Clockwork Angels: Any opinion
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
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URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=87528
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Topic: Clockwork Angels: Any opinion
Posted By: geneyesontle
Subject: Clockwork Angels: Any opinion
Date Posted: June 11 2012 at 16:56
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I know that in my country, it hasn't been released yet. It will be released tomorrow but I know some people on Progarchives that listened to this record because it was already out. A person that had listened to Clockwork angels is called a lucky fan. But, I have some questions for you: Do you like Clockwork Angels ? If you like: Do you think it is one of the best Rush albums (or the best) ? If you dislike: Do you think it is one of the worst Rush albums ? ------------- Poseidon wants to Acquire the Taste of the Fragile Lamb - Derek Adrian Gabriel Anderson, singer of the band Geneyesontle |
Replies:
Posted By: Textbook
Date Posted: June 11 2012 at 17:11
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It is a solid album, probably 3.5 stars, fans will round that up to 4 I think. It's a little better than Snakes And Ladders which was itself something of a recovery after the "wilderness years" of Test For Echo and Vapor Trails.
Edit: Snakes & ARROWS, dammit. Ever since that record came out I've had trouble not calling it Snakes And Ladders.
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Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: June 11 2012 at 17:30
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I'm sure you know, but it's all on YouTube. I've restrained myself not to listen though, seeing i'll be buying it tomorrow too. ------------- Crushed like a rose in the riverflow. |
Posted By: FromAbove
Date Posted: June 11 2012 at 17:53
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^Yeah. I think that was courtesy of Australia. I haven't listened to it at all except for Headlong Flight throughly. I liked that track, so I'm expecting even more, but that was one of the longest tracks on the album. Don't know if I'll buy it tomorrow. Until then, I won't believe any opinion/review on it until a week after tomorrow. I think there needs to be a period of wait after a release before I believe that there has been enough consensus. |
Posted By: colorofmoney91
Date Posted: June 11 2012 at 18:47
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I thought it was very underwhelming when compared to Snakes and Arrows, but I'm not really a diehard Rush fan. The musicianship is great as always, but the compositions seemed really uninspired and boring.
------------- http://hanashukketsu.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow - Hanashukketsu |
Posted By: A Person
Date Posted: June 11 2012 at 19:30
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colorofmoney91 wrote:Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: June 11 2012 at 20:50
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Have you heard the entire album? Or just the singles? ------------- Crushed like a rose in the riverflow. |
Posted By: Ambient Hurricanes
Date Posted: June 11 2012 at 20:58
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I had heard about the album leaking, but I'm waiting to listen until I buy it tomorrow. Based on the three singles and the reviews so far, I'm keeping my expectations modest. ------------- I love dogs, I've always loved dogs |
Posted By: crimson87
Date Posted: June 11 2012 at 21:33
| I have heard it and is a solid record. No filler and the title track is great. 4 star material for me. |
Posted By: Fox On The Rocks
Date Posted: June 11 2012 at 21:39
Wow, time goes by so fast, tomorrows already the release date for the album I've been anticipating for a while now. I hope it lives up to it's hype.  My favourite out of the 3 singles released is probably the first one, Caravan, which is hard to believe it was released 2 years ago.  ------------- 
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Posted By: geneyesontle
Date Posted: June 12 2012 at 17:24
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Finally released, I cannot wait to listen to this record. ------------- Poseidon wants to Acquire the Taste of the Fragile Lamb - Derek Adrian Gabriel Anderson, singer of the band Geneyesontle |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: June 12 2012 at 17:57
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4.5 stars for me easily.......I have a tough time giving any band 5 stars. All in all its probably the best album of the past 2 yrs, based on everything behind it.
Certainly in my top 5 Rush albums.
