The National Midnight Star #2133

Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1998 12:48:58 -0800
Message-Id: <199811112048.MAA17875@yyz.com>
Errors-To: rush-request@yyz.com
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Sender: rush@yyz.com
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From: rush@yyz.com
To: rush_mailing_list@yyz.com
Subject: 11/11/98 - The National Midnight Star #2133

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List posting/followup:     rush@tnms.com
Administrative matters:    rush-request@tnms.com
                                       or
                           rush-mgr@tnms.com

(Administrative postings to the posting address will be ignored!)

----------------------------------------------------------------------


         The National Midnight Star, Number 2133


                 Wednesday, 11 Nov 1998

Today's Topics:
                      Administrivia
                          prices
           Differnt Stages tracks i have heard
                     Classical Geddy?
                      Rush Dec. '97
      Drum solo spliced out of the AFTK bonus disk?
              Geddy's Bass Playing Technique
                     cdnow - premiere
                    Speedvision rerun
          My Different Stages first impressions.
 Why RUSH is ignored by the mainstream Reply to NMS #2132
                     DS Premiere - JR
                    I must confess...
                   World Series Game 4
               First Vision Under Pressure.
                     I was there....
                         ds/cdnow
           Different Stages Rocks...of course!
                       Enhancements
                     Rush "hearings"
      .wav or mp3 for question on interview needed!
                      The Interview
                DS at Best Buy for $16.99
              Peart producing Queensryche!?!
              Re: How good is Alex....etc. 
                        DS, cheap!
                        Cd pricing
                   RUSH on CNN website
              Japan DS question, psychodots
                      re: TNMS #2132
                     RE: Jo Robinson
                     Different Stages
                     Different Stages
                   Spirit of Radio Midi
                    Different Stages!
        DS - that big goof yelling during "Driven"
              disk 1 is the enhanced treat!
                      "Start Today"
        (High Priority) The mother of all teases!
           Listening to DS & Seeing Ad on TV!
Electrical Rush Moment During the 11/9/98 Chicago Premiere of DS
----------------------------------------------------------

From: rush-mgr@tnms.com (The RUSH Fans Digest Manager)
Date: Wed Nov 11 12:37:20 PST 1998
Subject: Administrivia

So, you're probably all wondering, where the hell is my digest??

I was in Atlanta until last night, so I'm going through and getting caught
up on my email. I heard that the commercials for DS have been airing, if anyone
has a copy that they can either convert into Quicktime for me, or send me
a tape copy of (for the website) please let me know. 

I didn't even get to see DS until last night, I personally really like the
packaging. Leave it to Hugh... :-)

 - rush-mgr

ps. I'll be going through the admin mail in the next day or so, and fixing up
the website with all sorts of new info. But first, the digest mail!

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "Michael Z. Williamson" <daggers@indy.net>
Date: Thu, 05 Nov 1998 14:14:14 -0800
Subject: prices

> "PAUL SMITH" asked:
>I think I read in the NMS a couple of copies ago that DS is going to 
>retail in the UK at UK£24.99.  Is this right, because if so, then you 
>can change 'thank you to the fans' to 'fleece the fucking halfwits'.  
>That works out somewhere over US$40 I reckon.  Can anyone confirm/deny?

Having spent time on both sides of the pond, is is fairly typical for
British workers to get paid half in real $$$ what a US counterpart does,
but pay the same numerically in Sterling as a Yank does in $$$.  This
works out to 2.5-4 times the price, in adjusted currency.  You get
screwed.  I'd blame Tony Blair, but this inequality existed at least 15
years ago.  The only solution is to do what my family did--move to an
anarchic state like Indiana where we barely have any taxes and an $11
billion surplus at the state level. 

How'd all you freaks get advance copies?  Where's mine?  I'm going to
buy marriage licenses for all your parents.

 - 
mike having to be satisfied for 4 more days with RNR '92 boot, instead of DS.
http://cloak-dagger.com  Edged weaponry, from the stone age to the space age.  
If we can send a politician into space, why can't we send all of them?

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "colin burroughs" <crstalplanet1@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 06 Nov 1998 13:19:10 PST
Subject: Differnt Stages tracks i have heard

Well iam am very supriesd by the response the radio has givin me.Rock 
104 is having rush block weekend i have heard limelight freewill 
dreamline animate roll the bones  bastil day anthem bravado drivin 
xanadu! wow for radio great all of it 

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Derek Watson <watsond@idirect.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1998 16:31:14 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Classical Geddy?

>Another thing that Geddy does is he moves his picking hand closer to the
>neck for a more bassy tone, and closer to the bridge for less. Usually,
>when he moves towards the neck, he makes a fist with his thumb extended,
>and he plucks the strings with his index finger. It does look like he's
>using his thumb but he is not.

