Errors-To: rush@syrinx.umd.edu
Reply-To: rush@syrinx.umd.edu
Sender: rush@syrinx.umd.edu
Precedence: bulk
From: rush@syrinx.umd.edu
To: rush_mailing_list
Subject: 11/16/90 - The National Midnight Star #104
** ____ __ ___ ____ ___ ___ **
** / /_/ /_ /\ / /__/ / / / / /\ / /__/ / **
** / / / /__ / \/ / / / / /__/ / \/ / / /___ **
** **
** __ ___ ____ **
** /\ /\ / / \ /\ / / / _ /__/ / **
** / \/ \ / /___/ / \/ / /___/ / / / **
** **
** ____ ____ ___ ___ **
** /__ / /__/ /__/ **
** ____/ / / / / \ **
The National Midnight Star, Number 104
Friday, 16 November 1990
Today's Topics:
Geeks? Not!
...
rush lyrics
(none)
Amusing Political References (or, Ron Pontificates!)
Yet another look at 2112
Rush techno-geeks !!!
RUSH Randomness
(none)
Beneath, Between, Behind (Satanic? <gasp!>)
Live Rush, and Mr. Big...
CORNELL STUDENT
Alex vocals, book source, Neil
List index
FAQL - please mail me a copy?!
BB&B
Album Poll
who we are (more of us)
cancer rumors
----------------------------------------------------------
From: chainsaw@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu (David Laurenc Gordon)
Subject: Geeks? Not!
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 10:43:22 EST
Geeks? Us? Well, I for one happen to be a Chemical Engineering major
here at Hopkins, but that doesn't make me a geek. I know that a lot of us
happen to be musicians from the replies I received when I asked if there were
any other bassists out there. I can definitely see how RUSH would attract
musicians. Also, I've noticed a lot of people on the list from well-respected
colleges and universities, like U Penn, MIT, Caltech, Dartmouth, Yale, etc.
(No offense to anyone I didn't mention; you're in the 'etc.' Trust me.) RUSH
certainly has an awareness in its lyrics that is unparalleled by any other
band (with the possible exception of Pink Floyd). It would take a relatively
high degree of intelligence to properly appreciate RUSH. That is what I would
suppose to be our common thread.
-Dave-
| | \ \ \ \ \ |
-----------|=================\/
| ACME |++++++++++++++++++\_
O| Death |++++++++++++++++++/
I| Machines |=================/\
| -H- | / / / / / |
------------
ORQ: A prisoner in chains, a victim of venomous fate-FREEWILL
Signing off,
Dave Gordon
Johns Hopkins University
<chainsaw@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu>
(Take that, Bart Simpson!)
P.S. Howzabout our dear old rush-mgr takes a poll to see what sort of
majors we all have? Maybe that'll give us a clue?
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 12:39 EST
From: CRAIG <V057QGHV@ubvmsc.cc.buffalo.edu>
Subject: ...
Hello...
Since I was one of the people that told Shane Faulkner of the new book by the
B-man...i will speak on his behalf (I dont think he will mind!!) A friend of
ours , Ray Wawrzniak, received a phone call last week from the B-man himself
In this phone conversation the B-man asked Ray for some assistance with the
book. A small role, but something none the less. He also said that he would
credit Ray for his assistance in the book. I was told that the book is to be
completed by the end of this year and will be published and released in the
first half of next year. I hope that answers all questions concerning this
matter.
Craig
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 12:45:41 EST
From: "Doug Keller" <DSK@IBM.COM>
Subject: rush lyrics
I have lyrics to all the rush albums on my computer at home. If
enough people what them I will bring them to work and send them
to people.
[ There will shortly be a lyrics server available via Internet ... see
posting later in this digest. :rush-mgr ]
doug
dsk@ibm.com
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 12:54:41 -0500
From: franks@ecn.purdue.edu (Richard M Franks)
On the subject of Alex's stage troubles-
Both times I have seen Rush, he has had trouble with his wireless.
In March of '86 at the Rosemont Horizon, he did a semi-Pete Townsend
windmill and nothing came out. So he turned off-stage, pointed at
the guitar, turned around and started waving his hand in the air like
a conductor. At Alpine Valley this past summer, the wireless on his Paul
Reed Smith croaked, and he tossed it (!!) off stage in exchange for his
white Signature. He also had a few other troubles throughout the show,
but they were taken care of back stage.
Background vocals-
If you listen to ASOH with closely, you can tell that Alex does
sing background on some of the songs. They're not sampled, and you
can tell because they're not the same every time, they aren't exactly
in sync, etc...