I have been listening to it since Sunday afternoon. -------------   
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Posted By: HolyMoly
Date Posted: June 12 2012 at 18:16
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I like how a few of the songs have a long instrumental intro before the main theme comes in. I also think the overriding story/theme helps the album along, giving it some added drama that hasn't been on one of their albums in a while. On the negative side, I still get a little bored after 3 songs. The mix is a tad monotonous. But that's been true for practically every Rush album I've heard in the past 20 years. For me, anyway. This one's definitely the best one I've heard since the 80s. ------------- My other avatar is a Porsche It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased. -Kehlog Albran |
Posted By: dtguitarfan
Date Posted: June 12 2012 at 18:19
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Eh...I haven't really fallen love with it...yet, at least. ------------- http://tinyurl.com/cy43zzh" rel="nofollow - My 2012 List 
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Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: June 12 2012 at 18:24
| Just downloaded it - will listen on the way to work tomorrow. |
Posted By: infocat
Date Posted: June 12 2012 at 20:51
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Just put it on for the first time. Only two songs in, but I am liking it. Very catchy. ------------- -- Frank Swarbrick Belief is not Truth. |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: June 12 2012 at 21:25
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A Masterpiece that grows on you after a few listens. Best thing they have down for years. It will appeal to many and others will want to go back to discussing Moving Pictures and A Farewell to Kings. Those days are over but Rush have released something that is an affectionate look back while maintaining a modern approach that will gain new Rush fans and please old ones. No further comment necessary. ------------- 
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Posted By: Textbook
Date Posted: June 12 2012 at 22:09
| The album is more "heart" than "brain" which isn't characteristic of Rush but not necessarily a bad thing. |
Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: June 12 2012 at 22:14
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I don't like the production. It's sloppy and muddled. Geddy's vocals have improved a lot since S&A. The Garden Clockwork Angels Caravan Carnies Those are my favorites. ------------- Crushed like a rose in the riverflow. |
Posted By: akaBona
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 04:47
| haven't heard it yet, but next time I go record shop I'll get it! |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 10:46
I agree Geddy's vocals are pretty good to excellent on this new one, the title track is killer for sure.
I don't get the production comment though. I think the sound is pretty damn good for a RoadRunner record....I have only listened on my main system which is pretty damn revealing and I don't hear sloppy, muddled or the like. The bass is heavy but I expect that since they have gone back to guitar, bass, drums as their main sound. And in the magazine, producer Nick R even made them bring back the bass peddles.
I have not received my vinyl version yet, so maybe there will be a different sound, I'll see.
Maybe people need to be specific in how they are listening to this CD (or digital download, which might be the problem) system wise.
It is certainly not a Steven Wilson production......but it sounds pretty amazing to me. -------------
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Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 13:29
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Another 5* review with no discussion of the music, lyrics, or actual album at all. How embarrassing.. ------------- Crushed like a rose in the riverflow. |
Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 13:37
It's the same with all new releases by such bands. It will, once we get a few more collaborator reviews, probably settle down, and at the end of the year, you will get a more representative average rating for it. Having said that, I haven't got it yet. I will wait until pay day at the end of the month. I have to say, though, that the tracks which Planet Rock on radio here have been pushing don't sound all that special to me. Perhaps it's a grower, I don't know yet. ------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 13:39
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^I wasn't blown away on first listen. I wish there was more space for songs to breathe. It's a bit relentless. More like Vapor Trails than Snakes and Arrows. Maybe it will grow on me. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 13:41
Not always a bad thing, though. Some of my favourite albums I disliked on the first couple of listens. Others which I thought, wow, become rather mediocre with more listens. This is why I never review after one or two listens, because most of the stuff here needs listening to at least a few times before you get a proper feel and appreciation. ------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
Posted By: ole-the-first
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 13:47
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Clockwork Angels is the best thing Rush did since Counterparts. Excellent melodies, real heavy rock drive and great production.
------------- This night wounds time. |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 15:04
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Having heard and seen the 2 songs performed live the past 2 yrs, those make more sense to me now. The whole storyline to me is very interesting. There are just wayyy too many albums out now which simply are not interesting at all. Albums like CA at least give you something to ponder.....It may not be as deep as say CTTE, TAAB or The Lamb, but it is different.....and that's what I like.
What has been very good are all the band interviews published that discuss the songs and meanings, lyrics don't always do a good job of that.
Even Neil Peart mentions that in one interview in the magazine, something like lyrics are not that important if you can hear the band has done a good job on the others, meaning music. I got the impression he is not all that concerned with them since his thoughts will be interpreted so differently by all...but him.
