Breaking & Entering (Film)

Jude Law and Juliette Binoche remain strong through out

Saw this film last Friday and all I have to say is...excellent.

Truthfully, I thought it was just excellent in all aspects and am confused silly by the rating it's been given by the 13,000 some viewers at IMDB who rate the film with an average score of 6.5 out of 10.

Excuse me? I'd say this film easily deserves a 9.0, perhaps a score even as high as 9.5.

Going into this film I hadn't much clue as to what it was about. The only thing I knew was it was about an architect who suffers a break-in at his studio. Little did I know such an event would result in the lead character's (the superb Jude Law) life being forever changed.

Without trying to give too much of the film away:

Jude Law's character, Will Francis, is currently in a relationship with Robin Wright Penn's character, Liv, that is spiraling downhill. The character of Liv is from Sweden and has brought along her young autistic child along with her to Britain where she met Will Francis. From there on, their already troubled relationship further goes towards the edgy rocks with the encounter of a break-in and the child who committed the particular crime; and a woman (played by the beautiful Juliette Binoche) who Jude Law's character falls in love with.

I cannot explain anymore without giving the story away, but to keep it short: I thought it was an excellent story. Well assembled with little gaps - proper continuity all through out the two hour film.

Contrary to what the films advertising gives away, this film is not a crime drama, but rather a love/life story.

Acting/Casting/etc:

Acting was another strong aspect of this movie. Most everyone put on a superb job, especially Juliette Binoche, Martin Freeman and Jude Law who played their roles like there was no tomorrow (sorry for the cliche..)

The casting of this movie was also excellent. I was glad to see Martin Freeman (from the U.K. version of 'The Office' who played 'Tim' on the series) receive a role in this movie. His acting is superb. A 'natural' if I ever seen one.

Verdict: Great movie!

Below: Right, Rafi Gavron - left, Juliette Binoche

Weekend Video's (#19 - Female Special)

This weekend, is an all femme (that's female in French, you doofus) music special.

Here are three extremely talented female artists who are so good that they don't deserve the garbage cliche of being referred to as 'Diva's'

Katie Melua - 'Just Like Heaven' - 2003



Loreena McKennit - 'Caravanserai' - 2006



Alanis Morissette - 'Unsent' - 1998

Hey There!

Ok... I've got exactly five minutes to write this post.

Starting... now!

That's what it's been like.... Every free minute of mine in the last two weeks has been filled by just about everything you can think of.

Last weeks weathers was absolutely gorgeous. Every day (and I mean every), was ideal for shorts and T-shirts; not to mention various trips to Jericho beach where the hotties lay in search of a sun tan.

I'm happy to say that I got a great tan myself; and also got a lot of miles (walking that is) behind my belt.

Last Friday, however, was anything but pleasant as the sky belted rain like there was no tomorrow. Such a trend followed until Tuesday when it finally decided to clear up and give us the summer we deserve. Thankfully, since Tuesday the weather has continued to be fantastic. It's nice and sunny at the moment, with a high of 24°C expected. Same goes for tomorrow, but it looks like it'll rain on Sunday and then go back to 23°C of sunny weather for Monday.

Retarded, I know..

When I wasn't out and about enjoying the beautiful weather, I devoted my time to updating My Kate Beckinsale Blog (which I have to do considering I've now got a small following) and posting on GermanCarZone.

Speaking of GCZ - Some of you might remember that I previously talked about being involved in the development of a spinoff site from GCZ. That particular site is now called "CurbZone" and it's an off-topic/miscellaneous-based forum where most everything goes. While it still has a few glitches and bugs, the site is up and running - welcoming new members!

It's got some great additions too, like MySpace inspired user profiles; a game arcade and a Blogging system (not online at the moment, but will be implemented soon enough).

Other than that...

- The 2007 Skins.be Babe Tournament which I'm participating in (and spoke of in a previous post) is going well. Both of the babes I'm sponsoring, Kate Beckinale and Sophia Bush, are do mighty well. I have no doubts they'll both succeed to the "knockout" stage.

Meanwhile, I fitted a few new pictures to my Blog (right side bar) which aside from displaying how cool the Lexus LS600h's LED headlamp units are; showcases artwork from British-born Sybil Andrews.

Here's some of her fantastic work for you to enjoy.



Cheers.

Lyrical Greats (pt.4)

Hey there folks.

