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Subject: 06/14/91 - The National Midnight Star #265
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The National Midnight Star, Number 265
Friday, 14 June 1991
Today's Topics:
Administrivia
Rush and ... Star Trek?
BA? BFD. PMO -- NAFW!
Re: 06/13/91 - The National Midnight Star #263
Everything Above and Beyond
What the FAQ?
Even when I am gray...
Let us not go gently...
Literary references in Neil's lyrics
How to find "Gonna Roll the Bones"
on a different note
Dylan Thomas; Necromancer
Dune, Dylan, Chandra
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Subject: Administrivia
Date: Fri, 14 Jun 91 09:38:57 EDT
From: RUSH Fans Digest Manager <rush-mgr>
ANNOUNCEMENT: Source code for the programs 'compress' and 'uncompress' is
available via anonymous ftp at Syrinx. The source is provided in Unix shar
file format and is uncompressed. It's in the main 'rush' directory via ftp.
There is also an updated README file which gives some information about the
new script. Enclosed in the shar file are other informational files which
pertain directly to the code.
This should help out some of you who would like to access the ftp files,
but don't have 'uncompress' on your system. It seems to be fairly portable.
Note: This is version 3.0 of comress/uncompress. It will accept input
created by v. 2.0, but output from v. 3.0 is NOT compatable with v 2.0.
If you need the interaction, there is a compiler option you can use; consult
the README files in the shar file.
Editor,
The National Midnight Star (RUSH fans mailing list)
rush-request@syrinx.umd.edu or rush-mgr@syrinx.umd.edu
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Date: Thu, 13 Jun 91 10:03:49 hst
From: Hinano Akaka <bigtuna!hinano@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu>
Subject: Rush and ... Star Trek?
Greetings and Falicitations --
Well, I just got back from L.A. a couple of days ago after attending
the 25th Anniversary Star Trek Convention. (Sorry I didn't get a
chance to get in touch with any of you Rushans up in California-land
whilst I was there...). BTW, if anyone wants to know how the Conn was
or anything, drop me a line and I'll try to give ya as much detail as I
remember (I'm writing a diary of it, so hopefully my memory will
remain in tact).
If anyone does decide to drop me a line, beware because they're going
to be changing the address over here in the next couple of weeks (I
will be informing rush-mgr about the change) so there may be a few
bounces or whatever. But I will be happy to relay the events to
anyone interested (unless the majority of the Digest wants it posted
to the Digest... only a small suggestion, rush-mgr, I know how adamant
you are about keeping this thing strictly about Rush...).
Anyway, my whole point for writing this was to say that, of all places
in the world, I ended up finding some pretty good pictures of our
favourite trio from one of the dealers. I was happy. Two of my
favourite things in one place -- Rush pictures at a Star Trek
Convention... (then again...). In actuality, they were pictures from
magazines that were laminated. But they looked kind-of rare. There
were two pictues from a Japanese drumming mag (or it was a Western mag
translated into Japanese) of Neil from last year. One picture in
particular was great -- I'm going to have it framed -- Neil is holding
this huge volume of Edgar Allen Poe (a leather-bound volume with gold
lining on the pages) and he's looking off-camera with this great smile
on his face, his eyes all crinkled. It's absolutely one of the best
pictures I've seen of him; it's just adorable. There must've been
about 20 pictures of Rush (alas I only got 5) and the dealers I got it
from have a whole selection of pictures from a hundred different
groups. I'll post the address next week if anyone is interested in
obtaining pics of Rush or whomever.
Another neat thing, too was, while I was waiting with my friend in line
for her to get George Takei's autograph (Mr. Sulu) in the dealer's
room, the dealer next to us was playing Tom Sawyer. Sigh.
And that's a wrap! Ho-hoo!
puanani akaka
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Date: Thu, 13 Jun 91 20:36:26 EDT
From: jaeger@buphy.bu.edu (Gregg Jaeger)
Subject: BA? BFD. PMO -- NAFW!
Hi Everyone,
In reading through past issues of the digest I noticed another
interesting little debate (around the 190's) about Neil's abilities
as a lyricist. Many of those who wrote in actually seemed to believe
that Neil is not a great lyricist. Those who were pro-Neil said only
that they loved his lyrics, while those who were critical claimed that,
from a `literary' point of view, they often leave much to be desired.
These criticism seemed to evolve out of simple request by someone
for `least-favorite lines.' This request was great -- I was glad
to hear what people didn't like (e.g. ``excitement so thick -- you
could cut it with a knife'' -- not a fave of mine either!) but
the Neil-bashing sucked. `Why bring this up?' you might ask. Well,
I think Neil deserves a better defense.