Bye-
Rich Franks
Purdue University Engineering Computer Network, Hardware Maint.
franks@ecn.purdue.edu
----------------------------------------------------------
From: rlr%bbt@rti.rti.org (rader)
Subject: Amusing Political References (or, Ron Pontificates!)
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 13:30:28 EST
>
> Now onto new stuff. I don't have the complete lyrics to the song
> Anthem. From what I can figure out, it sounds like a lot of right-wing mumbo
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> jumbo. For example: "Begging Hands and Bleeding Hearts Will Only Cry Out For
^^^^^ (ha, ha!)
> More." I know the book "Anthem" was the basis of 2112 but I don't know what it
> has to do with this song. So, could someone send me the lyrics and lets
> shed some light on this.
> Dean
>
"Right-wing mumbo jumbo," Dean? Try reading Anthem or some other Objectivist
literature before making these negative generalizations. And always remember,
that the ability to collectively force others to conform to your social
vision is the keystone upon which all totalitarianism rests. No, I don't
consider myself to be a total Objectivist, but it does have some admirable
qualities.
Since Rush lyrics have always (more or less) supported individualism and
personal responsibility, I wonder how you can interpret this as right-wing
propaganda (enforced collective morality). Unless, of course, you're looking
at it from a left-wing (enforced collective economy) point of view ;)!
I've always liked the lyrics to "Anthem," because they seem to break the
standard mold as far as "acceptable rock philosophy" is concerned. Any
other opinions?
--
ron rader, jr rlr%bbt@rti.rti.org = Opinions are my own and do not
| | i gotta six- rlr%bbt$rti.rti.org@CUNYVM = necessarily reflect those of
| | pack, & nothin' to do ...!mcnc!rti!bbt!rlr = BroadBand Tech. (SO THERE!)
*** Punk ain't no religious cult, punk means thinking for yourself - DKs ***
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 14:13 EST
From: <RFD106@PSUVM.PSU.EDU>
Subject: Yet another look at 2112
Hi kids. This is my first "real" post since I belonged to NMS and I would like
to say you all are crazy (And I *LOVE IT* :-) I was amazed at the number of
Rush fans as well as the amount of knowledge there is about the band. So I
would like to throw some brain food to the masses. This has probably been
brought up before but a friend and I were talking the other day about 2112 and
it's christian implications. We are by no means religious fanatics but did
notice some similarities between the crusifiction of christ and the death of
the main character in 2112. Christ died for our salvation and the character
in 2112 died to bring back the elder race (which brought salvation from the
priests). Question: why did the character have to die? Why did the oracle
show him the great worlds of the past only for him to go and kill himself?
Was Neil having a bad day or did he want to leave a bigger question mark than
usual. Any clues?
Robb [Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana--Groucho Marx]
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 11:36:30 -0800
From: David Conley <dmc@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Rush techno-geeks !!!
Q: Are we not "techno-geeks"??
A: No!.. we are RUSH Fans!!!
(With acknowlegement to the genius of Devo :-) ) (Sorry Kerry :-) )
Well, just to add my own 2 cents to the discussion. I have degrees in
the biological sciences, bachelors in Biology and Masters in Anatomy.
I have now jumped (or should I say straddled) the fence and spend a
great deal of my time with computers besides teaching in the Fall and
Winter. My research group is designing computer based methods for
teaching anatomy to medical students with interactive 3-D computer
rendered models. However, I don't read Byte!! :-)
Cheers
-----
David Conley "The Digital Anatomist" ;;dmc@milton.u.washington.edu
University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
----------------------------------------------------------
From: robin_m@apollo.com
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 12:57:14 EST
Subject: RUSH Randomness
OK, I've remembered to shrink my "Power Window" [ :-Q ] down to 80
cols for the rush-mgr. And now some replies.....
>From: By-tor <UCSKRT@ucs.UWPLATT.EDU>
>Subject: Miscellaneous
>
>Backround vocals: Now my question is, does Alex really sing *anything* during
>the show, or is he triggering all the backround vocals and making it look like
>he's singing it? If this is the case, then I lose a little faith in the boyz,
>sort of like a high-tech lip-synch. One other possibility, although a small
>one: could he be turning on his vocal mike with a footswitch? It's a remote
>chance, since that's mostly left to the sound guy(s). Besides, people have said
>that it sounded like Geddy sampled. What would be the problem with Alex singing
>those vocals, anyway?
On a soundcheck bootleg I have, Alex actually sings. The problem is,
he sounded like a lounge singer!! I mean, can you imagine "Hey yeah,
SUBdivisions, that's right." :-) Sheesh. Actually what he was singing was
something along the lines of "Whoah...she's so ugly...she's so fat and
ugly...and you know...she has no hair!"
