Awful Sleep

What an awful sleep I had last night.

The bloody neighbor (who's balcony is right above my bed) was yapping like crazy. She loves to sit out on the balcony and talk to people on the phone for hours. Jeezus, last night was three hours of non-stop bullshit talking (and cringe worthy laughter).

Worse yet, the neighbor in the next house was doing more or less the same thing. Didn't get to sleep until 12:00PM and not to mention, I remember waking up more than a few times.

I can't close the window either, because the oxygen supply will cease and I will die in the sweltering heat.

"V For Vendetta"

I just saw "V For Vendetta" last Friday and I have one word to describe my feelings for it: awesome (and brilliant and amazing).

My first watch of this film has already secured it a spot on my favourite movie list and let me tell you, that doesn't happen very often. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect with this movie - in fact I didn't have a clue what It was about. Not a clue. The only thing I knew was that Natalie Portman was in it.

Anyhow, I decided to watch it and it turned out be exactly my type of movie. I've got admit to having a soft spot for movie subjects which display narcissism and anarachy. The whole message of a goverment feeding the public lies to enpower a new regime and essentially "feeding them fear" is a topic which is very relevant. We all have our different views, but this is what I believe a current admistration is doing. Actually I think they've been doing it for years, but anyhow...I was throughly impressed on how this story was put together and it's symbolic meaning.

Unlike most of today's movies, this falls short of being one-sided, meaningless, money making trash.


But what is such a movie? Well the categories I saw it put under where "action and "drama". The fact that the "anarchist" wears a Shakesphere mask certainly adds to the drama effect, but it's more than that. The way in which the lines are spoken and written and the way the story plays out begs "threatre play".

The acting of this this movie is also very, very good (if not brilliant). I hadn't seen Natalie Portman in many other movies, but wow! Her acting was just superb (as with the rest of the cast). The fact that Ms. Portman is not of British decent, but displays a perfect accent is unbelievable.

Excellent script, scenes, acting, actors, story, music score, etc. It's a clear ten out of ten in my eyes.

TVR Article

You can view my latest published article on TVR's future on AutoSavant.net

http://www.autosavant.net/2007/05/all-britannia.html

Exercise, Dieting & Eating

Dr. Bruce with some serious advice

Everybody wants (and apparently needs) dieting/exercise tips. Well I've got a diet which you can try, but I can't guarantee it's going to work - as we all know results vary from person.

What's it called? I dunno, how about "The Bruce diet". It has successfully made me lose over 40lbs in the last seven months.

It had dawned upon me that I need to lose weight - lots! Oh yes, I was addicted to all sorts of candy and even worse, Coke. However, I wanted to lose it in a way which didn't mean I was going through a sweat shop daily. So as a result I started off casually by changing my eating pattern and simply restricting it to everything, but meat. I essentially started off by mixing daily stomach crunches (around 500 per day) and a daily mix of either vegetables and/or fruit (no meat). For a few months I went off meat completely and simply continued doing this and it wasn't long before the weight started to drop off.

Within the last three months my routine has yet again changed. Now a days I've gone away from stomach crunches and moved onto a "daily speed walk".

Anyhow, that's the diet...

As for my eating habits, you'll be glad to hear I've reintroduced meat. Sort of.. I still hardly eat meat, but I wouldn't say I'm a vegetarian. I'd say the only real time I end up eating meat of any sort is with a Pizza (which I'd say I get once a week) and when it happens, I call it my "pig out time". This is where my animal instincts come out and I can chow done most anything at an unbelievable speed.

I realize I've gone off topic, but allow me to do once again. The rate at which I eat things is like no one other (or at least I haven't met anyone else like me). More than often do I receive a comment like "wow, you must have been hungry". Truth be told, whether I am or not, is of no relevance. The fact is that I eat like a wood chipper.

Examples?

You know when you see somebody drinking a pop slowly or for instance, someone eating half a sandwich and saving the other piece for the other part of the day? I cannot do that. For me, a can of pop doesn't sit untouched for 10 minutes. I can devour a can of Coke within two (one and a half?) minutes.