I am still listening and trying to understand a lot of it, it certainly is a change from the past few albums.....which to me is good. I always accept music for what it is....entertainment...and I am very entertained by this album.
It is in my top 5
1) Hemispheres
2) Moving Pictures
3) Clockwork Angels
4) A Farewell to Kings
5) 2112
** Of course subject to change at any moment  -------------
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Posted By: darkshade
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 15:21
That does NOT get me excited.  ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/MysticBoogy" rel="nofollow - My Last.fm 
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Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 15:42
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I think Counterparts and Snakes and Arrows are better than CA. :\
Caravan, The Garden, and Clockwork Angels are career peaks though. ------------- Crushed like a rose in the riverflow. |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 16:03
| I downloaded and had my first listen tonight. Its very much what you would expect.Rush are just a very professional and consistent band but nothing they now do is remotely inspired. Doesn't stop me wanting to listen to them though. As a heavy rock album I would rate it 4-5 stars. As a prog album its about 2-3 stars. |
Posted By: Bonnek
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 16:14
Exactly this (except for the diehard fan part) |
Posted By: Ambient Hurricanes
Date Posted: June 13 2012 at 18:38
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Only my first listen, so I'll need time to let it sink in, but I don't get the hype about it being a masterpiece, or in their top five albums, or anything. It's good, as is usual for Rush. The only track I would really call "prog" is the title track (not as if that's a bad thing, I don't see this as a return to their progressive composition days, though). ------------- I love dogs, I've always loved dogs |
Posted By: Zombywoof
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 01:50
I like it a lot. Its certainly the best Rush record since "Counterparts". I wouldn't call it one of my favorites, but I've been listening to Rush for a long time. Only after a few listens and time to sink in will I be able to tell you my opinion of its place in Rush's extended career. I do think it has a chance to be 'one of my favorites'. I also hope to catch their gig in Pittsburgh so that will undoubtedly shape my opinion on the record.  ------------- Continue the prog discussion here: http://zombyprog.proboards.com/index.cgi ... |
Posted By: JS19
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 02:20
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Definitely the best since Counterparts, Headlong Flight, Seven Cities Of Gold, The Garden, Caravan and The Anarchist are brilliant, but some poor tracks like The Wreckers and Wish Them Well drag it down a bit. Still non of them are as bad as the bad tracks from Snakes And Arrows. (Good News First... Ew) Solid 4 stars from me at the moment, but I don't really like the production as well, it sounds really muddy in the busiest sections. ------------- 
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Posted By: Queen By-Tor
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 02:40
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It's an amazing album, IMO. And that's all there is to say.
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Posted By: smartpatrol
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 02:44
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I did a review that pretty much says everything. Although I rated it 4/5, but really it's a 3.5 (or 7/10). Why does JA get .5s and we don't? ------------- http://bit.ly/1kqTR8y" rel="nofollow">  The greatest record label of all time! |
Posted By: Queen By-Tor
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 02:48
Because it's newer and easier to do there without pissing off hundreds who never visit the site anymore anyways 
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Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 09:31
| My first impression wasn't very positive, but I'll try and give it some time. |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 09:35
Two listens now. Don't think I like it that much ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: darkshade
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 09:38
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^ uh-oh
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/MysticBoogy" rel="nofollow - My Last.fm
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Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 10:28
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Not everyone likes everything......its certainly OK. Its still a 4.5 for me........Caravan, BU2B, CA, Anarchist, Carnies, The Garden......brilliant songs.
The other songs I get due to the storyline but not my favs, but I don't feel the need to skip thru anything.
I don't think I want a return to Hemispheres or 2112 or AFTK......I can listen to those albums if I need, they do exist. -------------
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Posted By: The Neck Romancer
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 11:19
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If it hadn't been released under the name Rush, nobody would have cared about it much. ------------- 
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Posted By: geneyesontle
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 12:31
I agree, but it is good Rush. The best song is the title track. Other highlights: Caravan, The Anarchist, Seven Cities of Gold, Headlong Fight (for the riff, not the whole song), The Garden. Lows: The Wreckers, BU2B2, Wish Them Well, but still good songs. Average rating: 4 stars Concept: 5 sars Musicianship: 4.5 stars Geddy's voice: 3 stars Songwriting: 4 stars ------------- Poseidon wants to Acquire the Taste of the Fragile Lamb - Derek Adrian Gabriel Anderson, singer of the band Geneyesontle |
Posted By: Zombywoof
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 13:22
Okay, got tickets. Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh PA .... 
