From: inde7lo@rosie.uh.edu (92F02544)
Subject: Re: To Be OR Not To Be A RUSH Fan
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: University of Houston
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1992 04:00:00 GMT

In article <1992Sep25.172458.15500@bnr.ca>, herrage@bnr.ca writes...
>    
>  + their seeming desire to be considered "versatile"
> 
>    I think that is why they first tried (and had so much success
>    with) "Permanent Waves".  They had something to prove; that
>    they could do whatever everyone else was doing -- if they
>    wanted to.  Plus, they are able to satisfy a much broader au-
>    dience.  IMO, that's also why we saw "The Weapon" on "Signals"
>    (recall Neil's comment about a d-d-dance tune?) and the rap
>    portion of "Roll The Bones".  I don't think that they've com-
>    promised anything either.
> 
>These are just my opinions; I have mine and you have yours.  Feel free
>to state yours -- just don't flame me.
> 
>Rob

Let me assure you that this is not a flame and I appreciate your opinion.
But now let me state mine.

Being a relatively new Rush fan (since about 1986), I grew to love Rush's
music in reverse chronological order.  I started with their newer albums
and slowly moved backwards.  During this time, I developed a strong
opinion that their older music was more technically demanding with more
original lyrics.  Don't misunderstand, there are many later albums/songs
that I love just as much, but there are also some songs that bother me.

The first time I heard the song "Roll the Bones", I cried.  I just don't
understand the justification for putting a 'rap' in the song.  I think
it would be safe to assume that they wouldn't have even considered 
placing it there unless it was such a popular genre among youth today.
But who do they think they're attracting?  The die-hard Rush fans aren't
to crazy about it (including me and other fans I've spoken to) and rap
fans would laugh at it -- it is a pretty poor rap.  Does anyone really
enjoy the rap section in the song?  Do you listen to the song just to 
hear the rap?

So what does one derive from this?  Do they venture into these areas for
their own edification?  Or are they trying to please too many people?
Some say Rush has sold out (not me of course) and it started when albums
consisted entirely of 'marketable' 3-minute songs.  When I hear "Ghost of 
a Chance" on Top 40 stations, there's something wrong.  I disagree that 
Rush slowed their pace and changed their album format because they're getting 
too old.  I've never heard Neil play with such speed as he does on RTB.  
Just listen to "Where's My Thing?" (My 2nd favorite instrumental next only 
to "La Villa...").

I am Rush fan in the truest sense, but that doesn't mean I have to agree
with every business decision they make.  And I do believe "business" has
crept more and more into their music production, due to record label 
pressure, etc.  I remind myself to keep an objective viewpoint.  Just 
because Rush made something doesn't mean it's perfect (ooh, I'm waiting
for the flames on that one).  They make bad judgement calls like everyone
else.  I don't think some of their newer works represent a natural 
evolution of their music.  It seems they are trying to push their music
to keep current fans happy and catch some mainstream listeners.  I don't 
think they will be successful with Rap/Top-40/Country listeners.  If they
stay focused and continue to produce quality music, they will be around
for quite a while.  Personally, no one would be happier than me too hear
a new epic-size piece from them.

I would really like to hear some reactions to the above.  Does anyone
agree with some/all of what I said?  Remember, this is just one guy's
opinion, but if you must flame, don't make it too hot -- I'm sensitive.
I apologize to all those I completely bored with this post.

				
					Bob Abraham
					INDE7LO@JETSON.UH.EDU

"He's old enough to know what's right
 But young enough not to choose it..." 
			- NP
Newsgroups: alt.music.rush