The National Midnight Star #2069

Errors-To: rush-request@syrinx.umd.edu Reply-To: rush@syrinx.umd.edu Sender: rush@syrinx.umd.edu Precedence: bulk From: rush@syrinx.umd.edu To: rush_mailing_list@yyz.com Subject: 07/07/98 - The National Midnight Star #2069
** ____ __ ___ ____ ___ ___ ** ** / /_/ /_ /\ / /__/ / / / / /\ / /__/ / ** ** / / / /__ / \/ / / / / /__/ / \/ / / /___ ** ** ** ** __ ___ ____ ** ** /\ /\ / / \ /\ / / / _ /__/ / ** ** / \/ \ / /___/ / \/ / /___/ / / / ** ** ** ** ____ ____ ___ ___ ** ** /__ / /__/ /__/ ** ** ____/ / / / / \ ** List posting/followup: rush@syrinx.umd.edu Administrative matters: rush-request@syrinx.umd.edu or rush-mgr@syrinx.umd.edu (Administrative postings to the posting address will be ignored!) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The National Midnight Star, Number 2069 Tuesday, 07 Jul 1998 Today's Topics: dogs and things live release, "go geddy" and thanks 4-17-90? Hammersmith '78 Show Tribute. Remasters and vinyl... Rush proj for class. HELP! Re: Maclean's cover Story on Rush skippable The Masked Rider A Passage to Toronto... Stretching for Rush Relation... LERXST license plate Neil's loss.. re: Counterparts Tour version of Hemispheres Neil Peart Live Video Respect Rush Sighting in "Small Soldiers" promo Rutsey interview Re: Thoughts on Live Album/Fav. Jams(rushfan.2112@juno.com) Damn!... Neil is probably going to KILL someone! Jackie How much more grief? How did us Non-US NMS'ers get into Rush? Fave Lerxst Solos. Skippable RUSH tracks Re: 07/06/98 - The National Midnight Star #2067 Re: Top 10 Skipable Rush Songs: Pooh's 2 cents Idea for NMS #2112 Rush-mgr Geddy Writes Perl? Re: 07/06/98 - The National Midnight Star #2067 RE: Condolences and Comments ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Pdsmith@aol.com Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998 06:05:43 EDT Subject: dogs and things Hi all Rush fans,this is the first time of writing to the NMS so please forgive me if this seems a little long winded. First does anyone know who's dog is pictured on the t4e "dog years" page. also on the begining and end on the limelight video there is a dog running around, was this a band members dog?,and are the 2 dogs the same animal. I think they are both german shepards. Lists seem to be the thing here so here's mine; Top 5 tracks.(in no real order) Test for Echo. The Big Money. New World Man. Bastille Day. The Trees. Fav Rush cd.......Power Windows,their best,not one bum track on it. Least liked cds.....Grace Under Pressure/Roll The Bones....both are pretty weak. Best Rush video......Lock & Key.....great stuff!!!! Fav cd cover.......T4E......fantastic front and back,just shows simple can be best. one last thing,I would like to thank an old friend of mine Andy for lending me 2112 all those years ago,I have'nt looked back since. later Phil ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Craig Welton <cwelton@ix.netcom.com> Date: Sun, 05 Jul 1998 09:11:17 -0400 Subject: live release, "go geddy" and thanks hello all, just wanted to put in a few words about the new live release. i'm excited about 3 discs ... (anyone guess at a price tag: $30 - $40 maybe?) the aftk show will be cool and don't get me wrong - i love all rush, but i think a show from the hemispheres tour would be a true "thank you to the fans", or at least to me. it's mine (and if i recall correctly) the most popular album among fans from an nms poll. of course there are songs of aftk that i'd love to hear on a well mixed live recording, but i think more on hemispheres. i guess i just wanna hear the title track live, and circumstances and a different la villa and the trees. ;) yyz note: i'm sure some of you noticed the guy yelling "go geddy" on the esl version of yyz - right at the pause before the first quick ascending scale in the beginning. well, my friend since junior high and i who have seen rush tons *always* yell the same thing together each time we see them play. it's like part of the song, i actually consider them the lyrics. anyway, people always look at us sideways .... side note: last year i posted that my wal bas was stolen at a gig in nyc. i got a bunch of kind email from good folks on this list - just wanted to say thanks - and i was able to get a replacement made. Craig Welton ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Erik DePoy <depoy@com2com.ru> Date: Sun, 05 Jul 1998 18:59:06 +0400 Subject: 4-17-90? Can someone help me identify a tape? I have a copy of a Presto show labeled 4-17-90, and all I know is that it comes from somewhere in California. At one point Geddy says "It's nice to be back here in this part of California". I had a look at the Tour Dates Listing on the TNMS webpage (good to see it's back up and running- Rush lawyers...eat me) but there is no listing between April 8 and April 20. Does this mean the band took some time off or are we just missing these dates? I was hoping this mystery would be solved since the list was just updated, but no luck. Perhaps one of you were at a Presto show on this date and can help me find out where it is from. [ There was a break between April 8th & 19th, Rush didn't play any shows. I was at most of the CA shows for Presto (missed Sacramento & Oakland), if I had to