I'm apologize that I didn't update my Blog with the continuance of "Lyrical Greats" on the 23rd as promised. I've been a busy little bee!

Anyways..enough BS...

'Dreamline'
From the album: 'Roll the Bones' - 1991

A Key Line:
They travel in the time of the prophets
On a desert highway straight to the heart of the sun

Chorus:
N/A

Thoughts:

Dreamline boasts some Peart's most amazing lyrics. While the meaning isn't aggressive as something like the 'The Weapon' or 'Time Stand Still'; it offers what I believe to be an interesting look at life and it's journey's.

'Bravado'
From the album: 'Roll The Bones'

A Key Line:
When the dust has cleared
And victory denied

Chorus:
We will pay the price
But we will not count the cost

Thoughts:

We will do something, but not realizing the consequences.

I'm afraid I haven't much time to analize the rest of the albums, but in short:

'Everday Glory'
'Resist'

Snakes & Arrows lyrical greats (nearly the entire album..)

'Far Cry'
Spindrift
Armor & Sword
Faithless
Bravest Face
'The Way the Wind Blows'
Good News First

Weekend Video's (#18)

Tom Cochrane & Red Rider - 'Lunatic Fringe' (1983)



Jethro Tull - 'Thick As A Brick' (live in 1976)



Paul Simon & Olodum - 'The Obvious Child' (1990)

Lyrical Greats (pt.3)

Now into the year of 1987; Peart's expertise in lyrical writing continued to expand and ultimately, become more intelligent. One thing that you'll notice is the lack of actual chorus with the late 80's tunes.

'Time Stand Still'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987

A Key Line:
I let my past go too fast
No time to pause

Chorus:
(Time stand still)
I'm not looking back
But I want to look around me now
(Time stand still)
See more of the people and the places that surround me now
Freeze this moment a little bit longer
Make each sensation a little bit stronger
Experience slips away
Experience slips away

Thoughts:

Time Stands Still is relatively upsetting song. As the song title and lyrics would suggest, it's about time slipping away with one's lack of control over it; and perhaps, the lack of appreciation you had for a certain event at that particular moment (but now, happen to appreciate it more than ever).

'Lock and Key'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987

A Key Line:
Plenty of people will kill you
For some fanatical cause

Chorus:
I don't want to face the killer instinct
Face it in you or me
So we keep it under lock and key

Thoughts:

This song's message is pretty clear in displaying the fact that we all have a bad side, but naturally, never want to see it.

'Mission'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987

A Key Line:
We each pay a fabulous price
For our visions of paradise
But a spirit with a vision is a dream
With a mission

Chorus - there isn't one..

Thoughts:

Admittedly, 'Mission' is a song about achieving goals and of course, the struggles to accomplish them.

'Turn the Page'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987

A Key Line:
We disengage, we turn the page
Racing down the river running fast
Every day we're standing in a wind tunnel

Chorus - there isn't one..

Thoughts:

Meaning of this particular song? I dunno actually. Evolution, perhaps routine. God knows..

'The Pass'
From the album: 'Presto' - 1989

A Key Line:
And now you're trembling on a rocky ledge
Staring down into a heartless sea
Can't face life on a razor's edge
Nothing's what you thought it would be

Chorus - there isn't one

Thoughts:

No speculation here. This song is about a teenager who was an alcoholic (most likely brought on by his alienation at school) and then with no one there to help him find the path of 'good'; decides to commit suicide.

'Scars'
From the album: 'Presto' - 1989

A Key Line:
I've heard the lions hunting
In the Serengeti night
I get this feeling...

Chorus:
Scars of pleasure
Scars of pain

Thoughts:

Hearing the actual song (rather than just reading the lyrics) gives you a better impression of what the lyrics are talking about. With various mentions of Africa and an African inspired drum beat, I have no doubts that it's about...ding..ding..Africa!

'Available Light'
From the album: 'Presto' - 1989

Thoughts:

Like 'Turn the Page', AL leaves me lost. My speculation is that it's about a soul of a deceased individual floating through the earth; searching for the perfect place. Could be entirely wrong though! :D

More great lyrics on the 23rd!

Lyrical Greats (pt.2)

Here we are once again!

'The Weapon'
From the album: 'Signals' - 1982

A Key Line:
With an iron fist in a velvet glove we are sheltered under the gun

Chorus:
And the things that he fears are a weapon to be held against him...

