Rush's Neil Peart believes "Writing lyrics is a tremendously demanding form of discipline; it requires precision. I'm not happy with spontaneity musically either".
Neil Peart (the pretty darn amazing drummer of the band Rush) speaks about his process for writing lyrics. Some of Neil's thoughts:…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments76 - jeramie
Please tell me you're kidding. Just read my last message over and over again really slow... hopefully then you'll get it.
77 - Lou
You know RockinJoe, you're right. But then again, why should I care so much about a critics opinion? I like pretty much what I'm going to like with or without the negative feedback of others. I have been a fan of Rush since around 1981 and have seen them in concert numerous times. So the critics can fire away. In the end, it doesn't matter. Rush had critics from the first time they took the stage and will continue to be lambasted by them. But 30 professional years sort of speaks for itself, don't ya think? Most of us will not even see the same job in a 1/3 of that time. Amazing how they have evolved, maybe not to our entire satisfaction, throughout the years to go from such a raw, basic rock sound, through many transformations, back to a basic rock sound again. They have gained and lost fans alike throughout the years for this. They could have played it safe but I doubt they would have gone as far. I like and respect many bands, being a musician myself for 25 years, but none have evoked such admiration as they have. So like I said, fire away critics, use your fancy intellectual propaganda and say what you will, you'll have no influence over me. Never.
78 - Rodney Welch
Maybe, jeramie, you should read your posts slowly before you embarrass yourself by posting them.
79 - Lou
Hey Jeramie, forgot this moron and his "opinion". We know Rush has bested better chunks of unintelligent jibberish than this. Mr. Rodney, what is it that you listen to? I'd like to know even though I can probably hazard a guess. Your blather about the band will not stop them from being entertaining to the fans (millions strong) so put it to rest. There's always got to be a pessimistic bad apple in the crowd, it's purely statistical.
80 - Rodney Welch
If can hazard a guess, maybe you should.
81 - RockinJoe
Let's do some more taunting.
The guys can't play, can't write, can't sing, and are too ugly to look at.
82 - Lou
Cool. Good for you. I will continue to listen to the band and like their music. Taunt away!! It probably makes them laugh while they cash those BIG checks for their hard work and commitment to fans. Say commitment, dedication, hard work? Oh, we are discussing what most current bands lack while they try to sell their schlacky half efforts to this younger generation of consumer cattle. I want to puke when I hear these young bands spit out their drivlish pop oriented "hard" rock. It's also obvious that these younger bands have no notable influences other than schlacky pop oriented crap from other decades, "oh yeah, let's add some crunch from a PRS guitar and a Marshall stack, that'll gives us a hard edge". Rock is dead, been that way for years. It had a semi rising when Seattle was fresh and new but Kurt died and then it, too, died. There hasn't been a whole lot of inspiring music since then. Even Metallica, whom I used to spend many an hour jamming to when I was younger, have gone into oblivion. All that's left, for me, is Rush. They, too, will come to an end. What will be left? A whole lot of Britney Spears fans and some aimless guitar noise in the background.
83 - RockinJoe
Sometimes it's easier than shooting fish in a barrel. It was a fucking joke.
You should've gathered from my previous comment (#72) that I'm a big fan of the group.
84 - Dana
I dont understand you all? Rush has been around a long time and can still pack them in can styx or reo or all the other bands of that time say that i think not not bad for a band that cant get in the rock and roll hall of fame but the rock and roll hall of fame can put a bunch of junk bands in shame on the r&r hall of fame and you!
85 - Lou
My apologies. I had you confused with the moron who called them "androids" and believes their songs are "obnoxious" (what song or songs is being referred to by the way,... Rush, obnoxious??). This will be my final post on the topic as it is only going to go back and forth and I have better things to do than hash it out with some moronic Rush bashing pseudo-intellect. To put it plainly, Rush does not get near the respect they have worked so hard for, and deserve outright. I don't think this has ever really bothered them a whole lot considering they like to keep things on the D/L but still, respect earned is respect due and no snot nosed fleeb is going to sway so much as a hair on my head in the opposite direction. Again, my apologies to you.