guess I'd say it was the first night in Oakland. : rush-mgr ] P.S. I also recently finished reading The Masked Rider. Heartily recommended for all Rush fans. Get it through http://www.amazon.com Erik DePoy Lyubertsy, Russia ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Erik DePoy <depoy@com2com.ru> Date: Sun, 05 Jul 1998 18:59:34 +0400 Subject: Hammersmith '78 Show Greetings to all Rushians from Russia! If the rumors about Disc 3 from the upcoming live set pan out, we're in for some great music. As it turns out, I have a tape from the first of two nights Rush played at the Hammersmith Odeon (now the Apollo Theatre) in London on February 19-20, 1978. The setlist is standard for that tour (the Drive 'Till You Die Tour) and many of us are already familiar with it. But for the benefit of those who are not, here it is: Intro Bastille Day Lakeside Park By-Tor & The Snow Dog --> Xanadu A Farewell To Kings Something for Nothing Cygnus X-1 Anthem Closer To The Heart 2112 i. Overture ii. Temples of Syrinx iii. Discovery iv. Presentation v. Soliloquy vi. Grand Finale Encore 1: Working Man--> Fly By Night--> In The Mood--> Drum Solo Encore 2: Cinderella Man The quality which best defines this show is a high level of energy and interaction between the band and the crowd. The set is punctuated at many points by what I'll call the Patented U.K. Roar. Those who have heard live tapes from the U.K. will recognize this sound. U.K. crowds tend to be quiet during the quiet parts (e.g. the intro to AFTK) and roar their approval in unison in response to a particularly dynamic passage (right after the intro to AFTK). Have a listen to Jacob's Ladder on ESL for a sense of what I mean (right after Geddy sings "Light streams down in bright unbroken beams"). This show was during Rush's second tour of the U.K., and second appearance at Hammersmith (opening band was Tyla Gang). Rush at this point was a clear favorite in London, and it's not surprising why after listening to this show. For those lucky enough to have a copy of Brian Harrigan's biography of Rush (now out of print), he speaks of how popular the band had become in the U.K. during the '77-'78 period and how this period marked a turning point in their careers. Word of the band's popularity in the U.K. got back to North America, which led to bigger and better gigs later that year, which led to etc. etc. Neil is all over this recording. His drum fills in songs like Lakeside Park and overall attack really set the tone for this show. That's not to take away from Ged or Alex, though. Lerxst shines on AFTK, especially during the odd-meter solo. 2112 is a keeper too. Interestingly, Alex performs Discovery on this tour and right at the beginning slips in the five-note theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The only other time I've heard this done was by Jerry Garcia during the Space segment of a Grateful Dead show the previous month. Close Encounters must have just been released. The music gets progressively louder and more intense as the show continues, ending in a wild Grand Finale. The encore medley picks up right where 2112 left off, and ends with a titanic Neil solo. The Cinderella Man encore is merely icing on the cake at this point. The crowd approval rating is an 11 on a scale of 1-10 (oblique Spinal Tap reference folks). I may be partial to shows from this period, but there is absolutely no doubt why the band selected this show for our Fall listening pleasure. A final thought: I wonder if Disc 3 will be an entire set from either of the two nights at Hammersmith or whether it will be culled from both nights. I don't see why they would need to split the set among the two nights but we all know how the band tend to be perfectionists in their choice of live material. Erik DePoy Lyubertsy, Russia ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Kurt Smith <earlkese@erols.com> Date: Sun, 05 Jul 1998 11:35:35 -0700 Subject: Tribute. Evening Rushfaces- Sorry to hear about Neil's wife-truly Neil's inspiring "show must go on" philosophy is going to be tested now. I certainly would not hold it against him if he decided that it was time for Rush to pack it in...they have given us ten times as much as enough, and they deserve to enjoy the rest of their lives knowing that they made an impact of the right kind. Rush has filled-and still continues to fill-a special niche. Their fan base is as devoted as ever: we joyfully never outgrew their music, even into our 30's and 40's. Like a very small handful of artists, I never heard Rush's music in a beer (Genesis), cola (Van Halen), or working class bankrupting credit card (Paul McCartney) advertisement. And they rightfully-from the beginning-never catered to the wishes of selfish bottom-line record executives. Nobody in this industry (I mean NOBODY) would have the balls to release a 2112 after the minimal commercial success of a Caress Of Steel. Then, at the other end, at the peak of their popularity, they had the steel balls to release a Signals after a Moving Pictures. The only band that I can think of that even comes near (i.e. within the same universe) that kind of integrity is Pearl Jam. What has kept Rush going is willingness to change, sufficient maturity to avoid stupid