Thoughts:

Perhaps the most influential lyrics to ever been written by Peart. I know the line, "Thy kingdoms will be done" is a slightly modified version of a quote from The Lord's Prayer in the New Testament. What's also worth noting is that the quote "We've got nothing to fear - but fear itself?" is from the third sentence of President Franklin Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address on March 4th of 1933. Having said that, I think that it's quite clear that this song aims at delivering the message of control, obedience and the population being mislead - whether that be in a political or religious format. And on that note, I think it's unbelievably amazing how well this song reflects the current administration in United States.

Now, we move onto the album 'Grace Under Pressure' - which to say the least, is full of excellent lyrics.

'The Enemy Within'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984

A Key Line:
Steely-eyed outside to hide the enemy within

Chorus:
I'm not giving in to security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
Experience to extremes...

Thoughts:

Considering it's part of the 'Fear Series', (which includes four parts, one of which is 'The Weapon) I feel the message of this song is quite clear. It follows the same premise as 'The Weapon' - obedience and control.

'Distant Early Warning'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984

A Key Line:
That the truth is not the truth?

Chorus:
The world weighs on my shoulders
But what am I to do?
You sometimes drive me crazy
But I worry about you

Thoughts:

A song clearly influenced by the fear of superpowers and nuclear annihilation.

'Afterimage'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984

A Key Line:
Suddenly, you were gone from all the lives you left your mark upon

Chorus: (doesn't really have one..is this it?)
I feel the way you would
I feel the way you would

Thoughts:

I know for a fact that this song was written about friend of the band who died in the early 80's. It's a short song with few lyrics, but nevertheless, they hit hard.

'Red Sector A'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984

A Key Line:
Skeletons, they shuffle away

Chorus:
All that we can do is just survive
All that we can do to help ourselves is stay alive

Thoughts:

Well..the song is about the holocaust and the unspeakable acts which the Jews suffered. The basis of the song was written by Peart with input and inspiration from Lee (who's parents were survivors).

'Marathon'
From the album: 'Power Windows' - 1985

A Key Line:
It's not how fast you can go

Chorus:
From first to last
The peak is never passed
Something always fires the light that gets in your eyes
One moment's high, and glory rolls on by
Like a streak of lightning
That flashes and fades in the summer sky

Thoughts:

Self explanatory - but the use of a 'marathon' is a metaphor for life.

'Territories'
From the album: 'Power Windows' - 1985

A Key Line:
Don't feed the people, but we feed the machines

Chorus - There isn't one!

Thoughts:

As described by Peart, the aim with PW was, well, power. The corruption of it to be exact and I interpret this song to be a look at China's situation (at the time).

This song deserves great praise as it reads like a book.

More tomorrow!

Lyrical Greats (pt.1)

Well, hello there. As is rather obvious, I haven't had much time to update my Blog as of late.

Rather than wasting any more time - let's get to the point. As per usual, I've been listening to Rush and in particular, their most recent album, 'Snakes & Arrows'. Aside from being musically brilliant, it is most certainly lyrically brilliant. In fact, I'd say that the S&A lyrics are easily on par with my other favourite Rush album(lyrically), 'Hold Your Fire'. Such is an accomplishment, especially considering the latter was distributed to High Schools around Montreal thanks to it's meaningful and stylistic poetry-like writing.

Having said that, I thought I'd be interesting to take a look at some of Rush's best lyrics.

The Writer:

For those unaware, Rush's primary lyricist is their drummer, Neil Peart and he is the original writer of these fantastic lyrics. Mind you, band vocalist Geddy Lee has also been known from time to time to add or change lyrical input. So.. special thanks to the both of them!

Before we go on, one must make note that Peart's lyrics can be interpreted many different ways. These are my personal interpretations!

-- Chronologically ordered --

'Something For Nothing'
From the album: '2112' - 1976

A Key Line:
What you do is your own glory

Chorus:
You don't get something for nothing
You can't have freedom for free
You won't get wise
With the sleep still in your eyes
No matter what your dreams might be

Thoughts:

'Something For Nothing' is the typical Rush song of the late 70's. Especially as Neil had a fascination with reading Ann Ryann books (which very much focused on the Russia's Communism).

