Decline of synthesizer usage in the music of RUSH

paul_courville · Post by **paul_courville** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:31 pm

Hope this is not too far off topic but, I have been a long time RUSH fan (since about 1976).
When I first heard the filter sweeps of the intro to 2112 I was hooked on synths and RUSH. I love the way they tastefully used Moog Taurus pedals, Minimoogs, Roland Jupiter 8's and Oberheim OB-Xa's. I especially liked All the World's a Stage, Farewell to Kings, Permanent Waves, Hemispheres, Moving Pictures and Signals. I did not care as much for their hyper-synth recordings Hold Your Fire and Power Windows. I expressed this at www.therushforum.com and was flamed to no end. As much as I love these guys I feel they've lost a bit of their edge. Some speculate the guitarist Alex Lifeson felt over-shadowed by multi-instrumentalist Geddy Lee. Also due to the sheer complexity of "all this machinery making modern music" the decision was made to return to more of a traditional three piece hard rock format. For me their latest recording, Snakes and Arrows is a huge disappointment. With the exception of the"hit single" Far Cry the CD really blows.

Just curious if there are any thoughts here on this topic...

www.cyberdudeproductions.com

My hero... Geddy Lee.
The reason I learned to play synths.

candlewick · Post by **candlewick** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 2:54 am

As both a drummer and a keyboard player I find the music of Rush to be at the top of my favorites list. I've been a huge fan of the trio since the early eighties. I have often debated the merits of their keyboard heavy albums in comparison to earlier works. I appreciate the growth of their vision as a band over the years. If you recall, they briefly entertained the idea of a 4th member to cover all the keys "live onstage". Sequencing, sampling, triggers have allowed them to keep the "trio magic". Upon giving the new Snakes and Arrows CD a good listen. (15-20 times). I have found numerous music textures that I like. I will agree that keyboard lead is indeed missing for the most part, but I find that Alex has also branched off into a much more acoustic driven style for his guitar work. I look forward to being able to take two of my boys (10yrs, and 9 yrs. old) to the show in St. Paul MN, in two weeks. I want to share a real rock show with them before the boys hang it up.

Synthoid · Post by **Synthoid** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 2:29 pm

Some serious vintage synths in that bottom pic.....what are they?

paul_courville · Post by **paul_courville** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:01 am

Synthoid wrote:Some serious vintage synths in that bottom pic.....what are they?

You're kidding right?
Jesus, am I getting old or what?
Answer: Moog Taurus Pedals, Oberheim 4 Voice, Oberheim OB-X, Oberheim OB-1 and a Minimoog.

Synthoid · Post by **Synthoid** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 2:02 pm

I recognized the Moog stuff, but I'm not familiar with the older OB gear.....haven't seen much of it.

silverdragonsound · Post by **silverdragonsound** » Sun Sep 02, 2007 2:50 am

Rush is one of my Favs as well. To be honest I haven't like alot of their newer stuff for the last three of four albums. I'd still go see them live because on the whole I like most of their music.

Kerzwhile · Post by **Kerzwhile** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 4:14 pm

That is a KILLER pic !!! Thanks for the new desktop!!