>Languages: I know they speak limited French, due to the mention of taking a
>couple of brush-up courses prior to a stay in (I think) French-speaking Canada
>(Quebec?). This comes from a tour program. Geddy also mentioned speaking
>onstage to that portion of Canada in French during a Rockline interview. The
>songs, however, were in English.
I've seen some French in liner notes, and in a Vid boot from the Forum
in Montreal Gedster started off the night with "Nous avons beaucoup de
chansons de jouer pour vous ce soir" (sorry if that's grammatically
messed up, my french is pretty rusty). So I would guess they would
know a little. Then again, I bet they say that in Japanese when they
did a show over there.
>From: "Patrick M. Ryan" <ryan%sju.edu@RELAY.CS.NET>
>Subject: a musing on Rush live
>
> after reading all of these letters commenting on the precise
>choreography in rush concerts of late, a question that comes to mind is:
>could they pull if off live without all the lights and computers?
Well, I'm sure they could pull off most of the stuff (They have in the
past). But a lot of the stuff between MP to HYF would be hard if not
impossible due to all the extra sounds, layering, etc. Up until Signals
their main concern with writing songs was to be able to reproduce it
live. I believe it was the producer for P/G who convinced them not to
worry about that due to sampling and MIDI technology would fill in
what they couldn't handle. This doesn't mean that RUSH is pulling the
wool over our eyes, however. It's not like Alex is hitting a trigger for a
guitar solo or anything. I think that they are busy enough up there
without having to not use computers. Hmmm...if they couldn't use
computers you'd probably find them playing a lot older stuff tho... :-)
>From: vanth!jms@rutgers.edu (Jim Shaffer)
>Subject: Beneath, Between, Behind
>
>>The dreams gone stale
>>But still let hope prevail
>>Hope that history's debt won't be repaid
>
>Hmmmm. What can this mean? I interpret it as sarcasm: the consequences of
>our actions will catch up with us, but we sit back and hope that they
>won't.
I always wondered what this line meant. The rest of the song seemed
pretty straight-forward, IMHO, except for this line. This interpretation
sounds pretty good, any more??
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Work: |"I AM the bass player!"
robin_m@apollo.hp.com | -Geddy Lee on Rockline, when asked if they
School: | were thinking about adding a full-time bass
cygnus@wpi.wpi.edu | player to free Ged up for vocals and keys!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 09:10:49 -0600
From: letni!digi!theruska@utacfd.utarl.edu (Tom Heruska)
Hello to all Rush fans,
I have just been added to the mailing list and have only received one
issue, so bare with me if this has already been discussed.
When Neil got his new set a few years back, he held a contest to give away
his old one. He asked anyone interested to send in a letter explaining why
they wanted his kit (or something to that effect). I heard he finally did
give it to some lucky kid, but I never heard any details of the letter or
who it was that got that awesome piece of Rush history. Does anyone have any
information on this? I would love to read the winning letter!
Please e-mail or post.
Thanks in advance,
Tom Heruska
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 1990 14:53:23 EST
From: Mark "Crimson" Friedman <friedman@cis.ohio-state.edu>
Subject: Beneath, Between, Behind (Satanic? <gasp!>)
This summer I was flipping through 120 channels of crap on my (D.C.) cable
system and came across a program on "The Family Channel" about backmasking.
So there I was, laughing to myself about all these things that this religious
freaks (yes, I said and meant freaks) dream up in order to point out our evil
ways. The show pointed out the classic "offenders" like Zep's "Stairway" and
Queen's "Another one Bites the Dust". Heck, it even looked down upon the
music's forward message! Anyway, who should they turn to at the end of the
show but.... (try and guess)
Rush. (didn't guess did you?) Anyway, it turns out they say the live version
of "Beneath, Behind, and Between" secretly contains satanic backwards
messages such as "Satan, you are the one who is shining" and "Satan, you know
you are the one I love"! The live version was taken from the Grace Under
Pressure video, and they showed the video portion too when they played it
backwards.
So here they are, showing the Boyz jamming in backwards mode
AND SHOWING THE SATANIC LYRICS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN!!!
Now this is FUCKING objective, isn't it? (Rush-Mgr, feel free to edit this! :-(
The fact that satanic messages may be hidden in Rush songs is totaly absurd.
On top of that, the freaks actually made an effort to imply that the
backwards messages were *intended*. Third, the "satanic" captions were
designed to lead on the viewer into actually believing the messages were
there. Personally, throughout the whole show I was closing my eyes to
avoid seeing what I was *supposed* to hear. Since they repeated the clips
about 5 times each (to BEAT it into your head), I could try to find my
own message on the first four times and see what they thought on the fifth.
