Guitarists- what do you think of Alex's playing

[DistantEarlyRushFan]

QUOTE (D3strukt @ Jun 28 2012, 02:32 PM)

QUOTE (Todem @ Jun 28 2012, 11:46 AM) QUOTE (LeaveMyThingAlone @ Jun 28 2012, 12:40 PM) I have seen various threads that kind of criticize Alex's playing, or at least insinuate that it isn't anything special. I'm not guitar player but I don't get it. He solos more than he has in 20 years, number one. He has some classic Big Al Riffs, like Clockwork Angels, Caravan, Seven Cities, and Carnies. And he has his best solo since Cut to the Chase with The Garden. I can't speak to how technical or "hard" it is to play what he plays, but he has always been more about emotion and riffing than technically challenging stuff, and this album I think he shines I have to disagree about the Garden being his best in 20 years since Cut to the Chase. CTTC is not even a better solo than Animate or Leave That Thing Alone on the same album. But it is purely subjective of course. I like Cut to the Chase a lot. But Animate and LTTA and heck even Cold Fire are far more emotive and signature Lifeson.   And I would say The Way The Wind Blows guitar work and solo section is sizzling. And the solo in the Main Monkey Business is an amazing 2001 space oddessy trip!   The Garden is a solo where I thought the first measure..." here we go another epic Alex solo" but to be honest....it missed the mark overall. It feels rushed. It felt like a take and like Alex settled. He can play much better than that.   Limelight Ghost of a Chance Bravado   Those solo's are masterpieces and i would never hold The Garden in those solo's jock.   The Garden is a decent solo, served the song....but that was it. It served what is a fantastic song.   He has much better solo's on CA in Headlong Flight, The title Track and even Caravan than The Garden.   But...it is subject to debate like anything. Headlong Flight IS NO WAY A BETTER SOLO THAN THE GARDEN. Holy f**k! The Garden has 10 TIMES THE FEEL. Shredding a Solo does not make. EMOTION, is what MAKES a solo. There is no Emotion in HF, just a wah pedal and really fast notes. http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m46looxIi41qe9tnzo1_400.jpg

[DistantEarlyRushFan]

QUOTE (They Bow Defeated @ Jun 28 2012, 02:39 PM)

QUOTE (Todem @ Jun 28 2012, 11:35 AM) Trenken....with all due repsect. Headlong flight is classic Alex like shredding. Kirk Hammet is influenced heavily by Alex Lifeson. On the flip side I know Alex has heavy influences from other guitar players like The Edge, Andy Summers, Jimmy Page, David Gilmore etc. But I think you got it backwards here. What he said! And thank God Alex isn't doing the Mars Volta "edgy" stuff on CA. He did an entire album of "edgy" guitar (VT) and I'm glad to see him going back to his strengths: riffs, power chords, textural parts, and finally some more lead work.   I don't think Alex takes a back seat on CA at all. On nearly every track, there is great guitar work and some unexpected Lerxst moments. My favorites right now are 1) the Robin Trower lead work and What You're Doing riffing in Seven Cities and 2) Alex's unexpected GUP-style solo/chording part in Wish Them Well.   As a player, this is the first album in a while where I've wanted to pick up the Les Paul and learn the tunes to jam on with my drummer friend. Seven Cities, CA, and HF are first up.   True. He seems to have matured as a player and knows very nicely where he fits with the band. He doesn't try too hard but instead he compliments his other bandmates to make a very focused guitar sound. It's awesome

[D3strukt]

QUOTE (DistantEarlyRushFan @ Jun 28 2012, 02:47 PM)