First, one of those who looks down on Neil's lyrics legitimized
his own views by letting us know that he was a communications major.
BFD, I say to that. I took a graduate seminar from Saul Bellow
(Nobel Prize in Literature, BFD). The `high art'/`low art' debate
is hardball and it is not uncommonly heard therein that Hemingway
was a literary cretin, not least of all because he was a journalist!
I submit that a journalist's training does little to prepare him or
her for the task of producing `true literature' or recognizing
literary genius (beyond the basics of grammar and rhetoric).
Hemingway's journalistic experience was valuable in that it helped
him develop _his particular style_ (which I love, BTW!), that is all.
Anyway, what seemed to be overlooked by most (though not by Neil
himself) is that lyrics are not poetry, and should not be criticized
as such. They have aspects in common with poems, but they purpose
is quite different. People come down hard on the lyrics to `Anthem,'
for example. Comparing them to the words of another famous anthem,
(DAU) `The Star-spangled Banner,' shows that they are of the same rank.
(I personally find the words to `Anthem' more inspirational. ``A
closet objectivist! Protect our children!'').
Neil has his own manner of lyric writing over which he has labored
through the years. One can discern two obvious styles -- correlated
with the major musical stages of the band -- pre-1980 and post-1980
(though there are, no doubt, styles within styles). The former
culminated in the words of _Hemispheres_. I myself prefer the latter
style by far. Perhaps it is the anachronicity of `Countdown'
which makes it jarring to the post-Hemispheres ear?
There were complaints about cliches. Well, it is in fact part
of Neil's later style to give new life to cliches. Think of the
following well-worn phrases: ``show and tell,'' ``movers and
shakers,'' ``the Reds,'' ``the truth is often better left
unsaid,'' and on and on. Neil's ability to transform and
revitalize such phrases through recontextualization, his
magnificent ear for puns, and his mastery of the essentials of
traditional lyric-writing (the basics of old-time poetry: rhyme,
alliteration, etc.) combine in a masterful and mature style.
I think that there is little doubt that Neil is a virtuoso
lyricist. Just check out `Red Lenses''!!
IMHTTO Paul Simon, to whom one of the critics referred as an
example of a superior lyricist, does far better as a comedian
(I love his work in ``Annie Hall,'' and Saturday Night Live
as Billy Paul (pseudo-Billy-Jack): ``I want a triple scoop cone,
chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. That's black, red, and white,
together.'') than a lyricist. Remember ``Fifty Ways to Leave Your
Lover''? (ISTBO: if you're too young for that one, praise be to
God!).
[ Oh, geez, make some of us feel old, why don't you?? :-) :rush-mgr ]
Yours Truly,
Gregg
-----------------------------------
Gregg Jaeger (jaeger@buphy.bu.edu) ``Truth is after all a moving target''
Dept(s). of Physics (and Philosophy)
Boston University, Boston MA 02215 ->>READ DOS PASSOS!(his books, i.e.)<<-
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Date: Thu, 13 Jun 91 17:52:40 MDT
From: "Jerome Jahnke BSW Rm 238" <jahnke@joplin.biosci.arizona.edu>
Subject: Re: 06/13/91 - The National Midnight Star #263
> I went out to look for Leiber's "Gonna Roll the Bones", but couldn't
> find it anywhere. I checked the biggest bookstore (Borders) in the
> D.C. area, but no luck. They looked up Leiber on the computer, and
> quite a few titles came up, but all since 1976. "Bones" is dated
> 1967, and apparently is (long) out of print. I havn't yet tried a
> library- heck the Library of Congress should have it!
>
>Has anyone else been able to find this book?
It is not a book, it is a short story. It can be found in the a book by
Harlan Ellerson, "Dangerous Visions." Or I read it in "The Hugo Winners
v2" edited by Issac Asimov. This is probably why they were not able to
find it in their computers. BTW the book is copyright 71 and has the Hugo
winners from 62 to 69, lots of SF history in it's darkest period (my
opinion).