Rodney, judging on your choice of criticism and having heard similar remarks from others, I'd say it's a good bet you are into bands like blink182, nickleback, the donnas and other pop "hard" rock (yeah, I'm probably cross referencing a little but all of that crap above sounds the same to me). I bet you drool when the grammy's are on so you can see all of your favorite prostitute / singers who, as we ALL know, are very "talented" and would still sell as many albums WITHOUT the top of their nipples OR their bush practically hanging out. You also probably listen to radio stations that will play one of the above mentioned "hard rock artists" and then throw on m&m, followed by some other hip hop crap followed by some prostitute / singer. I'm sure I'm not far off the mark there rod.
86 - RockinJoe
Hey Lou,
I hear you when it comes to Nickelback. They sound like Metallica doing Pepsi commercials.
87 - Jeramie
Now that's what I'm talkin' about Lou.
88 - j.rok
An amazing "modern rock" drummer: Josh Freese of A Perfect Circle. Forgive me if his name has come up already.
I recently picked up a copy of Rush's tribute to their classic rock faves, and was sorely dissapointed to discover what I expected all along...it was a sterile, forced attempt at "rocking". I am currently, and always will be, a fan of Rush. I have to say, however, that thier musicianship remains legendary.
Cheers!
89 - Nate Crowell
The discussion in this thread reminds me of so many others I've read from Rush mailing lists and USENET groups (I'm dating myself, I know). I've been a hardcore fan since about 1979, and Rush continues to inspire me musically and lyrically. I listen to plenty of other music, including some of the stuff you guys have called "drivel", but Rush remains my anchor.
That being said, I think it's important to point out that Rush draws so much passion from their fans and critics because they care very deeply about doing what they do well and true to their ideals, and they have been consistantly successful at it.
90 - Rodney Welch
Lou -- Thanks for responding. I'm afraid you are mostly wrong. You perhaps have mistaken me for a 15-year-old who drinks Pepsi all day and beats off over Christina Aguilera videos. Actually, I'm rather out of touch -- no pun intended -- with the current music scene. I know Blink 182 and Nickleback only by name; I could not identify any of their songs. My daughter once downloaded a song by The Donnas, although I never listened to it. She once bought me an Eminem record which I confess to liking; I also like Busta Rhymes, The Roots, and Public Enemy. My favorite artists, as I've noted here many times, are old farts: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, the Rolling Stones, Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, Talking Heads, the Sex Pistols, and a lot of the punk/alternative/New wave music of the late 1970s. I also greatly enjoy soul from the Stax and Atlantic labels, and jazz from its early years up to about the late 1960s. I have not sat through a Grammy telecast in years and pay no attention whatsoever to who won; the only awards show of any kind I ever watch is the Oscars. I don't know any prostitutes, so I can't very well have a favorite, although yes, I will stick around for anything that meets this "top of their nipples OR their bush practically hanging out" criteria you mentioned. I do listen to a Hip Hop station, but only when I'm bored by NPR. No doubt, there are Rush fans who share some or all these tastes; we just part company on this particular band.
91 - John
Paul, something everyone here seems to have missed was your comment "listen to me...." Would love to do that, but you did not list your discography. Please do so.
Being a Buckeye, you may know of Michael Harris. He has a rather lengthy discography, mostly in the Progressive rock genre. Two of those works, Distorted Views, and Sketches from the Thought Chamber, were produced by myself. Michael has had some of the best rock/prog/fusion drummers play with him, including Keith Carlock (Steely Dan, Sting), and Modern Drummer's own Mike Haid. As far as a ride cymbal flub being left in a big time recording, I can tell you of a hundred reasons that this can, and does happen every day. Many times, the most "inspired" performance is not the most perfect in execution. Admittedly, we can now make things "perfect" if ProTools is used from start to finsh in the recording process. But that can be very costly, and can take the "human" feel out of a performance. May as well use a drum machine. At any rate, I can sit down and find mistakes all over just about anything you want to put in front of me, but aside from the time I spend in the studio, I would rather listen to the work as a whole, not pick it apart to the Nth degree.
I will say, attaching the word "best", to any musician, is an exercise in futility. Best at what? What most folks really mean, is that a particular musician is my "favorite" drummer, guitarist, etc. (and Neil Peart will always be one of my favorite drummers)
Because his instrumentals are a mix of pure prog, jazz/rock fusion, and metal, Michael generally has multiple drummers play on his recordings, for one basic reason. The "prog" guys usually have a stiff groove, and the "jazz" guys can't always pull off the highly technical prog stuff. Surely there are exceptions to that rule, like Bruford, but they are few and far between. In our camp, Keith Carlock, and Matt Thompson would be considered acceptions...
