http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Sun, 6 Jul 2008 01:41:18 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/01/27/112314.php#comment-731056 Just saw the July 4th show in Atlantic City. Just a couple comments: I won't comment much on Neil's drumming, other than I find it mechanically sound, but surprisingly lacking in soul. He is a fine technician, but I don't find it expressive. And frankly, for aging artists (everyone gets old), the technical prowess leaves long before the expressiveness does (B.B. King, for example). As for lyrics, I think he's heading into George Carlin territory. What do I mean by that? George was at his best in the 70's, top of his game. As he grew older, he became bitter, openly hostile, and intolerant. He made it no secret what he thought, that he had no hope in humankind or the future in general. He hated politicians, religion, and just about any authority figure. The problem was... he was no longer funny. Anyone who saw a recent concert would remember an old man on stage ranting to an audience who just wanted him to give his "stuff" schtick. Neil's lyrics are growing continually depressing, cynical, and critical. Not in a mature way, mind you, but reflective of a person who has given up hope. From "The Larger Bowl (S&A)": Somethings Can Never Be Changed Some Reasons Will Never Come Clear It's Somehow So Badly Arranged If We're So Much The Same Like I Always Hear Some Are Blessed And Some Are Cursed The Golden One Or Scarred From Birth While Others Only See The Worst Such A Lot Of Pain On The Earth Problem is, he's wrong. "Somethings Can Never be Changed?" Are you kidding? I don't know about Mr. Peart, but there are plenty of people around the world working very hard to put things right -- regardless of their political/religious/philosophical leanings. I'm not calling him to task on that, but for such a smart guy, he's always been short on answers. And recently, short on hope. What happened to the optimism of "Natural Science": The most endangered species --- The honest man Will still survive annihilation Forming a world --- State of integrity Sensitive, open, and strong I've been a big Rush fan for a long time. I used to enjoy Neil's lyrics because they were thought -provoking and literate. Now, as an adult, I feel like he doesn't have much to offer. Frankly, I'm not surprised that a humanist (or, specifically, an objectivist) would be disillusioned by their philosophy as they grew older. I just think it makes for bad lyrics. And I'll chime in on the Free Will discussion. Since when does a faith in God preclude free will? Jews and Christians (and Muslims, I believe) all believe in the Free Will of the individual. If you're going to criticize someone for their beliefs (as Neil has in his blogs and interviews), at least take the time to learn what those beliefs are. 731056@blogcritics.org Sun, 6 Jul 2008 01:41:18 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/01/27/112314.php#comment-728750 Wow, a very long discussion indeed. The tours mentioned have come and passed. I have been a fan of Rush since the late 70's when I was between child and teenager just discovering that there was other things besides tree forts and dirt clod fights in the fields, that of the guitar and music. Now, almost 30 years later, I am still a fan of Rush. I just saw them last month in Reno, NV and while the sound was terrible (IMO these guys sound much better outside than in), the playing was consistent with what I expect. I have rarely been disappointed by their performance but I have to say that the day is approaching when they will have to give it up. I just can't see them continuing on years longer. They've covered much ground and while the "Snakes and Arrows" album is probably the best they've produced since "Counterparts", I do notice the toll being taken on them of being so long in the business. That is life. Everything degrades, including Rush. I would hope that they will call it quits before they become like the Rolling Stones who are a joke IMO. You can spend lavishly to boost the ratings but you cannot fight age. You can not also hide it. Rush still plays well enough for me to enjoy but I can see they are not the band they were in my, or their, youth. Please understand that I speak as a loyal fan with serious respect. They have earned every inch of ground they cover unlike a lot of bands who are brilliant for a short time and then ride that brilliance into anonymity. About the Stones, who goes to their concerts these days expecting great music? I recently heard a version of "Satisfaction" that sounded like shit. It was off their last tour, not too long past, and IMO I think people go to these shows because they grew up with their music or they want to see what it looks like for a bunch of 70 or near 70 year olds trying to pull off a rock concert? I don't want Rush to do that. Do any of you? 728750@blogcritics.org Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:08:04 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/01/27/112314.php#comment-685539 These are wonderful arguments and commentaries. It really made me smile! Thanks guys! Please join your fellow RUSH fans from over 35 nations in the largest RUSH fan group on the planet! 685539@blogcritics.org Sun, 6 Jan 2008 04:03:40 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/01/27/112314.php#comment-685512 RUSH IS PERFECT IN EVERY WAY SHAPE AND FORM. 685512@blogcritics.org Sun, 6 Jan 2008 00:08:11 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/01/27/112314.php#comment-682986 Neil is the man! thats all their is to it. as far as Privitere goes, he is currently in Brainard Project. Saw them last week, they are almost done with their first album. i wouldnt compare him to peart though, styles are different, so is the music! 682986@blogcritics.org Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:19:36 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/01/27/112314.php#comment-612380 Hey guys I am working on a project for my music class and I am analyzing "Working Man" Here is the problem with the release of all the greatest hits cds (Sprit of Radio, Chronicles)is the song ever replayed by Peart ? I am wondering if they ever remastered the song or just kept John Rutsey's version. If there is a diffrence I sure as hell can't tell. Thanks. 612380@blogcritics.org Wed, 18 Jul 2007 22:27:35 EDT