>Feel free to disagree with me because I love talking about this stuff.  

  Totally agree...except for his recent soloing.  I am referring to the
TFE tour, in specifics.  I have a bootleg video of one of the Toronto
shows and it's got some pretty good closeups of geddy's solos in Driven
and CTTH...both good instances of him using index/middle to pick and thumb
on open E/A  (i play bass, too).  You will see a little more of this on
the DS video, once it comes out.  Here's what his driven solo looks like,
roughly:

    s s s s s s s s s        s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s 
 --7-----8---8---8----||-5-----7-----5-----7-----5---5---|----
 --5-----6---6---6---*||-3-----5-----3-----5-----3---3---|----
 ----0-0---0---0---0-*||---0-0---0-0---0-0---0-0---0---0-|----

----------------------------------------------------------

From: radpoco <radpoco@midwest.net>
Date: Fri, 06 Nov 1998 15:46:43 -0600
Subject: Rush Dec. '97

Rushians,

If anybody knows what the winner of the '97 Rush Decision was, please email
me with the answer.  Thank You...

 Rad-

'I bring Love to give you solace
In the darkness of the night
In the heart's eternal light
You need only trust your feelings
Only love can steer you right' Part II of Hemispheres: Apollo/Dionysus RUSH

Visit my WebPage at:  http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Pier/4158 
ICQ #  9436041		

----------------------------------------------------------

From: David West <dwest@MICROSOFT.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1998 13:49:40 -0800 
Subject: Drum solo spliced out of the AFTK bonus disk?

I've listened to the recording I made of the album premiere several times
and I've noticed that they've removed the drum solo from the end of the
WM/FBN/ITM medley on the AFTK disk.  They did an amazing job because it's
virtually undetectable unless you know to expect it.

Anyone else notice this omission?

----------------------------------------------------------

From: seanj@execpc.com (Sean Jones)
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1998 18:39:47 -0600
Subject: Geddy's Bass Playing Technique

>It's
>interesting to note that he doesn't play bass with his fingers the way
>most bass players do anyway. If you watch most players, (me included)
>they'll rest their thumb on either the bridge or a pick-up and use the
>index and middle finger pretty much exclusively to play the strings.
>Geddy uses the "classical guitar" technique where he'll play the lowest
>sounding string with his thumb and the other three strings with his
>index, middle and ring fingers. Watch any classical guitarist and then
>watch Geddy and you'll see what I mean.

That is true sometimes, but definitly not always. When songs require it
(Turn the Page, Driven, etc) he does that, but on most of the older
material, as well as some new stuff, he plays in a more normal fashion.
What may be throwing you off (dunno how close you've been to see him play),
is that he often rests his thumb on the E string, making it look like a
classical guitar hand. This is what some nice binoculars and 20th row seats
will do for a bass player :) I noticed him doing this first when he played
Animate. I was looking to see if he alternated fingers on it or what, and I
saw hin anchoring on the E string, and using two fingers at once (not
alternate). It's possible it was just one finger, with both moving, but,
hey.....

Also, I'm almost positive it wasn't his thumbnail. The interview is from
Guitar magazine and is on the NMS website. I don't remember which issue.

Sean

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Scott McDow <mcdow@ibm.net>
Date: Fri, 06 Nov 1998 21:29:47 -0500
Subject: cdnow - premiere

Rick says-

>I don't know about a lot of people, but I just don't
>understand the need to pre-order your DS from CDnow
>or some other website.  What's happened to the five
>minute ride to your local music store.  If you're in the
>middle of the sticks or from outside the U.S. or Canada
>where you would have trouble finding it, I understand.
>From reading most of the posts, however, it seemed more
>like "Hey, I'm paying an extra ten bucks to have my DS
>sent by airmail, but at least I know I'm gonna get one in
>case they run out.  See what a big fan I am."  No need
>for flames...

To which I respond-

First, I don't need to prove how big a fan I am, my coworkers
are ready to kick my ass, because I've been living/breathing
this release like a maniac for two weeks now. They just know
how big a fan I am (and are getting a little sick of it right now).
Just the fact that we're on this list should show we're pretty big
fans.

Maybe you misread my post on cdnow. I didn't pay ten
bucks shipping, I received a ten buck *coupon* from
webcrawler. Cdnow charged $20.99 for the cd, $4.46
for release day delivery (10:30 am). That's $25.45 less
$10.00 means $15.45. The need, as you say, is to save
money. I don't live in the sticks, I'm located within the
five minute drive of three major music outlets. I'll bet
the cheapest one will be $19.99, plus 6% Engler makes
$22.39. Given the choice, I'd rather have DS and seven
dollars than just having DS.

Not to mention I think it's great to buy my favorite
progressive rock band's new release in a fashion such
as this! Seems fitting somehow.