infighting, and the strength to avoid commercial catering. Rush could be like Genesis-writing a song specifically for a ($$$) Michelob commercial. Rush could be like Pink Floyd-releasing complete GARBAGE as an excuse to ($$$) tour. Rush could be like Aerosmith-new songs never failing to include plenty of T & A in the latest ($$$) video. But they don't, and we the fans appreciate that more than they'll ever know. Who cares if they don't always reach the masses-the masses are asses anyhow. Now for the real point-their music is, well, I can't think of a word. "Awesome" is just too weak. Who out there reading this truly has a favorite Rush song? Is "2112" really head and shoulders (I sold out to Procter & Gamble ;-) ) above the rest? Is the guitar solo in "La Villa Strangiato" really that much better than any other one? That is, to me, a sign of a REALLY great band: not even their most devoted fans can pick a favorite. At one time, all of these, for me: 2112. La Villa Strangiato. Subdivisions. Turn The Page. Driven. Natural Science. The Camera Eye. Distant Early Warning. Between The Wheels. Xanadu. Bravado. Animate. Cygnus X-1 (Book I or II). Unlike Hendrix or Led Zeppelin, nobody could really put together any kind of Rush tribute album worth listening to. This is very simply because NOBODY DOES IT BETTER. I always look forward to new studio material from Rush, but I am more than ecstatic over the products that they have given me. To think it only costs about 12 bucks for a Rush CD. A hundred wouldn't be too much for me. You all understand what I'm saying, right? How many times have all of you played Signals or Power Windows? Do you agree that you got your money's worth, and then some, and then some, and then some? And the forthcoming live set would be a more than fitting close to an inspiring success story. Two discs documenting two great tours, and a third demonstrating how they were many years ago, for those of us who were unfortunate enough not to be enlightened at the time. A nice thank you from an institution that owes us less than nothing. Understand, I am not trying to suggest that they call it a career, only that I would have no regrets if they did. They have all the respect in this circle, and that is indeed what matters. There is NOTHING WRONG with being a Rush fanatic, people, no matter what they say, and don't none of y'all forget it. Neil, Alex, and Geddy, if you're listening, thanks. ---------------------------------------------------------- From: NevrSilent@aol.com Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998 14:25:40 EDT Subject: Remasters and vinyl... >>When Presto was released, the mastering was >> done with CDs in mind, so no remaster was/is necessary. Confirm/deny? >It wasn't remastered and I don't even know if Hold Your Fire was because they were recorded digitally to begin with Actually...Hold Your Fire is a part of the Remastered Works, I know...I have one! >> > Is Test for Echo on vinyl, or has Rush stopped making LPs? >> I think TFE is the first album not to be released on vinyl. >You're way off there. The last album I can remember is for Power Windows. Actually, the last vinyl release I can account for was for Show of Hands...but even then CDs were massively outsupplying the LPs. I don't recall any LP versions of Presto, and there definitely weren't any RTB on vinyl, but Hold Your Fire and Show of Hands were positively produced in LP format. ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Scott Casanova <srcasano@mailbox.syr.edu> Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998 23:21:38 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Rush proj for class. HELP! Hi all. I'm taking a History of Rock class this summer and I'm doing my final project on Rush of course. Anyway, I'm hoping you guys can help me gather a few things I'd like to use for the presentation. Below I will list what I am looking for, but first just let me set up the guidlines so to speak. I will reimburse the cost of buying blank audio and/or videocassettes and shipping costs to get it to me. I'm not looking to buy the actual CD or video but if you are selling we might be able to discuss price. All the things I am looking for are boots since naturally my collection of official releases is more or less complete. Thanks ahead of time for all those that can help! I'm not nessacarily looking to get all of these, but the more the better. And one question, can anyone tell me if Neil's solo on the Mirrors double CD live boot is edited? Video: *preferably professionaly shot w/ sound feeds if they exist* From the ESL video YYZ. From the ESL video Broon's Bane/The Tree/Xanadu From RTB tour Where's My Thing w/ intro. From CP Animate and Double Agent 2001 & TFE intros for each set with Dreamline and TFE (2001 intro can be from CP) From TFE Red Sector A (i'm looking for good quality shots of the laser work) Music Video version of RTB Closer to The Heart from CP, specificallly any show where Alex introduces Geddy, Neil and himself as other celebrities. Neil's Solo from TFE (uncut) Audio: *preferably all sound board recordings* From the TFE tour Driven (from the June 30 Toronto show if at all possible, I'm not crossing my fingers.) From CP Cold Fire w/ C&W intro. Closer to The