Neil Peart has injected many styles in his playing, from African drumming, to metal, to swing, and adapted all of these styles into a rock format. I don't think Neil would claim to be a "jazz drummer". But why is that style so sacred that he is not allowed, in your point of view, to learn from it?
For a musician to offer such specific critique of another musician's work as you have here, certainly demands, or opens you to equal scrutiny. I hope you will do all of us the favor of listing your discography here. On my part, I promise to listen with an open mind. The proof is in the puddin, my friend. A couple of good listens, and I will be able to dismiss your words here as pure professional jealousy, or may be calling you to inqure about your availability. I wait with open ears.
92 - jeramie
By the way, does anyone have any idea whatsoever what kind of hat it is that Neil Peart wears nowadays when he plays? I have been trying to find one everywhere but have had no luck.
93 - simon
REF, PAUL, MORRISSEY, COMPLETE JOKER. BEING A "NON" RUSH FAN WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS NUT BAR DOING SPENDING HIS TIME SLATING LEDGENDS !!!! HE IS GUILTY OF A WASTED LIFE, CHEF ELLWOOD IS A HERO OF MILLIONS LONG LIVE RUSH (PAUL, WOULD GIVE ANYTHING 2 HEAR YOUR SUPERNATURAL PLAYING KEEP ME POSTED X)
94 - RockinJoe
I’m a HUGE Rush fan as I’ve noted before, but I have a bone to pick with the band. THEY SOLD OUT by selling a a portion of “Tom Sawyer” to make a fucking Nissan TV commercial. It cheapens the hell out of the song in my opinion. I don’t want to hear the predictable argument from some blindly loyal fan that Rush has the right to do whatever they want with their songs. No shit. That does not make it right. Their signature song has now become just another product. I brought up this argument on another discussion board and not a single person agreed with me. (Some people are simply too caught up in their admiration of this group to criticize them objectively). The plain truth is that they have been exposed as hypocrites, especially Neil. When the lousy, Terry Brown-produced “Working Man” tribute CD came out, the guys in the band were not pleased at all with the effort. (Neither was I). But Neil went as far as saying that the only reason the musicians collaberated with Terry was for the money. That was way before the Nissan ad came on the air.
“Art as expression, not as market campaigns...”
95 - jeramie
hey simon, read Ghost Rider have you?
96 - Amsterdope
Just a general comment:
I think Neil Peart is a very good drummer and a very nice person. I lived near him for around 4 years. For a guy who has experienced wealth, fame, happiness and tragedy, he sure expends his energy constructively.
Anyone that uses their brain and a pen as a way to deal with their personal issues should be commended.
The scores of crybaby celebrities that drown themselves in drugs, booze and sleazy company when times are tough should look to Neil as inspiration.
He gets my full marks, not as a drummer alone, but as a genuine human being.
End of Comment.
97 - Evilwhiteguy
I was a Rush freak in high school, bought every album they had. If John Rutsey had remained the drummer, I sincerely doubt Rush would have experienced the success that they have enjoyed since hiring Peart.
And the "Randian" jab? Duh. Peart read "Anthem" and based the entire first side of "2112" on it, as I recall. In my opinion, that's their signature album, and a damned fine one.
So yeah, Ayn Rand was an influence. Personally, I wish Atlas would shrug, but that's another topic.
And with credits like:
Voted to Modern Drummer Hall of Fame: 1983
Best Rock Drummer: 1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985
Best Multi-Percussionist: 1983,1984,1985,1986
Best Percussion Instrumentalist: 1982
Most Promising New Drummer: 1980
Best All Around: 1986
who can argue with his musical prowess? No one in their right minds, I contend.
And when a band can take the morse code representation of an airport and turn it into one of their best-know songs (no thanks in part to Peart's drum solo on Exit...Stage Left) you have to admire their creativity.
Not to mention Rush's pioneering use of synthesizers. Geddy was using Moogs, the very first synthesizer produced (see one here). Moogs were analog and looked more like a telephone switchboard than what we think of today as a synthesizer.
Ok, enough bloviating on my part. If you don't enjoy Rush, don't listen to them. If you do, then you can obviously appreciate their collective genius.