'The Spirit of Radio'
From the album: 'Permanent Waves' - 1980

A Key Line:
One likes to believe in the freedom of music

Chorus:
Invisible airwaves crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle with the energy
Emotional feedback on timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price, almost free

Thoughts:

The SPOR has a wonderful message. Music is magical and the lyrics in this particular song are stringed together like a masterpiece.

'Entre Nous'
From the album: Permanent Waves' - 1980

A Key Line
Each of us a world apart

Chorus:
Just between us
I think it's time for us to recognize
The differences we sometimes fear to show
Just between us
I think it's time for us to realize
The spaces in between
Leave room for you and I to grow

Thoughts:

A song about clearly about a relationships.

'Freewill'
From the album: 'Permanent Waves' - 1980

A Key Line:
You can't pray for a place In heaven's unearthly estate

Chorus:
You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill
I will choose a path that's clear
I will choose freewill

Thoughts:

'Freewill' is very much akin to 'Snakes & Arrows', 'Faithless'. It's about choosing religion and how you're religion, might be not to choose one.

'Tom Sawyer'
From the album: 'Moving Pictures' - 1981

A Key Line:
No his mind is not for rent to any god or government

Chorus:
The world is, the world is
Love and life are deep
Maybe as his eyes are wide

Thoughts:

A song about alienation and social impact on the youth.

'Limelight'
From the album: 'Moving Pictures' - 1981

A Key Line:
One must put up barriers to keep oneself intact

Chorus:
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme

Thoughts:

This is what I believe to be what Neil felt were the negatives about the band's success.

More tomorrow!

Weekend Video's (#17 - Rush Special)

Some where along the way, Rush lyricist (Neil Peart) decided to write a series of songs which would describe the "fear element" in all of us. This series was labeled properly as the "Fear Series" and essentially carried through out four different albums. They when onto to describe the toil of being feed fear by the government, among many other such relevant topics. Ironically these topics are just as relevant today..

The songs were actually written backwards (not literally of course), but as in part 3 arrived in '81 and part 1 arrived '84. Here are three parts of the series played live at the "Grace Under Pressure" tour in '84.

"The Fear Series"

The Enemy Within - Part 1
From "Grace Under Pressure" - 1984



The Weapon - Part 2
From "Signals" - 1982



Witch Hunt - Part 3
From "Moving Pictures" - 1981



"And the things that we fear, are a weapon to be held against us"
-The Weapon

Where Have You Been!?

My regular readers (assuming I have any) are probably wondering where the hell I've been. The answer to the question is: no where.

Seriously though, I just haven't had any time to update my regular Blog with my casual scribblings and complaints.

What I've been doing as of late:

-Posting on GermanCarZone (as per usual)

-Participating in the Skins.be 2007 Babe Tournament - where I am happily sponsoring Kate Beckinsale and Sophia Bush

-Updating my Kate Beckinsale Blog

-Happily helping the administrator of GCZ develop (suggesting & testing) a spin off website.

-Listening to Rush (ha..)

Uhh and I don't know what else.. The whole week has been hetic.

Favourite Actress'

Is this the moment in my post when actual acting ability is thrown out and/or over looked for the sake of attractive beauty? No! I admit, some of the actress' listed below I have an attraction to, but I wouldn't steep as low to choose my favourite actress' based on looks alone.

So..pipe off!

Julianne Moore

While I'll admit Mrs. Moore has been in her share mediocre films, that truth is that she rarely fails to shine. She comes off as a solid, well adaptable actress with an impressive movie catalog. Film highlights include: 'Children of Men'; 'The Hours'; 'The Shipping News', 'Hannibal', etc.

Kate Beckinsale

What does John Travolta say in Pulp Fiction? "This is a moral test of oneself testing loyalty of.."

Yeah.. that works.

On a more serious note, I fully believe Mrs. Beckinsale has ability to be an excellent actress. Frankly and as I've stated once before, she hasn't really gotten the opportunity to show her absolute best. Having said that, she's certainly not a bad actress - some of the films she's already headlined (such as 'Serendipity', 'TipToes' and 'Vacancy') have showboated her already impressive acting abilities.

Kate Winslet

I wasn't too fond of Kate Winslet after I saw Titanic, but when I got a chance to see her play the role of 'Bistey Bloom' in 'The Life of David Gale', I was throughly impressed. After I saw 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', - I was blown away.