QUOTE (D3strukt @ Jun 28 2012, 02:32 PM) QUOTE (Todem @ Jun 28 2012, 11:46 AM) QUOTE (LeaveMyThingAlone @ Jun 28 2012, 12:40 PM) I have seen various threads that kind of criticize Alex's playing, or at least insinuate that it isn't anything special. I'm not guitar player but I don't get it. He solos more than he has in 20 years, number one. He has some classic Big Al Riffs, like Clockwork Angels, Caravan, Seven Cities, and Carnies. And he has his best solo since Cut to the Chase with The Garden. I can't speak to how technical or "hard" it is to play what he plays, but he has always been more about emotion and riffing than technically challenging stuff, and this album I think he shines I have to disagree about the Garden being his best in 20 years since Cut to the Chase. CTTC is not even a better solo than Animate or Leave That Thing Alone on the same album. But it is purely subjective of course. I like Cut to the Chase a lot. But Animate and LTTA and heck even Cold Fire are far more emotive and signature Lifeson.   And I would say The Way The Wind Blows guitar work and solo section is sizzling. And the solo in the Main Monkey Business is an amazing 2001 space oddessy trip!   The Garden is a solo where I thought the first measure..." here we go another epic Alex solo" but to be honest....it missed the mark overall. It feels rushed. It felt like a take and like Alex settled. He can play much better than that.   Limelight Ghost of a Chance Bravado   Those solo's are masterpieces and i would never hold The Garden in those solo's jock.   The Garden is a decent solo, served the song....but that was it. It served what is a fantastic song.   He has much better solo's on CA in Headlong Flight, The title Track and even Caravan than The Garden.   But...it is subject to debate like anything. Headlong Flight IS NO WAY A BETTER SOLO THAN THE GARDEN. Holy f**k! The Garden has 10 TIMES THE FEEL. Shredding a Solo does not make. EMOTION, is what MAKES a solo. There is no Emotion in HF, just a wah pedal and really fast notes. http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m46looxIi41qe9tnzo1_400.jpg No, I'm just overly enthusiastic!!

[They Bow Defeated]

QUOTE (DistantEarlyRushFan @ Jun 28 2012, 02:47 PM)

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m46looxIi41qe9tnzo1_400.jpg

That's awsome!

 

Looks like Lando's trying to sell Han the extended service plan on the Falcon.

Edited June 28, 2012 by They Bow Defeated

[Todem]

QUOTE (D3strukt @ Jun 28 2012, 03:58 PM)

QUOTE (DistantEarlyRushFan @ Jun 28 2012, 02:47 PM) QUOTE (D3strukt @ Jun 28 2012, 02:32 PM) QUOTE (Todem @ Jun 28 2012, 11:46 AM) QUOTE (LeaveMyThingAlone @ Jun 28 2012, 12:40 PM) I have seen various threads that kind of criticize Alex's playing, or at least insinuate that it isn't anything special. I'm not guitar player but I don't get it. He solos more than he has in 20 years, number one. He has some classic Big Al Riffs, like Clockwork Angels, Caravan, Seven Cities, and Carnies. And he has his best solo since Cut to the Chase with The Garden. I can't speak to how technical or "hard" it is to play what he plays, but he has always been more about emotion and riffing than technically challenging stuff, and this album I think he shines I have to disagree about the Garden being his best in 20 years since Cut to the Chase. CTTC is not even a better solo than Animate or Leave That Thing Alone on the same album. But it is purely subjective of course. I like Cut to the Chase a lot. But Animate and LTTA and heck even Cold Fire are far more emotive and signature Lifeson.   And I would say The Way The Wind Blows guitar work and solo section is sizzling. And the solo in the Main Monkey Business is an amazing 2001 space oddessy trip!   The Garden is a solo where I thought the first measure..." here we go another epic Alex solo" but to be honest....it missed the mark overall. It feels rushed. It felt like a take and like Alex settled. He can play much better than that.   Limelight Ghost of a Chance Bravado   Those solo's are masterpieces and i would never hold The Garden in those solo's jock.   The Garden is a decent solo, served the song....but that was it. It served what is a fantastic song.   He has much better solo's on CA in Headlong Flight, The title Track and even Caravan than The Garden.   But...it is subject to debate like anything. Headlong Flight IS NO WAY A BETTER SOLO THAN THE GARDEN. Holy f**k! The Garden has 10 TIMES THE FEEL. Shredding a Solo does not make. EMOTION, is what MAKES a solo. There is no Emotion in HF, just a wah pedal and really fast notes. http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m46looxIi41qe9tnzo1_400.jpg No, I'm just overly enthusiastic!! Yes you are!

[lightyears]

This is my first post.

 

I first got into Rush as a teenager (I'm in my mid-20s now), and i can remember the first time I heard the hits like TSOR, Limelight, 2112...i was struck by how easily Alex's playing fit with the song as a whole and how expressive his solos were, esp Limelight.

 

To the point of this post, as a weekend guitarist for about 9 years, I've tried to play almost every Rush song. There's nothing like cranking out the opening riff to Limelight, or trying to master La Villa Strangiato. It's a great feeling, and I think it really speaks to Alex's ability to create memorable and melodic lines.

