Rush Fan Central

I am a big Rush fan, I have huge respect for their commitment to the idea that rock music can be fun AND smart. And Clockwork Angels is an entirely respectable album, better than most bands of any stripe are managing 40 years deep. But like you say, I'm going with 3.5 stars so far as well. The kneejerk-five-stars phase you have to sit through when a new album by a legendary band comes out is unavoidable but later come people who listen to the album not because they're fanboys but because it's so highly rated. These people tend to rate it lower than they might due to unrealistic expectations so it sort of balances out.

 

*ACR: Not trying to start something, just felt it was a bit too enthusiastic/florid. But it's great that there are people as passioante and enthusiastic as you, they're what keep bands going.

Fairy snuff.

I guess it had all that I consider makes a great prog album - excellent melodic songs with strong musicianship. Incredibly well thought lyrical content, a sci-fi theme and awesome singing, with lengthy instrumental breaks and lead breaks.

i am well into Ayreon for same reason, and also Yes, King Crimson and ELP. These are the bands I could never tire of when they are at their best. Not everything Rush touches is gold, but with CA they hit the mark squarely, and finally created something that is special rather than just another rock album. 

ACR I think was doing what he does best in trying to relay that storyline song by song in his review, of course his enjoyment of the album certainly shines thru......nothing wrong with that. But the length of the review is good as it gives a non Rush person a very good story recap as well as his own take on the music, lyrics, production.

 

I could careless about a rating number, 2-3-6-100 stars....who cares. What gets me interested in an album from a reviewer is the commentary, how does he/she feel about the album and what has it done to them while listening. Give me all that indepth commentary and I will be more interested in trying it out rather than the 1 paragraph review with the staple..."really like the song writing"...."yea that 14 min song is great cause its long.."...."I really enjoyed it, I think you will too.." Most of those style reviews are BORING.

 

There are a few on the PA who do a great job in their reviews ACR is one of them as well as Lazland, EasyLivin and a couple others.

Sure some of ACR's review was love.....but ignore that portion and its a well written account of the album. More of that is needed if you feel an album is worth telling other people to go buy it.

 

But back to Rush. Understand, they've never been at the top of my list. Give them credit, and I don't mean to damn with faint praise here, for this is a solid piece of music, probably the best album I've heard this year. Most bands of this kind of longevity (I'm thinking Stones, Metallica, even Sir Paul, and many others) just crank out some swill to stir up interest for the next tour, which will somehow be a pathetic nostalgic rerun ("Okay, for song three in the set we play Under My Thumb"). At least Rush tries to do the right thing (make an actually vital, intelligent, listenable album) and have retained their skills. I'm not sure the same holds true for others who began in their era. The tribal casinos in my area are littered with those other bands. Anyone want to buy Foreigner tickets? I didn't think so.

 

There is one song (wasn't looking at the titles while listening) where Geddy just drives the song with his bass, old-style (Moving Pictures-style). Man that was a welcome sound to me. I look forward to giving this one some serious listens on the ol' hi-fi stereo, to see just what lives in there. Don't worry, I'll let you know what I find.