Haven of the Rockers and Metalheads

[Miker 5,683]

:music:

[Miker 5,683]

Some people call me the gangster of love.

Nice selections! :yes:

[Ambrosia 3,775]

These fit my current mood... these lyrics! Whoever said rock music was shallow, has never felt a rush of emotions flood their veins. These songs make my soul stand up and fight! <3

Hope everyone had a good first week of 2013!

[Miker 5,683]

Ready for the weekend? Let's get it started..........

http://youtu.be/OLVTaN0Tz08

[Ambrosia 3,775]

Anyone have any thoughts on what these songs are about? I know good music is open to interpretation; I was simply wondering if anyone had thoughts on the following tunes.

One attribute I admire about rock is non-superficiality of many of the lyrics. (NOT that rock can't be superficial, and not that all pop is)... but generally speaking..:)

[Antichrist 9,818]

Ready for the weekend? Let's get it started..........

http://youtu.be/OLVTaN0Tz08

Oh God yes.

[Shadow 6,423]

Anyone have any thoughts on what these songs are about? I know good music is open to interpretation; I was simply wondering if anyone had thoughts on the following tunes.

One attribute I admire about rock is non-superficiality of many of the lyrics. (NOT that rock can't be superficial, and not that all pop is)... but generally speaking.. :)

The Pearl Jam song seems to be about how time can change people or change the environment in which people function. Perhaps, he loved someone at one point and went to depths with her. However, at some point, it didn't work out and they split. Years later, if he saw that person again, would he feel the same way about her as he did then?

There are people you can get closer with you might think how you'd never would or people who you think are awesome and lovely friends who end up being another face in the hall or another familiar name. Time rolls on with or without you. People also roll on. Love, if it stands the test of time, can be so true, but it is a day to day thing. Even bedrock erodes away with time as water flows and chips away from the it with each drop. However, some rocks are resilient and defiant against the elements. Those are the rocks you see sitting on top of the highest mountains or peaks. They rose to the heights, but it took time and patience. Patience.. Can people these days even hold their breath?

The song also seems to be a reference to someone suffering from Alzheimer's.

Life on Mars? is a very interesting song. It seems he is spelling the woes of living in a man's world. If you were a visitor from another planet seeing how this human race interacts, would you want to stay? Would angels dare grace their feet on such ground? How can women cope being it this blunt, barbaric would? It appears insane from anyone on the outside looking in. Then again, Bowie could be going somewhere else with that song. He's so creative, but that's my perception.

As far as the America song, A Horse With No Name... It resonates with me since I originate from the desert. The song is number of things... It's an ode to the nature of this world and what life would be like outside the confides of civilized man. For some reason, I wonder how Native Americans operated in those areas, places they considered holy and sacred. Solitude is a good way to let nature into the depths of one soul. There is a sound that lies within us that beneath all thought and noise if one takes the time to listen. It is a silence, the quietest of hums. The tender sound of life itself. Anyways, good song!

Edited January 6, 2013 by 4twistedshadows

[Shadow 6,423]

If you can handle and enjoy death metal like I do, check out this band from New Jersey, Strychnia! They are hardcore and employ wicked rifts! https://www.facebook.com/Strychnia

You can download their entire album for free here:

http://www.mediafire...hry3xzqro6hk3lt

I find it very interesting that they are a fresh band, promoting their music this way. I'd love to see them live if they ever come to Dallas. Badass! :rockstar:

Edited January 6, 2013 by 4twistedshadows

[Miker 5,683]

Jeff Lynne

[Ambrosia 3,775]

The Pearl Jam song seems to be about how time can change people or change the environment in which people function. Perhaps, he loved someone at one point and went to depths with her. However, at some point, it didn't work out and they split. Years later, if he saw that person again, would he feel the same way about her as he did then?