Heart from CP, specificallly any show where Alex introduces Geddy, Neil and himself as other celebrities. Neil's Solo from TFE (uncut) [ I normally don't let such posts in to the NMS, but it *is* for a class... ;-) : rush-mgr ] Not to much to ask for is it? ;-) If anyone can help I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks guys. Scott Casanova srcasano@mailbox.syr.edu ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Brian Robinson <brobinson_tpa@yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 00:12:01 -0400 Subject: Re: Maclean's cover Story on Rush Yes, Maclean's did a story on Rush in the late 1970's (I still have a copy of this issue). However, the article had nothing to do with John Rutsey, but rather Rush's tremendous international success. [ It's also on the web site. With pictures! : rush-mgr ] ---------------------------------------------------------- From: "Michael Z. Williamson" <daggers@indy.net> Date: Sun, 05 Jul 1998 01:38:36 -0700 Subject: skippable I hated speed of love when I first heard it---BOOOORINNG! but now I listen and there's an electric anticipation to the music in the bridge behind "we don't ahve to talk.." almost sexual. WOW! Between Sun and Moon has good music, but I still don;t like the Chorus. And Neil was DEFINITELY hung over when he wrote Dog Years. mike - Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors.... and miss. Robert A. Heinlein ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Alistair Lord <ally@georgefischer.co.uk> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 10:31:14 BST Subject: The Masked Rider Does anybody know where I can get the Masked Rider in the UK? ta muchly Alistair - "Free to browse among the holy cows..." ** ally@georgefischer.co.uk ** ---------------------------------------------------------- From: "Chad Werner" <Chad.Werner@reliastar.com> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 7:02 -0600 Subject: A Passage to Toronto... I thought I would throw this out there: October 16 - 19 of this year my wife & I will be in Toronto (for the first time). I really can't wait. We are going to be running in the Canadian International Marathon on behalf of the Leukemia Society of America (Minneapolis chapter). So, in addition to seeing the sights (Rush related & the others), we are going to be physically working our butts off. Here's my pitch: because we're running for leukemia research, we are asking people for donations to the cause. If anyone out there in TNMS land would like to donate (or simply would like more information), please e-mail me. Also, if anyone knows people with leukemia (or other forms of cancer) & would like us to run in their honor, let me know. Please, I'm not trying to offend anyone here. If you don't want to have anything to do with this, that's fine. But, if anyone out there would like to help out a truly worthwhile cause, don't hesitate. Thanks a million. Chad (chad.werner@reliastar.com) ---------------------------------------------------------- From: "Chad Werner" <Chad.Werner@reliastar.com> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 7:12 -0600 Subject: Stretching for Rush Relation... This Rush content might be a bit of a stretch, but I saw former Living Colour singer Corey Glover last week in concert. I won't bore you with the details, but he put on an absolutely FANTASTIC show. He is very funny, too. He played a couple of Living Colour tunes, but his new solo ones rip. I remember reading that Living Colour were able to meet Rush backstage after a show in the 1980s (remember then?). Either Corey or Vernon said something like, "It's nice to see a band make it on their own terms" to a member of Rush. See, I told you it was a stretch. I really wanted to tell you to please go see Corey Glover if he is playing your town. Chad P.S. After the show, he was personally selling tapes of his live performance at NYC's CBGBs. He was signing them & talking to fans. It was really nice. Wouldn't it be cool if Rush did this? Just a thought. ---------------------------------------------------------- From: clator@world.std.com (Clator Butler) Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 09:09:10 -0400 (EDT) Subject: LERXST license plate If you are on this list, and have a Virginia license platei "LERXST" give me a shout. I saw you in Annandale, Va. the other day. -clator@clator.com - --------------------------------------------------------------------- |L. Clator Butler Jr. |The power to destroy a |...But I'm | | clator@clator.com |planet is insignificant |trying real | |A rational, romantic, |next to the power of the|hard to be | | mystic, cynical idealist |Force. |the shepherd.