Here's another great example. A few nights ago me and my father had Pizza and we ordered two mediums. One for him, one for me ("pig out time").

The 12 inch pizza has about nine slices to it and by the time he had finished three pieces I had finished seven.

Gluttony? Yes.

Weekend Video's (#10)

Dire Straits - Money For Nothing (1985)



English Beat - Save It For Later (1982)



Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Don't Come Around Here No More (1985)

Wallpapers

Five Favourite Rush Albums

Now that Snakes & Arrows has had time to "settle" in, does it still remain a favourite Rush album?

With eighteen albums to choose from this is no easy task, but I have allocated myself just five choices. All in chronological order:

Moving Pictures (1981)

No explanation is needed. PERFECT album!

Song example: Tom Sawyer

Signals (1982)

I had heard Geddy Lee complain about the fact that the synthesizers overtook Alex, but I've got to disagree. I think they blended the two instruments perfectly through out this album. One thing that I will admit is that "Signals" has dated faster than other Rush albums due to the subject matter of it's songs ("digital man", space shuttles, etc) but it's still an amazing album.

Song example: Subdivisions

Power Windows (1985)

"Instrumental mastery" in all sense of the words. With the album following a "power" theme - a lot of Chinese influences made it in here. Alex's guitars were given a distortion so that they came off sounding Chinese (particulary in "Territories"). Geddy's bass lines were at the height of complexity as well. Not to mention, It's often regarded as one of, if not the best album ever made in terms of sound quality production.

Song example: Mystic Rhythms

Presto (1989)

Definitely not a choice which I expect most Rush fans to agree with. "Presto" is pretty much hated because of it's mid tempo beat and "pop" like sound. I've always enjoyed this album because it is so "mid tempo", as a result it's very relaxing and in my life, very emotional with it's powerful lyrics.

Song example: Show Don't Tell

Snakes & Arrows (2007)

That's right, it's still on the list. No second doubts as it's another ground breaking album within the Rush catalog.

Song example: Armor & Sword

Crime Scene Investigation

As you might recall, in a previous post I slammed Jerry Bruckheimer's television crime drama: CSI: Las Vegas. I stated it as hugely predictable, obvious and down right ridiculous.

Although I must admit that my previous assumptions were all based upon earlier episodes and as a result I've some retraction to do as I've recently watched a few of the newer episodes.

Over the past week or so I've managed to watch more than a few of the later-season episodes (five, six & seven) and cannot believe how improved they were from the earlier cliche works which had originally turned me away from the show. What I noticed immediately is how these episodes greatly differed when it came to portraying an actual story line. They weren't/aren't overly intelligent, but they aren't overly idiotic either. They actually require a train of thought as the "bad guys" are no longer predictable nor are the crimes themselves.

For once, I don't feel as If I'm wasting 45 minutes of life on mindless television. Yippe!

However my biggest disappointment with the show still remains and that happens to be the script which the actors deliver. You know, usually obvious and quite trite, but I can understand the purpose of explaining obvious things. Let's face it, 85% (more?) of human beings are absolute fools. Hell, you could say I'm one too..oh well.

Still though, even with the idiotic scripts there appears to be a lot of dark humour. I'm surprised to hear myself laughing at the simplest of jokes and it's not the jokes per se, but the way in which they are said.

Also on the list of idiotic scripting is the "hot shot" attitude which more than half of the character's portray. This is where either the criminal or one of the CSI employees cracks off an semi intelligent, quirky and odd comment. Mind you, I do feel most of the characters can comfortably pull it off, but Marg Helenberger (or as we know her, "Catherine") simply cannot. Every time the script demands she utter one of these comments I cringe and sometimes suffer from uncontrollable laughter. I cannot take her seriously!

Anyways, on the subject of characters I'd say without a doubt my favourite character would have to be Paul Guilfoyle (CSI Name: Jim Brass). Not only is his character entertaining, funny and quirky, but his acting is arguably the best on the show. Second to him, the rest of the male crew are great actors. I can't say there isn't one of I don't appreciate (boths as actors and characters).

