That's weird. Did you ever get it? It should be clear as day when you enter their site. I'm not sure how you ended up back at that little snippet. It does appear, however, that they have been making changes to the site today so it could be that little snippet popped back up during the site changes for a brief moment in time.
Yep, I'm still getting the "to hear a taste of the new single" page. Maybe it has something to do with my browser here at work. I'll try again when I get home.
I heard it and my take on it is.... Not bad. I'm glad they've gotten back to their guitar-playing roots in this song and not relied so much on synth. But... 1) The music just lacks edge. I suspect that the band members are completely sober while writing the music and I just get the impression that the music would be a million times better if they'd get together, do some serious drugs, perform and record a jam session, and then, later, while sober, fine tune the jam session. 2) Lee's vocal ability has greatly diminished. This is to be expected with age. Nonetheless, it is evident in the music. I kinda feel like the potential is still there and that he could easily be back to he vocal range of old if he would undergo vocal training to regain what he has lost.
You read like an old school Rush fan all the way...if you ever really were one. I can't tell...to be honest. I don't feel compelled to answer your points because I don't find much I agree with in the comments, such as "introduce non-sobriety into the process" or "cut off Geddy's nutsack so he can hit the high notes again". LOL ima_drummer2k, apparently rush.com is having problems and the song is no longer up. I was only listening this morning. You can get it from this blog...is my understanding: http://audientfiles.blogspot.com/ .
That did it, thanks! I like the song a lot, but where's the guitar solo? Come on, Alex! Hopefully Rush will tour this year. I've seen them 4 times, but not since 1988. Man, I may actually get to see BOTH bands I worshipped when I was in high school....this year!
Alex has been sort of phasing out guitar solos on a lot of the new stuff...since "Vapor Trails". I think he and the band burned out on them. I hope there are some on this new album, though. He's been doing smaller solos within the context of the song to not take away from the continuity. Also, I believe he mentioned the guitar solo as more of a distraction while the band plays in the background. He likes more of the interweaving play of the band and working in the solo in that context...more of an organic solo in the context of the song...versus a breakaway solo. A good example of that is "Earthshine" on the "Vapor Trails" album. I miss his old solos where he let's loose, though. As far as a tour, you bet your ass there is a tour. A world tour is kicking off early summer.
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You called it. Old-school Rush fan, here. I'd like to see them do a new song with build-up (reminiscent of Witch Hunt, Jacob's Ladder, or Xanadu). Something that mixes up tempos within the song ( Spirit of Radio, Cinderella Man, Freewill)... or a really long song... or an instrumental. This new song, 'Far Cry' isn't a bad song at all. But it just sounds plain. .... just plain.
Okay... right after I posted that, It occurred to me that Far Cry does change tempo within the song. I guess my statement wasn't accurate. ... still sounds plain, though.
How did you bums fare in the Rush pre-sale today? I got 7th row right in front of Alex Lifeson! That's right where I want to be. Sweet!
*bump* Finally listening to this album. It's pretty good. Not exactly Moving Pictures, but it's still a good listen. I really like Far Cry and especially The Main Monkey Business (no lyrics!). Like the 12-string diddy from Alex (Hope) too. Good to hear them moving away from the keyboards and Alex using distortion again. Like I said, not exactly Moving Pictures, but I'm glad I picked it up. Can't wait to see them this summer. Already got my tickets. Haven't seen them live in almost 20 years!
Ima, Thanks for bumping this - Always good to hear new Rush. So how is the production on S&A? Hopefully better than the overly dynamic Vapor Trails.
whoops the album is out? (me plans a trip to BB later) Early rollcall, who in Houston is going? Ill be there in my normal spot (bottom center of the hill)
I love the new album (and not just because it's Rush)! The last several albums before "Vapor Trails" in the 90s were not anywhere near my faves. They all collectively rank at the lower end of my Rush spectrum. "Vapor Trails" is a good album but suffers from poor production. However, none of that here on "S & A". The production is top notch. No real keyboards to speak of except for background effects/transitions. Alex really shines on this album and essentially replaces the keyboards via some guitar layering. The album was written all on acoustic and then transformed to electric guitar. But, there is a heavy use of acoustic...especially on the background guitar tracks. There is a DVD coming out with a 50 minute in-studio "making of" which I look forward to given that we will get first-hand insight into the making of a Rush album and how they go about their business. The themes on this album get into politics and religion. Neil has put in another solid performance on the drums. The three instrumentals on this album all rock IMO. The lyrics are top notch and catchy. The tone on this album is more of an optimistic one so the minor chords which are typical on most Rush albums are noticably absent. This one sounds good and feels good to listen to. I think a lot of old-school fans are coming back and checking this one out. Some are back on the bandwagon. Rush mentioned they had a great time making this album and I think the final product shows that. This is just a great effort. It's going to be weird to see some of these songs performed live. I read that Neil mentioned he is going to be kicking off some guitar layering with his drum triggering...which is new. Their supposed to be playing 7 or 8 of the new songs live and pull some obscure classics out of the closet that haven't been played live before. Ged has gone on record as saying the greatest hits tour was done on the 30th anniversary tour so I expect some of the songs we always expect to be played will be dropped. I've probably heard the new album in the realm of 50 times. I personally feel there isn't a weak song on the album...which is rare for me to say about a Rush album in a very long time. I can't wait to see this one from the 10th row on the floor.
I'm too lazy and poor these days to worry about great seats. I'll just deal with the lawn at Crickett Pavillion in Phoenix. It will probably be 105+ degrees outside when the show kicks off.