There are people you can get closer with you might think how you'd never would or people who you think are awesome and lovely friends who end up being another face in the hall or another familiar name. Time rolls on with or without you. People also roll on. Love, if it stands the test of time, can be so true, but it is a day to day thing. Even bedrock erodes away with time as water flows and chips away from the it with each drop. However, some rocks are resilient and defiant against the elements. Those are the rocks you see sitting on top of the highest mountains or peaks. They rose to the heights, but it took time and patience. Patience.. Can people these days even hold their breath?

The song also seems to be a reference to someone suffering from Alzheimer's.

Life on Mars? is a very interesting song. It seems he is spelling the woes of living in a man's world. If you were a visitor from another planet seeing how this human race interacts, would you want to stay? Would angels dare grace their feet on such ground? How can women cope being it this blunt, barbaric would? It appears insane from anyone on the outside looking in. Then again, Bowie could be going somewhere else with that song. He's so creative, but that's my perception.

As far as the America song, A Horse With No Name... It resonates with me since I originate from the desert. The song is number of things... It's an ode to the nature of this world and what life would be like outside the confides of civilized man. For some reason, I wonder how Native Americans operated in those areas, places they considered holy and sacred. Solitude is a good way to let nature into the depths of one soul. There is a sound that lies within us that beneath all thought and noise if one takes the time to listen. It is a silence, the quietest of hums. The tender sound of life itself. Anyways, good song!

Thanks for your well thought out response to my question! I have a bit of a difficult time understanding Eddie Vedder - not only due to his particular vocal style, but also the meanings behind what he's trying to convey. The line, "Hearts and thoughts, they fade..." is morose imo. If hearts and thoughts fade away, what is there in this life to hang on to? What do we really have that is more important than those 2 things?

I also concur about Bowie - he had a whole of career of really being "out there." It's hard to figure him out! :) I like your thoughts on the song though. I'm also wondering if it's a comment on the justice system. "Look at those cavemen go." We act like Neanderthals? "Take a look at the lawman, beating up the wrong guy." Innocent man going to prison? "It's on American's tortured brow." Death Penalty? "Sailors fighting in the dancehall." Prison riot? That would also go well the with blunt and barbaric world depiction you offered. I wonder if any hard and fast Bowie fans even know? :)

A thread a--lyzing songs would be a lot of fun and thought-provoking, although I doubt it would get a lot of traffic.

Solitude is a good way to let nature in... love that statement and sometimes it's all we have ~ perhaps that is why the song strikes a familiar chord with me. It's a very lonely sounding song - for those of us who care to think about our own internal hums and nature, it makes our existence a bit less lonely. Although loneliness does not equate to solitude... ah, so many thoughts to ponder, so little internet bandwidth. :haha:

[Ambrosia 3,775]

EDIT - UGH! I was doing some research and found that Bowie practiced the cutting technique in the 70's.... where he'd write stuff and then randomly put it back together. This has also been done in literature.

Oh welll.... LOL

[Miker 5,683]

EDIT - UGH! I was doing some research and found that Bowie practiced the cutting technique in the 70's.... where he'd write stuff and then randomly put it back together. This has also been done in literature.

Oh welll.... LOL

You can't ignore that when some of these lyrics were written, some of these artists were under the influence of certain d--gs. The reason and meaning for many of these rather strange lyrics could be personal and not something you and I may be privy to. You would need to get the meaning from the person who wrote them otherwise, we are just guessing.

[Ambrosia 3,775]

You can't ignore that when some of these lyrics were written, some of these artists were under the influence of certain d--gs. The reason and meaning for many of these rather strange lyrics could be personal and not something you and I may be privy to. You would need to get the meaning from the person who wrote them otherwise, we are just guessing.

Drugs were certainly a factor, no doubt. It's fun to speculate though... Not to bring up Pearl Jam again, but I think they said once that they didn't want to invalidate their fans thoughts on what "Jeremy" meant, so they never revealed what the song was really about... I think I remember that.