| |Our last, best hope for peace| --Darth Vader | --Jules | |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| | Information on my album release: http://www.clator.com | --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- From: "Daniel Ware" <Daniel.Ware@enmu.edu> Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 09:10:20 -0600 Subject: Neil's loss.. My God.... What words can describe the loss and grief that Neil is feeling? I just heard about the news this morning (july 6). Once again our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to this man who has touched us with his words and music. On a personal note, can we please not bring up the "to pray for or not to pray for" thread again. Just a thought..... Stunned in New Mexico.... Dan I've got a pocket, full of holes. Head in the clouds, a king of fools.. Icehouse ---------------------------------------------------------- From: "DAvid Garcia" <DGarcia1@pigeon.dallas.isd.tenet.edu> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 09:50:18 -0500 Subject: re: Counterparts Tour version of Hemispheres On the 7/1/98, NMS #2064 posting, "Timmy and Debbie" posted something to the effect that the Hemispheres version was longer than prelude at the Dallas Counterparts show. "Timmy and Debbie" also added that it possibly was longer also at Madison Square Garden. I happen to have both of these shows on video, and for both shows, the ONLY part of "Hemispheres, Book II" that was played was "I. Prelude." Just wanted to set the record straight. Random musings on other recent threads: 1) "Freewill" has one of the most incredible guitar solos ever recorded. 2) "I think I'm going bald" is one kick-ass tune. 3) Kid Gloves, Subdivisions, and the ASOH version of "Big Money" have really cool endings. 4) long time Rush listener (since '85), and I'm sick of "Top 10 worst Rush whatever" threads thank you very much!! David ---------------------------------------------------------- From: BigVic <bigvic@usa.net> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 10:59:41 -0700 Subject: Neil Peart Sorry to hear about this tragedy, My sincere condolences to Mr. Neil Peart. ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Patrick Stansberry <pjstans@uswest.com> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 11:04:52 -0400 Subject: Live Video I was wondering if a live video was due out along with the live album and if it will be offered in DVD? ---------------------------------------------------------- From: SndNature@aol.com Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 13:31:23 EDT Subject: Respect Hello all, I just heard the bad news and the admin. note and I not help but wonder what occurs in some peoples minds. I do not feel TNMS is responsible for informing me of any late breaking news, be it good or bad. I can't imagine being upset with anyone who provides us with a place to learn and express our ideas concerning Rush. We choose to subscribe to TNMS, we choose to post our feelings toTNMS. They do not owe us anything, we should be thankful for that privilage and most of all we should have respect for anyone who is feeling saddness during this second coming of bad news. I am very dissapointed in the lack of feelings some people show in the face of someone elses pain. I sincerely hope everyone will be careful in how they react to delicate situations like this and do not create actions that add to the hurt anyone involved might feel. Please think!! I can't imagine what I would say to Neil, so I will keep to myself and in my heart I will only hold well wishes for him. Sincerely, Jim ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Marc Fielding <fielding@seas.ucla.edu> Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 11:46:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Rush Sighting in "Small Soldiers" promo Hey all, I don't know if this has been mentioned already, but I saw a commercial for "Small Soldiers" on tv the other day. It's kind of a "Roger Rabbit" meets "Toy Story" film. Anyhow, during the clips you hear a few bars of "Tom Sawyer." Small potatoes, sure, but Rush getting commercial exposure is somewhat notable. :) Marc F. ---------------------------------------------------------- From: John Gerard Lupoli <jglupoli@snet.net> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 14:52:05 -0400 Subject: Rutsey interview Hi fellow Rushians, I'm sure that most of you read the John Rutsey interview. That was pretty funny and stupid. I doubt that it was a real interview. If it was real, then where does Rutsey get the guts to say that he was Neil Peart's drum teacher. I don't think so! Peart is way better than Rutsey will ever be. Rutsey isn't even a talented drummer. Rutsey says stuff like all the album titles are directly related to him and he says that he wrote Before & After and Here Again. The notes in the 1st album said that not a single song was written by Rutsey. They were all written by Lifeson and Lee. John Rustey is full of S.H.I.T.!!!!!!!! Later Rushians, Matt Lupoli, North Haven, Ct ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Griswold <epoch7@javanet.com> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 16:11:38 -0400 Subject: Re: Thoughts on Live Album/Fav. Jams(rushfan.2112@juno.com) *Eep*Eep* went the monkey: "Finally, A Question for drummers: When the drummer hits a type of cymbal, it makes a sound that I always say sounds like rubbing sandpaper,I apologize for my vagueness. To give you an idea, it occurs a lot in songs, but stands out at end of Subdivisions, Prime Mover, Jacob's Ladder(see above), Tai Shan, etc. HOw is that created? What's it called?" * * * That extra staticy scratching sound is from a Chinese cymbal. They have have special curves at the end and are especially lathed differently for that sound. I'm gonna buy one