Somehow, I just didn't hear it, and that's saying something since I'm a
musician and ex-audio engineer with good ear-training experience.
I think Neil would tell these people to "get a life" also! :-/
- Crimson
It's instances like these that drive me even farther from religion...
+----====>>>))) Mark Friedman is friedman@cis.ohio-state.edu (((<<<====----+
| "There is nothing former | (Disclaimer : the opposite of Datclaimer) |
| about King Crimson." | "I used to have a photgraphic memory |
| - Robert Fripp, 5/11/90 | but it was never developed..." |
+----------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
----------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Live Rush, and Mr. Big...
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 12:38:11 -0800
From: flapjack <dblosevn@nevada.edu>
First of all, I'd like to say that I think that this type of forum is a
fabulous idea, and am glad a friend bumped into the address on a news net.
On the subject of Rush's opening act for much, if not all, of the Presto tour,
Mr. Big. While I do have to admit that as a live act they lacked a lot of
pizazz, but as for Bob Friedman's comment as to them sucking, Billy Sheehan
and Paul Gilbert are really fine musicians, and while their arpeggio laden
classically influenced technique may not appeal to everyone, they are a good
band. And while Sheehan doesn't have the great feel of Lee's bass, he is a
fine technical player, argualby one of the best of all time. I'll of course
take Rush over Mr. Big any day, seeing as there never has nor ever will be
a greater band, I just wanted to voice my opinion on Mr. Big.
By the way, I saw the Presto tour in Phoenix, and the sound kinda lacked there
too, but as far as I can figure from what I heard (By the way, I agree with the
opinion that the drums were too loud), I'd accredit the poor sound on the poor
acoustics of the forums they play. Basketball arenas and the like while are
cool for getting a large crowd, they weren't built with music in mind for the
most part, so I think that has a lot to do with it.
Among the meek,
Brian Bourgon
Computer Science Major
Part Time Geek...
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 14:46 CST
From: INDE54Q@jetson.uh.edu
Subject: CORNELL STUDENT
I'll try to keep this short since this is a personal message.
I'm wondering if a guy whose name I dont quite remember but lived on
the first floor of Dickinson @ Cornell (1985-6), and from Pittsburgh,
is currently on TNMS list. If so, contact me at INDE54Q@jetson.uh.edu
at the University of Houston.
daryl
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 16:04 EST
From: Shane Faulkner <V127L2QZ@ubvmsc.cc.buffalo.edu>
Subject: Alex vocals, book source, Neil
A lot of bckgrnd. vocals on Presto tour were triggered, but if you saw Alex
singing into the mic, you can be sure it was really him. The Boyz have more
integrity than to fake something like that.
Someone questioned my source for the new B-man Book. An aquintace of mine
(one of the biggest Rush Fans/collectors in the world) was asked by the
B-Man for minor assistance in the preparation of the book.
After reading Neil's response to the digest , I wondered... how many of you
would have the nerve to approach Neil if you saw him in the street? I
totally respect his right to privacy, but I think he carries it a little
too far. This is just my opinion, I could be wrong, maybe it IS just the
groupie types he dreads. What do you think would happen if you saw him and
asked, 'Excuse me Mr. Peart, could I ask you a quick question about your
lyrics to Presto?'
It'll be interesting to hear what you all think about this subject.
Since nobody got my trivia question........ the question was, What song
besides Anagram uses anagrams????
A: Tom Sawyer 'Catch the witness, catch the wit
Catch the spirit, catch the spit'
(notice how 'fish' blows my observation!)
-Shane
----------------------------------------------------------
Subject: List index
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 15:47:11 CST
From: Keith E. Ford <infonode!fordke@uunet.UU.NET>
I am trying to compile a list of specific articles and which Digest
contains them. I consider an article to be something that can stand
alone, something that is not part of a Digest discussion. For example,
A Nice Morning Drive reprint or an interview transcript. What I would
like from you is the Digest number and a one liner as to what the
article contains. For example:
67: "A Nice Morning Drive" by Richard S. Foster, basis for Red Barchetta
[ Check the FAQL, last posted in issue # 85 for a list of these things.
Up through #85, that is. :rush-mgr ]
These individual articles, some Digest back issues, lyrics, and more
are now available at an archive file server accessible via email. For
more info, send email to server@ingr.com with a subject line of HELP.
--
| ...!uunet!ingr!fordke OR fordke@ingr.com
| "and the Trees are all kept equal by hatchet, axe, and saw." -Rush
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 18:47:15 -0800
From: jeff@arthur.cs.wwu.edu (Jeff Wandling)
Subject: FAQL - please mail me a copy?!