Jennifer Connelly

Performances in such films as 'Requiem For A Dream'; 'Pollock'; 'A Beautiful Mind'; 'Blood Diamond' and 'The House of Sand & Fog' require she is on my list. Jen is a top notch actress!

Rachel Weisz

According to IMDB, she was a 'radical feminist' though out University. Lol.. Anyways, she is indeed one of my favourite actress' because.. she's just great. Not to mention, just like Beckinsale and Winslet, she can pull off an impeccable American accent.

Scarlett Johansson

Let me say it simple by saying: I could not believe 'Lost in Translation' was more or less, her film debut. She's everything a talented actress should be!

Judi Dench

She's just great. Period.

Cate Blanchett

See above reasons

Happy Birthday..

To the wonderful Sophia Bush who turns 25 years old today. Happy Bday, you kick ass gal!

Weekend Video's (#16)

Pink Floyd - 'Comfortably Numb' (1979)



Tom Cochrane - 'I Wish You Well' (1995)



Alanis Morissette - 'Thank You' (1998)

Rush - 'Digital Man'

His world is under observation
We monitor his station
Under faces and the places
Where he traces points of view

He picks up scraps of conversation
Radio and radiation
From the dancers and romancers
With the answers but no clue

[Chorus]
He'd love to spend the night in Zion
He's been a long while in Babylon
He'd like a lover's wings to fly on
To a tropic isle of Avalon

His world is under anesthetic
Subdivided and synthetic
His reliance on the giants
In the science of the day

He picks up scraps of information
He's adept at adaptation
Because for strangers and arrangers
Constant change is here to stay

[Chorus]

He's got a force field and a flexible plan
He's got a date with fate in a black sedan
He plays fast forward just as long as he can
But he won't rebel
He's a digital man

My New Automotive Blog!

I have decided it is indeed time to open an automotive Blog.

Welcome to 'The Speed Barrier'

And yes, I will continue to write for AutoSavant.net. You can expect to see more than few shared posts between the two sites, but evidently, TSB will very much be a site with a different aim.

Favourite Actors

What do you call an actor who doesn't have to act to give an amazing acting performance? What I'm talking about is those particular individuals who don't have to put much thought into portraying a character - hence, every character they play comes off natural.

I don't think I can even explain it.. All I can say is that a few of my favourite actors have this unique trait.

George Clooney

Mr. Clooney is one of those actors that I spoke of above. The perfect example of his natural acting is in a film like 'Ocean's Thirteen' where he portrays the character of Danny Ocean - who in his self, is cool, casual and hilarious. Yet again, I struggle to explain what I'm trying to say, but hopefully it's somewhat obvious.

Of course, George Clooney has the ability to sparkle in many more roles than just the 'Danny Ocean' and that's evident by characters like: 'Billy Tyne' (Perfect Storm); 'Bob Barnes' (Syriana) and last but not least, 'Major Archie Gates' (Three Kings).

Clooney is just cool.

Brad Pitt

Mr. Pitt happens to be another actor who truthfully comes off like a natural. He doesn't take shitty roles either - well ok, Mr & Mrs. Smith.. but other than that plonker, he has consistently stars in fantastic films where he's always gives a superb acting performance.

Matt Damon

Ever seen the 'The Bourne Identity' or 'The Bourne Supremacy?' Better yet, have you seen 'Good Will Hunting'? What an actor! Always on top of his game.

Bruce Willis

Here's another guy who plays the "casual cool-cat" role, and damn well at that. Notable character roles include: 'Mr. Goodkat' of 'Lucky Number Slevin'; 'David Dunn' of 'Unbreakable' and the absolute best (IMO), 'Butch Coolidge' of 'Pulp Fiction'.

Robin Williams

Most always playing a depressing role, but nevertheless, he's a superb actor who I feel is always playing a believable part.

Ben Kingsley

One movie: 'House of Sand & Fog'. Here's a guy who never fails to impress.

Morgan Freeman

Ever seen 'The Shawshank Redemption'?

Tim Robbins

Ever seen 'The Shawshank Redemption'?

Kevin Spacey

I'd strongly consider Mr. Spacey as my favourite actor of all time. Thanks to his amazing versatility and integrity as an actor, he can easily adapt to any role he is hired for. His performance in the following movies were nothing short of miraculous: 'American Beauty'(for which he won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role); 'The Life of David Gale'; 'K-PAX'; 'Se7en'; 'The Usual Suspects'(for which he won an Oscar for Best Actor in a supporting Role) and my personal favourite, 'The Shipping News'.