[Ambrosia 3,775]

So, I decided to piggy back off 4t's stellar post and present a rock star profile of the band, Rush. It's nothing great, but it was fun revisiting the band and made me think -- I need to listen to some songs I haven't heard in awhile. :) If Rush gains even one new fan from this, it would have been worth it. But you don't need me to take you there... let the music speak for itself.

*

Band: Rush

Origin: From our friendly neighbors to the North – Canada!! Specifically. The Willowdale neighborhood of Toronto, Ontario.

Began: August, 1968

Band Members: This band rocks hard with Geddy Lee as the bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist. Alex Lifeson, as a backing vocalist and most awesome guitarist, and rounding out the trio nicely is Neil Peart, drummer and percussionist.

For the most part, the 3 members have been the mainstay of Rush during its well-received history. There were some brief changes very early on as listed below:

Current members

• Alex Lifeson – six and twelve-string acoustic and electric guitars, classical guitar, mandolin, mandola, Bouzouki, backing vocals, bass and synthesizer pedals, keyboards (August 1968 – present)

• Geddy Lee – bass guitar, lead vocals, keyboards, mellotron, bass and synthesizer pedals, electric and acoustic rhythm guitar (September 1968 – May 1969, September 1969 – present)

• Neil Peart – drums, electronic and acoustic percussion (July 1974 – present)

Former members

• John Rutsey – drums, cymbals, acoustic percussion, backing vocals (August 1968 – July 1974; died 2008)

• Jeff Jones – bass guitar, lead vocals (August 1968 – September 1968)

• Lindy Young – keyboards, guitars, lead and backing vocals, harmonica, drums (December 25, 1968/January 1969 – July 1969)

• Joe Perna – bass guitar, lead vocals (May 1969 – July 1969)

• Mitchell Bossi – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (February 1971 – May 1971)

• Jerry Fielding – drums (April 1974)

Interesting note: Alex Zivojinovich changed his last name to “Lifesonâ€, because no one could spell or pronounce it correctly.

Rush’s history spans over 4 decades. Their styles have incorporated hard rock, progressive rock, and a synthesizer period as well, but they returned to the guitar-oriented sounds. They are considered modern rock today, and still make music and tour extensively.

Instrumental skills of its members coupled with elaborate and broad lyrical motifs are what the band is widely acknowledged for. They draw largely on science fiction, fantasy, and libertarian philosophies. They also effortlessly incorporate into their music humanitarian, social, emotional, and environmental issues. Rush’s members are some of the most accomplished players on their chosen instruments.

Smashing Pumpkins, Dream Theater, and Symphony X are a few bands which have cited Rush as a huge musical influence.

Although often put on the back burner by critics and even though pop radio play is sparse, they are still highly regarded with a fiercely devoted fan base.

Awards

Juno Awards:

Most promising group of the year: 1974

• Group of the year: 1977,1978

• Best Heavy Metal Album: 1991

• Best album cover: 1991,1992

• Best Hard Rock Album: 1992

• Hall of Fame: 1993

Grammy awards:

Runner up in Best Rock Instrumental: 1982, 1992

Hall of Fames:

Rush was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 for being influential.

Rush will also be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

The group boasts 24 gold records and 14 platinum records. According to the RIAA, their sales place them at Number 4 directly behind The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith for most consecutive gold or platinum albums from a rock band.

Discography:

Rush – 1974; Very different sounding from their progressive rock of which they perfected later. Many speculate it is because their lyricist and drummer, Neil Peart, was not in the band at this point. This album is appreciated by hard-core fans, as this style was never to return for Rush.

Notable Singles: Finding My Way, Working Man

Fly By Night – 1975; John Rutsey’s decision to leave the band was a blessing in disguise! Peart joined the band at this time and before Rush’s first US tour. He earned his place as one of the most respected drummers of all time. This album showcased the more challenging and original direction which was to become the trademark of Rush.

Notable Singles: Anthem, Fly by Night, In the End

Caress of Steel – 1975; This album was considered “unfocused†– it also did not contain the elements of their future work.