Jer,
----
Jerome Jahnke
University of Arizona/Dept of Molecular and Cellular Biology
'jahnke@joplin.biosci.arizona.edu' or (602) 621-3820
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From: Patrick Quairoli <quairoli@cs.widener.edu>
Subject: Everything Above and Beyond
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 91 22:06:41 EDT
first of all i don't usually post such long messages but i haven't
posted in such a long time that i have soo much to say....<grin>
Experiencing Rush to Extremes
i just spent the past weekend at a local hot spot, wildwood new jersey,
with my girlfriend and other cronies (BTW none of them love Rush).
i graciously offered to bring my cd player down...well everyone must
have forgotten to bring thier cds so all we had for a two hour ride
was...RUSH! <gleam> as the week progressed everyone was growing weary
of the boyz so i eased up a little; until i found a p/g poster in a
local shirt shop! well this got me going again...less then 3 minutes
after i brought the p/g poster i heard 'witch hunt' playing on the
p.a. of a ice cream shop <silent rejoice>. less then 3 minutes after
that experience i went into another shop only to be aproached by a
beautiful slim blonde who said,(with much excitment) "is that a RUSH
poster?!?" well the conversation imediatly took off (slight friction
with my girlfriend at this juncter) i found out that she goes to
the university of delaware so i asked her if she was on TNMS *(she's
not)* but i explained the net and the list and gave her the address so
maybe we will be hearing from her soon.
Books Neil should read.
well i think this is a great topic, but i'm sorry that i don't have
a long list to contribute, so the only book i can say Neil should
read would be:
Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco.
it's a very good book but difficult to explain.
FTP Sound files
i know dwhite@dsys.nesl.nist.gov was looking for a place to upload
the sound files. if he could give me an idea of how much space
they take i'll see if widener could hold them till syrinx can
accomidate them.
You know your a rush fan when...
your caught in a thunder storm and you start reciting
jacob's ladder like your narrating a story...
______________________________________________________________________________
patrick j. quairoli | "What do you call assassins who accuse
widener!quairoli | assassins; anyway. MY FRIEND. "
quairoli@cs.widener.edu | - Marillion
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Date: Thu, 13 Jun 91 19:50:59 -0700
From: ddelany@polyslo.CalPoly.EDU (Dan Delany)
Subject: What the FAQ?
Hey, guys, I don't mind _constructive_ criticism of the FAQL file, like the
recent postings about the "Barchetta" entry, but this week I've received
quite a few letters from people who seem to feel that they could do a better
job than me at running the FAQL file.
Let me point out at this time that I volunteered to keep the FAQL file,
and I spend a few hours every week answering mail about it - some people
send suggestions, and others ask for the current version. I don't mind
that. That's why I keep the file. But this week, people have just been
sending criticism, which I don't think I deserve. (I won't name names -
they're not important.)
But if any of you feel that you could do a better job, just post, and the
job is yours. Maybe I'm overreacting because I just finished finals, but
there are ~15-20 people who sent private email with no constructive
content - surely people who know that much wouldn't have any problem
keeping the FAQL file accurate and up to date.
[ I'm a bit upset to hear Dan saying this - he's been supporting the FAQL for
over a year now, and has done a great job, IMHO. If you have suggestions
about any aspect of this mailing list, post your Constructive Criticisms
here and let the whole list think about it. Remember, there are over 750
of us out there, and most of them live in countries with democratic process.
Also, if you've got a gripe about something, try offering a solution along
with the perceived problem. Warning: you may get chosen to implement it!
:rush-mgr ]
"All the world's a stage | ddelany@polyslo.calpoly.edu
And all the men and women merely players: | Daniel Alan Delany
They have their exits and their entrances; -- Wm. Shakespeare (1564-1616)
And one man in his time plays many parts." _As You Like It_ II,vii,39
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Date: Thu, 13 Jun 1991 23:03:26 -0400 (EDT)
From: Gregory C Best <gbest@ATHENA.MIT.EDU>
Subject: Even when I am gray...
Derek brought up an interesting topic. One that I have thought about,
and I'm sure most of the rest of you have as well. How much longer...?
Well my personal feeling is that they will keep going strong, and I'm
looking forward to what their future holds. Did I read before that they
have a 5 album contract right now? ( Someone? Verify?) If they keep
going at around the same rate that would put them damn near 50 by the
time their current contract expires. My opinion? They'll finish it.
I would guess 3 more studio albums after RTB and then the farewell live
set.
Sting made an interesting comment (he is also around the same age). He
was talking about his new album and specifically the video for one of
the singles. "I really didn't want to make one of those videos where
some middle aged man is dancing around with these 20 year old, half
dressed babes who wouldn't look twice at him on the street." I think
the boyz are in teh same vein. The music is starting to mello, and it
should. You can see signs of the age (Geddys voice doesn't have the
same blood curdling squeal, they are turning to stage effect rather that
running around as much) but they still have the same vision.