 

That being said, while I enjoy and actively listen to their entire catalogue, i find that i rarely feel the urge to play any songs they've recorded in the last 15 years. IMO, Alex has drifted further from the more melodic lines he used to write. I think this also has to do with the general lack of crispness in his playing. Using space in a riff, and employing rhythm really help to create a specific mood for a song. So from my point of view as a guitarist, Alex's playing has been lacking this for some time.

 

I really hope everything I've said doesn't get blown out of proportion. I love Rush and Alex is one of my favorite guitarists.

[Two0neOneTwo]

I find a lot of similarities between the Mission Solo and The Garden.

Feel wise.

 

I admit though, the Garden Solo come through much better and is longer.

 

This Solo Live is gonna buckle some knees me thinks.

 

See? I don't hate.lol

Edited June 28, 2012 by Two0neOneTwo

[Two0neOneTwo]

QUOTE (lightyears @ Jun 28 2012, 03:25 PM)

This is my first post. I first got into Rush as a teenager (I'm in my mid-20s now), and i can remember the first time I heard the hits like TSOR, Limelight, 2112...i was struck by how easily Alex's playing fit with the song as a whole and how expressive his solos were, esp Limelight. To the point of this post, as a weekend guitarist for about 9 years, I've tried to play almost every Rush song. There's nothing like cranking out the opening riff to Limelight, or trying to master La Villa Strangiato. It's a great feeling, and I think it really speaks to Alex's ability to create memorable and melodic lines. That being said, while I enjoy and actively listen to their entire catalogue, i find that i rarely feel the urge to play any songs they've recorded in the last 15 years. IMO, Alex has drifted further from the more melodic lines he used to write. I think this also has to do with the general lack of crispness in his playing. Using space in a riff, and employing rhythm really help to create a specific mood for a song. So from my point of view as a guitarist, Alex's playing has been lacking this for some time. I really hope everything I've said doesn't get blown out of proportion. I love Rush and Alex is one of my favorite guitarists.

Hey I hear yea. I feel the same.

 

I propose a different viewpoint though. (A reason for the dis-like)

 

You said 15 years. That brings us to Counter Parts , T4E , VT, SnA, and CA.

 

I propose Alex HAS been playing his arse off and Has been steady but the recording industry has killed many of the "great" things about Rush.

 

Won't go much further with this since there are already thread about this but I wanted you to know that the Boys IMO have never played better. Its the recording industry that has soured many of the important aspects that make Rush, "Rush".

 

I have always said, Starting with CP it has gone downhill.

That is pretty much when (Round 90-93) the recording industry thought it was a great Idea to begin its war on our ears.

 

People, really take a look. There is a very interesting correlation between when a lot of Rush Fans (such as lightyears and myself) found Rush really fall off a cliff Sonically wise and the timing of the Loudness wars......

Edited June 28, 2012 by Two0neOneTwo

[Todem]

QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 04:26 PM)

I find a lot of similarities between the Mission Solo and The Garden. Feel wise. I admit though, the Garden Solo come through much better and is longer. This Solo Live is gonna buckle some knees me thinks. See? I don't hate.lol

The first measure of the solo in The Garden is great.

 

Then it kinds goes....and really does not hit me like a ton of bricks. I think Alex missed a great opportunity on this one.

 

I just do.

 

Now compared to Faithless.....that solo he knocked it out of the friggin park. Faithless is a great, passion filled classic Alex solo IMO.

 

I think his solo in The Garden is now reaching overrated status around these parts.

 

Not one of his 20 best....not even 30. And I could list them. Easily.

 

And it does not hold a candle to Mission. Which although slightly shorter is so filled with passion....that solo is awe-inspiring.

 

So I will let it rest right here. It's not an argument....just an opinion.