Notable Singles: Bastille Day, The Necromancer

2112 – 1976; This effort was a huge commercial success and remains one of their best albums to date. They fused progressive rock and heavy rock together, and ended up with quite an interesting outcome.

Notable Singles: Lessons (one of my personal favorites), A Passage to Bangkok, Something for Nothing

All the World’s a Stage – 1976; Their first live album. It didn’t reflect on this album, but Rush would perfect their live sound to sound almost like studio sound.

A Farwell to Kings – 1977; Synthesizers make their debut on this album. Their songwriting had also greatly improved at this point. This effort also boasts, “Xanaduâ€, an extraordinary musical accomplishment and one of Rush’s all-time best pieces.

Notable Singles: A Farewell to Kings, Xanadu, Closer to the Heart (another personal favorite!)

Hemispheres – 1978; Only 4 songs on this album, but still not to be disregarded. “The Trees†deals with racism with the forest as the backdrop. One track is over 18 minutes in length and is an undisputed musical journey.

Notable Singles: Cygnus X -1 Book II Hemispheres, The Trees

Permanent Waves – 1980; Definitely a breakthrough album for the band – it solidified their place as rock headliners and an undisputed hard rock classic. They were able to blend together the early sounds of new wave with hard rock. “The Spirit of the Radio†was a tribute to a Toronto radio station – CFNY.

Notable Singles: The Spirit of the Radio, Freewill, Jacob’s Ladder

Moving Pictures – 1981; Rush’s best album and one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time! Everything about this album is classic and any newcomer should probably check this one out first. Their blends of various musical styles are beyond perfection and have done what few other bands could do successfully – blend different rock sounds together. “Tom Sawyer†fires up the musical escapade and it is a thrilling ride until you step off.

Notable Singles: Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, Limelight, YYZ

Exit… Stage Left – 1981; Another live effort – notably an improvement over their first live effort.

Signals – 1982; Again, Rush challenged themselves and didn’t stick with the magic they had from Moving Pictures. They turned in their heavy metal rock card for more modern sounds of the day. Rush still had it going on however, and this album, although quite different, still enticed the hearty Rush fan!!

Notable Singles: Subdivisions, Analog Kid, New World Man

Grace Under Pressure – 1984; Many fans feel that Lifeson was pushed into the background due to the heavy usage of electronics within the music. However, it was still a standout effort in the world of rock and still, very few bands, if any, could go where Rush went their sound and style.

Notable Singles: Distant Early Warning, Kid Gloves

Power Windows – 1985; An album for the more seasoned Rush fan – this effort is more of an acquired taste. But nonetheless, worth the time if you have the time – not an album to be heard only once.

Notable Singles: The Big Money, The Manhattan Project, Marathon

Hold Your Fire – 1987; This album proves once again, that all 3 members are crucial and an integral part to the sound that is Rush.

Notable Singles: Force Ten, Time Stand Still, and another personal favorite, High Water

A Show of Hands – 1989; a third live album

Presto – 1989; Not an advisable album for the newcomer. They tried to obtain their hard rock past and leave the progressive rock aside. Within the album, you can almost hear them trying to reach far back into their past and pull out something. It’s not a bad album, but not one of their best either.

Notable Singles: Show Don’t Tell, Superconductor, I also personally enjoy Available Light

Roll the Bones – 1991; Most of the songs deal with death. Musically, Rush is getting back to the style they were known for.

Notable Singles: Roll the Bones, The Big Wheel

Counterparts – 1993; Alternative rock had made a big impact by 1993 and Rush, the consummate musicians they were, joined in on the alternative sound. :Nobody’s Hero†is an impassioned plea for HIV awareness and understanding.

Notable Singles: Animate, Stick it Out, Nobody’s Hero

Test for Echo – 1996; Rush once again revisits classic progressive rock on this album. This album showcases the band members skills and musical talents. The song writing may be lacking a bit of worth, but their stand out solos more than make up for the lyrical shortcomings.