I think the two scenarios we must fear most as Rush fans are these:
1) The boyz can't cope with their age and make a blunder like trying to
record another MP. "Sadder still to watch it die than never to have
known it". I really doubt that will happen. One of the things I admire
most about the band is their level heads. Rush will never be blind.
2) The record companies and such can't handle the thought of an
untapped resource and start pumping out random marketing trash. Let's
face it-- Chronicles could have been a disaster. It just goes to show
that the band doesn't have complete control of their material. Imagine:
Rush action figures, Rush trading cards, Rush breakfast cereal (sugar
coated red stars). (I see a topic to keep the NMS busy during the
summer lull). "So much style without substance- So much stuff without
style". I really don't think we need to worry about Rush turning into
another new kids (twitch, twitch).
Alright, I've rambled enough. I just wanted to impart a positive
outlook on the coming years. As far as sound: I'd like to hear less
synth and more focus on the groove. More rhythm based, more minimal.
Jazz? Funk? Hell, it could be polkas and still sound good coming from
Rush.
Later-
-Greg
> ... I'll still be gray my way.
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From: atz@clmqt.marquette.MI.US (dweezilbub)
Subject: Let us not go gently...
Date: 13 Jun 91 22:51:35 EDT (Thu)
Well, I remember a poem about Death from a 20th century dude named
Dylan Thomas that had a line that read "Do not go gentle into that
good night"
I believe Rodney Dangerfield read that poem in Back To School.
Maybe Neil just modified it a little?
Did you all know that Franklin Roosevelt said "The only thing we
have to fear is fear itself" ?
He did. Remember I have GIF's
[ Gee, GIFs of FDR? :-) :rush-mgr ]
--
\_._____._____._____. ==== ==== ===== .____._____.___.___/
\__The Enterprise BBS == == == ,===~ This space for rent!__/
__-__________-__ ==~~== == ===== ____-_____-___-__
\ \ \atz@clmqt.marquette.mi.us/ / / /
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Date: Fri, 14 Jun 91 03:13:12 PDT
From: Jeff Gray <jgray@balboa.eng.uci.edu>
Subject: Literary references in Neil's lyrics
About the "Let us not go gently to the endless winter night" thread...
I think that no one's put this whole thing in perspective... One great
element of Neil's lyrics is that he is a master at taking a well-known
phrase and turning it to his own particular intention. You really can't
ask a question like "Is he quoting Dylan Thomas or is he talking about
nuclear winter?" because the answer is simply "Yes." He's doing
both. I could list hundreds of examples where a particular phrase
is definitely drawn from some other literary work ("plus c,a change, plus
ce la meme chose" comes to mind) but what makes Neil a great lyricist
is the way he can give homage to his influences while providing us with
old words that take on new meaning.
That's all. Rock out, roll on. Oops, different Canadian band...
Jeff Gray
jgray@balboa.eng.uci.edu
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Date: Fri, 14 Jun 91 09:20:15 -0400
From: Jeff Wilson <jwilson@ncratl.atlantaga.NCR.COM>
Subject: How to find "Gonna Roll the Bones"
If you're looking for _Gonna Roll the Bones_, by Fritz Leiber, the only place
I know where it exists is in the anthology _Dangerous Visions_, edited by
Harlan Ellison. This is a landmark of speculative fiction, containing stories
that were a) written specifically for that volume, having never been published
anywhere else; and b) considered "taboo" subjects at the time the book was
published (mid-to-late 60's). Although the Leiber story is really not that
controversial, and doesn't seem to break any current "taboos", it probably was
considered controversial in the 60's, as it raises questions about God, the
Devil, and just what is good and bad. A helluva read, it was one of the most
widely praised stories in the book. That story, and "Riders of the Purple
Wage", by Philip Jose Farmer, are worth the cost of the book. It's out of
print, so scrounge any used book stores in your local city (look in the yellow
pages, give them a call, you'd be surprised how many of them could tell you if
they have this book.).
The story *may* be in a "best of" anthology of Fritz Leiber's work, but I
couldn't testify to that, ossifer!