tommorrow, they're really cool, but also expensive. Sometimes twice as much! :( Hope that answers your question. Griswold ---------------------------------------------------------- From: "Josh Ratcliffe" <megadon@hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 13:14:12 PDT Subject: Damn!... Neil is probably going to KILL someone! Hello. What more could go wrong???!!! For some un-earthly reason... this album just isn't supposed to happen!!!!... at least, for Neil. Man, That sucks! "Flatulance breeds Humanity..." Yeah yeah, it's me... Megadon@hotmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------- From: "Dennis E. Clark" <dclark16@ix17.ix.netcom.com> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 16:54:13 -0700 Subject: Jackie Oh dear...... I can say little more than that. Once again, our hearts, thoughts and sympathy go out to Neil. There are no words...... - Dave www.geocities.com/Broadway/Stage/2514/ "When we are young, Wandering the face of the earth, Wondering what our dreams might be worth, Learning that we're only immortal, For a limited time." Neil Peart, "Dreamline" ---------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jon Dahms" <jdahms@globalnet.co.uk> Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 22:00:59 +0100 Subject: How much more grief? How did us Non-US NMS'ers get into Rush? Jeeeeeeeeeeeezus, How much more shit is Neil going to have to take? I can't believe that fate has dealt him such a harsh hand. The deck was definitely loaded. Are we going to have a messages page for Neil again? I always wondered whether he actually received those we sent in for Selena, some of them were so moving. It's hard to know whether it's a good idea or not. There's a very thin line between sympathy and platitude. I am sure there will be plenty of posts in this digest on the same subject so I'll vary the tempo by answering a few other threads too. How did I get into Rush. Well, believe it or not Rush were BIG news in the UK in 1980-81. I was at school, aged about 15 and my woodwork teacher let us bring tapes into school in the last week of term. My friend Rob and I brought in a big BoomBox and we were playing Genesis which our Teacher really liked. He confiscated all the other kids' tapes and then gave us one to put in the machine...................Hemispheres! We only had time to get to 'The universe divided' but I was hooked. I bought 2112 and drove my friends mad with it but it wasn't until the end of the summer term in 1980 when we had a tape day again when someone brought in Permanent Waves. Remember we were all 15 year old school kids but the music we were all into was kind of cool in retrospect. If a 15 year old kid brought Permanent Waves (or even TFE or CP) into school these days he would probably get tarred and feathered!!!!!!!! Anyway, I was blown away by Permanent Waves and set about getting my Dad to buy me all their albums (guilt money after my parents split)! I still have a complete vinyl collection and have seen Rush 16 times. 9 times in the UK and 7 times in the US on TFE. I still look back fondly on 1980, 1981 and 1982 when Rush were front cover material for the music papers in the UK. It should be noted that in 1992 for Roll the Bones (The last European Tour) the boys could still sell out multiple nights at 10,000+ seater arenas with little advertising. I kind of hope that they tour Europe again and bring over a stripped down show to some of the smaller venues. Finally, Lerxst solos. In my mind Al is the most tasteful versatile guitarist on the face of this planet. Sure there are better technicians (John Petrucci blows me away) but Alex always plays the RIGHT notes. I have only ever got pissed at him once. The Rolling Stones pastiche on Counterparts just sucks BUT the rest of the CD Kicks such serious ass that it takes my breath away. Anyway, Best solos have to be in order of age: - Anthem Lakeside Park Soliloquy Cygnus X1 Absolutely everything on Hemispheres Natural Science Limelight / Camera Eye Subdivisions / Digital Man BETWEEN THE WHEELS!!!!! / KID GLOVES (he was cooking on GUP) Marathon / Middletown Dreams Open Secrets Available Light Ghost of a Chance Counterparts in general TFE Sorry about the long list but I just LOVE Alex Lifeson's guitar playing!!!!! Farewell from the UK!!! ---------------------------------------------------------- From: rushfan.2112@juno.com (Christopher W Lindsay) Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 16:56:40 -0400 Subject: Skippable RUSH tracks Alright you "mightier than thou" RUSH fans who say there is no skippable track, tell us why (and tell us Nicely please) why we should listen. Not just "because they put it on there", tell us "certain parts of these songs are good, beautiful, etc. because........" or "listen to the way >....does this with his instrument." That would make this newsletter awesome. My condolences to Neil and his family and friends Chris ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Scott Finkel <sfinkel@qualcomm.com> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 14:14:08 -0700 Subject: Re: 07/06/98 - The National Midnight Star #2067 >>>>>As I'm sure many of you have heard by now, Neil's wife Jackie passed away last week of cancer. I have no more details