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Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

post #1 of 227
3/12/07 at 12:40pm
Thread Starter 
The new Rush album, "Snakes and Arrows" is out May 1. The first single can be heard at www.rush.com. I like the new song, it sounds like something from Geddy's solo album, "My Favorite Headache".
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post #2 of 227
3/12/07 at 12:47pm

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

This is weird...I was just about to post the info for this and decided to do a search first and you must have posted while I was doing the search.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ElevSkyMovie
The new Rush album, "Snakes and Arrows" is out May 1. The first single can be heard at www.rush.com. I like the new song, it sounds like something from Geddy's solo album, "My Favorite Headache".
Thankfully, I disagree with you about sounding like 'My Favorite Headache' (not a big fan of that), however it does have a 'Vapor Trails' vibe to it. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I was hoping for it to be more of a progression from that (and please don't have that mixing problem Vapor Trails had!) It does sound like they brought Neil's drumming a little more to the forefront than in recent releases, so that's always a good thing.
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post #3 of 227
3/12/07 at 7:51pm

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Listening to the first track, "Far Cry", on headphones for the first time. Not bad! It is, in my opinion, better than anything off of Vapor Trails, but it does seem like the boys are trying a bit *too* hard to rock out, especially with the main riff. It also seems like they could've trimmed about :30 to 1:00 or so.

Having said all that, I love me some Rush and cannot wait for this record to be released. Three instrumentals? What were they thinking??!?!?!?
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post #4 of 227
3/12/07 at 9:16pm

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gwon Chang
Three instrumentals? What were they thinking??!?!?!?
Hadn't heard that. Would love it!
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post #5 of 227
3/13/07 at 10:38am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottH
Hadn't heard that. Would love it!

Ripped from the awesome rushisaband.com:

The other song that really stood out was "Malignant Narcissim", one of three instrumentals on the album and one that makes Alex's head spin just thinking about it. I believe this one ran for under 5 minutes, so it's not a "La Villa"-length epic, more line with a "YYZ" or "Where's My Thing?".

Though now it says there's only 2. Only!
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post #6 of 227
3/13/07 at 10:47am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Please, God, make them master this CD properly!
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post #7 of 227
3/13/07 at 10:50am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

I'm a Rush fanatic, but this new song ain't doing it for me. I've been listening to the little 15 second clip for a few weeks now, anticipating the promised return to the 70's epic song structure. It even sounded a bit like Jacob's Ladder meets Hemispheres. But man, this song was a let down. Sounds more like Roll the Bones/Counterparts/Test For Echo than any other Rush period (one of the least creative, generic-rock periods in Rush's long history). What a shame. I would rather have a Vapor Trails Part II than a repeat of the gentle rock of the 90s Rush.

Actually, the person who said this sounds like My Favorite Headache was pretty accurate, too--which is surprising because I love that album. I think a couple of Geddy's best melodies are on that recording. But this song is just bland.

I'm really starting to dislike Geddy's singing style lately. His vocal melodies are rambling and boring, as though he's having a tough time interpretting Neil's lyrics. This was evident on Vapor Trails to an extent (I can't stand the chorus to "Ooone little VIC--tor--yyy," for instance). But the trend seems to have worsened on this recording.

I'm not bashing Rush. Believe me, it pains me greatly to say these things. I was really looking forward to this single. Oh well, maybe the rest is better. And we all know the tour will be fantastic, as usual.
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post #8 of 227
3/13/07 at 10:58am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

I'm liking the tune on first listen, although I'm not blown away by it. The structure does resemble the Counterparts/ Test For Echo/ My Favorite Headache era (I liked those albums, but not Roll The Bones), but with a definite attempt to apply an earlier sound to it.

Quote:
I'm really starting to dislike Geddy's singing style lately.

I think he misses being able to really screech like in the good old days.

Say, are you Nathan "FierceGameBiz" Eddy?
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post #9 of 227
3/13/07 at 11:10am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

FierceGameBiz? Never heard of him.

I didn't really like Geddy's early screeching period, either. I prefer the style and range he settled into in Permenant Waves to the present. And I don't think his voice sounds bad, now. It's just the notes and inflection he chooses. It's like he's emphasizing the wrong syllables, or something. Or like he's still searching for the right melody to lay on top of the music, and not quite getting it right. It sounds cheesy and forced.
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post #10 of 227
3/13/07 at 11:27am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Eddy
FierceGameBiz? Never heard of him.

It's a video game industry e-newsletter. The editor is named Nathan Eddy.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Eddy
I didn't really like Geddy's early screeching period, either. I prefer the style and range he settled into in Permenant Waves to the present.

Can't get much better than Permanent Waves.
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post #11 of 227
3/13/07 at 3:13pm

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Can't get much better than Permanent Waves.
Yes it can, Moving Pictures (Rush fight!)