Anyway, I had a blast catching the premiere on real
player. Chatting with some other nms-r's at the new
bulletin board (tnms). We got a little punchy near the
end, I think some were getting a little tired.

I've decided that Jo Robinson is a little odd. she always
sounds unprepared, off the cuff sort of. Wonder what
she's gonna do now that her station radically changed their
format. Anyway the premiere was great, Ged and Al
sounded good, but less jocular than I'm used to.

How many people thought (hoped) the "special gem" at
the end was gonna be Neil? I did. Maybe a recorded bit
of something. 2112 was just as well though.

I've got the day off Tuesday. I'm sure I'll be staring out
the bay window starting about 8:30 am, waiting for that
fed-x bus to roll in.

later,
scoots

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Rushindy@aol.com
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1998 22:29:00 EST
Subject: Speedvision rerun

The episode with Driven will be rerun on Friday November 13 at 4:00 pm.

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Ryan Rothert <rrother@megadon.com>
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 01:21:55 -0500 (EST)
Subject: My Different Stages first impressions.

I just finished listening to Different Stages in its entirety.
Oh my God.  Unbeliveable.  Holy Shit.

This is *by far* the BEST live album I have ever heard.

Bravado and Resist are true gems, and 2112 is even more incredible
than ever.  Im totally blown away and totally *THRILLED*
by what I just heard.

I really felt like I was there.  Incredible.....

This really is a must have folks.

Thank you Geddy, Neil and Alex.   Hope to see and hear you again sometime.

Ryan Rothert
rrother@megadon.com

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "Carl Fulli" <bigfella@pacbell.net>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1998 21:52:58 -0800
Subject: Why RUSH is ignored by the mainstream Reply to NMS #2132

I'm so sickened by the typical lack of attention to our beloved 3 by the
mainstream music rags. Rolling Stone, MTV, etc.etc.etc. Rush as many = more fans
than Cool Phat Luke oh who the hell ever will ever have, yet they're = still
ignored. Why ? Does anyone know ?

I'll tell you why.  MTV is doing what so many people in the music =
industry do.  They go with what is "cool".  Has anyone out there been =
associated with people in the music industry.  I have and its =
deplorable.  The vast majority of people tend to suck up to the flavor =
of the day be it Madonna, Puff Daddy, MC Dipshit,  Master D(ork) whoever =
the heck it is.  They (MTV) have forgotten what got them where they are =
  Hard Rock and New Wave.  They've focused all there attention on Rap =
and R&B, and virtually forgot all of the good bands that are still =
around, like RUSH.  But then again does anyone think that your typical =
MTV viewer would even get the most blatantly obvious RUSH song?  It's =
doubtful.  When every song is disguised as a romance song (when it's =
actually about getting laid) and there is no romance involved or about =
getting high as a kite you have to expect that these people are simply =
too stupid to get RUSH.  And certainly the program director at MTV knows =
that these idiots will glue themselves to the television and allow =
themselves to be dictated to on what to like, how to think, who to vote =
for, etc.  The very fact that RUSH is still here is a testament to the =
fact that these guys in fact have not forgot were they came from or why =
they got where they are while still being able to progress and explore =
the boundaries of their music.  Most bands can not even come within a =
hair of being the total band that RUSH is.  They have stayed true to =
themselves and to their fans without compromising anything.  They truly =
are a rarity in an industry filled with egotistical, brown nosing, =
insincere assholes (excuse my French) who are led by the lure of the =
almighty dollar, a quick piece of ass, and fifteen minutes of fame.  But =
by being real people who happen to possess a seemingly insurmountable =
amount of talent, they have achieved 25 YEARS of fame that is not =
fleeting nor is it because they are the flavor of the day.  The main =
stream press is simply too biased by their advertising dollars to put  =
RUSH in their publications, and most of them are highly overrated, =
ESPECIALLY Rolling Stone.

Carl D. Fulli
Hallertauer
bigfella@pacbell.net

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "Anderson, Chris " <canderso@amp.com>
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 01:04:40 -0500 
Subject: DS Premiere - JR

Hey Rushians,

I am glad some others on the NMS stated their opinions
about how J. Robinson conducted some of the interview.

Personally, I did not care for the tone of the interview 
when she was discussing with Geddy about how Rush decided
 which songs to put on the live album.  Case in point, she said something like
"Well, so you guys listen to a song and go.....ummm...
Geddy played good, Alex played good, but Neil SUCKED....
better try another show's version of the song."  I, for one, was just 
struck the wrong way by this phrasing about Neil and "sucked."  
It's not like I took it to mean she was downing Neil, but it
just didn't sound professional, necessary, or tactful.
Of course, I'm pretty darn sensitive. I do not want to talk anymore
about Neil......Regardless, J. R.  doesn't seem like the most
sensitive or sincere person at least.  