Sadly, I feel the female aspect of the show is much weaker. Having said that, Jorja Fox (CSI Name: Sarah Sidle) is without a doubt my favourite female character on the show. I don't find her the least bit annoying and to top it off I think she's a pretty reasonable actor.

Now I'm not saying CSI is a masterpiece because it clearly isn't. However, I'll now give it a little more credit than I previously did. I'm actually looking forward to watching a new episode..

On the contrary, I watched a few episodes of CSI: New York the other day and it was awful in every way imaginable.

Wiesmann Article

View my latest article about the Wiesmann MF4 on Autosavant.net

Direct Link to the article

Weekend Video's (#9)

Similar nature carried through out this three songs..

Neil Young - Keep On Rockin' In The Free World (1989)



Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the World (1985)



Rush - Half The World (1997)

No Love For Ferrari?

Absolutely none.

Read my latest article published on AutoSavant.net

http://www.autosavant.net/2007/05/unmasked-criminals.html

Approved

I approve of this picture!

Lack of Automotive?

I was just thinking: Isn't it odd that I have only written one post about automobiles? Surely with my great enthusiasm for such you'd expect me to write various topics (like I do with Rush and Kate Beckinsale)

Truth be told is that automobiles are far less interesting to me now than they once were. That's not to say I dislike cars entirely, because that's not true - but the majority of today's vehicles do absolutely nothing for me.

-Too much bullshit
-Too much costing cutting
-Ridiculous horsepower games
-Strange exterior styles

Nonetheless, my greatest affection for automobiles is put towards the Pagani Zonda. Why you ask?

To keep it short, the Pagani Zonda is my favourite car of all time because it encompasses everything I want in a vehicle. Style, quality, uniqueness, power, speed, lightweight construction and lastly, it's created by company which believes in true craftsmanship and integrity. Since 2003, no car has managed to capture my imagination like the Zonda has and I have a strong feeling nothing ever will.

Here's a video example..

"Mad Mad World" Review

It's not often that I end up reviewing an album which was released fifteen years ago, but I feel compelled to write a review expressing my affection for Tom Cochrane's 1991 album: "Mad Mad World".

This was and still is one of Tom Cochrane's most influential albums. It remains in the Canadian music history book not only for it's super song composition (both musically and lyrically) but because it was the album in which Cochrane broke away from "Red Rider".

By the time the late 80's arrived "Tom Cochrane and Red Rider" were already known as a staple among Canadian rock music. The group originally formed in Toronto had already been given numerous Juno awards and had even garnished a few successful radio hits (hits such as "Lunatic Fringe" and "Boy Inside The Man"). Actually, the self titled album (which arrived in '86), "Tom Cochrane & Red Rider" (thier 6th album I believe) proved as they're most popular and well known album to date.

However, in '88 the group had readily released yet another album and this time they surprised themselves once again. The album titled "Victory Day", was easily their biggest album to date and even managed to make it onto the Billboard Top 100 (although at a peaky 64th). This powerful and exciting album had such hits as "Victory Day", "Big League" and the politically charged "Calling America". All in all "Victory Day" was an amazing album - which makes it all even more surprising when you find out '88 is the year which Tom Cochrane & Red Rider disbanded.

Although when the band seperated it wasn't under extreme rocky circumstances (unlike some), but apparently more at a casual disagreement at where the band's muscial direction should go. For "Mad Mad World", Cochrane had the concept of creating a more gritty, more realistic feeling album dealing with the journey of life.

As a result, "Tom Cochrane and Red Rider" split up and thank God they did. Don't get me wrong, I love "Red Rider", but this solo album is something which could not have been done with them.

Now having seperated from "Red Rider", Tom was faced with the tough task of assembling a new band. Thankfully "Red Riders" bass guitar player (Spider Sinneave) stayed to offer his talents to Tom. Other than that, he leaned upon many new names, but still managed to garnish the help familar faces. Such as his wife, Kathy Cochrane (for backing vocals) and lastly fellow Canadian rocker Kim Mitchell (lead guitar on "Brave & Crazy").

