Blogcritics: Comments on Rush For the Slow

Comment by Kansas

Sun, 30 Oct 2005 21:58:15 EST

I'm a 15 year-old kid, so most of y'all will tell me that I've no clue what I'm talking about. However, I was raised on the music of my parents (i.e., 80s pop and classic rock), and when, last year, I finally heard more Rush than just Tom Sawyer and Freewill, I fell in love with the band. I now know why my two uncles both have VERY extensive Rush collections in various places in their houses. I think that the style of Neil Peart, that style of absolute precision, it is so complementary to the rest of the music, and actually is a necessity. If it weren't for the awesome percussion of Neil Peart, Rush would be a fairly average band with a very high-pitched voice bleating out lead vocals. In short, RUSH IS AWESOME!!! THEY ARE MY FAVORITE BAND OFALL TIME!!!

Comment by Paul

Sat, 8 May 2004 20:03:38 EDT

I've been an avid 'Rock' zealot for over 25 years and personally I feel that early '70's to late '80's was the culmination of music when speaking in terms of lyrical and melodious creativity. Far too many of today's so-called "Rock Bands" simply lacks 'what it takes'. In short...we need to rejuvenate the British greats such as...sabbeth, zeppelin, the stones and deep purple etc.

Comment by JohnnyLunchBox

Sat, 13 Mar 2004 10:25:55 EST

It does have a nice ring to it.

Comment by Eric Olsen

Fri, 12 Mar 2004 19:19:10 EST

you got me there - I just like the word "defenestrate"

Comment by JohnnyLunchBox

Fri, 12 Mar 2004 15:27:37 EST

Alex did not defenestrate anyone, fool. Alex was not doing a Gene Simmons impression either.

Comment by Chris Wilson

Thu, 29 Jan 2004 17:04:54 EST

I used to not get Rush until I saw them in concert (around 1981) - and it was quite the kick ass epic. In fact, at that time, most people didn't get Rush. But once they were seen live, people immediately converted. It is difficult to convey just how extraordinary it is to see them in concert. One cannot truly appreciate the merit of Rush until viewing them playing their instruments. The growing reputation of their live concerts was really how they became popular initially. Later, when they began producing pop-friendly tunes, did the masses take notice......

Comment by duane

Thu, 29 Jan 2004 13:34:38 EST

My Dad hates Rush. And Led Zeppelin sends him into a rage. So, there's at least one counterexample, E.

Comment by Eric Olsen

Thu, 29 Jan 2004 09:42:55 EST

So people who don't much like rock like Rush? Hmm

Comment by Chad Woodland

Wed, 28 Jan 2004 23:17:19 EST

I have been a big Rush fan for over 20 years now (gad i've got old). I don't listen to rock much anymore except rush occasionally. new albums or tours which I never miss. There are no musicians in music anymore. No one seems to care how well you play or how far you can take it. I listen to electronic. The baby goes out with the bath so to speak. I couldn't name my favorite Rush album . Like everyone I was VERY angry when they went from Moving Pictures to the synth pop of Signals. Everyone went from loving them to hating them. But I'm glad they changed for had they continued to make the same music they would have long ago broken up. cheers

Comment by Mark Saleski

Wed, 28 Jan 2004 19:24:57 EST

Presto has some great rhythm guitar and other riffage on it. it starts with "Show Don't Tell" and never lets up. ...and i think you will find the smurfyness toned down (don't hit me Tom) ;-)

Comment by Eric Olsen

Wed, 28 Jan 2004 18:46:34 EST

Indeed. Tom, it isn't the highness alone, it's the smurfyness, the munchkin-like tonality. It's a small and constrained voice that is also very high. I don't dislike it, though, usually, unless he's really straining and yelping. I will investigate further and see what Presto is about - I don't have it.

Comment by Tom Johnson

Wed, 28 Jan 2004 18:39:08 EST

Dude, had I more time and energy I'd get all up in your "I'm not sure what all the fuss is about, but they sure don't suck either" comment, but I'll have to let it slide for the moment. ;-) This review is proof, however, that you can "not get" Rush and show some appreciation for the band without resorting to insults. Geddy's voice really isn't that high for the most part - Robert Plant routinely hit higher more frequently in his heyday. I would, however, urge you to invest some time in Presto, a truly beautiful album that is quite different for them. That said, I will still urge people to skip this best-of and find a used copy of the two-disc Chronicles. More comprehensive and digs a little deeper, of course. If you have to have the remasters (and they are worth it,) then the two Retrospective sets that Polygram put out in 1997 are a better bet.