Edited June 28, 2012 by Todem

[Todem]

QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 05:06 PM)

QUOTE (lightyears @ Jun 28 2012, 03:25 PM) This is my first post. I first got into Rush as a teenager (I'm in my mid-20s now), and i can remember the first time I heard the hits like TSOR, Limelight, 2112...i was struck by how easily Alex's playing fit with the song as a whole and how expressive his solos were, esp Limelight. To the point of this post, as a weekend guitarist for about 9 years, I've tried to play almost every Rush song. There's nothing like cranking out the opening riff to Limelight, or trying to master La Villa Strangiato. It's a great feeling, and I think it really speaks to Alex's ability to create memorable and melodic lines. That being said, while I enjoy and actively listen to their entire catalogue, i find that i rarely feel the urge to play any songs they've recorded in the last 15 years. IMO, Alex has drifted further from the more melodic lines he used to write. I think this also has to do with the general lack of crispness in his playing. Using space in a riff, and employing rhythm really help to create a specific mood for a song. So from my point of view as a guitarist, Alex's playing has been lacking this for some time. I really hope everything I've said doesn't get blown out of proportion. I love Rush and Alex is one of my favorite guitarists. Hey I hear yea. I feel the same.   I propose a different viewpoint though. (A reason for the dis-like)   You said 15 years. That brings us to Counter Parts , T4E , VT, SnA, and CA.   I propose Alex HAS been playing his arse off and Has been steady but the recording industry has killed many of the "great" things about Rush.   Won't go much further with this since there are already thread about this but I wanted you to know that the Boys IMO have never played better. Its the recording industry that has soured many of the important aspects that make Rush, "Rush".   I have always said, Starting with CP it has gone downhill. That is pretty much when (Round 90-93) the recording industry thought it was a great Idea to begin its war on our ears.   People, really take a look. There is a very interesting correlation between when a lot of Rush Fans (such as lightyears and myself) found Rush really fall off a cliff Sonically wise and the timing of the Loudness wars...... Counterparts though has some amazing Alex solos.   And sonically was their last truly great production top to bottom.     Animate LTTA Cold Fire Everyday Glory Cut To The Chase   All are fantastic Alex Lifeson solos. Even Double Agent and Between Sun and Moon have fantastic Alex riffage and solo sections. His rhythm work on CP is also outstanding!!!   I would agree that T4E and VT (no solos basically) were ho hum records guitar wise in the that particular department (solo). But Alex really killed it with his guitar work on Snakes and Arrows and again on CA.   On Test For Echo he had some crazy good guitar on Totem, the title track and Driven. On VT his fret work on the title track is legendary. Also Ghost Rider has some very intricate playing.   Which brings us to CA. I feel Alex went old school 80's on this album for the most part. And I love it.

Edited June 28, 2012 by Todem

[patjnev]

I'm not impressed by his playing on the last 4 releases. coincidently I have discovered how well Richie Blackmore plays . There may be a physical reason Alex's playing has cooled . I remember him talking about Psoriasis and how it effects his fingers. He is still one of my favorite players but in recent years I have become dissapointed on his approach. In the future I could change my mind but thats unlikely with all the other great players around to listen to.

[Two0neOneTwo]

QUOTE (patjnev @ Jun 28 2012, 04:28 PM)

I'm not impressed by his playing on the last 4 releases. coincidently I have discovered how well Richie Blackmore plays . There may be a physical reason Alex's playing has cooled . I remember him talking about Psoriasis and how it effects his fingers. He is still one of my favorite players but in recent years I have become dissapointed on his approach. In the future I could change my mind but thats unlikely with all the other great players around to listen to.

I would agree with you if Alex played "cooled live"

I'm sorry but the guy plays his ass off and plays amazing live.

You'd think if a physical issue was the cause, it would show up live. I just don't see that.

 

In fact, i would say on average the boys sound 10x better live than they do on the albums.

 

(But all know the reason for that by now.........right?)

 

 

[av450]

His guitar work on CA shines through his riffs. The opening riff in carnies is the best riff he's done since Ghost of a Chance IMO. 7COG also stands out.

[Two0neOneTwo]

QUOTE (Todem @ Jun 28 2012, 04:09 PM)

QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 04:26 PM) I find a lot of similarities between the Mission Solo and The Garden. Feel wise. I admit though, the Garden Solo come through much better and is longer. This Solo Live is gonna buckle some knees me thinks. See? I don't hate.lol The first measure of the solo in The Garden is great.   Then it kinds goes....and really does not hit me like a ton of bricks. I think Alex missed a great opportunity on this one.   I just do.   Now compared to Faithless.....that solo he knocked it out of the friggin park. Faithless is a great, passion filled classic Alex solo IMO.   I think his solo in The Garden is now reaching overrated status around these parts.   Not one of his 20 best....not even 30. And I could list them. Easily.   And it does not hold a candle to Mission. Which although slightly shorter is so filled with passion....that solo is awe-inspiring.   So I will let it rest right here. It's not an argument....just an opinion. Hey Todem,   I think we have to establish "Live" or "Album" here.   I agree, the Mission Live is an absolute killer of a solo because its much longer than the album and lets face it, depending on the gig, he changes it up. On HYF though, while great, its short. (Which many are complaining about CA for as well)   I think album to album The Garden has a bit more substance. Live however? The Mission Kills it. (Once the Garden is performed live, we can compare notes on that as well)   All that being said, they are both fantastic.   So its really a win win.