than that, just the following article in the Toronto Sun (which seems very cold to me...) >July 4, 1998 >RUSH DRUMMER'S WIFE DIES OF CANCER<<<<< I am stunned. I had not heard this. oh---my---god. this list should allow a collective moment/day/week/month of silence. ---------------------------------------------------------- From: deneb <deneb@netzone.com> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 14:28:34 -0700 Subject: Re: Top 10 Skipable Rush Songs: Wow! What a topic. I laughed, I cried, but most of all, I was very intrigued. I have occasionally voiced my least favorite Rush songs while in a "chat room" on the IRC. Some disagreed, some agreed, one or two got bent, but pretty much everybody else didn't give a poop. I have been a fan since 1983 (between exit stage left and signals). I prefer the new stuff, but pretty much love it all, but I'd like to put my $.02 (US) in - I don't know what that translates to in Canadian dollars, eh. Please remember this is an opinion and not a personal attack on you, your loves, or your belief system. I have to start by saying that while many songs on the first album rock, I dont consider it eligible. I didn't get into rock music until I was 15 because so many of the lyrics in rock music were lame (IMO) and the bands with good lyrics Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, Jethro Tull and the like just didn't appeal to me. The first Rush album is no exception lyric wise - who can argue with "hey baby it's a quarter-to-eight and I feel I'm in the mood..." as deep lyrics to anyone but the horny. But, I still break out the first album sometimes when I'm just in the mood to rock. So, here's my list of my 10 least favorite Rush songs: Lessons - Nice try Alex - now stop. Chemistry - I don't know why I dont like it - I think for me the music and lyrics crash. Tai Shan - Couldn't neil have enclosed some of his pictures of his vacation to China in the CD instead? Bravado - Somebody felw to close to the sun that day. Heresy - What ever happened to political songs like 2112 and beneath, between, and behind? Speed of Love - Speed of Skip Dog Years - What the hell? Who really wrote this song? Hmm, I can only come up with 7... deneb ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Poomoble@aol.com Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 17:52:28 EDT Subject: Pooh's 2 cents >From: rushfan.2112@juno.com (Christopher W Lindsay) >Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 15:19:07 -0400 >Subject: Set List for DSFAA >You guys coming up with set lists are making one Major Mistake!! There >is no way that Bravado can come after any other song but Dreamline. I >mean, they fit perfectly. Who doesn't think of the beginning of Bravado >after Dreamline is done. >I know that Bravado was barely on the CP tour, but I read somewhere, that >they added it because of them taping the shows. It seems to me they want >it on the album. Did they do the same jam at the end like during RTB >tour? That's where I think it belongs, but on the second leg of the CPs tour they stuck it in the middle Pooh "Better beer" NP ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Ray Bendafinger <bndafngr@execpc.com> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 17:02:40 -0500 Subject: Idea for NMS #2112 Many of us have been waiting for the big NMS #2112 with the hopes of getting our names on it. All of us who subscribe to the NMS have obviously responded to the guys work in some way in that it is important enough to us to discuss it or read about how it has affected our lives. I say we dedicate #2112 strictly to stories of how our favourite trio has impacted our lives in some way. At this very point in time, I don't think Neil really cares one way or the other. But a couple weeks from now, he may just be interested to see what all of us have to say about the little things he has done for us. Also, it would be a great way for us to pay tribute to Neil and the band, and a chance for the rush mgr to be a litle selective in what is posted for this special issue. I can say myself that Neil has made an impression on me as far as not just simply being a great drummer, but by being a master of discipline and someone who has spent a lifetime of trying to constantly improve himself in all facets of his life, not just his abilities as a drummer. Believe me, Neil and the rest of the guys know that they have impacted lives, but out there there may be just that one little story that may touch them in a way they haven't been before. So while Neil faces the biggest challenge of his life to date, let's do something that, although it can't bring both the women in his life back, it can at least show him that his life hasn't been lived without a purpose. Rock on Neil. I don't idolize you, but I have a tremendous amount of respect for you and the way you have shown me how even the best can still get better. [ Actually this sounds like a great idea! I'll put more details in the next digest... : rush-mgr ] E-Mail me at bndafngr@execpc.com ---------------------------------------------------------- From: "eddy Maxwell" <eddymax@stcl.tamu.edu> Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 17:14:07 -0500 Subject: Rush-mgr Hey! Why do some people