--
jwilson@ncratl.AtlantaGA.NCR.COM (Jeff Wilson)
"It takes a lot of inner strength to be a Braves fan." -Peter Buck
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Date: Fri, 14 Jun 91 12:56:00 EDT
From: jaeger@buphy.bu.edu (Gregg Jaeger)
Subject: on a different note
Hi,
Sorry to add to the plethora of postings about Satanism -- I wholeheartedly
agree with Neil on the subject -- but there is in fact back-masking on
``Stairway to Heaven''. Underneath ``There's still time to change the
road you're on'' you can very distinctly hear the words ``My sweet Satan''
when you play Zep IV backwords. I really really like Led Zeppelin but
this freaked me out when I found it. I ran the entire record backwards
and heard nothing but garbage before and after this ``message'' or
whatever the hell it is supposed to be. I think it's one of Jimmy Page's
weird ideas, like violating girls with fishes (``The Hammer of the Gods'').
I don't appreciate this little trick because it can be used to support
all sorts garbage from the `far right'. Sad but true...
[ You have better ears than I do, then. I've heard that passage a few times
over the years, and haven't heard anything yet. Same goes for "Another One
Bites the Dust", but I digress... :rush-mgr ]
Gregg
-----------------------------------
Gregg Jaeger (jaeger@buphy.bu.edu) ``Truth is after all a moving target''
Dept(s). of Physics (and Philosophy)
Boston University, Boston MA 02215 ->>READ DOS PASSOS!(his books, i.e.)<<-
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Date: Fri, 14 Jun 91 14:26:04 BST
From: chrisley@ws.oxford.ac.uk (Ronald L Chrisley)
Subject: Dylan Thomas; Necromancer
I believe the poem that has "Rage, rage against the dying of the
light/Do not go gently into that endless night" or something like that
is indeed by Dylan Thomas; I think its title is "Crossing The Bar".
The three travelers from Willowdale are Geddy, Alex, and Neil, of
course!
Or perhaps, since Neil didn't grow up with Geddy and Alex, the three
are Geddy, Alex, and John Rutsey, with Neil being Prince By-tor (or
the Necromancer, depending on your taste)!
Hmm...
What's the latest on the new album?
Ronald L. Chrisley New College
chrisley@csli.stanford.edu Oxford OX1 3BN
Tel: +44 865 52656 United Kingdom
NOTE: Use my csli path. Don't just reply, or I might not get your message.
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Date: 14 Jun 91 14:24:00 CDT
From: "KESHAV UTHURUSAMY" <keshav@zeus.unomaha.edu>
Subject: Dune, Dylan, Chandra
I was reading the past digests and thought I'd put in my two cents worth:
1) The movie "DUNE" is a terrific (imho), but the book (and subsequent series
are MUCH better. I think that God Emperor would be the best book for Neil
to expound on. I couldn't put that book down; just think what Neil could
do with that!! :)
2) I feel stupid, but the only time that I've heard of that Dylan Thomas poem
is in the Rodney Dangerfield movie "Back to School" (maybe I should go back
to school); but hey, I'm a CS major, not a lit major! :)
C) I have been reading a book by Dr. Wali called "Chandra". It is about a
world renowned astrophysicist and how much of a true genius he is. I have
always been in awe of the great scientists (Glashow, Hawking, Wheeler...)
and this book is probably the best I've ever read about the "fraternity"
of the great men like them. Anyway, my point (if I remember correctly), is
that I was listening to the Manhattan Project and I realized that Neil must
also understand the TRUE meaning of celebrity, not the patronizing meaning
that you find in, say, the celebrity of Madonna. Neil must realize that
there men like Chandra are THE true celebrities.
I know that this makes no sense, but heh, what do you expect for $0.02! :)
See you!
ORBQ: "Christ, What have you done!"
Daredevil
P.S. Please excuse the crazy editing..my editor fried on me in the middle of
this.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Daredevil - Then Man Without Fear
Internet : keshav@zeus.unomaha.edu (VAX/VMS) Bitnet: keshav@unoma1
bbs.dare@spies.com (SUN/OS) ICBMnet: 41' 35", 67' 34"
kasey@gnu.ai.mit.edu (BSD UNIX) Daredevil on IRC
UUnet : uunet!zeus.unomaha.edu!keshav@uunet.uu.net
"INVICTUS MANEO"
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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To submit material to The National Midnight Star, send mail to:
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For administrative matters (additions, deletions, changes, and
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There is now anonymous ftp access available on Syrinx. The network
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When you've connected, userid is "anonymous", password is <your userid>.
Once you've successfully logged on, change directory (cd) to 'rush'.
There is also a mail server available (for those unable or unwilling to
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These requests are processed nightly. Use a subject line of MESSAGE to
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The contents of The National Midnight Star are solely the opinions and
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Copyright The Rush Fans Mailing List, 1991.
Editor, The National Midnight Star
(Rush Fans Mailing List)
********************************************
End of The National Midnight Star Number 265
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