[ReflectedLight]

QUOTE (av450 @ Jun 28 2012, 04:56 PM)

His guitar work on CA shines through his riffs. The opening riff in carnies is the best riff he's done since Ghost of a Chance IMO. 7COG also stands out.

carnies blows away ghost of a chance.

[GeminiRising79]

QUOTE (Gedneil Alpeart @ Jun 28 2012, 01:47 PM)

QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 01:12 PM) QUOTE (Gedneil Alpeart @ Jun 28 2012, 11:57 AM) QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 11:56 AM) QUOTE (Todem @ Jun 28 2012, 11:46 AM) QUOTE (LeaveMyThingAlone @ Jun 28 2012, 12:40 PM) I have seen various threads that kind of criticize Alex's playing, or at least insinuate that it isn't anything special. I'm not guitar player but I don't get it. He solos more than he has in 20 years, number one. He has some classic Big Al Riffs, like Clockwork Angels, Caravan, Seven Cities, and Carnies. And he has his best solo since Cut to the Chase with The Garden. I can't speak to how technical or "hard" it is to play what he plays, but he has always been more about emotion and riffing than technically challenging stuff, and this album I think he shines I have to disagree about the Garden being his best in 20 years since Cut to the Chase. CTTC is not even a better solo than Animate or Leave That Thing Alone on the same album. But it is purely subjective of course. I like Cut to the Chase a lot. But Animate and LTTA and heck even Cold Fire are far more emotive and signature Lifeson.   And I would say The Way The Wind Blows guitar work and solo section is sizzling. And the solo in the Main Monkey Business is an amazing 2001 space oddessy trip!   The Garden is a solo where I thought the first measure..." here we go another epic Alex solo" but to be honest....it missed the mark overall. It feels rushed. It felt like a take and like Alex settled. He can play much better than that.   Limelight Ghost of a Chance Bravado   Those solo's are masterpieces and i would never hold The Garden in those solo's jock.   The Garden is a decent solo, served the song....but that was it. It served what is a fantastic song.   He has much better solo's on CA in Headlong Flight, The title Track and even Caravan than The Garden.   But...it is subject to debate like anything. Freewill.... That's Alex.   Jacobs ladder. Some amazing riffs... That's Alex.   Stuff On CA? Pretty good, but mostly forgettable. WAY to many toys and effects going on.   But...that is a personal preference. I guess age is a factor? Not sure about age. Some may agree but seeing him Live certainly puts to bed any ideas of "Is he too old now". He's amazing live.   I stick with too many effects.   Not talking about physical skills....but different tastes....not feeling the need to be as flashy, acrobatic or inventive as when you are young, but instead, safer, more subdued and more subtle......due to.........you know.....maturity...... Maturity or out of ideas?

[Two0neOneTwo]

QUOTE (GeminiRising79 @ Jun 28 2012, 07:04 PM)

