded? I think so, hence the larger than usual mark out of 10.  Ratings Rush 7/10 FBN 8/10 CoS 4.5/10 2112 10/10 AFTK 8.5/10 Hemispheres 9.5/10 Permanent Waves 8/10 Moving Pictures 11/10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat 3 Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 (edited) All the way back to the beginning today, with two very early Rush boots... Rush - Electric Rush - Electric Lady Studios - Greenwich Village, New York - 05 December 1974 http://www.digitalrushexperience.com/thumbnails/tn_Electric-Rush.jpg Recorded before a very small audience inside Electric Ladyland studios in New York City. Here's some info on this gem from 1974... http://www.digitalrushexperience.com/datab...RecordingID=845 Next up was, most likely, the most popular early Rush boot... Rush - The Fifth Order of Angels - Agora Theater - Cleveland, Ohio - 26 August 1974 http://www.digitalrushexperience.com/thumbnails/tn_The-Fifth-Order-Of-Angels.jpg The inclusion of the Rush rarities, "Garden Road" and "Fancy Dancer" make this one a must. I personally love Geddy's dedication of "Working Man" to the lovely, Donna Halper. Here's the details on this must have boot... http://www.digitalrushexperience.com/datab...ecordingID=1518 Edited June 2, 2012 by ReGorLaTroy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilb1972 Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Okay back from the anniversary trip, recovering and chilling out to some college softball and ... RUSH! We did Different Stages, Vapor Trails, Rush in Rio (CD) and Feedback! That would be all we could cram into our little evening.  Different Stages is my favorite live album, despite the circumstances surrounding its release at the time. "Suddenly, you were gone..." Vapor Trails is a great album, even with the crappy production. My wife loves it as well. One Little Victory, Secret Touch ... all the usual suspects, plus Nocturne and Out of the Cradle, Freeze and Sweet Miracle... Listened to Rush in Rio, and found it to be the most musically diverse of any Rush live album.  Now onto the weirdness that is Feedback. Love Summertime Blues. For What It's Worth is the most un-Rush like recording by Rush ever! Strange! If the CA album leaks, we do not plan on listening until the official release date, so we are still on pace to finish our listening marathon maybe by tomorrow evening. We might listen while we watch more softball tomorrow (ROLL TIDE!!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted June 3, 2012 Author Share Posted June 3, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtrusive Companion Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Day 9 - Signals A sign of things to come, and a departure from things that have passed. Regardless, Subdivisions is one of the greater Rush songs, and an excellent way to open a new album and a new page in the history of this already incredible band. On such a high from the second breakthrough album of their career, some overspill from Moving Pictures causes Subdivisions to accidentally be brilliant. Synth heavy, and unusual to the ears of a Rush fan, it soon becomes normal as Geddy's inimitable vocal is introduced, as are Neil's ever-present complex drum fills. The guitar takes a step back, but it's still vital, the music would be lost without it. We go up a few notches in tempo for The Analog Kid, I really like this one. Bass is very prominent in this, and it's also very good, so that's nice. Guitar takes on a bit more importance in this one as well, still synthy though, as is the trend for a fair few years after this. Chemistry up next, another good 'un. I listened to this the night before an exam recently to inspire me. Anyone wanna take a guess what subject it was? It's hard to think of what the previous albums would have sounded like with this much synth, but the band managed to move seamlessly from no synth to loads of it in the space of a few albums. It still seems like Rush, which I suppose was the aim. More guitar present in this, which I like. Nothing against the synths at all, but a rock band's a rock band at the end of the day. Digital Man, another top class song. Sounded great live on the S&A tour, and it would be great to hear it on the CA tour, where Birmingham, UK will be my first Rush show. The tempo varies wildly during this song, yet it's hardly noticeable. How did they do that? Nice instrumental break as well, as we've come to expect from the boys of course. The Weapon, another solid song. A nice balance between bass, guitar and synth here. One instrument or sound doesn't outstay it's welcome, nor does one underachieve. I'm trying not to repeat myself too much, but this album is very, very good, so you tend to run out of adjectives. Epic guitar solo from Lerxst here. If one thing was missing from the album thus far, it would be a decent guitar solo. That has now been delivered, so all is well once again. And we move on... New World Man doesn't deserve to be track 6 of 8, it's far too good to be 75% of the way through the album. To say one song is that good on an album like this really is saying something, but NWM should be up there with Subdivisions, just like it is in my own estimations. Great song, chorus is so catchy. Losing It opens up the final quarter of this album. It seems a popular request for a live airing, and it may well get it now we have confirmation of strings on CA and rumours of a string accompaniment to the boys on tour. Time will tell, but the studio version of this song is beautiful. In my review of Rush, I said Rush weren't the best at writing a slower song, but in this case I am so, so wrong. Every note is glorious, and Alex's solo, as mysterious and weird sounding as it is, is phenomenal. Countdown is a strange one, but yet another good song nonetheless. Using actual samples from NASA (I believe), it may be Neil's way of telling us drumming