Rush - Snakes and Arrows

[jsbass]

I know this has more than likely been discussed before, but this album totally kicks ass. Rush is still kicking it stronger than ever after 30+ years. How do they do it? Bands usually fizzle out once they start to get to 20, but Rush on the other hand, amazing. I can't even choose a favorite from the album, they're all equally amazing songs to me.

[Deluge Of Sound]

I read a Rolling Stone review(3/5 stars) of it that said "If you're a Rush fan, add two stars. If you're not, subtract two."

[Herrlster]

I think it's great. I learned Far Cry, Armor And Sword and Malignant Narcissism.

[Naggon]

yeah, amazing album. I listened to it for the first time last summer when I was backpacking through france and italy, so it's got some amazing emotions and feelings attached to it for me, now. I always think it's funny how that happens.

hahah, that rolling stones review is amazing

[Nino Valenti]

Originally Posted by Deluge Of Sound

I read a Rolling Stone review(3/5 stars) of it that said "If you're a Rush fan, add two stars. If you're not, subtract two."

That's funny. I had the album on with a lot of non rush fans and they loved it.....

But then again, it's Rolling Stone. What do they know?

[Snarf]

Great album, very strong. The songs sound more the same than on any other Rush album, but distinct enough to not sound like they were taking their cues from Muse. Lots of diversity in sound, beautiful production. A+ record.

[Deluge Of Sound]

Originally Posted by Nino Valenti

But then again, it's Rolling Stone. What do they know?

They know a lot about everything that doesn't concern music, politics, and movies.

[waffle puzzle]

I started liking Rush in about 1978, and my favorite "era" spans from "A Farewell to Kings" all the way through 1985 "Power Windows"

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan.....but I just don't like the newer stuff with the same passion as the middle years.
"Test for Echo" ? total crap compared to any other Rush album.
both "Vapor Trails" and "Snakes and Arrows" have some great songs, and maybe could make ONE good album (IMO).

The lyrics border on trite at times (NOT a Rush quality) and the vocal melodies aren't very interesting on MANY songs from "Counterparts" on up to current.

Bass playing ? Yes, fantastic.
One good thing about "Snakes and Arrows" is that Alex's guitar is way more diverse (read...interesting) than on "Vapor Trails".

I guess it's nostalgia on my part, but I miss the synthesizers, too.

[Steve³]

I haven't heard the whole album, but Far Cry didn't impress me at all, and I really haven't liked anything they've done since Grace Under Pressure. They're still one of my five favorite bands of all time though, just based on their first ten albums (twelve if you count the live ones).

One of these days soon I'll sit down and give the whole album an honest shot to impress me, and I really hope it does. I've been wanting to like something new from them for a long time.

[Rocinante_x1]

Originally Posted by Deluge Of Sound

I read a Rolling Stone review(3/5 stars) of it that said "If you're a Rush fan, add two stars. If you're not, subtract two."

Pft. Rolling stone doesnt know a rock from a gummybear. Much less Music From Chicken soup.

[Baryonyx]

Counterparts was the real lull in quality for me, it was final death of the 80's RUSH. (I love the '86-'91 period most). But they continue to make amazing records, Vapor Trails is one of my favourite RUSH albums ever! And they are without a doubt my favourite band. I think Snakes and Arrows is an excellent record, and the songs are even better live!

[nig]

I remember rush when they started out, never really dug 'em,but, went out for no reason and got 'snakes n arrows' ,love it, went and saw the tour show...awsome, am now a rush convert, geddy is my kind of bassist, the vocals get to me sometimes, alex is a better guitarist than many realise and neil is a deep dude with a great knack of being a top drummer and lyricist.

[waffle puzzle]

My favorite 10 Rush albums, in almost an order

1. Permanent Waves
2. Moving Pictures
3. Signals
4. A Farewell to Kings
5. Hemispheres
6. Power Windows
7. Grace Under Pressure
8. 2112
9. Hold Your Fire
10. Everything Else

[mrokern]

I'm a weird one apparently...I actually like "Test For Echo". Then again, I got to work local crew on one show of that tour, so there are memories...

I'm a Rush nut and don't mind admitting it. When the band hits into the first note and Geddy steps into the spotlight I go absolutely nuts.

Snakes & Arrows was great, and Rolling Stone can kiss my .

-Mark

[waffle puzzle]

For any Rush fan, I recommend Neil Peart's books

"ghost rider",
"traveling music" and
"roadshow"
I haven't read "masked rider" (the first one) yet.

AND to anyone who doesn't revere "Permanent Waves"-----
--------simply one of the greatest albums of all time.

[EagleMoon]

Originally Posted by waffle puzzle

AND to anyone who doesn't revere "Permanent Waves"-----
--------simply one of the greatest albums of all time.

+ 1000

[Rune Bivrin]

Originally Posted by nig

I remember rush when they started out, never really dug 'em,but, went out for no reason and got 'snakes n arrows' ,love it, went and saw the tour show...awsome, am now a rush convert, geddy is my kind of bassist, the vocals get to me sometimes, alex is a better guitarist than many realise and neil is a deep dude with a great knack of being a top drummer and lyricist.

That's my story in a nutshell too. I remember hearing 'Caress of Steel', which my oldest brother had bought. Zinged right past me except 'Bastille Day', but I must have been around 12 years at the time. Then as I became a member here I just heard so much about Geddy, and then I listened to Far Cry on their web site. Bought the album, and I've been back cataloging since.

As I don't have any memories attached to any of the albums, I feel a little better equipped to review them uncritically, and I'd say 'Snakes and Arrows' is among their better. But the standard is truly awesome!

One thing is definitely sure: Geddy's singing gets better with every album. There's a mellow quality to it now that wasn't there on 2112.

[E-hannon]

My friend went to see them live in Vegas during their current tour. Said it was the best thing that happened to him, but then we went to vegoose and that was pretty badass