I can’t believe I’m the first to post this…
From the Rush.com e-newsletter:
How 'bout that?
Why the FUCK has no else responded to this?
This is freakin’ awesome news!
I am very excited! woohoo!
I enjoy Rush very much, but I am not fanatical. I lived with fanatics in college, so I know it is hard make them listen objectively. Nonetheless, I dare to post this:
I’m sorry, but what was an awesome band is now so far past their prime. The trouble with being an artisty-rock band is that your fans expect you to adhere to the same high standards you have established for yourself throughout your career. Once the magic is gone, just let it go.
The last several albums seem forced by their label and/or an excuse to tour. Now, Rush needs no excuse to tour, so why generare such lame compilations? If Rush cannot get their edge back, they should let it go.
- Jinx
That rocks!
Jinx apparently didn’t catch them on their last tour. The dudes still rock hard! And if Peaceable Kingdom is one of the products of them being forced into it, let them be forced some more. Peaceable Kingdom is probably one of my favorite Rush songs.
And now there’s a small teaser on their site.
And a release date of May 1 with tour dates to come!
Rush had a HUGE impact on me in High School, I’m a drummer for chrissakes, but they really lost me a few albums back. The last album of theirs I really got into was Roll the Bones, and I was quite pleased with Counterparts, but since then…meh.
Granted I haven’t listened to their newer stuff a whole lot of times, but I really see no point. IMO they went through their rock stage, a stage with lots of composition and themes, an early 80’s stage, a really synth heavy anthemic stage, and a modern rock stage. I do NOT want to see them get any closer to solidifying a washed-up stage.
All good things must come to an end, and it’s better if that end comes on a high note. I saw Yes in concert a few years ago, and it seemed like I was watching my friends grandparents perform, not dope smokin’ music pioneers, or ground-breaking fusion and harmony geniuses.
As much as I’d LOVE to hear a new Rush album that kicks ass, I know that it won’t happen. Those guys have been through too much to be able to bring the heat anymore. Too much tragedy, drunken New Year’s occurences, and living in relative obscurity have not done them well. Victor and My Favorite Headache were less than memorable as well.
Their live shows are still well worth the price of admission I’d bet, their past material could keep them touring for quite a while with such a loyal fan base. Sadly though a lot of A-list bands from yesteryear are realizing that people only want to pay to hear the stuff from when they were really good. Cases in point: the last time I saw Slayer they played all of Reign in Blood in track order all the way through, I’ve heard that Metallica has done the exact same recently with Master of Puppets, Rush could get away with doing maybe Exit Stage Left in the same manner?
I dunno, I hate to be down on Rush in any way shape or form, but I also don’t want my memories of them to be tainted by a possible failure that really isn’t neccesary. It has to end sometime, and I hope it ends well.
*When we are young
Wandering the face of the earth
Wondering what our dreams might be worth
Learning that were only immortal –
For a limited time
*
Oh, man, I am such a Rush nerd. That is awesome.
I’m a big Rush fan, but I have been put off by all of the recent compilations, cover, and live albums. It seems particularly forced since they never used to do these types of albums (aside from live albums which were clearly on a four studio-album interval).
I really wasn’t happy with the mix on Vapor Trails. The song writing was good enough, but the sounds were just too muddy and messy. It always made it hard for me to listen to. I hope they use different personel and goals this time around. The thing is, I like the music on Vapor Trails; I almost wish they used part of the last 5 years to go back and re-record the whole thing over again.
My favorite Rush creation since Couterparts is easily Geddy’s solo album. In a lot of ways, I would like to hear a follow-up to that more than an all out Rush album.
woohoo! I’ve been a Rush fan since the mid 80s, and I’m very happy to hear they have a new album coming out! I didn’t even know they were recording–kinda lost track of them for awhile since it’s been so long. Something to look forward to! 
There’s a detailed, if rambling, description of the recording sessions at Neil’s website. He seems extremely excited about it.
Also, here’s an interview with the album’s producer which has some promising tidbits:
Here here. See Rolling Stones for specific examples.