The stage was set, but the end result was uncertain. For starters, Cochrane had to have a song which would serve it's purpose as radio friendly (IE. A single). What was born was one of Canada's most well known rock hits, "Life is A Highway".

Tidbit - It was originally written with the lyrics "Love is a highway".

This fantastic song proved to be Tom's biggest hit he had ever written and composed. This song hit unknown success for Cochrane when it it hit 6th place on the Billboard Singles Top 100 chart.

"Life Is A Highway"




The video by the way, was shot in Drumheller Alberta =)

Mind you, as fantastic and catchy "Life is A Highway" was, it was far from the best song on the album. Meanwhile Cochrane's other "single" release, "No Regrets" was received highly well earning 28th place on the Billboard Top 100 singles chart. "Sinking Like A Sunset" also quickly became a radio friendly hit and a fan favourite.

"No Regrets"



Mind you, the further you dug into "Mad Mad World" the more delicious and addictive it became. While with "Red Rider" Cochrane had long given up the use of synthesizers and whatnot, MMW sported an aggression and tension which no previous album he had worked on featured. Previous "Red Rider" albums could had been labeled "rock", but MMW intelligently combined "rock", "folk" and "light rock" all into one amazing package. Tracks such as "Washed Away" and "Bigger Man" had both been crafted with the idea of an addictive chorus and aimed on the goal of being labeled with a "contemporary/Alternative rock" badge.

On other hand, songs such as the title song ("Mad Mad World"), "Get Back Up" and "Brave & Crazy" were far from contemporary rock - more hard rock, but without being "head banging". I imagine the influence for these three particular songs came from the "grunge" scene which as we know arrived in the '90's. Especially "Get Back Up" which focused on a person overdosing from drug use. With it's intelligent use of acoustic and electric guitars as well as powerful drums it's easily my favourite on this album. I'm surprised it hadn't occurred to me earlier, but MMW reminds me of Rush's "Snakes & Arrows" in more than a few ways.

"Brave & Crazy" as well as "Mad Mad World" focused on the world's problems. Topics including hypocrites, the faltering job market among many other such relevant topics.

Less heavy songs such as "The Secret is To Know When To Stop" and "Everything Comes Around" followed the tradition of contemporary/alternative rock and gave us the Tom Cochrane we all knew and loved.

All in all this album featured songs which were not only more accessible than previous works, but with better song composition. I'd go as far as saying it's not only the best album of 1991, but which Tom Cochrane has ever produced. It's encompasses all which I expect in this great Canadian musician and song writer.

On a side note of '90's Canadian rock albums: Rush also released an album in 1991 ("Roll The Bones"). God knows I'm a huge Rush fan, but you know what? "Mad Mad World" kicks "Roll The Bones" in the ass (in all ways). And even when compared to Rush's '93 release ("Counterparts") "Mad Mad World" stills remains strong.

It's as good as "it" gets - 10/10

Tidbit: Alex Lifeson (Rush guitarist) played the role of an guest guitarist on Cochrane's 1995 album, "Ragged Ass Road"

Weekend Video's (#8)

Men At Work - Down Under (1982)



Talking Heads - Once In A Life Time (live in 1984)



Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer (1986)

I Miss Those Days..

The days of my childhood.

Though we've had beautiful weather over the last couple of days and even though I've had no real worries to worry about, I feel a slight shade of depression pass through my head.

It's 20+ degrees outside and I've just gotten back from my second walk of the day. What do I walk for? Well it's not for collective thinking, I do it for exercise, but of course walking doesn't really stimulate the mind and as a result my mind often wonders off.

