Points North's 'Road Less Traveled' Now Available, includes Rush tribute

California progressive rock trio Points North's debut album, Road Less Traveled, was released March 13th on Magna Carta Records.  The all instrumental album includes the track "Grace Under Pressure", which is a tribute to Rush.

"The track 'Grace Under Pressure' (originally titled 'Blue Zone B') is a prime example of the band's ability to time travel while (musically speaking) keeping one foot in the present. 'Hearing Rush's Moving Pictures, from 1981, was a turning point for me,' says Barnett.  The song reimagines Alex Lifeson's 1980s guitar style as a 21^st Century invention (think Rush's 'Red Sector A' with a post-Cold War twist). 'The mid-period Alex Lifeson style is where he really focused on chord textures and inner voicings,' says Barnett, who picked up the violin at age five and switched to guitar in his early teens. 'It's not something you hear that often in an instrumental song, because so often those types of songs are about the lead line. In our song the bass is carrying the melody and root notes.'" - Magna Carta Records

Creosote Covers "Mystic Rhythms" On "Area Man" Now Available

Creosote's Area Man, the debut solo album by Gord Smith, who also happens to be the bass player for Jason Plumb's backup band, The Willing, hits store shelves March 27th.  One of the tracks on the album is a cover of Rush's "Mystic Rhythms". 

"Originally from Toronto's suburban sprawl, Smith has been in Regina most of his life. After losing his father at 12, his mother encouraged his interest in music by getting him his first drum set. Being a huge Rush fan early on contributed to his dedication to learning how to play...Pulling in his Canadian rock roots, Smith decided to cover a Rush song mostly because nobody else is ambitious enough to try. 'I picked a song that was in their late 80s keyboard funk, which was panned by fans. The songs are still there.' Rush’s original 'Mystic Rhythms' is a mid-tempo synthesizer and keyboard-driven song. Smith turned in into the guitar-driven rock song he thought it should have been. He got to gush to Rush's Alex Lifeson about breathing life into the song while recording Jason Plumb and the Willing's new album All Is More Than Both." - Soccermomrecords.com

Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Tampa Bay Devil Rays' Evan Longoria's Most Prized Possessions

The Sporting News has published a new story online featuring Tampa Bay Devil Rays' Evan Longoria, which includes includes this brief discussion on his most prized possessions:

"Longoria's most prized possessions are his dogs and his 2008 AL championship ring, but he has another great piece of memorabilia: a drumhead signed by members of the rock group Rush.

Longoria started playing the drums in 2009, when teammate Gregg Zaun had a set at Tropicana Field.

'I never wanted to play in front of him. I'm a perfectionist. I don't want anybody to see me do something and look stupid doing it,' Longoria says. 'I would get to the field two hours early and play his kit without anybody there, at noon. I'd be back there full sweat, and guys would just be getting to the field, and I’d be playing the drums.'

Cool story how he got the drumhead: Rush's singer, Geddy Lee, a huge baseball fan, collects balls autographed by pitchers who have thrown no-hitters. When Rays righthander Matt Garza threw one in 2010, a Lee representative called the Rays to ask for a ball. A Rays clubbie named David Westmoreland (everyone calls him Westy) said, sure, if you send Longoria the signed drumhead." - SportingNews.com, March 24, 2012

Rush Miniature Instruments - Officially Liscensed By Fender

Our partners over at Axeheaven.com have just revamped their line of officially licensed miniature Fender guitars, including a perfect reproduction of Geddy Lee's  1972 Jazz Bass.

These guitars are of the highest quality, and are perfect for the home and office, and are in a word, awesome.  Axe Heaven offers free domestic shipping for Power Windows website users (use coupon code FS2012); international orders over $75 can enjoy a 10% overall discount on their order with coupon code "TEN2010".

Besides the Fender collection, Axe Heaven also offers reproductions of Alex Lifeson's Gibson double-neck and ES-355, as well as Neil Peart's Snakes & Arrows drumkit.  For more info visit our Rush Miniatures page, or Axeheaven.com.