I do give her some credit, she did extend condolences to Neil 
at the end of the interview.

I really think the DS premiere would have been MUCH cooler had 
Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater conducted the interview.

For God's sake let a great musician (and an obvious fan of Rush)
talk to Ged and Alex on national radio.

Along those lines, wouldn't it be nice if DT could open for Rush
someday!!!!!!????

later,

Chris

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Mike Denney <archangel@premiernet.net>
Date: Sat, 07 Nov 1998 05:36:39 -0600
Subject: I must confess...

First the confession--haven't posted in two months.

Yup, a Nashville radio station, the 'Rock' at 105.9 fm has been playing
Rush since going on the air several months ago. 'Limelight', 'Tom
Sawyer', 'Permanent Waves'. This week even aired the new live album
in it's entirety along with interviews with Geddy and Alex. This
station even plays 'Working Man' occassionally.

The new album. After missing the last tour I was joyous in accepting
the entire 2112 set on 'Different Stages'. Now my only hassle is
whether to shell out--what, 30 clams?--to get it, or wait for it for Christmas
(the perfect secular gift!)

"Laughing out loud with fear and hope I got a desperate plan"

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Mathieson <dmathies@ma.ultranet.com>
Date: Sat, 07 Nov 1998 06:51:27 -0500
Subject: World Series Game 4

Sorry it this has been mentioned (I don't have time to read through each
TMNS).  At the beginning of Game 4 of the World Series, they were doing the
pre-game melodramatic nonsense that accompanies all such events.  As they
were showing highlights of the first three games to set the mood for the
evening, the background music they were playing seemed hauntingly familiar.
When the announcer took a breath, I realized the song was La Villa
Strangiato.  I have heard Tom Sawyer and Bravado used as background before,
but they're more known to non-Rush fans.  Also, they played 2 or 3 minutes
of the song, including the jazzy part in the middle (you know, the chromatic
part from A to A, if you're a musician).  I was disappointed that the few
Rush fans I know didn't notice.  

----------------------------------------------------------

From: RETSOP@aol.com
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 08:36:56 EST
Subject: First Vision Under Pressure.

Hello out there,
     Thank you Rush Manager for letting this go through.

      In my continuing effort to dilute the C.D's  that I have and pay the
mortgage,   I would like to offer the following to the first person/people
that send a bank check or money order.

   First vision under pressure $25,    Fly by cleveland $25. and Lock Stock
and Barreled (2cd)  $50.  all plus $2. shipping cost.

     No, they aren't the greatest out there but,  if you've got to have
them.........

Thank you.
Neil Poster
978/499-0444 evenings/weekends est.
RETSOP@aol.com 

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "Evan & Denise Sparages" <sparages@earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 11:50:52 -0500
Subject: I was there....

I checked the DS preview page and just about lost it. I can't believe that
2112, LTTA, and The Rhythm Method were taken from the Greatwoods show in
Mandfield, MA! I was there and the show rocked that night.It's just another
thing that makes me want this live cd asap.

Evan

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Scott McDow <mcdow@ibm.net>
Date: Sat, 07 Nov 1998 19:42:23 -0500
Subject: ds/cdnow

Hey!

Excitement so thick...

cd-now just e-mailed to notify me that my ds copy was shipped on
Nov. 6th & should take 2 days. As Nov. 8th is a Sunday, I expect
it on Monday, before 10:30 am!

Ho-Hoo! Just feeling a little goofy looking forward to Monday the
9th instead of Tuesday the 10th!

later.
scoots

>Joking that the ClusterWorks enhancement may be of
>"special interest to people who smoke a lot of herbs",
>Lee had some light-hearted advice for those Rush fans
>who are so inclined.

>"Get your stash out and vibe out for an hour," said Lee laughing.

I bet he was laughing. Giggling maybe, but laughing?

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "John Pullman" <bondra2112@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 07 Nov 1998 18:38:11 PST
Subject: Different Stages Rocks...of course!

Good day eh!

  I had the good fortune of finding a local establishment that was not 
afraid to sell DS a few days early.  I am currently listening to 
"Discovery" as I type and was overwhelmed by Alex's soloing into that 
part of "2112."
  All I can say is that the wait was well worth it.  The packaging is 
excellent (aside from the slip cases, oh well)and I like the collage 
tucked inside the cd case.  Well done!
  Well, I need to return to enjoying "Presentation."

Take Care,
John

P.S.  The bonus CD is amazing... 'nuff said!
 
----------------------------------------------------------

From: "Baron Lane" <baronl@airmail.net>
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 21:19:15 -0600
Subject: Enhancements

I was lucky enough to find a store that already has DS on
sale here in Dallas. Overall the CD is really good, though  I
could do without hearing Tom Sawyer, Closer To The Heart
and Limelight YET Again. I really wish they'd included Double
Agent...but I digress.