QUOTE (Gedneil Alpeart @ Jun 28 2012, 01:47 PM) QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 01:12 PM) QUOTE (Gedneil Alpeart @ Jun 28 2012, 11:57 AM) QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 11:56 AM) QUOTE (Todem @ Jun 28 2012, 11:46 AM) QUOTE (LeaveMyThingAlone @ Jun 28 2012, 12:40 PM) I have seen various threads that kind of criticize Alex's playing, or at least insinuate that it isn't anything special. I'm not guitar player but I don't get it. He solos more than he has in 20 years, number one. He has some classic Big Al Riffs, like Clockwork Angels, Caravan, Seven Cities, and Carnies. And he has his best solo since Cut to the Chase with The Garden. I can't speak to how technical or "hard" it is to play what he plays, but he has always been more about emotion and riffing than technically challenging stuff, and this album I think he shines I have to disagree about the Garden being his best in 20 years since Cut to the Chase. CTTC is not even a better solo than Animate or Leave That Thing Alone on the same album. But it is purely subjective of course. I like Cut to the Chase a lot. But Animate and LTTA and heck even Cold Fire are far more emotive and signature Lifeson.   And I would say The Way The Wind Blows guitar work and solo section is sizzling. And the solo in the Main Monkey Business is an amazing 2001 space oddessy trip!   The Garden is a solo where I thought the first measure..." here we go another epic Alex solo" but to be honest....it missed the mark overall. It feels rushed. It felt like a take and like Alex settled. He can play much better than that.   Limelight Ghost of a Chance Bravado   Those solo's are masterpieces and i would never hold The Garden in those solo's jock.   The Garden is a decent solo, served the song....but that was it. It served what is a fantastic song.   He has much better solo's on CA in Headlong Flight, The title Track and even Caravan than The Garden.   But...it is subject to debate like anything. Freewill.... That's Alex.   Jacobs ladder. Some amazing riffs... That's Alex.   Stuff On CA? Pretty good, but mostly forgettable. WAY to many toys and effects going on.   But...that is a personal preference. I guess age is a factor? Not sure about age. Some may agree but seeing him Live certainly puts to bed any ideas of "Is he too old now". He's amazing live.   I stick with too many effects.   Not talking about physical skills....but different tastes....not feeling the need to be as flashy, acrobatic or inventive as when you are young, but instead, safer, more subdued and more subtle......due to.........you know.....maturity...... Maturity or out of ideas? Maybe its a bit of all the above. In that case, WOW IS STILL EVER AWESOME!

[They Bow Defeated]

QUOTE (GeminiRising79 @ Jun 28 2012, 07:04 PM)

Maturity or out of ideas?

Troll or d**chebag?

 

 

[CygnusX-1Bk2]

QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 09:56 AM)

QUOTE (Todem @ Jun 28 2012, 11:46 AM) QUOTE (LeaveMyThingAlone @ Jun 28 2012, 12:40 PM) I have seen various threads that kind of criticize Alex's playing, or at least insinuate that it isn't anything special. I'm not guitar player but I don't get it. He solos more than he has in 20 years, number one. He has some classic Big Al Riffs, like Clockwork Angels, Caravan, Seven Cities, and Carnies. And he has his best solo since Cut to the Chase with The Garden. I can't speak to how technical or "hard" it is to play what he plays, but he has always been more about emotion and riffing than technically challenging stuff, and this album I think he shines I have to disagree about the Garden being his best in 20 years since Cut to the Chase. CTTC is not even a better solo than Animate or Leave That Thing Alone on the same album. But it is purely subjective of course. I like Cut to the Chase a lot. But Animate and LTTA and heck even Cold Fire are far more emotive and signature Lifeson.   And I would say The Way The Wind Blows guitar work and solo section is sizzling. And the solo in the Main Monkey Business is an amazing 2001 space oddessy trip!   The Garden is a solo where I thought the first measure..." here we go another epic Alex solo" but to be honest....it missed the mark overall. It feels rushed. It felt like a take and like Alex settled. He can play much better than that.   Limelight Ghost of a Chance Bravado   Those solo's are masterpieces and i would never hold The Garden in those solo's jock.   The Garden is a decent solo, served the song....but that was it. It served what is a fantastic song.   He has much better solo's on CA in Headlong Flight, The title Track and even Caravan than The Garden.   But...it is subject to debate like anything. Freewill.... That's Alex.   Jacobs ladder. Some amazing riffs... That's Alex.   Stuff On CA? Pretty good, but mostly forgettable. WAY to many toys and effects going on.   But...that is a personal preference. Freewill is great. All the solos on that album are. Freewill in particular is a composite from a handful of passes (from what I've read).   Another of my personal favorites is the solo from Camera Eye. A friend of mine who was kind of a blues purist said it reminded him of fighting cats but for me it's an emotional roller coaster. His best solos are lyrical, visceral and a bunch of other *als.   The thing about Alex's playing, especially his solos is the emotion. When he bends notes you feel it. David Gilmour also plays with this kind of quality. This is my biggest issue with the guitar playing on CA. There are so many "tools in his shed" and there are some great guitar textures on the album but there are degrees of detachment and randomness that is not very Alex like. I can say that about all 3 of them this time. It sounds as if there are things that they know they can do well and they are doing them when (generally speaking) previously you can hear when something is a new idea or a revelation or if they are finding out something new. It seems like for CA Alex is most concerned with texture rather than intent and emotion. It sounds like "spit balling" rather than the way they hone everything to a fine edge. This is not to say that the playing isn't good it's just when you know his/their inspired creations as well as some of us do (both as a listener AND a player) you can hear when they are less than inspired and can experience a let down. This is not a criticism as much as it is my emotional response to the material, which is the fundamental goal art: to emotionally impact an audience.