------------- Continue the prog discussion here: http://zombyprog.proboards.com/index.cgi ... |
Posted By: LinusW
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 13:24
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Rather enjoyed my first listen to it.
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/LinusW88" rel="nofollow - Blargh |
Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 14:03
No way. Concept: 3.5 Musicianship: 3.5 Geddy: 3 Songwriting: 3.5 Haha
------------- Crushed like a rose in the riverflow. |
Posted By: MillsLayne
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 21:23
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I've listened to it a couple of times and while I love the album as a whole, most of the songs are fairly generic. The songs that stand out the most (those being my favorite) are Caravan, Clockwork Angels, The Anarchist, Halo Effect and The Garden. Not really any bad songs, just a tad generic in spots.
------------- http://gamercards.exophase.com/xbox/user/MillsLayne/" rel="nofollow">  ht |
Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 21:28
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A clear step down from Snakes and Arrows. It's basically Vapor Trails with a slightly better mastering job. The songs don't breathe and there's no soul. ------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want! |
Posted By: geneyesontle
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 21:32
Me too, at the Bell Center, Montreal Quebec... ------------- Poseidon wants to Acquire the Taste of the Fragile Lamb - Derek Adrian Gabriel Anderson, singer of the band Geneyesontle |
Posted By: Ambient Hurricanes
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 21:53
I wish. ------------- I love dogs, I've always loved dogs |
Posted By: zachfive
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 22:09
| Not as good as S&A imo, the vocals on the majority of the songs are too similar, with exceptions here or there. My least favorite track is the title track, which everyone seems to enjoy, but to me it sounds to generic. I do agree with others that the singles fit well within the album, and when heard out of context they may seem a bit misunderstood. If i had to describe the album using past Rush albums as reference... I'd say its equal parts Vapor Trails/Test For Echo/Counterparts. Not a bad album at all, but definitely in my bottom 5 Rush albums, which too me are still very listenable, enjoyable pieces of music. But then again my favorite Rush album (HYF) is probably in peoples bottom 5... |
Posted By: manofmystery
Date Posted: June 14 2012 at 23:12
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It sounds a lot like Rush.... I like Rush -------------  Time always wins. |
Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: June 15 2012 at 00:49
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Good album, very good even. History, probably old for some. I first discovered PA when looking for reviews of S&A. I had never been a huge Rush fan, but I'd kinda sorta followed them through the years, as in since 1979. So I just wondered what S&A was like. I need to go back and listen. S&A is a pretty strong album. ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: June 15 2012 at 08:05
Yeah, there's just nothing I can get excited about on this record. Shame, I really wanted to. |
Posted By: Meddle71
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 03:48
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Well, I like Rush, and this is a good Rush album, so I like it. I think I just get left with a good impression though because the album ends with "The Garden", which is one of the better new songs I've heard in a while. I will agree that some of it gets a little generic though. 4/5, rounded up. ------------- And everything under the sun is in tune But the sun is eclipsed by the moon |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 05:19
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Starting to like it more now. Some of it is a little dull but I for one like Wish Them Well. So, tracks I like. Caravan The Anarchist Seven Cities Wish Them Well Headlong Flight
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: rdtprog
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 05:36
| It's a good 40 minutes cd, the rest don't grab me. They should have done more songs in the style of "The Garden". |
Posted By: wjohnd
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 06:32
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Funny how different racks are appealing to different people. Caravan and BU2B didn't click with me at all when they were first released but sound much better in the context of the album. I agree that Geddy's voice is just a bit monotone in places, for example on the otherwise excellent Headlong Flight, but I've managed to get past that and enjoy the balls out rock that it settles in to. For me this is the best of their recent albums and while some may prefer VT or S&A I think we can all agree that it's a darned site better than Test For Echo if only because there is no Dog Years on it ;-) ------------- 
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Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 06:38
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I've always been a fan of Test For Echo. And Dog Years too. So I cannot agree. I am not one of the "we" ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: wjohnd
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 06:55
 -------------
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Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 06:58
I'm glad you smile at that. Don't know why you do. But I'm glad. I think. Have a smile back. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 07:25
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Listened to it maybe three times and it is still growing on me.