I like the new song and agree with others that we hopefully won't be seeing a mastering disaster like VT.
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post #12 of 227
3/13/07 at 9:27pm

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Eddy
Sounds more like Roll the Bones/Counterparts/Test For Echo than any other Rush period (one of the least creative, generic-rock periods in Rush's long history). What a shame. I would rather have a Vapor Trails Part II than a repeat of the gentle rock of the 90s Rush.
To me, it sounds VERY MUCH like Vapor Trails Part II. And I guess this stuff is really subjective because while I'd agree with you about Roll The Bones (probably my least favorite studio album) and Test For Echo, I thought Counterparts was the best and most creative thing they did post-Moving Pictures. I love that album.
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post #13 of 227
3/14/07 at 7:05am
Thread Starter 

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Counterparts is definetly their best 90's output. Even though Presto has a glossy production, I still think it's a great batch of songs. To me it sounds like the band progressing. The bass is out front, so maybe that's why it reminds me of My Favorite Headache. I think it will be a good album, even if it is bashing religion. Now, where's the VT remaster?
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post #14 of 227
3/14/07 at 8:17am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by ElevSkyMovie
Now, where's the VT remaster?
Yeah, what's the latest with that? Last I heard, it was in the works, but then it was postponed (or canceled?). But that was like 3 years ago.
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post #15 of 227
3/14/07 at 10:02am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

I think Roll The Bones is an underrated album. Yes, there are some clunkers on there ("You Bet Your Life", "Face Up"), but there are some of my favorites on that album as well ("Dreamline", "Bravado", "Roll The Bones", "Where's My Thing", "Heresy", "Ghost Of A Chance")

Maybe it is because I've heard a bunch of those songs live quite a few times now. Rush's songs tend to come more alive in a live setting.

As for the new one, I don't expect the first single to be the greatest song in the world. It is certainly better than "One Little Victory" or "Stick It Out".

Jason
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post #16 of 227
3/14/07 at 10:04am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Really looking forward to "Snakes and Arrows".
I did listen to the 15 second snippet of Far Cry but I want to wait for the full CD to listen to it as a whole.

Good year for music purchases: Rush, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree and Symphony X all releasing new titles this year!
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post #17 of 227
3/14/07 at 10:07am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Ulmer
Yes it can, Moving Pictures (Rush fight!)

MUCH better???

I think not!
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post #18 of 227
3/14/07 at 10:53am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheLongshot
I think Roll The Bones is an underrated album. Yes, there are some clunkers on there ("You Bet Your Life", "Face Up"), but there are some of my favorites on that album as well ("Dreamline", "Bravado", "Roll The Bones", "Where's My Thing", "Heresy", "Ghost Of A Chance")
I agree with you about the good songs on there (although I'm not a fan of 'Roll The Bones'), but I think my big beef with Roll The Bones (the album) is that the clunkers on there that you mention are HUGE clunkers and probably some of the worst stuff they've ever done. I agree with 'You Bet Your Life' and 'Face Up', but would also add 'The Big Wheel' and 'Neurotica' to that list. I would probably put those 4 songs in the bottom 10 of all Rush songs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheLongshot
Maybe it is because I've heard a bunch of those songs live quite a few times now. Rush's songs tend to come more alive in a live setting.
I'd agree with that! Going back 25+ years, I was never the biggest fan of 'Closer To The Heart' until I saw them perform it live.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheLongshot
As for the new one, I don't expect the first single to be the greatest song in the world. It is certainly better than "One Little Victory" or "Stick It Out".
Definitely! In fact, I'd say their last 3 "first" singles have actually turned out to be the worst songs on the album. (One Little Victory, Test For Echo, Stick It Out). Although with 'Test For Echo' you could probably argue 'Carve Away The Stone' actually is the worst.
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post #19 of 227
3/14/07 at 10:59am
Thread Starter 

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
you could probably argue 'Carve Away The Stone' actually is the worst.

"Dog Years" or "Virtuality". Yuck.
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post #20 of 227
3/14/07 at 12:06pm

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
I agree with 'You Bet Your Life' and 'Face Up', but would also add 'The Big Wheel' and 'Neurotica' to that list. I would probably put those 4 songs in the bottom 10 of all Rush songs.

The Big Wheel happens to be one of my favorite Rush songs.

I like the Far Cry single and the whole sound they got going on. Though not every song is a winner, the best ones are even better than their "classic" era material. It's guitar-heavy but melodic, and sounds like a nice cohesive blend of everything they've done up until now.
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post #21 of 227
3/14/07 at 1:12pm

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottH
I agree with you about the good songs on there (although I'm not a fan of 'Roll The Bones'), but I think my big beef with Roll The Bones (the album) is that the clunkers on there that you mention are HUGE clunkers and probably some of the worst stuff they've ever done. I agree with 'You Bet Your Life' and 'Face Up', but would also add 'The Big Wheel' and 'Neurotica' to that list. I would probably put those 4 songs in the bottom 10 of all Rush songs.