98 - RockinJoe
I beg to differ with my friend from comment 97 describing 2112 as their signature album. I don’t think they peaked that early. And I don’t think they have a signature album either. They have too many good songs spread out over such a long length of time that to pinpoint one specific period as being dominant is very difficult. I think the best songs released during the T4E/Counterparts period is some of the best work they ever did. It easily surpasses the quality of 2112 in my opinion. I absolutely love to hear Geddy’s voice on 2112 and that’s undoubtedly the best part of that album.(and also one of the greatest vocal performances of all time). The quality of the later songs that I’m alluding to stems from the fact that they have become greater fans of words and singing. The music feeds the lyrics instead of competing with them. The earlier stuff they released was very bombastic and even though I love that type of performance, I’m of the opinion that the music tends to take too much attention away from the words. Plus Neil’s strength as a lyricist is a hell of a lot better now than in the earlier times. To me “Time and Motion” is pure genius. The band seems to have hinted in several interviews that 2112 is but one period in their long career and it shouldn’t be seen as representative of their work in general. I personally feel that 2112 both musically and lyrically is average at best. Except for the vocal work of course which is outstanding.
99 - RockinJoe
I notice a lot of comments on this board take a defensive tone. People get very testy when you attack their "heroes". Don't take Rush too seriously folks. As Geddy himself said in the Rio DVD, "we're musicians- it's not that noble a pursuit!".
All that defensive pride makes you look like you're from Alberta.
100 - Mark Saleski
since i commented (#2) back in january about neil's books, he has published a third.
it's called Travelling Music, and it's about the music he listens to when he goes on road trips.
pretty interesting stuff so far (i'm about halfway through.)
101 - lance silverman
i am just 14 years old but was introduced to rush by my father and over the last year i have become a bigger fan then him. Saying there lyrics are their weekness is absurd. Their lyrics involve a wide range of mood and feeling. If you where do judge a band by their worst lyrics than their would be no goods bands at all. Their lyrics convey a message and if you truly listen no matter how wierd a single bit of a song is in the grand picture of things each verse seemsin place in its context. A great line to me is " he knows changes aren't permanent but change is" i found this to be almost philosphical and really made me think. Geddyy lee is often critizced for his high voice where i enjoy it more than the run of the mill rock singer. I enjoy the uniqueness in their lyrics and in sound.
102 - JohnnyLunchBox
Rodney you are a smug, self-righteous, obviously effeminate, dispenser of arrogant opinions. However, I like you and won't hold your effemininity (wtf???) against you.
However, I can't stand some of your favorite artists such as, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, Talking Heads (maybe sort of ok), the Sex Pistols. They make me want to stick porcupine quills in my ears while biting off my own fingers (difficult to do actually while shoving quills in ears).
I guess if it isn't sappy, nostalgic, and harkening back to a time when it was thought that polluting your brain could save the world, you wouldn't like it. I bet your favorite music magazine is "Rolling Stone". Am I right?
Most hip-hop sucks. "Modern" Jazz blows. And new wave is somewhere between sucking and blowing.
I like Rush and that is my arrogant (and less effeminate)opinion.
I could have just disagreed with you, as you could have also.
103 - RockinJoe
Let's start a new discussion instead of resorting to all this back and forth stuff(I'm guilty of it myself). Tell me what your favorite Rush song is and why.
104 - RockinJoe
C'mon kids, there must be somebody out there who has a fave Rush song.
105 - Jeramie
My favorite Rush song is "Mission" off of "Hold Your Fire", RockinJoe. Excellent message in that song. I encourage everyone who has a dream but has not yet lived it, to listen to this song carefully.
106 - RockinJoe
I think "The Mission" is the best song released during that period, especially the live version. Al does one of the best solos of his career. He had a style that was very lyrical at the time and it worked very well with the melodic feel the group. It sounds like he's singing through his guitar, which makes a lot of sense in a way. I once heard Miles Davis say that all musicians consciously or unconsciously try to imitate that original musical instrument, the human voice. Alex did that extraordinarily well on the live version. Oh, and the lyrics are pretty damn good too.
107 - Tom Johnson
Not to dissuade your conversation here, but these comments generally pertain only to the article, which is why you guys aren't seeing a huge amount of interaction. If you want to hang out with fellow Rush fans, head over to the Rush message board. I'm sure you'll find many like-minded fans (being one, I speak from experience.)
108 - RockinJoe
Thanks dude
109 - jeramie
cool thanks
110 - Dave Ronson
Neil is not trying to become a jazz drummer. He is trying to incorporate something new into his own style, which he had taken to the limit. Rush have always been musical nomads, and Neil is no different.
