So, this showed up at the newly revamped Rush website.
Songs from the Big Chair: 30 Years Ago
I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am. February 2015 will mark the 30th anniversary of SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR by Tears for Fears.
30 years.
My debate colleague and great friend (then and now), Ron, and I listened to that album over and over and over again. Our local Godfather’s Pizza even had the b-side, “Pharaohs,” and we played that song over and over and over again. This, of course, was pre-internet, and it was difficult to obtain rarities in the middle of central Kansas. Godfathers, strangely enough, provided the best place to hear that song. So, to Godfathers we went.
When I saw that Tears for Fears would be releasing not just the Deluxe Edition of the album but the Super Deluxe Edition, I was pretty pumped. The Super Deluxe Edition has now been released, it costs a fortune, and I’ve decided not to purchase it.
Granted, it’s pretty fun to listen to sixteen different versions of “Shout,” but, in the end, it seems to negate the integrity of the original album. And, it’s great that Steven Wilson remixed the Super Deluxe Edition . . . but, the original was amazing in 1985, and it remains so, thirty years later.
I still listen to the album at least once a month. A quick calculation tells me I’ve listened toSONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR at least 360 times since 1985.
I’m sure, however, I’ve listened to it many, many more times than this.
And, P.S.: Thanks, Ron. Incredible memories.
Rush Revamps its Website
Rush has completely revamped its website. It looks spectacular. www.rush.com
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And, please check out some of our friends:
http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/main/Home.htm
Some days demand a little Andy
Eight-plus minutes of pure prog joy (and Tillison-patented cultural criticism).
The Gentle Storm at PROG Magazine
Don’t miss the preview of The Gentle Storm’s first song released from the new album.
As PROG writes:
Exclusive: View lyric video from Arjen Lucassen and Anneke van Giersbergen collaboration
Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen and former The Gathering singer Anneke van Giersbergen and have premiered Endless Sea, the first track from their Gentle Storm project, with Prog and TeamRock.
It’s taken from their album The Diary, set for release on March 23 via InsideOut.
The launch will be supported with a European tour including three UK dates,although Lucassen won’t hit the road with van Giersbergen, backing vocalist Marcela Bovoi, guitarist Merel Bechtold, guitarist Ferry Duijsens, keyboardist Joost van der Broek, bassist Johan van Stratum and drummer Ed Warby.
The Diary is set in the 17th century and tells the story of a Dutch sailor and his wife, separated by his two-year voyage, and the letters they write to each other.
The leading duo say of Endless Sea: “The album opener serves as an introduction to our story-based album. Susanne, the main character, sings about her husband Joseph, who has just sailed out on another long voyage to the Far East. We are very excited to offer everybody a first taste – this is such a special album to the both of us.”
Lucassen guests with van Giersbergen on a run of acoustic shows next month, and takes part in the “unintentional supergroup’s” first show in the Netherlands on March 26.
THE GENTLE STORM UK DATES
Apr 23: London Garage
Apr 24: Leicester Musician
Apr 25: Manchester Roadhouse
To see the video, go here and scroll to the bottom of the page. Enjoy! http://prog.teamrock.com/news/2015-01-20/gentle-storm-lucassen-giersbergen-endless-sea-diary
Wish You Were Here: Muzak over Pop
After a wonderful family day at the Denver Natural History and Science Museum, the Birzers stopped at a Barnes and Noble. While perusing the new science fiction books, I realized I recognized the tune being played over the store sound system. The voice was sickeningly sweet, sappy, gunky, sugary, and “preciously” pop. Blah. How could I know this song? It’s rotten, corrupt, decadent. Then, it hit me. It’s a remake of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” And, then, it hit me even harder. Dear God, what have we done? The Muzak version of the song is better than this pop sap. Oh, great art–what has commerce done to thee??? Curse the remake artist, the record company that supports it, and the stores that promote it.
Remember 2005?
Kate Bush, AERIAL
Glass Hammer, INCONSOLABLE SECRET
Gazpacho, FIREBIRD
IZZ, MY RIVER FLOWS
Nosound, SOL29
Riverside, SECOND LIFE SYNDROME
Neal Morse, ?
Tangent, PYRAMIDS AND STARS
Remember 1995?
Radiohead, THE BENDS
Natalie Merchant, TIGERLILY
Chris Isaac, FOREVER BLUE
Spacehog, RESIDENT ALIEN
Marillion, AFRAID OF SUNLIGHT
The Flower Kings, BACK IN THE WORLD OF ADVENTURES
Spock’s Beard, THE LIGHT
Porcupine Tree, THE SKY MOVES SIDEWAYS
Remember 1985? Not bad.
I am son and heir. . . of nothing in particular. . .
Rush, POWER WINDOWS
Tears for Fear, SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR
Kate Bush, HOUNDS OF LOVE
New Order, LOW LIFE
The Cure, HEAD ON THE DOOR
The Smiths, MEAT IS MURDER
Bryan Ferry, BOYS AND GIRLS
Blancmange, BELIEVE YOU ME
Why can’t they leave things as they are?
What to Make of ‘Rush: Live at Electric Lady Studios 1974?’
Another bootleg recording turned into a CD, this one from a show Rush played in 1974 at Electric Lady studios in New York City. The recording has been floating around for years in an unofficial CD, called Rush Hour, but about two years ago it was repackaged into an unofficial import CD, called Rush: Live at Electric Lady Studios
The studio was built by Jimi Hendrix. He bought what was then the Generation Club in 1968 and two years later added a recording studio. He recorded “Snow Blues” there in 1970, but he didn’t get to use his space after that; he died in London a few weeks after making his recording. Hundreds of artists and bands have since played or recorded there, including The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Patti Smith. In more recent years Lana Del Rey, Arcade Fire…
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