See, I don't think Neurotica is all that bad. Not a great song, but not bad either.

Quote:
I'd agree with that! Going back 25+ years, I was never the biggest fan of 'Closer To The Heart' until I saw them perform it live.

For me, it was "The Analog Kid". I never thought much of that song until they brought it back.

Quote:
Definitely! In fact, I'd say their last 3 "first" singles have actually turned out to be the worst songs on the album. (One Little Victory, Test For Echo, Stick It Out). Although with 'Test For Echo' you could probably argue 'Carve Away The Stone' actually is the worst.

Actually, I could make a good argument that the last song in many of these later albums are among some of the worst songs Rush has ever done. ("Out Of The Cradle", "Carve Away The Stone", "Everyday Glory", "You Bet Your Life") Hopefully, "We Hold On" breaks with that tradition.

Jason
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post #22 of 227
3/14/07 at 1:47pm

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Reading this thread I can't not stop this one Rush song from playing repeatedly in my head...Half the World.

Quote:
Actually, I could make a good argument that the last song in many of these later albums are among some of the worst songs Rush has ever done. ("Out Of The Cradle", "Carve Away The Stone", "Everyday Glory", "You Bet Your Life")

With the exception of "Carve Away the Stone" I really enjoy listening to the other songs. "Everyday Glory" & "Out of the Cradle" are some of my favorites from their respective albums, and I just love the outtro guitar solo from "You Bet Your Life".


I think the one thing that we all could agree with is that with every new Rush album there is more than enough new material (full songs, solos, riffs,...whatever) to be more than satisfied. I am not saying everything about the album will be satisfactory, rather there will be some sort of enjoyment even it is just a few songs (better than nothing IMO).

In regards to the sound of the new album based on "Far Cry", I feel that song could have been on "Vapor Trails". I just hope that Alex holds to his words prior to making the album that there will be guitar solos. There wasn't one on "Far Cry".
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post #23 of 227
3/14/07 at 2:00pm

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheLongshot
Actually, I could make a good argument that the last song in many of these later albums are among some of the worst songs Rush has ever done. ("Out Of The Cradle", "Carve Away The Stone", "Everyday Glory", "You Bet Your Life") Hopefully, "We Hold On" breaks with that tradition.
I LOVE 'Everyday Glory'. Then again, I love every song on Counterparts with the exception of 'Stick it Out'. And 'Everyday Glory' is the perfect closing for that album.
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post #24 of 227
3/14/07 at 8:09pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Yep, Everyday Glory is a great tune.
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post #25 of 227
3/15/07 at 9:35am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottH
I'd agree with that! Going back 25+ years, I was never the biggest fan of 'Closer To The Heart' until I saw them perform it live.

That's just because you love The Knack.

Hey, I like Stick It Out. I suppose every song has its fans.
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post #26 of 227
3/15/07 at 10:35am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

I like Stick It Out too.

If anything, this thread shows how diverse people's opinions of Rush songs are. I guess we don't all listen to Rush in the same way. One of my all-time favorites is Distant Early Warning, but I almost never hear people bring that one up.
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post #27 of 227
3/15/07 at 11:06am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
One of my all-time favorites is Distant Early Warning, but I almost never hear people bring that one up.

Brilliant song.

I'm not particularly anxious to hear guitar solos. I like that their song structures have gotten really tight and focused, and I hope that other than sound quality, they continue with they did on Vapor Trails as closely as possible. If there's some solo that acts as a well-time transition or link between sections and isn't wanky, then great, but I don't think we really need another By-Tor and the Eight Minute Jam Session.
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post #28 of 227
3/15/07 at 11:27am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

What's funny about Rush is that I used to really dislike Grace Under Pressure and Signals, but now? They're two of my favorite records. Kid Gloves? Yes, please!

However, at no time will I ever truly enjoy Power Windows, Presto (though Show Don't Tell was a favorite in high school), or Roll the Bones.

YMMV.
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post #29 of 227
3/15/07 at 11:29am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Broadman
Brilliant song.

I'm not particularly anxious to hear guitar solos. I like that their song structures have gotten really tight and focused, and I hope that other than sound quality, they continue with they did on Vapor Trails as closely as possible. If there's some solo that acts as a well-time transition or link between sections and isn't wanky, then great, but I don't think we really need another By-Tor and the Eight Minute Jam Session.
Oh man...what I would do for By Tor & The Snow Dog Part II. That, and all their "epic" stuff (Hemispheres, 2112, Cygnus X1, Xanadu, Fountain of Lamneth) is quintessential Rush in my book. By Tor is actually the song that really got me into Rush. It wasn't like anything I had heard before at the time (and probably not since).
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post #30 of 227
3/15/07 at 11:57am

Re: Rush: "Snakes and Arrows" discussion

Gwon, you need to listen to Power Windows again.

Roll The Bones -- not so much.
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