Groundbreaking Trios Shine On Recent Releases

Rush and Muse have each had plenty to celebrate in 2012, with both trios continuing to break new ground via outstanding releases.
 

Artist: Rush
Title: 2112 - Deluxe Editions (Mercury)
You might be interested if you like: ASIA, Nektar, Yes, Rush's "Moving Pictures"
Tell me more: When it was announced in December 2012 that Rush will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2013, it was long-overdue validation that the Canadian rock trio is one of the most original and innovative bands of all time. Indeed, 2012 saw a surge of renewed interest in singer-bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart, with several deluxe remastered and expanded editions of the 1976 breakthrough album "2112" arriving on Dec. 18. From tender acoustic guitar-anchored passages to blistering heavy metal and jaw-dropping progressive rock virtuoso chops, the far-flung soundscape displayed across "2112" comes in support of an intelligent concept album where the "Priests of the Temples of Syrinx" control every part of a futuristic world where the residents have lost their freedoms. "2112: Deluxe Editons" comes in several editions, including a CD + DVD version, a CD + Blu-Ray version, and a super deluxe edition featuring CD and Blu-ray discs contained in a hardbound case with a 40-page comic book and a 24-page book with expanded artwork, liner notes, lyrics and unreleased photos. Of special note are the three previously unreleased bonus tracks on the CD.
Get the CD and Audio Blu Ray version here
Get the CD and audio DVD version here
Get the Super Deluxe edition here


Artist: Rush
Title: Clockwork Angels (Roadrunner Records)
You might be interested if you like: Nektar, Rush's "2112," "Snakes and Arrows" and "Moving Pictures"
Tell me more: Those rushing out to pick up the aforementioned "2012" should add the band's most recent studio album "Clockwork Angels" to their cart. Released in June 2012, the ambitious "Clockwork Angels" shares much in common with "2112." Both concept albums that would make the late Ray Bradbury proud, the compelling tale chronicled via "Clockwork Angels" focuses on a young man's quest to follow his dreams. Highlights on this dozen-song masterwork include the melodic hard rocker "The Anarchist," fiery "Headlong Flight," infectious "The Wreckers" and lush "The Garden."
Get Clockwork Angels on CD here


Artist: Muse
Title: The 2nd Law (Warner Bros. Records)
You might be interested if you like: Queen, Keane, Arcade Fire
Tell me more: Few modern rock bands can get away with pleasing the masses and discerning listeners with the over-the-top bombast that legendary quartet Queen turned into high art in the 1970s and '80s. But contemporary British band Muse has likewise masterfully continued to reign supreme in that corner of the musical universe. The band's previous album "The Resistance" (2009) turned the trio into superstars and now the group's equally-strong follow-up album "The 2nd Law" delivers sonic fury with equal delight. Gigantic operatic choruses, blazing guitar leads, pounding drums and all fans of the band have come to love are here in spades. However, what is new this time around is that there is a noticeably stronger emotional element in the music, with "Follow Me" recalling the artistic reach of U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" and the bass-heavy "Panic Station" coming off as a perfect fusion of Robert Palmer-era Power Station and vintage Duran Duran.
For sheer big time thrills, "Survival" mixes up every arena rock device known. Fans can't wait to get to see Muse perform these songs live.
Get The 2nd Law on CD here
Get 2nd Law (Limited Edition CD/DVD) here
Get 2nd Law (Limited Edition CD/DVD) here

Robert Kinsler 2013

Music Worth Buying 01/21/09 Asia & Rush Live DVDss

This review was contributed by guest writer Robert Kinsler

“Fantasia: Live In Tokyo”



Artist: Asia
DVD: Fantasia: Live In Tokyo
Worth Buying: Definitely!
You might be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Asia, Yes, King Crimson
Tell Me More: Anyone old enough to remember the release of Asia’s eponymous 1982 debut recalls the success of that album, as well as the group’s subsequent sophomore effort, 1983’s “Alpha.”

One of the world’s first true super groups, singer-bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, U.K.), drummer Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), guitarist Steve Howe (Yes) and keyboardist Geoff Downes (The Buggles, Yes) broke up after only two albums leaving fans of the talented quartet with little more than a few dozen songs to remember the band by.
However, for fans of Asia, the 25th anniversary of Asia was met with a full-blown, extended world tour that displayed the members’ still-dazzling skills intact. Indeed, I was fully impressed with the band’s full-length concert at Vault 350 in Long Beach in September 2006. In addition, the group recorded a new collection of memorable songs, “Phoenix,” that was released in April 2008 and proved to be one of the best rock albums of the year.

Now fans of Asia can pick up “Fantasia: Live In Toyko,” a wonderful DVD title released by Eagle Rock Entertainment that was issued in October 2007 but that I only recently picked up. Filmed in March 2007, the concert DVD features Asia performing 18 songs from those two well-known early ‘80s albums, as well as seminal material the members recorded with their earlier projects.
So in addition to getting top-notch versions of Asia classics such as “Sole Survivor,” “Heat of the Moment” and “Wildest Dreams,” recommended takes on Yes’ “Roundabout,” the Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” and ELP’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” are performed.
The aforementioned “Sole Survivor” is particularly powerful, with Howe delivering an extended guitar solo that really builds on the original studio recording.  Another highlight is “Don’t Cry,” which showcases Wetton’s emotive tenor and sparse guitar playing, while Howe adds strong textures on mandolin.
Does lightening strike the same place twice? As evidenced by “Fantasia: Live In Tokyo,” it did with Asia.

listen to samples here

Buy the DVD here
 



“Snakes & Arrows Live”
Artist: Rush
DVD: Snakes & Arrows Live
Worth Buying: A must for fans of Rush
You might be interested in this album if you are a fan of:  Rush
Tell Me More: Although I didn’t get to see any of the dates on Rush’s Snakes & Arrows tour a few years back, I feel like I had the best seat in the house at one of the concert dates thanks to the release of a recently-released “Snakes & Arrows Live” DVD.

From the set-opening “Limelight” and arresting “Between the Wheels” to the accessible “The Spirit of Radio” and radio favorite “Tom Sawyer,” the Canadian trio is captured perfectly across this impressive 3-disc set.  One of the most ambitious concert DVDs I have ever seen, “Snakes & Arrows Live” was filmed with 21 high definition cameras in 16x9 widescreen format over two nights at the Netherlands’ Ahoy Rotterdam arena. In addition, additional songs not featured during either of those shows were chronicled in Atlanta in July 2008 to complete a winning concert experience for fans of the band.
Extras abound on the DVD, with bloopers bringing the personality of the band more into focus for long-time or new fans of the trio. After watching this notable collection, there is no doubt that few bands possess the sonic firepower of singer-vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart.

After 35 years of music making, they continue to be the rare band able to fuse progressive and classic rock together with a voice that defies categorization and is simply theirs alone.

Snakes and Arrows on DVD

Snakes and Arrows on Blu Ray

CD and MP3 here