Most "enhanced" CD's are little more than cheesy multi-media
press kits but DS breaks a whole new ground. The program,
ClusterWorks, is a mouse activated light show with controls for
pattern disbursement among other tweaks. It's on Disc one so
when you get to the end of 2112 pop it in your box.

It's really amazing!

Baron
Dallas, TX.

----------------------------------------------------------

From: nsj@ncsu.edu (Nate Johnson)
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 23:22:52 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Rush "hearings"

Outside of the great things about Different Stages I keep hearing from the DJs 
on our local rock station, WRDU 106.1FM, I've got a couple of interesting Rush
"hearings" to report:

  During the 06 NOV 98 Carolina Hurricanes @ Washington Capitals NHL hockey
  game, I heard "Tom Sawyer" being played at the MCI Center during a time out
  in the third period...
  During the WNCN-17 (Raleigh, NC NBC affiliate) news on that same night, they
  played the jackhammer sound effect and the first few bars of "Force Ten" as
  a lead-in to a story they were doing on andro (the nutritional supplement).
  The pictures being shown were of weightlifters...
  WRDU is playing the *entire* 3-CD set of Different Stages tonight on 
  "Saturday Night Live." Show starts at 11:30pm EST.
 
Outside of that, it seems like Different Stages is getting the most press I've
seen/heard for a Rush album release in quite a while... certainly good to hear
the group mentioned so much in a positive light!

Cheers,
nsj

----------------------------------------------------------

From: ThomLarsen@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 10:25:25 EST
Subject: .wav or mp3 for question on interview needed!

Can anyone send me a .wav or .mp3 (or show me where to find) containing the
question about the future of Rush?  My copy cut off between the part where he
says they're on "hiatus" and the intro to 2112.  Any help would be greatly
appreciated!

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Emster2112@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 12:24:22 EST
Subject: The Interview

Thank you for the transcript of the interview!  Jones fulfilled.  Now I can't
wait to hear it.  How long is the whole thing?  I think that was one of the
most in depth interviews with the band I've "heard" in quite some time.  Too
cool.  I'm sure a lot of people are wondering whether they'll be able to catch
it in their area.  And I was beginning to think that Chicago Radio was about
to take a sharp downward spiral.  Thank you Jo!  And the Loop and The Rush
Mgr.  And most importantly, Rush.  THANK YOU!  GOODNIGHT!

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "Michael Tilson" <mtilson@ionet.net>
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 15:02:06 -0700
Subject: DS at Best Buy for $16.99

This week's Best Buy advertisement lists DS at $16.99.  It's the best price
I've seen yet.  Plus they get bonus points for advertising Rush!

Mike
mtilson@ionet.net
"Anything can happen."

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "Will Holt" <holtwm@gte.net>
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 17:09:30 -0500
Subject: Peart producing Queensryche!?!

Noone mentioned this so I am assuming it is incorrect but I heard a =
rumor that Neil is producing the new Queensryche album.  This guy (who =
says he is a big Queenryche fan) said he saw an article in Entertainment =
Weekly (or "something like that") that says the label wasn't happy with =
what the group had come up and since "Peart is a neighbor of Tate's" he =
is going to come in and help produce the new album.  I did a search on =
the web and found nothing to substatiate this rumor.

How come the version of "The Analog Kid" on the premiere sounds like =
nothing like "Critical Mass" which is a bootleg from that show?  The =
solo is different, the vocals are different, the drums aren't the same.  =
There is no way these two versions are from the same show!

Will

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Slim Jim <jg@ms.com>
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 01:56:15 +0000
Subject: Re: How good is Alex....etc. 

GuitarRUSH@aol.com wrote:
> But you also have to think of it this way....HE IS GROUPED WITH THE
> BEST "RHYTHM" SECTION OF ALL-TIME!!! (Lee and Peart of course). If
> Alex was in lesser great band, his talent would show alot more.
> 

He outshines Lee & Peart in my opinion - sure, they're very good, 
but Alex is the virtuoso of the band.  His talent -does- show - 
it's just that unfortunately, guitarists are judged not by the 
music they play but by the six-string stunts they can perform.

Slim

----------------------------------------------------------

From: brianmaybe@loop.com
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 21:34:19 -0800
Subject: DS, cheap!

Best Buy is advertising DS for $16.99, available Tues.  Pretty darn cheap
for 3 CD's!
And I'm one of those who still likes the thrill of going into a store and
buying a new CD on release day, rather than getting it over the net.  Call
me old-fashioned...
45 min till the radio special in L.A.!
Cheers!
Steve

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Carl Adams <syrinx@mwci.net>
Date: Sun, 08 Nov 1998 23:48:51 -0600
Subject: Cd pricing

To all Rushians:

I saw in the new Best Buy ad that Different Stages will be selling $16.99.
 I imagine that will be the same around the country.