freak out and expect the rush-mgrs and various other sources to spend every waking moment waiting for a smidgen of Rush news and then type it up ASAP? Never mind if it's just a rumor, or tragic, or not even really news, some asshole's gotta know and gotta know it now. Fuckin' leeches! Yeah, sure, I want to know what's up w/ the band. I'm even curious about their personal lives and stuff that goes on around them. I'm interested in what makes them tick, but if I have to wait a couple of days after the fact to find out that Neil lost his wife, then so be it. Who the hell am I in the Rush kingdom? No one, a lowly serf-fan, and that's OK. Frankly, I'm glad the rush-mgr(s) waited a couple of days. It shows respect for the family, and it shows some class. To those who flamed the rush-mgr, think about what is REALLY owed to you. Not a whole hell of a lot, if you're honest. Hopping off my Soapbox from Hell, Valkyrie - >.sig file deleted because I'm bummed out. ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Walker <cwalker@ctap.k12.ca.us> Date: Mon, 6 Jul 98 15:18:37 -0800 Subject: Geddy Writes Perl? I was looking for tips on how to code a search engine thing in Perl and found this URL... http://www.hotwired.com/webmonkey/code/97/16/index2a.html?tw=perl This guy looks WAY too much like Dirk. Chris Walker ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Tracy Smith <tsmith@wahoo.sjsu.edu> Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 15:32:34 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: 07/06/98 - The National Midnight Star #2067 I just wanted to say "thank you" to the rush manager for doing such a wonderful job putting together the NMS, day in and day out. And to the people who gave the manager such trouble for not instantly putting the news of Jackie Taylor's passing on the newsletter, you should be ashamed of yourselves. I feel so badly for Neil I can hardly stand it. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ============================================================================ Tracy Smith " Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being." ~ Johann W. von Goethe ~ ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Hawkfeathr@cinti.net Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 19:31:13 +0000 Subject: RE: Condolences and Comments >Ultimately Neil's an amazing drummer & awesome lyricist. I will always >admire & respect him for that. >So...they're "quitting." I know everyone on the NMS has been at it >tooth & nail on this subject. Okay, let me put on my asbestos suit.... Ann, I agree with you on a lot of what you said, but as has been printed here before, we have no idea whether or not the boys will stay together -- and until such time as we have information from a reliable source, why think that they'll break up? This is not just to stay optimistic. What has Neil taught us? Among other things, act on the facts you got. We won't know until we know. Obviously his personal life is going to take priority for awhile. Some folks in the NMS have said that we should not talk about Selena to respect Neil. No one has said that it's important for we who care about him to acknowledge our feelings, and that for the position that HE's put us in, one of those feelings is helplessness. Even his close friends must feel this right now, and we all know that only Neil can come through it. We all want to do whatever we can to help, and that's noble, but we can't do anything. That's something *we* have to deal with, and that may not be easy for us, especially for those of us who have been profoundly affected by his words; and especially for those of us who are rather good at changing things, but we have to do it. To those of you who have been flaming the rush-mgr: wake up! Yeah. It sucks. Neil, I'm there with you. Thanks for everything. Elise ----------------------------------------------------------
To submit material to The National Midnight Star, send mail to: rush@syrinx.umd.edu For administrative matters (subscription, unsubscription, changes, and questions), send mail to: rush-request@syrinx.umd.edu or rush-mgr@syrinx.umd.edu There is now anonymous ftp access available on Syrinx. The network address to ftp to is: syrinx.umd.edu or 129.2.4.213 When you've connected, userid is "anonymous", password is <your userid>. Once you've successfully logged on, change directory (cd) to 'rush'. There is also a mail server available (for those unable or unwilling to ftp). For more info, send email with the subject line of HELP to: rush-srv@yyz.com These requests are processed immediately, and you should have back a response within a few minutes. Any problems please direct to the rush-mgr. For those of you on the World Wide Web, there is now a Rush home page at: http://syrinx.umd.edu/rush.html The contents of The National Midnight Star are solely the opinions and comments of the individual authors, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the authors' management, or the mailing list management. Copyright (C) 1998 by The Rush Fans Mailing List Editor, The National Midnight Star (Rush Fans Mailing List) ********************************************* End of The National Midnight Star Number 2069 *********************************************