Notable Singles: Test for Echo, Limbo

Different Stages: Live - 1998; 4th live album

Vapor Trails – 2002; What most fans consider a welcomed return of Rush. In 1996, Neil Peart lost both his daughter and wife within a year, and some wondered about and worried about, the group’s future. This album was a nice surprise and shining gem among Rush albums. Lee’s vocals also appeared to have matured from earlier releases.

Notable Singles: One Little Victory, Vapor Trail

Rush in Rio – 2003; A great live mix and shows the concert as it actually happened, with no sound check or anything. ïŠ Listen to 40,000 people singing along with Lee to “Tom Sawyerâ€! This is their best live album ever!!

Feedback – 2004; To celebrate their 30th anniversary, the band performs covers of 8 rock and roll classics.

Notable Singles: Summertime Blues, Crossroads

Snakes and Arrows – 2007; This album’s sound was focused and direct. Peart’s personal struggles from the past were apparent in his lyric writing. There is raw emotion and sheer rock intensity in this album.

Notable Singles: Armor and Sword, The Main Monkey Business, We Hold On

Grace Under Pressure, 1984 Tour – 2009; Live album

Moving Pictures Live, 2011- 2011

Time Machine, 2011 -2011

Clockwork Angels – 2012; This album tells the tale of a young man following his dreams. The band kicks up their progressive side on this album. Various musical genres bump, collide, and mesh well together in this most recent effort. I like the way this was put – Rush speaks a distinct musical language and possesses unflagging creative drive, which fans, old and new, can both appreciate.

Notable Singles: Clockwork Angels, Seven Cities of Gold, Headlong Flight, The Garden, and my personal favorite, The Wreckers.

Couldn't help showing an awesome live performance. It's so apparent they love what they do. They are a joy to watch. You can see why they are some of the most accomplished and well-regarded musicians in all of rock and roll.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LytUX674B4U

[Shadow 6,423]

So, I decided to piggy back off 4t's stellar post and present a rock star profile of the band, Rush. It's nothing great, but it was fun revisiting the band and made me think -- I need to listen to some songs I haven't heard in awhile. :) If Rush gains even one new fan from this, it would have been worth it. But you don't need me to take you there... let the music speak for itself.

*

Band: Rush

Origin: From our friendly neighbors to the North – Canada!! Specifically. The Willowdale neighborhood of Toronto, Ontario.

Began: August, 1968

Band Members: This band rocks hard with Geddy Lee as the bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist. Alex Lifeson, as a backing vocalist and most awesome guitarist, and rounding out the trio nicely is Neil Peart, drummer and percussionist.

For the most part, the 3 members have been the mainstay of Rush during its well-received history. There were some brief changes very early on as listed below:

Current members

• Alex Lifeson – six and twelve-string acoustic and electric guitars, classical guitar, mandolin, mandola, Bouzouki, backing vocals, bass and synthesizer pedals, keyboards (August 1968 – present)

• Geddy Lee – bass guitar, lead vocals, keyboards, mellotron, bass and synthesizer pedals, electric and acoustic rhythm guitar (September 1968 – May 1969, September 1969 – present)

• Neil Peart – drums, electronic and acoustic percussion (July 1974 – present)

Former members

• John Rutsey – drums, cymbals, acoustic percussion, backing vocals (August 1968 – July 1974; died 2008)

• Jeff Jones – bass guitar, lead vocals (August 1968 – September 1968)

• Lindy Young – keyboards, guitars, lead and backing vocals, harmonica, drums (December 25, 1968/January 1969 – July 1969)

• Joe Perna – bass guitar, lead vocals (May 1969 – July 1969)

• Mitchell Bossi – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (February 1971 – May 1971)

• Jerry Fielding – drums (April 1974)

Interesting note: Alex Zivojinovich changed his last name to “Lifesonâ€, because no one could spell or pronounce it correctly.