Definitely the one I like best out of their past ten years recordings. Hats off for them! |
Posted By: wjohnd
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 17:32
My original comment was intended as a bit of light hearted banter.... having seen Dog Years defended in an earlier post hence the smiley -------------
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Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 17:47
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Clockwork Angels has gotten a bit better since it's purchase. Though it's still low on my list, i just think everything it has on the album has been done better by them on VT, S&A, and Counterparts. ------------- Crushed like a rose in the riverflow. |
Posted By: FunkyM
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 20:25
1. Yes, I like Clockwork Angels quite a bit. 2. It's in contention for the top spot for their second-tier albums. I see it as being close to Counterpoints in terms of quality and I see Counterpoints' (as of this post) 3.83 rating as being pretty accurate. I suppose right now I'd probably give CA top slot between the two. 3. Definitely not one of their worst, IMO. |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: June 17 2012 at 22:50
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I've had a lot of extra listining time this weekend.......The Anarchist is one of my favs now. Still The Garden is close to the top. Caravan, BU2B, title track and even Wish Them Well are really done well.
Its still a PA 4.5 for me.......I also read, for those that care about lists, it should chart #2 on Billboard this week behind Usher (isn't that a job at a theater?), due to the girly teenybop factor.
Usher will sell 120,000 copies.......Rush about 90,000 is the forecast.
Its an excellent album by the boys, no doubt. -------------
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Posted By: Jim Garten
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 03:03
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2 listens in at the moment & I like it a lot - IMHO way better than Snakes & Arrows (I dunno, it just sounds more Rush if that makes any sense); the guys do sound more energised & enthusiastic, and it is nice to hear the bass pedals back.
If there is a downside so far, it's probably the same one & had with S&A in that I'm not keen on the production. Roll on London O2 in May 2013 ------------- 
Jon Lord 1941 - 2012 |
Posted By: Textbook
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 04:38
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It's made number #4 on the RYM chart but who knows if it'll stay there. I could see this being a bubble of fan boy enthusiasm which will soon pop, but I could also the album sticking around there as people continue to listen to and like it. When are the sales out?
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Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 05:24
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Like to see more video promo clips come out in the same vein as Headlong Flight... -------------
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Posted By: Textbook
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 06:24
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Good news! Rush are set to *better* the chart showing of Snakes And Arrows by securing a #2 spot on the Billboard top 100! What other active prog act could even dream of doing that? Bad news! They're not #1. Well, realistically, who thought they'd defeat Usher.
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Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 11:06
I only became a fan through Test For Echo ,Roll The Bones and Counterparts. All excellent albums. I had got fed up with them during the eighties when the music had got very 'techno' (although I have now gone back and re-evaluated those albums) but it was their trio of nineties albums that got me interested in them again.
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Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 11:27
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Its good to see Counterparts getting a lot of respect here - i thought it was just me but so many love this album. The new album too is really a great come back by Rush in their golden years (they are aged in the 60s now) -------------
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Posted By: geneyesontle
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 11:40
They are in their very late 50s now. Neil will be sixty years old in September ------------- Poseidon wants to Acquire the Taste of the Fragile Lamb - Derek Adrian Gabriel Anderson, singer of the band Geneyesontle |
Posted By: MillsLayne
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 11:55
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I've listened to this album more since I last posted in this thread and it's definitely growing on me even more. The songs are starting to stand apart from one another as I get more familiar with them. I've also been listening to S&A more, and I've come to the conclusion that while CA is great, nothing on the new album beats one song on S&A. And that's Armor And Sword.