Carl Adams

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Scott Deitche STP <DEITCHE_S@epic7.dep.state.fl.us>
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 09:48:41 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: RUSH on CNN website

Small Rush article (interview with Geddy Lee) on this site:

http://www.wallofsound.com/features/index.html

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Peter Beshuk <pbeshuk@TSO.Cin.IX.Net>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 13:18:05 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Japan DS question, psychodots

Anybody know the answer to this:

  The syrinx website describes the Japan DS
  release as having 1 extra song.  But I've seen several print ads in Goldmine
  describing it as "+2".  Is it 1 or 2 extra songs?

   [ I've only seen "Force Ten" added to the Japan release.    : rush-mgr ]

Btw, if any of you would like try the group "psychodots", email me and I'll
send you a sample tape.  Rush fans will like them, imo.

pete

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Mike Kerns <mike.kerns@boeing.com>
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 10:53:09 -0800
Subject: re: TNMS #2132

After a recent head-on collision with Art Bell's Area 51 mind control
chip implanting alien from the future, buff2112 said . . .

> From: buff2112@ix.netcom.com
> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1998 21:54:04 -0600 (CST)
> Subject: I have DS!!!

<snip>

> rumor mill: my friend in the "biz" told me that Rush might be releasing a cd
> in '99 that will contain songs that didn't make it on DS. A cd rom was 
> mentioned as well.

So what do we think would be fun for Rush to do on an interactive CD? 
What about . . .

 - Automating the "name that lyric" game that has been discussed recently

 - "Build Your Own Body" featuring body parts of Alex, Ged and Neil from
different periods of time.  Then you can assemble your own body using
different parts of different members.  Try Ged's face circa T4E with
Neil's handlebar mustache on Alex's Signals torso, or put Neil's Presto
era hairdo on Alex's Fly By Night era head on Ged's Subdivision
shoulders, hours of fun and breaks the ice at parties . . .

 - Maps of each tour with interactive concert programs from each tour
and pics of each show when you click on the city

 - "Name That Axe" featuring partial shots of the instruments that Rush
have used over time

 - A "Stupid Rock Music Critic Tricks" screen saver, giving random
samples of some of the memorable foolish quotes from the critics of Rush
(including some of the idiots-at-large on alt.music.rush and the R&RHOF
chat groups).  

 - An additional graphics package would allow you to print out faces of
some of the more vocal Rush critics with a dart board target
superimposed over their faces.  

 - The name of the person responsible for moving Phoenix to Arkansas on
the T4E shirts

 - Any other suggestions?

With my tail between my ears,
 
Mike Kerns

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Dan Bruss <dano@sandridgebank.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 13:10:48 -0600
Subject: RE: Jo Robinson

>However....what is up with Jo Robinson? I didn't really like her TFE
>interview, especially her dumb question to Neil about his dog. But this one?
>for example:
>Jo : 'Does the world really *need* another live RUSH album?'
>
>What kind of question is that? Seemed kind of insulting, if not just
>plain stupid.
>
>But what I found even more insulting was her question to Alex:
>'So you sat on your *ASS*....?'  with a lot of emphasis on the ass.
>OK, maybe he wasn't that involved, but it really sounded rude.

Hello all...

I live in the Chicago metro area and I used to listen to Jo Robinson's
former employer - the now defunct Rock 103.5.  When the T4E tour was
rolling (1st leg) in the fall of '96, I think Jo Robinson also interview
the band members.  She, and I think Lou Brutus, were at the show at the
United Center to welcome the band to the city.  She is, in fact, quite a
big Rush fan.  At least, that's what I could gather when listening to her
show.  

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to *hear* the interview the other day...I was
only able to read what the rush-mgr had posted.  When I first read the
interview, I originally thought that particular question about Alex not
doing much work was a little harsh.  But then I just figured she was
probably joking around with Alex given her previous contact with the band.

Well, anyway, I'm not really trying to side with Jo one way or the other.
I wasn't there at the interview and I really can't say what she meant by
it, but if I had to guess, I would say that she probably didn't mean it
that way.

 ----------------------------------
Dan-O

"The point of a journey
  is not to arrive."  - Neil Peart
 ----------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "Brant Waldron" <jacarno@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 12:17:32 PST
Subject: Different Stages

Well the radio station I work at got the copy of DS in today and I 
picked it up for review, also I managed to get a copy of it for myself.  
I am a very happy camper obviously.  The CD is wonderful, it is truly 
great stuff.  The sound is unlike any other live album I have ever 
heard, you can hear the crowd but the music itself is amazing.  Every 
instrument is audible, this is the one.  I am extremely happy, the guys 
did a good one on this.  The songs are beyond description with little 
quirks thrown around and new nots in there and everything.  2112 is 
great, hell its all great

Brant

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Keith_R._Hirst@onf.com (Keith R. Hirst)
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 17:07:43 +0000
Subject: Different Stages

Hey guys

Just wanted to let you know that D/S rocks.  I just got it from CDnow.  