Over the last couple of days my mind has been reaching back into my childhood. Oh, how I miss it. It may sound stupid, but I miss the days of fun without a care in the world. The days of innocence where I was sheltered from all things evil. (yes, you can roll your eyes)

I remember those sunny and warm days back in Calgary when me and my friends used to go for endless bike rides. The sky was blue and clear of clouds, the air warm, yet fresh with the sound of birds... Actually I experienced all of those weather traits the other day, but it just isn't the same.

I remember those days when my best friend (Alex) and I went out bike riding out for the afternoon and didn't have to come back home until the sun was setting. Looking back it's almost a surreal feeling.

Apparently, when you "grow up" you're supposed to leave that all behind. Look towards your future and cope for yourself. You go from cartoons to girls, from playing with matchbox cars to actual work. Too bad it couldn't have lasted longer.

One thing that I love is when I'm watching television shows I watched long ago. As of Recent, I've been watching Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. Should I be embarrassed for saying that?

I dunno, but I don't feel embarrassed. It was such a kick ass show.

My childhood or teenage years as you might describe aren't over, but there was a point in those years where me and my father experienced some hardships. Hardships which made me drop all things reminiscent of my childhood. I didn't want anything to remind me of "them". As for the particular items, television shows to music, you name it.

If you've read my blog for some time you might remember a post I did on a musician by the name of Loreena McKennitt. I mentioned I hadn't listened to her for a long while and now you know why. I detached myself from her and the same goes for music like U2 and Alanis Morssiette. They were the soundtrack of my early years.

My personal issues have now long passed and I find myself listening to those musicians once again (some striking nerves, some not). My road to recovery started long ago, but I believe I've still some time before it's all resolved in my mind. Had I not had music or cars to occupy my mind over the last six years I'm not sure what I would have done.

As the sun blazes away, I sit here among my model car collection and my music.

Rush's "Afterimage" is the perfect song to represent my above post. This song might have only be written for an individual, but I see it as much more, I see it representing everything.

I remember/How we talked and drank into the misty dawn/I hear the voices/We ran by the water on the wet summer lawn/I see the footprints/I remember

"Far Cry" Music Video

Rush has now released a music video for Far Cry!

What's instantly noticeable to a Rush fan is the addition of archived video clips in multiple scenes. I notice classic footage from the "Countdown" music video, as well as "Tom Sawyer" music video. That one section with the dog and that log cabin is from the "Limelight" music video.

I like how the little red guys are meant to represent "Moving Pictures"

Other Than That Brit

Firstly, I should tell you that I'm writing this blog post for the purpose of two blogs. (My personal one you are reading now, and my Kate Beckinsale one)

Anyways, other than that British actress (aka Kate Beckinsale), you might have wondered who else has managed to capture my big blue eyes (ha..). As I have displayed in the past (or perhaps not), I'm not overly keen on celebrity figures.

Perhaps I've stated myself incorrectly on that above statement. I have no problem with "celebrity status", but as far as I see it money and beauty almost always over-rule "smarts". Therefore in my eyes, a female celebrity must not only be attractive for me to be attracted to her, but I must think highly of her intelligence and attitude within this "dog eat dog" world we live in.

I'm so picky, eh? I don't exactly look like James Bond either..

Anyhow the other girls who catch my eye are:

Sophia Bush:



Actually my appreciation for Sophia Bush is quite recent in fact (just a few months old), but the fact that she has risen to my second favourite celebrity gal within such a short time speaks for it's self.

Why Sophia?

As with any woman, her looks were the first thing to catch my eye. I view Sophia Bush as "cute" and actually adorable, yet at the same time quite beautiful. I was also thoroughly impressed at which the way she displayed herself in the public (IE. Interviews and whatnot)

I mentioned "adorable" already, right? Yep, that's exactly what she is. She's got such a soft voice and attitude. I just want to hug her!



Megan Fox:



Megan Fox is also rather new to my appreciation list, although don't be fooled, it's not because she has a role in Transformers. In fact, I knew of her before I even knew she would star in the movie. By the way, look at those eyes!

Some others which interest me:

Evangeline Lilly: (Alberta FTW!)



Mandy Moore:



Leah Dizon:



Lacey Chabert:



And..