------------- http://gamercards.exophase.com/xbox/user/MillsLayne/" rel="nofollow"> ht |
Posted By: geneyesontle
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 15:56
I HATE USHER!!! It seems that we're now in a world where every artist that has talent will not have success and ever Pop c**p artist who dosen't have talent will have success. ------------- Poseidon wants to Acquire the Taste of the Fragile Lamb - Derek Adrian Gabriel Anderson, singer of the band Geneyesontle |
Posted By: Textbook
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 17:37
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Catcher/Geneyes: I venture to suggest that you do not know what you are talking about. Usher is not One Direction. He is a 33 yo R&B giant who has been at the forefront of the genre since his second album in 1997. He can sing, he can write, he can dance, he can put a catchy song together. He is also a philanthropist who works against AIDS and has helped to rebuild New Orleans out of frustration of the government's continued failure to do so. There is nothing shameful or ridiculous about him outselling Rush. |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 17:48
Not sure why I am included in this quote.....I don't think I mentioned any dislike of Usher, only a jib at his name, not even sure if that is his legal name. I have seen him perform on award shows, I have a deep R&B background, old school R&B and I do think he sings well. I don't own anything by him to comment on his writing.
Nor do I care if he outsells Rush or any other artist for that matter......he will be #1 due to the female crowd, I think that goes without saying.......who cares.
Many, many artists have helped New Orleans rebuild, even Rush did sponsoring a house build as well as donating. My wife is from New Orleans so we have direct affect of what that storm did and who helped....I'm glad he helped.
But has nothing to do with the topic...
I never tell people they don't know what they are talking about, unless I am 100% sure they don't know what they are talking about.....your venture was down the wrong road. -------------
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Posted By: Textbook
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 17:52
| Well you said Usher's success was down to the "teenybop" factor. These days he's about as teenybop as Rush. Seemed clueless to me. 14 year old girls ain't buying records by 33 year old dudes called Looking For Myself. |
Posted By: geneyesontle
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 20:12
He can sing, he can write, he can dance very well, he can be very kind. But, he is writing the same song over and over again. And he is behind Justin Bieber.  ------------- Poseidon wants to Acquire the Taste of the Fragile Lamb - Derek Adrian Gabriel Anderson, singer of the band Geneyesontle |
Posted By: Textbook
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 23:02
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Justin Bieber isn't a musician, it's a marketing ploy. It doesn't even belong in a discussion about music. As for Usher making the same song over and over again, he continues to try new styles: I'm not saying he's amazing or anything, I'm just saying it's wrong to lump him in with jokes like The Jonas Brothers. Anyway, back on topic, still looking forward to the Rush/Usher team-up, Rusher. |
Posted By: zachfive
Date Posted: June 18 2012 at 23:31
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Like many others I posted how I wasn't "feeling" this album, well 2 days later and it is begging to grow on me. One thing I really enjoy is that throughout the whole album you get glimpses of their past albums. I'll be saying this part sounds like GUP or this other part has that T4E sounds, or that this song could be on Roll the Bones. The latest one that comes to mind is a part in the eponymous track that sounds like a portion of The Twilight Zone... Also, the whole album being a concept really helps solidify its sound. At first I was complaining that most of the songs sound to similar, but now I feel the cohesion and the all around sound they were trying to convey. I still do not think it is as good as S&A or VT, but it is Rush doing what they do best, and man oh man do I love this F-ing band.