Rush’s history spans over 4 decades. Their styles have incorporated hard rock, progressive rock, and a synthesizer period as well, but they returned to the guitar-oriented sounds. They are considered modern rock today, and still make music and tour extensively.

Instrumental skills of its members coupled with elaborate and broad lyrical motifs are what the band is widely acknowledged for. They draw largely on science fiction, fantasy, and libertarian philosophies. They also effortlessly incorporate into their music humanitarian, social, emotional, and environmental issues. Rush’s members are some of the most accomplished players on their chosen instruments.

Smashing Pumpkins, Dream Theater, and Symphony X are a few bands which have cited Rush as a huge musical influence.

Although often put on the back burner by critics and even though pop radio play is sparse, they are still highly regarded with a fiercely devoted fan base.

Awards

Juno Awards:

Most promising group of the year: 1974

• Group of the year: 1977,1978

• Best Heavy Metal Album: 1991

• Best album cover: 1991,1992

• Best Hard Rock Album: 1992

• Hall of Fame: 1993

Grammy awards:

Runner up in Best Rock Instrumental: 1982, 1992

Hall of Fames:

Rush was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 for being influential.

Rush will also be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

The group boasts 24 gold records and 14 platinum records. According to the RIAA, their sales place them at Number 4 directly behind The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith for most consecutive gold or platinum albums from a rock band.

Discography:

Rush – 1974; Very different sounding from their progressive rock of which they perfected later. Many speculate it is because their lyricist and drummer, Neil Peart, was not in the band at this point. This album is appreciated by hard-core fans, as this style was never to return for Rush.

Notable Singles: Finding My Way, Working Man

Fly By Night – 1975; John Rutsey’s decision to leave the band was a blessing in disguise! Peart joined the band at this time and before Rush’s first US tour. He earned his place as one of the most respected drummers of all time. This album showcased the more challenging and original direction which was to become the trademark of Rush.

Notable Singles: Anthem, Fly by Night, In the End

Caress of Steel – 1975; This album was considered “unfocused†– it also did not contain the elements of their future work.

Notable Singles: Bastille Day, The Necromancer

2112 – 1976; This effort was a huge commercial success and remains one of their best albums to date. They fused progressive rock and heavy rock together, and ended up with quite an interesting outcome.

Notable Singles: Lessons (one of my personal favorites), A Passage to Bangkok, Something for Nothing

All the World’s a Stage – 1976; Their first live album. It didn’t reflect on this album, but Rush would perfect their live sound to sound almost like studio sound.

A Farwell to Kings – 1977; Synthesizers make their debut on this album. Their songwriting had also greatly improved at this point. This effort also boasts, “Xanaduâ€, an extraordinary musical accomplishment and one of Rush’s all-time best pieces.

Notable Singles: A Farewell to Kings, Xanadu, Closer to the Heart (another personal favorite!)

Hemispheres – 1978; Only 4 songs on this album, but still not to be disregarded. “The Trees†deals with racism with the forest as the backdrop. One track is over 18 minutes in length and is an undisputed musical journey.

Notable Singles: Cygnus X -1 Book II Hemispheres, The Trees

Permanent Waves – 1980; Definitely a breakthrough album for the band – it solidified their place as rock headliners and an undisputed hard rock classic. They were able to blend together the early sounds of new wave with hard rock. “The Spirit of the Radio†was a tribute to a Toronto radio station – CFNY.

Notable Singles: The Spirit of the Radio, Freewill, Jacob’s Ladder

Moving Pictures – 1981; Rush’s best album and one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time! Everything about this album is classic and any newcomer should probably check this one out first. Their blends of various musical styles are beyond perfection and have done what few other bands could do successfully – blend different rock sounds together. “Tom Sawyer†fires up the musical escapade and it is a thrilling ride until you step off.

Notable Singles: Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, Limelight, YYZ

Exit… Stage Left – 1981; Another live effort – notably an improvement over their first live effort.