in a world famous rock band was his second choice, and he actually wanted to be an astronaut. I doubt it, but it may be! Messrs Lee and Lifeson have come up with the perfect music to complient Peart's lyrics once again, and the song is an excellent way to finish an excellent album. Moving Pictures it isn't, but god damn it's close. Ratings Rush 7/10 FBN 8/10 CoS 4.5/10 2112 10/10 AFTK 8.5/10 Hemispheres 9.5/10 Permanent Waves 8/10 Moving Pictures 11/10 Signals 10/10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 of the 7 Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 (edited) Well, I did finish up Hemispheres with La Villa - their first instrumental, and a chance for all three of them to shine, sometimes at once. I do miss Geddy's vocals, though. This song, and a few others, are starting to feature the synths that would become one of my favorite aspects of the Rush sound. And then I got sick Tuesday night (stomach related) and spent most of the time I wasn't dragging myself to (and at) work, asleep. I also didn't want Rush associated with feeling horrible, so I haven't listened for days. And now the new album is about to drop on my doorstep, and I don't know if I'll be able to resist getting into it. So, I don't know if my listening marathon will go forward (in time for the new album) but I'll update if I make any progress. Edited June 3, 2012 by 1 of the 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted June 3, 2012 Author Share Posted June 3, 2012 (edited) QUOTE (1 of the 7 @ Jun 3 2012, 12:17 PM) Well, I did finish up Hemispheres with La Villa - their first instrumental, and a chance for all three of them to shine, sometimes at once. I do miss Geddy's vocals, though. This song, and a few others, are starting to feature the synths that would become one of my favorite aspects of the Rush sound. And then I got sick Tuesday night (stomach related) and spent most of the time I wasn't dragging myself to (and at) work, asleep. I also didn't want Rush associated with feeling horrible, so I haven't listened for days. And now the new album is about to drop on my doorstep, and I don't know if I'll be able to resist getting into it. So, I don't know if my listening marathon will go forward (in time for the new album) but I'll update if I make any progress. Â What ever you can add is goodstuff! Â Sorry to hear you were sick! Please update what you can!! Edited June 3, 2012 by Animate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilb1972 Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 This afternoon my wife and I listened to Snakes and Arrows, an album that ranks low on my list of Rush albums. But in the spirit of the marathon, for the first time in over a year and a half, I thought I would give it a chance. I tried not to spoil my wife's listening experience too much, though she knows it's never been a favorite of mine, and thus she hasn't really heard much from it beyond a few select tracks. As we listened, I realized more than ever that this album is just ... poorly written. And its a shame because the production is so great!! After VT, with its well-known technical flaws, I had high hopes for this one. And after hearing Far Cry, again I thought this was going to be a strong album. But this album is one of the most boring, plodding, ill-paced things Rush has ever produced. Poorly executed melodies, and long mid-tempo track after track... It was tedious! My wife tried to be more forgiving, but even she found it lackluster. The only tracks we dug are the ones that stood out before: Far Cry, The Main Monkey Business, Workin' Them Angels, The Way the Wind Blows and Malignant Narcissism.  Everything else is pretty forgettable. Which is why we are all the more excited by what we have heard from CA thus far -- the three songs we have thus far are miles better than the whole of S&A, in our opinions at least. So we were going to do Snakes and Arrows Live next, but felt the need for a break.   Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animate Posted June 4, 2012 Author Share Posted June 4, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat 3 Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 (edited) Yesterday's listens... 1: Rush - Here Again At The Agora Platinum Edition - The Agora Theater - Cleveland, Ohio - 16 December 1974 This is a cleaned up version that was used for a radio broadcast. It includes a great interview with Donna Halper. I really like this one quite alot. Album details... http://www.digitalrushexperience.com/datab...RecordingID=830 2: Bad Boys in Cleveland - The Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio - 15 May 1975 Here are some details and cover art... http://www.digitalrushexperience.com/datab...RecordingID=855 An ok (at best) audience recording. Alex's guitar solo on "Bad Boy" is just sick amazing. The extra tracks on this one are 3 songs from "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" TV show. Long before on demand, VH1, MTV and the internet...the only way you had an opportuity to see your favourite bands was to see them live, or when they appeared on shows like "Don Kirschner's Rock Concert" or "The Midnight Special". You'd stay up late on Friday or Saturday night just to see a song or two played live. 3: The Pretenious Necromancer - Rickford Armory - Rockford, Illinois - 15 November 1975 This is the only boot from the "Caress of Steel" tour that I have.  I grabbed this for the simple fact that it was the only one the contained a live version of "The Necromancer". It is a terrible sounding audience recording...but until a better show materializes, it'll have to do. Here's the artwork and details on this one... http://www.digitalrushexperience.com/datab...ecordingID=1537 Edited June 4, 2012 by ReGorLaTroy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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