What the hell happened to the band RUSH?

Question

Remember their early progressive epic albums? What's with the poppy garbage they write now?

Roll the Bones? Are you kidding? (it's got rap in it). Go listen to Hemispheres, Farewell to Kings, Moving pictures

Answer 1

How dare you dis Rush! They are the most talented band I've ever heard. They are supposed to have different sounds, that's what makes them special! You are truely misunderstood! You must listen to the lyrics and what they symbolize. The music from the instruments is poetic enough and they spoil us with the magical lyrics. They are such a wonderful band. You have totally crushed me. I just finished listening to Presto for the 42nd time. And before that, Moving Picures. You have totally ruined my day.

Have you listened to todays music of other bands? Blah! It's disgusting. All my friends like these good look guy bands. They have no soul. There is no power behind their lyrics. They only write about love. And when they sing, you know they have no idea.

This band has grown and over the ages they have created a new sound for their own outlook on life. You are to pull a band and let it lead you to what is right. It's beautiful music. You have to listen to their old albums and compare them to the new be like, "Wow, their views on life are incredible. Look at how much they've grown!"

I wasn't born in there time. In the 70's. I admire their work for all these years. I'm blessed to have found them to give me guidence. Healthy guidence. Cookie cutter bands, they talk about sex and love. Kids shouldn't be told that. They should be told meaningful poetry!

Answer 2

Although, Rush's music of late isn't as progressive - or as heavy - as some of their earlier material, it's still better than 90% of the garbage being released today by these cookie-cutter bands with marginal talent. (Or in many cases - no talent at all!)
You have to remember, these guys aren't 25 years-old, anymore. Their musical tastes and perspectives have changed and - to a certain degree - matured over the years. (As it does - or should - with all good musicians.)
Sure, "T-4-E" and "Vapor Trails" might not have been as consistantly strong as "Hemispheres" or "Permanent Waves" or "AFTK" etc. - but there are plenty of excellent songs on those albums. ("Time And Motion", "Limbo", "Driven", "Secret Touch", "Nocturne", "Freeze" to name a few.)
As mentioned earlier, these guys aren't kids, anymore. They're older, wiser and have a much different outlook on life, which, can't help but be reflected in the music they make. I mean, the music that I listened to and played 20 years ago is vastly different than what I like today. It's because I've grown as a person and as a musician - and you can't fault anyone for that.
Sure, they could make "Cygnus X-1 Book lll" or "Moving Pictures 2" - but as true musicians, what would be the point? They've been there and done that. Part of Rush's appeal has always been they're willingness to experiment. If more bands today were willing to take that chance, the music scene wouldn't be in the sorry state that it now finds itself.

And, although, the rap section in "Roll The Bones" was lame - I think we fans can forgive them for that one indiscretion.

Answer 3

I respectfully disagree - check out the album "Roll The Bones", which is probably their best of late. "Counterparts" had some great stuff on it as well, but I'll admit that "Test For Echo" and "Vapor Trails" weren't their strongest efforts.

Keep in mind that, at least in recent years, Neil Peart has been otherwise occupied, since he lost his wife to cancer and his daughter to a traffic accident in a very short period of time. That kept Rush out of the spotlight for a while.

*** EDIT ***

I stand by my claims on "Roll The Bones" - but I also admit that I love their earlier stuff such as "A Farewell To Kings," "2112" and "Permanent Waves". The problem in my eyes is that many of these albums have been locked onto by classic rock radio and overplayed to the point of near-disgust.

The rap in "Roll The Bones" - check out the video "Rush In Rio" to appreciate it a little more. I think it's funny.

Answer 4

I use to like Rush back in the early MTV days when the VJ's were Martha Quinn or Alan Jackson. I saw their reunion concert special on VH1. They still can rock especially Neal Peart on the drums. One of my favorite albums was Grace Under Pressure.

Answer 5

all bands from theat era's new stuff sucks - U2 is the same way. Rush back in the 70's & 80's rocked.