Also the 1st cd doubles as a CD ROM.  You will have to check it out to see
what it is but it is absolutely mind blowing.  

I have to hand it to Anthem and RUSH for not letting that secret out of
the bag.  Man what a treat to the listeners.  

Later

Keith

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "Dennis Pupello II" <dpupello@gate.net>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 18:27:23 -0500
Subject: Spirit of Radio Midi

A big Thank You to Doug Allison <eytormu@netdirect.net> for graciously
sending me The Spirit of Radio tablature and written music, and GianFranco
Fiocco <gfiocco@iname.com> for a most awesome midi version.

Salutes and a roll of the bones to you both, thanks for helping out a fellow
Rush fan.

Dennis Pupello II
Internet mail: dpupello@gate.net
WWW personal: http:/www.gate.net/~dpupello/
Work e-mail: webmaster@ci.brooksville.fl.us
WWW govt: http://www.ci.brooksville.fl.us/
ICQ# 308016  WWW: http://wwp.mirabilis.com/308016
IRC: #quake, #deathmatch, #florida: YyzSinned
352-544-5435 x126 - Work

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From: Kurt Smith <earlkese@erols.com>
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 20:01:59 -0800
Subject: Different Stages!

Salutations All-

D I F F E R E N T   S T A G E S ! ! ! !

                              (We're here!)

----------------------------------------------------------

From: "Spence Churchill" <spence@his.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 20:05:29 -0500
Subject: DS - that big goof yelling during "Driven"

Been doing nothing but listening to the premiere over and over since taping
it last week and have noticed that there's this one guy being picked up over
the rest of the crowd during Ged's solo.  From what I can make out, it goes
something like this (the last thing he says cracks me up):

"Yeah!... Yahoo!... Go, Ged-DEE!... Keep goin'!... ...It's okay, Alex -
shaaake it off!"

 Spence
spence@his.com

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Hawkfeathr@cinti.net
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 20:52:45 -0500
Subject: disk 1 is the enhanced treat!

Check this out folks!  Someone named Resistor posted it to the Message
Board!
*************
By JOHN POWELL -- Jam! Showbiz
TORONTO -- With the click of a mouse and the touch of a few keys, Rush
 fans are about to take Neil Peart's "Test For Echo" lyrics to heart. Those
purchasing the "Different Stages" live concert collection (out Nov. 10th) will
have the opportunity to "press a key" and truly "see amazing things".

The first disc in the three-CD set is specially enhanced to mimic the
 elaborate laser-light shows that are the trademark of any Rush concert.

Designed by Japanese computer artist Hisashi Hoda, the ClusterWorks
program, once installed and launched, will animate a computer screen with
intricate streams of colour and light. Ranging from tiny pin-point firebursts to
bold kinetic strokes, the elaborate patterns randomly pulse to Rush's music
as Disc One is played. The light shapes constantly evolve and never repeat.

Fans can also change the designs by moving their mouse and pressing
designated keys.

Hoda and his program came to the attention of Rush's bassist/vocalist and
"Different Stages" producer Geddy Lee, who was intrigued by the idea of
simulating a Rush laser show. Hoda flew from Japan to Toronto and
demonstrated the ClusterWorks program to the already computer/Net-savvy
Lee. He was impressed.

"It's kind of a delicate imagery and, when it was mentioned, there were
  things about it that reminded the record company of Rush's live light show,"
said Lee, speaking to JAM! in an interview at the offices of Rush's Anthem
Records. "So for that reason I had a look at it and I thought ... Well, as long
as it doesn't, you know, f--k anything up with the production of the album,
 maybe there are some people who would enjoy it, and it's of no extra cost."

Also of no extra cost is Disc 3, a special limited edition bonus which features
a long-lost Rush performance at London's Hammersmith Odeon during the
1978 "Farewell To Kings" tour.

Joking that the ClusterWorks enhancement may be of "special interest to
 people who smoke a lot of herbs", Lee had some light-hearted advice for

those Rush fans who are so inclined.

"Get your stash out and vibe out for an hour," said Lee laughing.

Fans can try out a demo version of ClusterWorks and Hisashi Hoda's other

projects at the OnScreen Art Project site at:
http://www.voyager.co.jp/OnScreenArt/OnScreenArt-e.html.
********************
WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!   Thank you RUSH!!!!

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From: galahad77@juno.com (Ryan  N Waggoner)
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 22:43:15 -0500
Subject: "Start Today"

I hate to do this, especially on the eve of the release of DS, but I have
to -- this has been bugging me for far too long...