111 - bobobo
Ok, Lyrics CAN have implied meanings, like the trees, and several others. Maybe that has something to do with the weird lyrics.
112 - Matt Minadeo
This is a very interesting message board. I will add my 2 cents in. Neil Peart is an awesome drummer. We all know this. But he is definitely not "the best drummer of all time" or "the best rock drummer of all time". I'm sure he would admit this too. He's one of the best at Progressive Rock/Fusion/Weird drumming,but to say he's the best of all time is stupid. There have been better drummers than him past and present. Too many Rush fans kiss his ass in my opinion. I like Rush and Peart's drumming too, but I refuse to kiss their ass. They haven't been good since 1983. And just to let people in on a little secret, just because a musician is technically awesome and has alot of technique does not mean their music is good and that they are awesome. You don't have to be a "Bitchin'" player or have tons of chops or be a chops monster to be a good musician or be a good drummer. Here's an example: Dave Holland, one of Judas Priest's many drummers. Dave Holland wasn't a chops master. He didn't have totally awesome technique. He had some chops and he was a pretty good drummer in Trapeze and Judas Priest, but you never hear anyone mention him. There are alot of drummers out there who are not technically awesome but are still pretty good drummers in their own right. Neil Peart is not the be all-end all of drums. And another thing: John Rutsey was a totally underrated drummer. Thanks for letting me post and thank you for letting me give my opinions.
113 - pete
some people get rather defensive about rush. a true rush fan needs not to defend them. and anybody who listens to m&M and says that neil missed a note or something like that is totally dillusional. the reason why u are so critical bout neil is because the only drummer u listen to is off a fucken machine...of course it will never miss a beat. enough though. there are many great drummers, neil just happens to be one of them.
114 - jay
if any of u wanna hear a new and very promising progrock drummer check out the band REIGN. his sense of polyrthyms is much like pearts along with sense of odd time signatures. some people have said he sounds like a jazzy peart and others said he sounds like a rock version of carter bueford. neil is still the man no matter what any one says. he will definatly go downin rock history as one of themost explorative and creative drummers and lyricists.
115 - Paul
Wow...this was all pretty entertaining. Please don't confuse me with the other, narrow minded Paul of posts past. I don't know who that guy is, or really care to, from his comments. I'd put in my two cents worth, but I have three: A few people mentioned Cobain as an "inspiration". Should we be calling suicide prevention hotlines for you? Given the fact that Neil lost his wife and daughter inside of one year and continues to play (FOR HIS FANS...he's obviously got the money folks) speaks volumes. I didn't see him take the quick & easy way out. 30th anniversary tour...hmmm...for a band that sucks, 30 years is a pretty long time. The particular show I went to was sold out. Let's face it, there were plenty of bands out there hailed as "the next best thing" that are today washing cars, and selling bicycles. You should check out the "Where are they now" programs on VH1. You'd be surprised at how many "awesome" bands have fallen into obscurity, barely resurfacing only to be mocked on sitcoms. Music is best appreciated in the eye of the beholder. Ever walked into a CD retailer and seen the overwhelming volume of music that's out there? There's something for everyone, believe me. IMHO, Peart is among the top of a very short list of accomplished musicians. Just listen to what his peers have to say about him. Among the greatest of the great there is nary a negative comment. As admiring amateurs, who are we to argue with the masters? Don't want to take their word for it? Put on one of his solos and play along if you can. Note for note of course. If you were to make one mistake on one ping of a ride cymbal as mentioned before, well, then you suck too, right? A word of advice: If you don't like RUSH or Neil Peart, DON'T BUY THEIR STUFF. Pick up one of the other MILLION cd's out there. I'm sure that any selection from Menudo or Milli- Vanilli would suffice.
116 - Stephen Marinaro
Please understand one thing; RUSH
has been a mainstay for me and countless
numbers of fans for years. Who cares if
Neil plays better than Ringo or Dana Carvey? Why would you even compare? If Neil inspires you lyrically or instrumentally, cherish him for as long as you can, for he is only human
117 - tom
i've heard of reign too. the drummer rocks but he's not a neil. neil is incredible and always will be. all those other drummers have a huge work load in order to comapare with peart
118 - jimbo
privitere from reign i feel has one up on peart. privitere has a different feeling than peart when it comes to fusion.
119 - Mike
You're all right (except for the one arse who hates Rush so much, he came back twice to tell us)!