Anthony Hopkins

Mr. Hopkins is an actor which I have great respect for. Not only because he's very talented, but because he refuses to star in shitty films. In an interview conducted in mid 2006 (for the release of 'The World's Fastest Indian'), Hopkins stated that he refused to star in pointless (aka - rubbish) films.

Christopher Walken

Is there anyone as hilarious?

---------------

There you have my favourite actors. If you're interested as to who my favourite actress' are, I suggest you stay tuned. That particular post will arrive on the upcoming Monday.

"America's Best: Ford GT"

Read my latest article on AutoSavant.net

"It’s good looking, it’s fast, it handles well and it has great history backed up by the emotional impact expected of any great supercar."

http://www.autosavant.net/2007/07/americas-best-ford-gt.html

Best Drummer/Percussionist Ever?

Damnit! I tell ya, I have never felt more addicted to music than I do at this exact moment.

Admittedly and on average, listen to music at least six hours a day. You might ask how I am able to do such a thing with school work, etc. It's quite simple - I just do. Anytime that I'm writing a car article for AutoSavant.net I'm rocking out to music, whenever I'm surfing Internet forums - I'm listening to music and lastly, I'm most always listening to music when I'm writing a Blog post (and yep - I am as I write this particular post).

Anyhow, on the subject of music, I'd like to mention that I rather enjoyed my last major music post about Geddy Lee's bass guitars and what-not. That being said, I thought I'd make yet another music post, but this time go on to explain who I think is the best drummer/percussionist in the world is.

Such a question doesn't require much thought on my part - It's the one and only, Neil Peart

I know what you're thinking..

"Wait a minute, isn't Neil Peart the drummer for you're favourite band, Rush? Fanboy alert!"

Call me what you will, but take note that I couldn't care if you disagree, or happen to think I'm a fanboy. Nevertheless, I wouldn't go as far as to make such a claim without explaining my reasoning. After all, a lack of reasoning mightmake me look misinformed, idiotic and rather biased.

Now, I'm not going to go into a large debate as to who I think the best drummer in the world is, but to explain it in the simplest of terms - I believe Neil Peart to be the best drummer in the world not only because he has amazing ability, but also because I believe him to be one of, if not the most creative drummer of all time.

That being said, I've always gone on the concept of the best things (drummers, automobiles, etc) not necessarily being defined by actually ability, but rather the enthusiasm and creativity in they're execution. Or in other words, the fastest 'this and that' shouldn't always be considered the best.

With that in mind, folks often say imply that drumming competition such as Jon Bonham, Mike Portnoy and Buddy Rich could drum circles around Neil Peart. I, of course, think that's absolutely absurd, but it is their opinion..

Drumming Performances

I am of the opinion (and I know that I'm not alone) that while drums solos performed by Jon Bonham and Buddy Rich are excellent, they had a tendency to get a tad boring. Ok, scratch that - awfully boring. Frankly, this is where I believe Peart is above other drummers. He doesn't just bang wooden sticks on cymbals - he makes it an art by applying his specific and unique styles to the instrument.

Of course, if Peart wasn't a good drummer, I obviously would not have made the claim implicating him as the best drummer in the world. However, whether you think Neil Peart is the best drummer in the world or not, his drumming abilities cannot not be called to question.

Such ability not only shines through his solo performances, but also through out much of Rush's music. While Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson write the primary drumming parts for each of Rush songs, it's Neil who adds many of those little high-hat splashes and what-not.

Watch Neil play drums to 'Subdivisions' (live at the 2004 Frankfurt R30 concert)


Truthfully though, it is indeed his solo performances which back up my claims. What makes a Peart solo so interesting to listen to is the way he use of different styles which he implements. Rarely are his solo's repetitious as they go through a journey of different sound which always make them eventful.