Is there anyone else that, for some odd, totally inexplicible reason,
thinks of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" when listening to "Start Today"?  I
have no idea why, but every time I listen to "Start Today", I start
getting mental images from "Rocky Horror Picture Show"...I'm just hoping
there's *someone* else out there that this happens to....

Ryan/Stimpy

"And when I leave, I don't know what I'm hoping to find; and when I
leave, I don't know what I'm leaving behind."
          Neil Peart  ("The Analog Kid")

----------------------------------------------------------

From: gdesigns@idt.net
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 23:42:04 -0800
Subject: (High Priority) The mother of all teases!

(Note: I'm writing this e-mail at work on my handheld)

Place: work
Date: Mon. 11/9

Phone at work rings. It's my brother.

"Guess what I've got?" he said.

I knew it right away. Different Stages!

"How'd you get it a day early?" I asked.

"I just called the record store for a goof and they said they had it.
I'm home and I've got it!"

Then he tells me that he picked up a copy for me! Now I'm starting to
sweat.

As if that's not enough, he's talking to me on the phone and he's
already got the first CD on and "Dreamline" can be heard in the
background!

He's going: "Listen! Listen!" and he's holding the phone up to the
speaker!

So... here I am, stuck at work with 2 hours left to go before I can get
to him and my copy of Different Stages.

I'm bursting at the seams!

God let this time pass quickly!

Against the run of the mill
Static as it seems
We break the surface tension
With our wild, kinetic dreams

Curves and lines . . .
of Grand Designs

----------------------------------------------------------

From: WHO6489@aol.com
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 23:48:01 EST
Subject: Listening to DS & Seeing Ad on TV!

Hi Everybody (Hi Dr. Nick)
     Well, at the moment, I'm listening to DS for a second time. This is BY
FAR THE GREATEST RUSH LIVE ALBUM  E V E R !!! The sound quality is superb! The
packaging is very attractive (a lot of "Where's Tinter Toy" goin' on) The
songs absolutely KICK SERIOUS ASS! Quick run down.....
SET ONE
DREAMLINE = tight, LIMELIGHT = strong, DRIVEN = incredible, BRAVADO =
majestic, ANIMATE = animated, SHOW DON'T TELL = best I've heard, THE TREES =
fresh sounding, NOBODY'S HERO = wonderful, CTTH = rockin', 2112 = hard-core
SET TWO
T4E = nice, ANALOG KID = perfect, FREEWILL = impressive, RTB = better than
studio, STICK IT OUT = concise, RESIST = beautiful, LEAVE THAT THING ALONE =
nice flow, THE RHYTHM METHOD = exquisite, NATURAL SCIENCE = a Godsend, TSOR =
typical, TS = edgy, YYZ = fun
SET THREE
BASTILLE DAY = fast, BY-TOR = to the point, XANADU = pleasing, FAREWELL TO
KINGS = catchy, SOMETHING FOR NOTHING = reliable, CYGNUS X-1 = stellar, ANTHEM
= slower, WORKING MAN, FLY BY NIGHT, IN THE MOOD = blows away ATWAS,
CINDERELLA MAN = cool
     So, enough adjectives for Ya? Anywho, I saw the TV ad for DS TWICE
tonight! Once on TNT during WCW Nitro (gotta love the grapplin') and again on
E! during the Howard Stern Show! I haven't even seen it on   
VH-1 yet! It says how it's 3 discs spanning the career and shows various live
shots over the years with CTTH in the background! Very cool ad IMO!
      OK, I'm Done,
         Keith
PS
     3 cheers to the RUSH-MGR for such great coverage of this breaking story
as it happens! 
PPS
      Oh yeah, I paid $19.95 for my copy here in NJ.

----------------------------------------------------------

From: Emster2112@aol.com
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 00:05:05 EST
Subject: Electrical Rush Moment During the 11/9/98 Chicago Premiere of DS

It's about 10:48 p.m. and it's storming outside.  About 5 minutes ago while
listening and recording the premiere here in Chicago during Tom Sawyer and
looking out the kitchen window, the brightest and loudest lightning struck --
I'd have to say at least within one block of my house.  I saw the incredibly
brilliant flash and the lights dimmed, went out and the entire house went
silent.  Then the thunder!  Woah, man it reverberated right through my heart!
It was so loud the house literally shook.  That HAD to hit something.  I
instantly thought to myself, damn, MY RECORDING!   Then the power came right
back on.  No pun intended, but was that a rush!  Nice shot of adrenaline.
Just thought I'd share that with you guys.  It was too cool.  All's well,
Erin!

Discovery now playing....The interview was great and the cd is truly awesome.

Thank you, Goodnite!

----------------------------------------------------------

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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 2133
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