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Post by Doan the Nado on May 4, 2007 13:15:24 GMT -5
Thanks for the info Joey  . |
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Post by Rodak on May 4, 2007 16:36:55 GMT -5
Wow...
Rush!
One of the few Rock bands I ever liked...
BUT...
(Here it comes...)
I thought they reached their peak in 1977 with side 1 of Hemispheres!
Everything after that began their downward spiral in my ears... even side 2!
But Hemispheres is a Masterpiece!!
I stopped following them actively after Geddy took singing lessons.
I LIKED the screech he had before that!
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Post by The Smurf on May 4, 2007 21:26:06 GMT -5
I have to thank my aunt for introducing me to the great Canadian trio of gods late last year. ever since, I've been obsessed with them. There's no song I don't like, and I think I have to agree with Rodak in that their best album was probably Hemispheres. Between the twenty minute long track Cygnus X-1, Book II: Hemispheres that delves into the balance of the human brain between emotion and logic, the racism and discrimination metaphor hit The Trees, and the nine and a half minute instrumental La Villa Strangiato, this album was probably their best work. That's not to say that every album after that or before it wasn't great in its own right, too. Anyway, Snakes & Arrows. I picked it up the day it came out, and it's just awesome. The band still has that ability to adapt with its surroundings and produce music fit for its time. Geddy Lee still has his voice, though its slightly less of a screech, Alex Lifeson continues to amaze with his guitar abilities, and Neil Peart proves yet again to be a master drummer and songwriter. The album opens with the first hit single, Far Cry. This song has one of the best introductions I've heard, with its unpredictable syncopation, with a nice alternative riff following suit. The song scratches the surface of the themes presented within the album, hinting at the concepts of "faith and betrayal" and the ability to "get back on" even when the world's falling in on you. Following is the six and a half minute track Armor and Sword, which changes from heavy to acoustic so fast you don't even notice. This track begins to delve into faith and how we as children don't get the luxury of choosing, we inherit many of our ideals and beliefs from our parents, whether they're good or bad, hence the opening line "the snakes and arrows a child is heir to are enough to leave a thousand cuts". It further makes metaphors about good faith and bad faith, comparing them to armor and sword, respectively. The third track is one of my favorites, Workin' Them Angels. It's a solid song with no real intricate meaning that I've yet to find, but its beat and melody are really catchy. The next song was written long ago, while Neil Peart was spending time in Africa. He decided to try writing in the Pantoum rhyming scheme, which gave rise to the track The Larger Bowl, touching on the fact that chance throws some into the life of luxury while others into the harsh wilderness of third-world countries. The next song is the dark and heavy Spindrift, showing frustration at the world for how chaotic and damaged it has become. The Main Monkey Business follows as a six minute long instrumental, its title originating from a phone conversation Geddy had with his mother: "What kind of monkey business?" "You know, the main monkey business." The Way the Wind Blows goes from dark to light, heavy to soft, at different times, creating a dramatic effect. It explores again what our world has become and how we're reverting back to our more primitive roots. Hope is an acoustic guitar solo that can be interperated as a sort of prayer to gain faith in the world. The next song, Faithless, shows how religion and faith has become corrupt and that the only way to have faith is to "cling to hope" and "believe in love". Bravest Face and Good News First are songs that I haven't quite yet deciphered, but they are very interesting tracks with a consistent sound to the rest of the album.  Malignant Narcissism (codename MalNar) has a funny anecdote behind it. While taking a break from recording, Geddy was fiddling around with a fretless bass, and their producer decided to record. Peart brought out a small drum set and the group recorded this quick instrumental on the spot. It's an interesting listen, at least. The final track is just sick. We Hold On is probably the heaviest song I've ever heard from these guys, with pinch harmonics and everything. It reverts back to the theme of holding on against all odds: "we could be down and gone but we hold on". I can't help but think that this was partially inspired by the tragic events in Peart's life of late (the death of his daughter and wife within about a year and a half or so) in that there was question as to whether or not he would play again, and he came back and recorded two more albums since. It's a fantastic song to end with. Overall, this album is very well put together. If you're intrigued at all by this, I'd suggest you read this, written by Neil Peart, and head over to rush.com for fun stuffs. whew, that was a lot of text. -the smurf |
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Post by Rodak on May 5, 2007 4:29:33 GMT -5
Hey Rush Fans:
Whatever happened to John Rutsey??
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Post by The Smurf on May 5, 2007 19:49:35 GMT -5
From what I understand, John Rutsey was the drummer for the first album, but was unable to deal with Rush's vigorous touring plans, so he departed, and was replaced by Neil Peart.
Some may call this a blessing in disguise, since Peart took over as main songwriter.
-the smurf
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Post by Rodak on May 7, 2007 15:44:00 GMT -5
I was just curious if he did anything after leaving Rush.
That 1st album had a few staples on it that became signature pieces!
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Post by Doan the Nado on May 8, 2007 12:04:04 GMT -5
Because I've been reading this thread, I just ordered the Rush's Hemispheres last night . I'm looking forward to hearing it. |
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Post by Rodak on May 8, 2007 13:03:30 GMT -5
Nifty!
If you want the full story you'll need "A Farewell to Kings" as well.
Hemispheres is Part II of Cygnus X-1 (from that album).
It still stands alone, though (it could hardly be a Masterpiece if it didn't!).
Let us know what you think!
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Post by Joey MURDERFACE! on May 15, 2007 1:47:53 GMT -5
My favorite is still "All The World's A Stage" it has some of their best stuff on it (my opinion of course) I mean I could listen to "By-Tor and the snow dog" over and over again, and "2112" is an epic. It just has of my favorite songs on that album. And I think I am updating this post a wee bit.
I will definitly update it again when the Dream Theater album comes out =D
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