-Jennifer Aniston
-Jennifer Lamiraqui
-Monica Bellucci
-Rhona Mitra
-Jennifer Connelly
-Julianne Moore

Weekend Video's (#7)

Billy Idol - White Wedding (1983)



Rush - Lock & Key (1987)



Thompson Twins - Hold Me Now (1984)

Choosing Thirty

Choosing my thirty favourite Rush tunes that is. With Snakes & Arrows recently released I feel this is the best time to compile such a list.

If Rush were Nickelback then this might be an easy job (actually no, because Nickelcrack doesn't have any good songs..)

Anyhow with a discography which totals eighteen albums and a career which spans thirty three years choosing a top twenty is near impossible. Not to mention, Rush is a band which has drastically changed thier music styles over the last three decades and as a result, each album (and song) has it's own language.

This is not an easy task, but here goes nothing. For listening pleasure, I've included a link to a video for each song (if there is a video available..)

No order:

-Closer To The Heart (1977)
-Xanadu (1977)
-La Villa Strangiato (1978)
-The Spirit of Radio (1980)
-Natural Science (1980)

-Red Barchetta (1981)
-Tom Saywer (1981)
-YYZ (1981)
-Witch Hunt (1981)
-The Weapon (1982)

-Countdown (1982)
-Digital Man (1982)
-Afterimage (1984)
-Between The Wheels (1984)
-Mystic Rhythms (1985)

-Manhattan Project (1985)
-Territories (quality drowns out the guitar, etc - 1985)
-Force Ten (1987)
-The Pass (1989)
-Available Light (1989)

-Show Don't Tell (1989)
-Roll The Bones (1991)
-Bravado (1991)
-Where's My Thing? (1991)
-Armor & Sword (2007)

-Spindrift (2007)
-The Larger Bowl (2007)
-Bravest Face (2007)
-The Main Monkey Business (2007)
-Malignant Narcissism (2007)

So there you go. So many of my favourites got missed, but I had to limit myself (ha..thirty..)

Incredible output by Snakes & Arrows wouldn't you say?

AutoSavant.net Writer

As of yesterday, I became an official writer for AutoSavant.net.

I was approached by the website owner (Brendan Moore) asking if I'd like the oppurtunity to write for the site.

Of course I accepted, and plan on writing one or two articles per month. Keep an eye out.

http://www.autosavant.net
Direct Link to article

"Snakes & Arrows" Review

Honestly, I got a sneak peek at Snakes & Arrows about a week ago, but of course, I still bought the album. I needed to, not only because it’s amazing, but to support Rush. They deserve every penny they have (and they have many..)

Honestly, I did shed a few tears when I first heard the song by the title of "The Larger Bowl", on Snakes & Arrows. I have not heard this type of creativity, musicianship and talent for a long, long time. And I’m not just saying that because this is a new album from Rush, or new material that I’ve never heard before. It truly is, as Alex put it, one of their best works. In fact, I love this album so much it’s easily within my top five favourite albums of all time.

I can’t say that I have listened to anything in the last ten years that has given me goosebumps quite like Snakes & Arrows has. Come to think of it, I think this is the best album from Rush since Power Windows.

I know it's a bold claim, especially as Power Windows was released in 1985, but this album has quality unequalled. Both musically and lyrically it’s not only unmatched by most Rush albums, but most other musicians.

Anyhow, how do I go about explaining Snakes & Arrows?

Let me start by saying this album truly has no genre. Its half rock, half acoustic and uhh, half monster. Although forced to choose, I'd say it's folk rock.

More than a few times when listening to Snakes & Arrows did I feel I was listening to an album from Rush's heyday's (the '80's) and yet at the same time I feel it has all of qualites that will keep it sounding modern and crisp for many years to come. As for the influences, well that’s a long list, but to keep it rather short: Middle Eastern, Blues, hard rock and folk. What I cannot believe is how Rush has managed to combine all of those traits together.