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Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: June 19 2012 at 11:06
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Zune Top 100 Albums/Rock/Classic Rock (Zune genre categories are weird sometimes)
1. Rush - Clockwork Angels -------------
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Posted By: kittylovesprog
Date Posted: June 20 2012 at 15:12
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Okay, I've only listened to the album through once so this is a first impression. I'll probably post another review after a few more listens. I guess I had some expectations for this album. It's good, but I'm not floored by it in any way. It would be difficult for me to even call this album progressive in my book, especially compared to things that I've heard in the past from Rush. Now there are definitely some great moments and I got a brief amount of excitement from the song The Anarchist, which is probably one of the best things I've heard from the band in awhile. However, I feel like the sound is just an extension of S&A. I don't really think there was a clear vision musically for this album. I like it when music is built to specifically fit the concept that the lyrics are trying to get across. This album has a clear concept lyrically, but I don't think the band made any experimental adjustments in both the composing and tonality of the songs to really distinguish any one thing from another. It was just a muddled muck of over driven layered guitar and driving bass. I really feel like a song doesn't necessarily have to have a "loud" sound to really make it feel like it's flooring. I just like some variation. In this sense, even an album like Abbey Road by The Beatles, which isn't even considered to be progressive, does a better job. Although themes in songs are repeated in that album, each song at least has a truly distinct feel to it, and I like that. I am by no means a Beatles fan, but I thought it would make a good rate of comparison for the point I'm trying to convey. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of good themes in CA, but in the past Rush would start a song, build up to a good theme, regress to a melodic verse, and then build up to an even better theme. I feel as if in CA, Rush builds up to a good theme rather quickly, but then fails to really introduce anything more exciting later in the song or any movements in dynamics and tone. Now I can see myself easily being able to get hooked on some of these themes in time, however I wish there was well, ....more. Each song sounds like a jam session that they recorded, and decided was decent, so then they turn whatever the hooking concept was into a song and then tack on an easy to sing, yet not really flooring melody for Ged's limited vocal range on top. This wouldn't be such a problem if Rush had a little bit more discretion over what each song was supposed to sound like. Now the lyrics have a nice amount of depth to them, especially in certain songs yet I also feel as if Neil's atheism and organized religion bashing lyrics are turning into a bit of a recycled theme here. Anyways, comparing this album to other Rush and prog albums I'd say it's probably only a 3.5, and that's being fairly generous. I'll listen to it again and repetitively to see if I have a change of heart, but I don't think it's going to happen.
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Posted By: rdtprog
Date Posted: June 20 2012 at 15:28
I agree with those comments, but i want to add that they did a good progressive song at the end with "The Garden". Did they take time to work on this one more than all the others, or did they have a sudden spark of genius? |
Posted By: Gerinski
Date Posted: June 20 2012 at 16:59
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Just heard the whole album for the first time.
As a first impression, it's really impressive that the guys at their age still have this energy and punch, it really rocks, it has great riffs by Alex, Geddy's bass provides a great base and Neil's drumming is as good as ever. And the production is great.
However I must say that I have trouble telling these songs from any others from their recent catalog. Maybe it's because I'm getting older bur since Test For Echo I find the songs nice to listen to but quite undistinguishable, impersonal and far from memorable, I enjoy the listen but I find it hard to tell whether I'm listening to T4E, Vapour Trails, Snakes & Arrows or Clowkork Angels, and I surely don't feel the "waw" factor.
This is a first impression tough, I need to give it more spins. And in any case don't get me wrong, I still love this music, it's just that I don't find it outstanding in any way compared to what they have already done recently.
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Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: June 20 2012 at 17:37
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^ This is a common feeling with a band that has as large a catalog as Rush does. They have been lumped into this type of categorization...70's, 80's, 90's, 00's. We pretty much remember what we heard the last time their "new" album came out.
Last night I listened to Caress of Steel and Fly By Night.....Then listened to Side 4 (vinyl version) and it really sounded just brilliant to me.....especially to end with The Garden, which could have ended on Caress of Steel also. -------------
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Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: June 20 2012 at 20:50
| I think Jim said it: it sounds more Rush. And maybe your views will be coloured by whether that's what you wanted to hear. S&A was a little different, less fury and energy but more heart imo. This is so far another Rush album that I can't really complain about but probably won't get into in a big way. |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: June 21 2012 at 00:54
| On about my 3-4th listen and its all a bit 'ho hum'. I've stopped it a couple of times before getting to the end because I've just not been bothered to listen further.A bit sad really. A band that is now running on fumes only I fear. |
Posted By: Jim Garten
Date Posted: June 21 2012 at 02:36
I think the litmus test will be how the songs translate live; I wasn't a big fan of S&A when it first came out, but the songs took on a whole new level when played live. I like the new one considerably more than I did S&A & although I don't think (yet) it's a classic (for me), I can see some of these songs will turn into monsters on stage. -------------
Jon Lord 1941 - 2012 |
Posted By: LinusW
Date Posted: June 21 2012 at 13:11
Both Caravan and BU2B are monsters live. I was blown away by both of them, which is rather impressive given the setlist of the Time Machine tour. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/LinusW88" rel="nofollow - Blargh |
Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: June 22 2012 at 11:30
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By the way.....this thread prompted me to check out a few songs of Usher. I had somehow managed to never hear of him all this time and I was surprised to know he was so hugely successful. Thanks are order to Textbook for that slight thread derailment. It's not music I will be crazy over but I like to chill out listening to good pop singers and unless every note Usher sings is faked, he is, sorry, a far more talented singer than Geddy...imo, of course. Reminiscent of Stevie Wonder...monster riffs especially on Caught Up. Wish he sang some old school R&B though... And with that, back to Rush. |
Posted By: Anthony H.