Edited June 29, 2012 by CygnusX-1Bk2

[-D-RocK-]

I've been shredding for 30 years, my lil' ole fingers know their way around the fretboard.

 

I'll go on record by saying CA has some of Alex's finest fretwork ever.

[Two0neOneTwo]

QUOTE (CygnusX-1Bk2 @ Jun 28 2012, 07:23 PM)

QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 09:56 AM) QUOTE (Todem @ Jun 28 2012, 11:46 AM) QUOTE (LeaveMyThingAlone @ Jun 28 2012, 12:40 PM) I have seen various threads that kind of criticize Alex's playing, or at least insinuate that it isn't anything special. I'm not guitar player but I don't get it. He solos more than he has in 20 years, number one. He has some classic Big Al Riffs, like Clockwork Angels, Caravan, Seven Cities, and Carnies. And he has his best solo since Cut to the Chase with The Garden. I can't speak to how technical or "hard" it is to play what he plays, but he has always been more about emotion and riffing than technically challenging stuff, and this album I think he shines I have to disagree about the Garden being his best in 20 years since Cut to the Chase. CTTC is not even a better solo than Animate or Leave That Thing Alone on the same album. But it is purely subjective of course. I like Cut to the Chase a lot. But Animate and LTTA and heck even Cold Fire are far more emotive and signature Lifeson.   And I would say The Way The Wind Blows guitar work and solo section is sizzling. And the solo in the Main Monkey Business is an amazing 2001 space oddessy trip!   The Garden is a solo where I thought the first measure..." here we go another epic Alex solo" but to be honest....it missed the mark overall. It feels rushed. It felt like a take and like Alex settled. He can play much better than that.   Limelight Ghost of a Chance Bravado   Those solo's are masterpieces and i would never hold The Garden in those solo's jock.   The Garden is a decent solo, served the song....but that was it. It served what is a fantastic song.   He has much better solo's on CA in Headlong Flight, The title Track and even Caravan than The Garden.   But...it is subject to debate like anything. Freewill.... That's Alex.   Jacobs ladder. Some amazing riffs... That's Alex.   Stuff On CA? Pretty good, but mostly forgettable. WAY to many toys and effects going on.   But...that is a personal preference. Freewill is great. All the solos on that album are. Freewill in particular is a composite from a handful of passes (from what I've read).   Another of my personal favorites is the solo from Camera Eye. A friend of mine who was kind of a blues purist said it reminded him of fighting cats but for me it's an emotional roller coaster. His best solos are lyrical, visceral and a bunch of other *als.   The thing about Alex's playing, especially his solos is the emotion. When he bends notes you feel it. David Gilmour also plays with this kind of quality. This is my biggest issue with the guitar playing on CA. There are so many "tools in his shed" and there are some great guitar textures on the album but there are degrees of detachment and randomness that is not very Alex like. I can say that about all 3 of them this time. It sounds as if there are things that they know they can do well and they are doing them when (generally speaking) previously you can hear when something is a new idea or a revelation or if they are finding out something new. It seems like for CA Alex is most concerned with texture rather than intent and emotion. It sounds like "spit balling" rather than the way they hone everything to a fine edge. This is not to say that the playing isn't good it's just when you know his/their inspired creations as well as some of us do (both as a listener AND a player) you can hear when they are less than inspired and can experience a let down. This is not a criticism as much as it is my emotional response to the material, which is the fundamental goal art: to emotionally impact an audience. Excellent post CygnusX-1Bk2.   Your right about the way Alex's note bending capabilities really invoke an emotion not many guys can do. Yes, Gilmore is absolutely one of those guys. You really feel it.   I agree with you about the textures as well. Its very nicely done. Only caveat I can think of is that his textures are much too up front the last few releases. In fact, I think the textural playing on CA is one of the reasons for its harshness.   To me textures need to be just that. A backdrop for the main monkey business. There but not overwhelmingly so.   In CA i find it much to obtrusive to the rest of what's happening.   Thats not to say its his fault or playing abilities. I Blame Nick.