For instance, the longest Instrumental on the track (The Main Monkey Business) manages to sound as if it came out of the mid 70’s. It honestly sounds like Jethro Tull and yet at the same time carries all of Rush's late 1970 traits (Hemispheres in particular). What's also particulary interesting about this song is that a great deal of it relies on the use of Synthesizers and Rush hasn't used those since 1991 (Roll The Bones).

I cannot even use words to describe how amazing this song sounds – it’s just brilliant. How does it stack up to greats like "YYZ" and "LaVilla Stragianto"? Pretty well actually, but I'd still rate those two ahead of it. An individual on a Rush forum described TMMB as “walking through the rainforest” and I couldn’t have said any better.

As I explained in a previous post, “Malignant Narcissism” is incredible. Essentially it's a mini "YYZ" ,but it's a terrible shame that it's so damn short.

Meanwhile the third instrumental on Snakes & Arrows ("Hope") is surely a unique one. It's purely acoustic and performed by no one other than Alex. Yet again, it manages to capture all of the essences from both Rush and Jethro Tull of the 1970's. It is seriously a beautiful piece of music and I'd be surprised for anyone to tell me they don't like it.

Here's Malignant Narcissism



Songs/Meanings and etc:

Vapor Trails was an alright album, but Snakes & Arrows makes VT look terrible in all ways. I have yet to find a song witin the thirteen which I want to skip past and even my least favourites are far better than songs of the past.Ironically, I feel “Far Cry” (the single) to be the weakest song on this album. Why? Well because I feel it’s quite repetitious. Don’t get me wrong, I like the song – but it’s the most commercially driven song on this entire album.

Second to “Far Cry”, I think “Faithless” is the second weakest. Sadly, I do not feel one particular lyrical phrase fits.

Still though, most of the songs are both lyrically and musically strong, out gunning Vapor Trails in more ways than one. They aren’t one dimensional either; in fact a great deal of attention has been put into this album to make sure it wasn't a "typical" prog-rocker album.

One thing that I really love about this album is Geddy’s voice hasn’t been layered to death, in fact it’s quite natural. If you've read my blog from the beginning you might remember I displayed some dissapointment regarding Vapor Trails when it came to the voice layering. When it comes to Snakes & Arrows, Geddy doesn’t have the vocal length of previous albums, (due to age), but he still sounds great. This album is also the first where Geddy uses strong harmonies. Those “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” might be a turn off for some, but I think they sound great.

One perfect example is “Spindrift” which heavly relies on the use of Geddy using his voice to harmonize. Some say it's filler, but I say fits this song (and album perfectly).

"Spindrift" also happens to be one of, if not the hardest rock song on this album. It has a tone which is almost demonic and is very much reminiscent of Moving Picture’s “Witch Hunt” and Signals “The Weapon" (two songs which happen to be favourites of mine). Yet that demonic tone fades away into a light acoustic jam at 2 minutes 40 seconds (at which the lyrics lighten up - "A little closer to you, where is the wind that will carry me a little closer to you"). This awesome chorus comes in once again at 3 minutes 50 seconds and then as you think the song is gone, the demonic tone comes slamming in. Brilliant is the only word that comes to mind.

“Workin’ Them Angels” is yet another interesting song. Very catchy and beautifully crafted with fantastic acoustic moments, strong drums and an addictive guitar pace. You know what’s extremely cool about this song? Lifeson has a Mandolin solo!

Speaking of which, another interesting instrument which makes an appearance is a “Bouzouki”. It’s a strange looking guitar of Irish and Greek decent used through out the 20th century.

And, oh I how I love “Bravest Face”. Aside from the general song composition being amazing, its lyrics are so true to life.