Signals – 1982; Again, Rush challenged themselves and didn’t stick with the magic they had from Moving Pictures. They turned in their heavy metal rock card for more modern sounds of the day. Rush still had it going on however, and this album, although quite different, still enticed the hearty Rush fan!!

Notable Singles: Subdivisions, Analog Kid, New World Man

Grace Under Pressure – 1984; Many fans feel that Lifeson was pushed into the background due to the heavy usage of electronics within the music. However, it was still a standout effort in the world of rock and still, very few bands, if any, could go where Rush went their sound and style.

Notable Singles: Distant Early Warning, Kid Gloves

Power Windows – 1985; An album for the more seasoned Rush fan – this effort is more of an acquired taste. But nonetheless, worth the time if you have the time – not an album to be heard only once.

Notable Singles: The Big Money, The Manhattan Project, Marathon

Hold Your Fire – 1987; This album proves once again, that all 3 members are crucial and an integral part to the sound that is Rush.

Notable Singles: Force Ten, Time Stand Still, and another personal favorite, High Water

A Show of Hands – 1989; a third live album

Presto – 1989; Not an advisable album for the newcomer. They tried to obtain their hard rock past and leave the progressive rock aside. Within the album, you can almost hear them trying to reach far back into their past and pull out something. It’s not a bad album, but not one of their best either.

Notable Singles: Show Don’t Tell, Superconductor, I also personally enjoy Available Light

Roll the Bones – 1991; Most of the songs deal with death. Musically, Rush is getting back to the style they were known for.

Notable Singles: Roll the Bones, The Big Wheel

Counterparts – 1993; Alternative rock had made a big impact by 1993 and Rush, the consummate musicians they were, joined in on the alternative sound. :Nobody’s Hero†is an impassioned plea for HIV awareness and understanding.

Notable Singles: Animate, Stick it Out, Nobody’s Hero

Test for Echo – 1996; Rush once again revisits classic progressive rock on this album. This album showcases the band members skills and musical talents. The song writing may be lacking a bit of worth, but their stand out solos more than make up for the lyrical shortcomings.

Notable Singles: Test for Echo, Limbo

Different Stages: Live - 1998; 4th live album

Vapor Trails – 2002; What most fans consider a welcomed return of Rush. In 1996, Neil Peart lost both his daughter and wife within a year, and some wondered about and worried about, the group’s future. This album was a nice surprise and shining gem among Rush albums. Lee’s vocals also appeared to have matured from earlier releases.

Notable Singles: One Little Victory, Vapor Trail

Rush in Rio – 2003; A great live mix and shows the concert as it actually happened, with no sound check or anything. ïŠ Listen to 40,000 people singing along with Lee to “Tom Sawyerâ€! This is their best live album ever!!

Feedback – 2004; To celebrate their 30th anniversary, the band performs covers of 8 rock and roll classics.

Notable Singles: Summertime Blues, Crossroads

Snakes and Arrows – 2007; This album’s sound was focused and direct. Peart’s personal struggles from the past were apparent in his lyric writing. There is raw emotion and sheer rock intensity in this album.

Notable Singles: Armor and Sword, The Main Monkey Business, We Hold On

Grace Under Pressure, 1984 Tour – 2009; Live album

Moving Pictures Live, 2011- 2011

Time Machine, 2011 -2011

Clockwork Angels – 2012; This album tells the tale of a young man following his dreams. The band kicks up their progressive side on this album. Various musical genres bump, collide, and mesh well together in this most recent effort. I like the way this was put – Rush speaks a distinct musical language and possesses unflagging creative drive, which fans, old and new, can both appreciate.

Notable Singles: Clockwork Angels, Seven Cities of Gold, Headlong Flight, The Garden, and my personal favorite, The Wreckers.

Couldn't help showing an awesome live performance. It's so apparent they love what they do. They are a joy to watch. You can see why they are some of the most accomplished and well-regarded musicians in all of rock and roll.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LytUX674B4U

Fantastic research, Jess! Rush has quite a history, so I'll enjoy delving into this later on. Thank you for doing this! :)