Such is evident by the fact that his solo's have spurts of not only African drumming, but also quirky features as an electronic xylophone, electronic drums, cow bells and last but certainly not least, various sets of chimes. Sounds impressive does it not? What he is able to do with them is even more impressive, see for yourself:

"O Baterista" - live in Rio (2003, 'Vapor Trails' tour)


Now honestly, Mr. Peart doesn't have a great deal of solo's - in fact, he's only got about four. Come to think of it, that's pretty impressive, but what you should know is that those particular four happen to share many drumming parts with each other. His solo "Der Trommler" is more or less, a played-backwards version of his 2002 solo, "O Baterista". My intention here is not to take credit away from Neil - just making a few things apparent. Either way, this doesn't bother as the solo's don't sound overly recycled - even if they do share a few parts.

I'd say it's safe to say that the drums parts which have stayed through out his solo for year's, are now considered his trademark(s). Those particular trademarks being the middle-section rhythmic cow bells and of course, the Buddy Rich inspired classical Jazz finale. Oh yes, Neil Peart is a huge Buddy Rich fan.

'Der Trommler' - live in Frankfurt (2004, 'R30' Tour)


New Solo

With the announcement of the 2007 'Snakes & Arrows' tour, most of us Peart fans were hoping that Neil would compose an entirely different solo, but we (yes, we are a pack!) made sure not to get our hopes up. Thankfully, Neil decided to compose a new solo and for those who were at the first show of the tour (June 13th in Atlanta) treated to a wonderful thing. Thanks to a bootleg of the concert I was able to hear this particular solo just a day after the concert was performed.
My first impressions?

I got chills down the back of my spine. Does that explain enough of my first impressions? It is, excuse my language, fucking awesome.

How do I go about describing it? Well, let's just say that it's mostly performed on his electronic drums (which are located at the rear of his kit). The overall sound is something reminiscent to pipes being smashed in a hollow tunnel. Does that make sense? I'll let you be the judge..



I love how Neil kept his trademark cow bell rhythm, but rather than performing it on his usual set of cow bells, decided to use his electronic xylophone.

Others Qualities

Other qualities which make Peart so great are the fact that he has a drum kit like few others. Is there a drum kit cooler than the "SS Professor"? With it's gold plated stalks, black glitter paint, red stripes and various album symbols, I think not!

Furthermore, as Neil is the prime lyricist for Rush and has written over 200 songs (many of which boast superb and intelligent meanings), I think it's safe to say he is not only among Canada's best song writers - but also among lyricists anywhere.

So there you go. Those are the reasons why I believe Neil Peart is the best drummer/percussionist in the world.

Watch Neil play drums to 'Tom Sawyer' (live at the 2004 Frankfurt R30 concert)

'Snakes & Arrows MVI'

Did I really need yet another copy of Rush's recently released album, 'Snakes & Arrows'? The answer: of course I did.

Months ago, when Rush announced the release date of the album, they made note of a brand new album format which Alantic Records would eventually be releasing for S&A. That format is what they call the 'MVI' and as of right now, only two records in the world benefit from this amazing format (Rush's 'Snakes & Arrows' & Linkin Park's 'Minutes To Midnight')

The advantage of such?

Well...take a look (from www.mvimusic.com)

MVI — A Three Dimensional Experience

When it comes to your favorite recording artists, why settle for just the music when you can have more? Discover MVI (Music Video Interactive) — a new DVD-based format — and triple your expectations of what an album should be. Every MVI disc contains not one, but three zones of content — each filled with exciting features designed to deliver a greater music experience.

MUSIC — A Higher Fidelity

Your MVI comes equipped with the full album audio in the 48kHz/24-bit stereo format —superior to what you hear on a regular CD. And with the option to include advanced mixes like Hi-Res and Surround Sound Stereo, you'll be able to turn your living room into a virtual concert hall.

VIDEO — Your All-Access Pass

Wanna get up close and personal with your favorite artists but don't want to risk a restraining order? Not a problem. Every MVI release comes loaded with compelling video including — but certainly not limited to — behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews, "making-of" material and more. You might go into the studio with the band or maybe backstage with the crew — anywhere the artist wants to take you.

Furthemore you get: wallpapers; ringtones; and for S&A, a 45 minute documentary regarding the making of the album.

However, does that higher quality of sound actually resonate? Absolutely. In fact, I cannot believe that they've actually been able to further draw quality from something which I already viewed as already perfect in terms of sound quality. Truthfully, the sound quality is like nothing on this earth. With an MVI 'Snakes & Arrows' CD, the bass lines are far more evident than they were before and believe me, that's saying something!

The price for this awesome thing? $18.99



Screenshot I took:


>> http://www.mvimusic.com/