Interestingly enough Neil’s lyrics carry many “Heaven” references, both through out its song titles and lyrics. When I originally read they would be like that, I wasn’t too impressed, perhaps thinking a degree of softness. I was outright wrong though, the lyrics are powerful and yet so true. These lyrics speak a particular picture which no Rush album has done since Grace Under Pressure (which at the time was focusing on Communism). The song “Armor & Sword” makes yet another perfect example of this, bringing out a strong point forcing the lyrics “no one gets to their Heaven without a fight”

Check out Armor & Sword here:



If you aren’t familiar with Rush’s drummer (Neil Peart), you won’t know that he is one of the best lyricists in Canada (and someone who has written nearly all of Rush’s lyrics since ’75)

You also won't know that Mr. Peart doesn't believe in God.

In Rush tradition, the song meanings are carried out through the packaging. The album cover design is from a Middle Eastern Snakes and Ladders game board which represents the meaning of life. Meanwhile this strange “snake eating tail” photo was drawn by Huge Syme (the artist they have used for sixteen or so album covers), but most importantly it represents immortality.



What makes the Snakes & Arrows packaging even more interesting is that each song has its own artwork. For instance, the “Spindrift” lyrics are set onto a background of waves crashing. “Armor & Sword” is laid onto a picture of a medieval helmet and sword.




courtesy of www.cygnus-x1.net

Anyways, back to those songs!

"The Way The Wind Blows" is one of those songs which has a message, but it's not hard to decipher. It's a powerful song, to say the least and it's full of instrumental mastery. Here are part of the lyrics for you to digest:

Now it's come to this
Wide-eyed armies of the faithful
From the Middle East to the Middle West
Pray, and pass the ammunition
So many people think that way
You gotta watch what you say
To them and them, and others too
Who don't seem to see to things the way you do

“Good News First” is somewhat of a spooky song. As far as I can tell it describes the situation between Neil Peart and his wife who suffered from cancer, and who unfortunately died in 1997. Neil Peart is vague about the song meaning, but throws a few mentions of it.

Here are the lyrics for you to analyze (I've cut out a few lines, so this is not the whole song..)

The saddest words you could ever say
But I know you'll remember that day
And the most beautiful words I could ever say
There's more trouble ahead
So never mind the bad news
Let's have the good news instead

Some would said they never fear a thing
Well I do
And I'm afraid enough for both of us
For me and you
Time, if nothing else, will do it's worst
So do me that favor
And tell me the good news first

In my humble opinion it focuses on Neil Peart's wife telling him she has Cancer. Hence, "remember that day". Did I mention it's lyrics are set onto a picture of a burial mound with a newspaper flying through the air that's displaying the headline "Cure Discovered"?

My overall favourite at the moment has to be “The Larger Bowl”. I just love the quiet starting off acoustic layout and the powerful lyrics. The constant switch between acoustic and electric guitar is sure to go down in Rush history and the guitar solo, is spine chilling! Seriously, I'd say it has one of the best guitar solos, ever.

“We Hold on”, fits perfectly as the album closer. Displaying the lyrics:

Keep holding on so long
Cause there’s a chance that we might not be so wrong
We could be down and gone
But we hold on

I think the point here is to display not giving up. In more ways then one too: the world, Neil Peart’s tragedies and lastly, Rush themselves. 1997 could have been the end of Rush, but it wasn’t.

So as you probably noticed, I said the near identical thing for each song. Truthfully, it’s hard to put words to songs that are as brilliant as these are. Any disappointments? Nope, in fact I’ve got to admit that Snakes & Arrows is a far better album than what I expected. I expected it to be good, but not so good that I could compare it to the 80's greats.

Let me end by saying, there is no album that will be released in 2007 that will sound anything like it, actually I'd go as far as saying possibly ever again. It’s a masterpiece not only among Rush’s thirty plus year history, but among music. Now, I won't be surprised if hardcore Rush fans don't like this album. It's certainly not the "norm" for them, but then I ask: When has Rush ever stuck to one music style? The answer is never. Look at the evolution of them over the last three decades. Power Windows is a far cry from 2112 as Snakes & Arrows is a far cry from Hold Your Fire. My advice is to give it to some time before you dismiss it.

Oh and the “Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame” which refuses to induct Rush because they’ve never followed the trends, can eat a shoe (Perhaps one of Neil’s old tennis shoes...)