For those of us that play (any instrument), and have written songs (or just added our skills to one), not have songs that we consider less than others?
In the real world, playin with other people, no matter how similar everyone's tastes are, you have to, at some point, compromise - These are the songs you'll never *really* enjoy playin and that'll be reflected in the composition of your piece and the subsequent playin of.
Rush fans are a rare breed; my initial knee-jerk reaction is always - even today - defensive when they're attacked. There is something precious about the band that evokes this reaction. To be a "good" musician however, one has to be honest too. Not everything *any* of the band members perform is all great... that would be inhuman.
As for "mistakes"? I've yet to hear any of my "hereos" (I'm a bassist "by trade" BTW) play without mistakes... whether studio or live - There is a limit to studio time and there are production and release schedules to fit into... and the more complex the music, the more each of those budgets are tested... again, real world.
As for the jazz thang? Pah! Which of us musicians wouldn't give their left testicle to be coached, even for an hour, by our own personal legends? The deeper you get into music, the more you realise that jazz is unavoidable if you wanna, "get to the bottom of it"... doesn't mean you have to master any of it nor does it mean you start changin the songs or style of music you perform - We're ALL learnin.
... Jazz is jazz, Rush are Rush.
There ain't no musician in the world, past or present, that can ever be "the greatest" - It's all personal, the rest is purely about who has the most vocal fan base.
I will end this by saying that for me, Peart, still influences both my thinkin (Pearts' lyrics - which hugely contributed to my increased grades in English Language at School) and rythmical playin.
Geddy Lee is wholly responsible for giving me the best start in bass playin I could have hoped to have chanced upon and Lifeson instilled a (high) minimum standard of playin that I expect from a guitarist.
... even the construction of their songs taught me a lot and elements of all the above still finds itself in the music I make today... and today I mostly compose dance-type music solely on the computer!
120 - BK
As a long time bass player (and Rush fan) who has many proffesional drummers (rock, r&b, studio, jazz, classical percussion)as friends, I found there's a general consensus on Neil Peart's drumming:
He's the best Neal Peart-with-Rush style drummer on Earth, but a fish out of water anywhere else.
In the extreme, but self-tailored demands of Rush, he is nearly flawless. In other situations (I.E. the Buddy Rich tribute)he is embarrisingly out of place. Regarding the BR tribure: his approach was sadly superficial (imitating Buddy's equipment) and psuedo-intellectual ("getting into Buddy's mind"). I cringed watching him play. I felt so bad for him. He was so stiff (absolutely no swing concept), and amateur. I've heard junior high school kids better adapted to play with a big band. The other drummers at the tribute were diplomatic about his participation, but word about the fiasco traveled well in proffesional circles.
Trust me, envy of Neil Peart's popularity does not motivate these views. Honest self-respecting proffesional musicians don't begrudge anyone their success, and Neil Peart's success is well earned.
Just don't ask him to play on your gig.
(Yeah, I know why would he want to, the point remains unchanged)
121 - Steven
I agree with BK and more so, with Paul(the guy who started a lot of this debate). Neil is over-rated as a drummer. I'm only speaking on a musical level here. He has influenced me as well as thousands of other people in the world, but I have to admit, lately, I am not thrilled by what I hear from him. I was on Rhapsody the other day and checked out the video for "Working Man" off of Rush and Rio. I don't want to nit-pick here, but is ANYONE listening to Neil's drumming on that song-especially during the guitar solo???? It's absolutely horrible and similiar to what BK says, a middle school kid could play more evenly between his hands and feet. Again, I love Neil Peart and he has achieved a lot of impressive artistic goals. However, his popularity will not influence my ability to look at and listen to his work honestly. Why am I even saying all of this? Because it's TRUE!!!
122 - Saradine
Paul (and others)
I hear what you are saying. I hear what you are all saying, but something you guys might want ot think about for a few min:
If you have read Pearts latest book "Ghost Rider" he tells you he is having to relearn his passion for music. He felt crushed and still does to a degree. You have to understand how much he loved his family. That will help you see into his playing now.
Neil, as logical as he is, is a very emotional player. There was nothing that moved him nore than playing the drums, that changed when he lost his family. Just like he is healing his "little baby soul" his music will take some time to come back full circle. Just remember the most important aspect of music is emotion, and when you are numb it is hard to relearn your trade.