Date Posted: June 22 2012 at 11:33
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Didn't think it was that great. Caravan and Headlong Flight are both fantastic, but the rest is rather boring and recycled.
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Posted By: Gerinski
Date Posted: June 22 2012 at 14:19
After 5 or 6 listens now that's how I feel, just more modern Rush, always nice to listen to but far from "waw".
I think I like S&A better too.
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Posted By: P Brox
Date Posted: July 06 2012 at 02:33
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After giving the album more than a few listens, I think it is quite a solid NEW Rush album. It isn't the same Rush as the 70s. Think of a mix of Snakes and Arrows, with Counterparts, and a bit of Permanent Waves, with just a dash of Presto, and some tinges of Vapor Trails. That is what it sounds like to my ears. There isn't really a bad song on the thing (except for maybe Bu2b2, but it is really just an interlude rather than a standalone song) and it is actually a very solid outing for a band of their vintage. Oh and the bass is absolutely killer on it. ------------- “If thine enemy offend thee, buy each of his children a drum.” -Anonymous |
Posted By: P Brox
Date Posted: July 06 2012 at 02:38
Did I just find someone else who has a zune? Holy balls! And by the way, top notch profile picture dude, made me actually laugh out loud. ------------- “If thine enemy offend thee, buy each of his children a drum.” -Anonymous |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: July 07 2012 at 12:55
Yup....Zuner since day one, best music player ever made is the ZuneHD.......Looking forward to the new Xbox Music service. Zune Marketplace is great place to discover new music.....
Yea that's how Neal reacts when he has to disconnect his upper torso from lower to achieve his utmost playing performance......  -------------
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Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: July 08 2012 at 00:49
| Well I've heard it for about 30 times now, and it is really good, I haven't enjoyed one of their albums like this since Counterparts. Of course it's not their 70's stuff but it is good no doubt. |
Posted By: wjohnd
Date Posted: July 08 2012 at 03:45
funny... i'm not keen on Caravan but love some of the others. I've listened through several times now and am still enjoying it a great deal (more than S and A) but Geddy's vocals really are a bit bland/monotone on some of the songs (large parts of Caravan for example). The instrumentation throughout is still superb though. -------------
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Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: January 30 2013 at 18:09
| I got this album a few weeks ago, and have been listening to it regularly, and I must say I enjoy it a lot. Before it, I had just gotten their classic albums (all the albums from 2112 up to Moving Pictures), and I'm afraid I was thinking about going no farther than that, because the rest of the albums are not considered as good, and I had felt they wouldn't be able to bring much more. I know most of you wouldn't agree with me, but even though I enjoyed all those albums pretty much, I couldn't help but feel that they were too similar between them, and as I bought them one after another, I just felt like I had heard that already. Now, Clockwork Angels felt fresher to me, something different (well, it had to be, after 30 years), and though it may sound like heresy, I belive I enjoy it more than their 70's classic albums. I really liked it's heaviness and so. Now, the thing is, given this, which other album would you recommend me to check? Some other of the 2000's albums? Or perhaps some recent live album from them? I'm wondering if they have played some of their 70's classics with the same heaviness they showed on this latest release. Oh, and by the way, I also found Geddy's voice very nice on this album. Perhaps not better then in the 70's, but no worse either (though perhaps some studio magic had something to do with that). Anyway, great album. |
Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: January 30 2013 at 18:11
Yep. The title track, Garden, and Caravan are the only tracks i might listen to. Not a fan of this release. ------------- Crushed like a rose in the riverflow. |