Edited June 29, 2012 by Two0neOneTwo

[sammy]

QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 05:06 PM)

Counterparts though has some amazing Alex solos. And sonically was their last truly great production top to bottom. Animate LTTA Cold Fire Everyday Glory Cut To The Chase All are fantastic Alex Lifeson solos. Even Double Agent and Between Sun and Moon have fantastic Alex riffage and solo sections. His rhythm work on CP is also outstanding!!! I would agree that T4E and VT (no solos basically) were ho hum records guitar wise in the that particular department (solo). But Alex really killed it with his guitar work on Snakes and Arrows and again on CA. On Test For Echo he had some crazy good guitar on Totem, the title track and Driven. On VT his fret work on the title track is legendary. Also Ghost Rider has some very intricate playing. Which brings us to CA. I feel Alex went old school 80's on this album for the most part. And I love it.

Hi folks, my first post on here too though I've been a lurker for a while. 43 years old, playing for longer than I can remember, have seen them a few times, and a bit of Rush nut - I even have #27 of his signed Axcess...and am yet to be divorced !

 

In agreement with the above

 

I'm still going through CA, so far I see a lot of great guitar work and while I haven't really picked up my guitar to try and play any part of it so far (unlike let's say Dreamline, first time I heard the Roll the Bones CD, I HAD to learn that solo = there's so many live versions of it which are absolutely brilliant) but at the same time I'm enjoying CA as "work of talented musicians"....

 

I can totally understand if Lifeson wants to work on stuff which sound less intricate - they're a 3 piece band after all and he's had to make Rush sound much bigger - one can't blame him for taking a looser approach having had to nail 20 different things for each song for decades

 

Ultimately reckon that exactly like their albums there will be differences in what guitarists think is Lifeson's best moment - but I can confidently say that he's still a fantastic guitarist and musician

[Two0neOneTwo]

QUOTE (sammy @ Jun 28 2012, 07:38 PM)

QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 05:06 PM) Counterparts though has some amazing Alex solos. And sonically was their last truly great production top to bottom. Animate LTTA Cold Fire Everyday Glory Cut To The Chase All are fantastic Alex Lifeson solos. Even Double Agent and Between Sun and Moon have fantastic Alex riffage and solo sections. His rhythm work on CP is also outstanding!!! I would agree that T4E and VT (no solos basically) were ho hum records guitar wise in the that particular department (solo). But Alex really killed it with his guitar work on Snakes and Arrows and again on CA. On Test For Echo he had some crazy good guitar on Totem, the title track and Driven. On VT his fret work on the title track is legendary. Also Ghost Rider has some very intricate playing. Which brings us to CA. I feel Alex went old school 80's on this album for the most part. And I love it. Hi folks, my first post on here too though I've been a lurker for a while. 43 years old, playing for longer than I can remember, have seen them a few times, and a bit of Rush nut - I even have #27 of his signed Axcess...and am yet to be divorced !   In agreement with the above   I'm still going through CA, so far I see a lot of great guitar work and while I haven't really picked up my guitar to try and play any part of it so far (unlike let's say Dreamline, first time I heard the Roll the Bones CD, I HAD to learn that solo = there's so many live versions of it which are absolutely brilliant) but at the same time I'm enjoying CA as "work of talented musicians"....   I can totally understand if Lifeson wants to work on stuff which sound less intricate - they're a 3 piece band after all and he's had to make Rush sound much bigger - one can't blame him for taking a looser approach having had to nail 20 different things for each song for decades   Ultimately reckon that exactly like their albums there will be differences in what guitarists think is Lifeson's best moment - but I can confidently say that he's still a fantastic guitarist and musician Nice to meet you sammy!   I'm 42 (already been divorced Once) and Re-married.....   Welcome, stick around and have some fun!

[Ancient Ways]

I'm not big on his playing since RTB honestly. He used to play riffs that were much more melodic and used a lot more arpegiatted chords that were really his trademark. His style today is a more modern approach that uses a lot more strumming and dissonance with a lot less places to breath. Not saying it is necessarily bad just different. He still has snippets of his old style here and there but overall it is much different than his earlier work.

[sammy]

QUOTE (Two0neOneTwo @ Jun 28 2012, 05:06 PM)

Nice to meet you sammy! I'm 42 (already been divorced Once) and Re-married..... Welcome, stick around and have some fun!

Thank you very much Sir - and the best of luck with the new chapter in your life