Now that his life is getting better his music is coming back...fast. I have seen him in 5 shows since he started touring again and he keeps getting better.
Either way he is just a cool guy and no matter what he does he is still a better man (much less drummer) than most out there.
He is still putting out quality music and it may take him time to rebuild his style, but he may never come all the way back.
And Steven...
"Working Man" was written when Alex and Geddy were in the 11th grade and Neil was not the drummer when it was written. They play it because it is a counter point to where they are at now...30 years later.
Also, you have to remember that Rush is not a non-profit org. They have to make a living and the music they produce takes a cross section of "modern" music and makes it their own. They have always done this it should not be a shock. That is one of the great things about the band, they play the same basic music that is out on the market...just better.
And one other thing I would like to point out is this: of the few bands that have endured 30+ years in the buisness (and make no mistake "endure" is the right word for it) Rush is still putting out good music. It may not be as good as it once was but shit it is still better than almost all of the crap that is coming out now (in rock that is). I mean shit, if you did something for 30 years you would go through a natural progression of ups and downs too, and Rush has had more ups than downs.
And to finish I just have to say that Rush is and always will be my favorite band. Once you reach a certain level of quality it all comes down to taste. Trying to figure out who (or what type of music) is the "best" is completely subjective. For me I can't find a band that "clicks" with me better. "Best" is an impact on your emotions. Take Nirvana, I hate them I think they are about as talented as Helen Keller trying to play NFL football, but there are people out there that love them. That is great! They click with the band and it makes the music that much "more" for them.
I just get bored with the "hes best..no he is not...yes he is...no he is not...and so on. Neil will tell you he is not the best drummer ever, and he will tell you he has lost something since the accidents. But he will also tell you he is a pro and feels that he is good at what he does. I don't think many will disagree. Well the 8 year old foum whores that like to troll and get people riled up by going to a Fan Site and spamming "Your band/view/toy/whatever SUCKS" might disagree but who cares. When I go out to buy a Rush CD it's my money, my time, my opinion...
123 - BK
Paul,
I admit, it's hard knocking a guy who has been through as much and accomplished as much as Neil Peart. The cold truth remains, his attempts at styles outside the self tailored confines of Rush(like the Buddy Rich tribute) are cringe inducing. I'm talking about things he did prior to his personal tragedies.
To those comparing Rush's music to classical work:
Rush is a rock band that can play some technically gymnastic stuff, and they have been ambitous in terms of long pieces involving various "movements". However they barely touch the surface level of the sophistication in legitimate classical music. Rush comes up short on all sorts of fundamental rules of music theory (composition, harmony, counterpoint, etc). "Pop" musicians like Billy Joel, the Beatles, and Bruce Hornsby come a lot closer to achieving the sophistication of classical music than do "Progressive bands" like Rush, or Yes. In short, playing fast classical sounding phrases does not make music classical.
That doesn't mean Rush makes bad music. I still love the band for what they are; Three guys who (naively) follow their hearts with their playing and writing, creating music thats always honest, often thoughtful, entertaining, and powerful.
Classically sophisticated? In strictly technical terms-NO
124 - Obliquai
I think BK makes a valid point -- although it was not the point he was trying to make. "Three guys who (naively) follow their hearts...." As a RUSH fan (since Fly By Night), I think their "naivity" is what sets them apart. For some, songs like Freewill will sound obnoxious, while for others, it's the anthem of their (our?) lives -- they (we?) recognize something in the lyrics or the music that grasps our very soul. My soul has experienced all the ups and downs of RUSH's ups and downs. When Signals came out, I refused to buy it at first (Where did they hide the guitars?!? Did they neglect to invite Alex to the recording sessions?!?). Now it's one of my favourites.
Yes, RUSH have some bad songs. As a songwriter myself, I have a lot of bad songs. Who cares? If I expected perfection from musicians, I'd be expecting them to be less (no, not more) than human. It's the humanity that makes the music special. And to listen to RUSH is to listen to three very human individuals who have a love for their music and their instruments.
And that's all I have to say about that.... except that perhaps my favourite RUSH song brought tears to my eyes -- Manhattan Project.
125 - BK
Obliquai,
My points were as I intended. I said I loved Rush for what they are, I parenthesized (naively) as an emphasis. Rush's honest naivety IS what drives the their quirky, unique style. Above any of their other qualities, that is what maintains a place in my heart for Rush.
(boy, I was tempted to use the word CLOSER- - - - OOPS!)