Hello all!
It wasn't until recently that I discovered this little gem- The National
Midnight Star. I have been enjoying the music of RUSH for a long time. I think
they are truely one of the great bands.
I've got some nagging questions about RUSH. I'd rather take a look at the
FAQL first. I think I'll find the answers there. Would some kind soul please
mail me the latest copy of the FAQL?
Thanks in advance,
[ I'll take care of this, people... :rush-mgr ]
jeff wandling | western washington university | inet: jeff@arthur.cs.wwu.edu
cs ugrad & | bellingham, wa 98225 USA | uucp: arthur.cs.wwu.edu!jeff
acm chairman | earth-muffin headquarters | illegitimi non carborundum
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 17:16:42 hst
From: Hinano Akaka <bigtuna!hinano@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu>
Subject: BB&B
I always thought of "Between the Prodest Words" as being the
Constitution.
Puanani Akaka
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 22:22:34 EST
From: USERGJ6G@mts.rpi.edu
Subject: Album Poll
Well, it appears I have been selected to conduct the "Favorite Rush Album"
poll. As previously mentioned, one was conducted earlier in the year, but
due to the growth of TNMS, it is high time for another poll. The format of
the poll will be as follows...
1) Vote for your 5 favorite albums. When posting, use the following
format:
1) Favorite Album
2) Second Favorite
3) Third Favorite
4) Fourth Favorite
5) Fifth Favorite
2) First place votes will receive 5 points, second place 4 points, and so
on....
3) Vote for STUDIO ALBUMS only...
4) Deadline for submittal will be Friday, 30 November 1990. Any votes
posted before midnight on that day will be accepted, and all others
will be discarded.
5) A complete breakdown will be provided in time for the following
Monday's Digest.
With exams coming up, I hope this won't be too much of a burden. Due to
the amount of replies that I will undoubtedly receive, it is not possible
to respond to everyone, but I will try to send you a note verifying that
your vote has been received and counted... Let the voting commence!
William MacDonald
"Life is just a candle, and a dream must give it flame..."
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 90 00:20:01 PST
From: tpickett%sdcc13@ucsd.edu (Bass Goddess )
Subject: who we are (more of us)
Just to add my 2 cents... No we arent all techno-geeks,
staring at computers day and night!
I graduated in World Arts & Cultures, music concentration.
'Bout as far from science as you can get. As you may figure, I'm a
musician too.
And ashamed though I am to admit it, I'm currently working
in real estate. Also not very scientific! :-)
Kelly Bowen
tpickett@sdcc13.ucsd.edu
I'm also female! (I guess there are more of us female folk now than
when the list first formed...)
----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 90 00:57:18 EST
From: vanth!jms@rutgers.edu (Jim Shaffer)
Subject: cancer rumors
I've never heard the rumor about Neil having lung cancer. I once had quite
a few people -- like about half of BITNET -- tell me that Geddy had throat
cancer. Of course they also tried to tell me at the same time that 'Hold
Your Fire' was going to be their last album *ever*. I think we all know
how that worked out... And on the Yes mailing list, someone said they'd
heard a rumor that one of Yes's members (or maybe ABWH) had cancer.
Personally I think that all these cancer rumors are a load of crap. I give
them about the same amount of credibility as I give whatever rumors the
tabloids have attached to the rest of the world's stars on a given week.
In other words, none at all.
If anyone has any *definite* information to the contrary, let me know.
Otherwise we can probably dismiss it, IMHO.
--
paper : James Shaffer Jr., 37 Brook Street, Montgomery, PA 17752
uucp : uunet!cbmvax!amix!vanth!jms (or) rutgers!cbmvax!amix!vanth!jms
domain: jms%vanth@amix.commodore.com CompuServe: 72750,2335
quote : Lions and tigers and bears, Oh My!
----------------------------------------------------------
To submit material to The National Midnight Star, send mail to:
rush@syrinx.umd.edu
For administrative matters (additions, deletions & changes), send
mail to:
rush-request@syrinx.umd.edu
To obtain previous issues of The National Midnight Star (in it's current
incarnation), send a request containing your name, e-mail address, and
the digest number(s) to:
htodd@gmuvax2.gmu.edu
Please specify The National Midnight Star (the RUSH Digest), as she handles
archiving for other lists also. These requests are processed in a batch
fashion once a week.
The contents of The National Midnight Star are solely the opinions and
comments of the individual authors, and do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of the management.
List Management
*********************************
End of The National Midnight Star
*********************************