"Small Beginnings: Models fueled Rush drummer's passion for cars"

Hagerty.com has posted an interview with Neil Peart where he discusses his long time love of collecting cars, beginning as a child collecting models, continuing when touring with Rush building models, and to this day, collecting dream cars including a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (better known as James Bond's car). - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Since 1974, Neil Peart has been the drummer and lyricist for the legendary Canadian rock band Rush. Rush holds an enviable position right behind the Beatles and the Rolling Stones for the number of most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums by a rock band. Not too shabby, and neither is his collection of cars, which includes a 2001 BMW Z8, 1964 Aston Martin DB5, 2010 Aston martin DBS, and a recently acquired 1963 Corvette Spilt-Window coupe, which happens to be one of his childhood dream cars.

Neil Peart Guest On Upcoming Vertical Horizon Album

March 23rd UPDATE: Vertical Horizon has posted this video update of Neil recording his drum parts this past Monday the 16th. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the heasdsup!

March 21st UPDATE: Today Sabian Cymbals posted photos to their Facebook page of Neil Peart recording tracks with Matt Scannell on Friday March 16th.- Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for the headsup!

In 2009, Neil Peart appeared on three tracks on Vertical Horizon's Burning The Days.  In a video recorded live at last month's NAMM show, Drum Workshop's John Good let leak that DW has prepared a new custom drum kit for Neil to use on the upcoming sessions for the new Burning Horizon album.  Vertical Horizon's Matt Scannell later posted this update:

"Okay this BIG news has come out online, and it's not definite yet ... but we're working to make it happen. I won't comment publicly online about it yet, but since it's out there I wanted you to see this. Neil and I are working on the scheduling, and DW has kindly made him a new kit to try and facilitate. Thanks for your support. Matt" - February 28, 2012

'Metal Evolution' Coming To DVD

Metal Evolution, the 11 episode VH1 Classic series by the creators of Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage, will be released on DVD March 27th.  According to Noisecreep.com, who is also hosting a contest to giveaway a copy:

"Metal Evolution is VH1 Classic's top-rated 2012 series to date. The three-disc set, featuring all 11 episodes of the show hosted by noted metal aficionado, anthropologist and filmmaker Sam Dunn, crisscrosses the globe to bring viewers along on an intense journey through the genre's musical history, spanning more than four decades. Special features include an informative interview with Dunn from VH1 Classic's 'That Metal Show.'..Dunn and his partner, filmmaker Scot McFayden, based 'Metal Evolution' on the groundbreaking and much-debated 26 sub-genre 'Heavy Metal Family Tree' that details the music's fascinating and complex lineage. Using this genealogical chart as a road map, each episode unleashes the very essence of metal - beginning with Pre-Metal, traveling through Early Metal, New Wave, Glam, Thrash, Grunge, Nu Metal, Shock Rock and Power Metal and arriving at the Progressive Rock of today as the explosive series finale."- Noisecreep.com, March 22, 2012 - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Rush On "Archer", Season Three Finale

Tonight was the season finale of the FX animated series, Archer.  During the episode "Space Race: Part 2", Dr. Krieger's van was once again painted with a Rush mural; this time it was "Caress of Krieger". - Thanks to Benny Prince for the headsup!

This was the fourth reference of Archer in the last 12 months.  Last April, Dr. Krieger's van was painted with an "Exit Stage Left" mural.  Next, during this year's season premier in January, Dr. Krieger had a new van sporting a mural featuring a recreation of the Hemispheres cover, with the words "Krieger Vanispheres" as the headline.  A finally, just two weeks ago, we learned Krieger is a drummer trying to master "Y-Y-Zed".

Clockwork Angels Now Available For Preorder

Rush's long awaited 19th studio album (20th if you count Feedback), Clockwork Angels is now available for preorder here. Support Power Windows, preorder your copy now!  Thanks in advance for your help!

Help A Fellow Rush Fan & Cancer Survivor Help Others Beat Cancer!

Samantha Dyar experienced something that most RUSH fans could only dream about. She was 16 yrs old and on July 20, 2008 she got to spend a day behind the scenes at a RUSH concert including hanging out backstage with Geddy, Alex and Neil. She also was called to the stage and had a song dedicated to her by the band. Click here to see photos of that day.  The only downside, she was there courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation because she had cancer.

Sam is a survivor, and is using her success story to fund-raise for Children's Miracle Network Hospital - Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  Originally, Sam's goal was $250, but she has already raised over $4,000!  We're helping get the word out - if you would like to donate to her cause, please do so here.  To help track of were the donations are coming from, add "Compliments of a fellow RUSH fan from Power Windows!".  Thanks in advance, and also thanks to all those that have already donated!

Neil Peart confirmed for LA Music Academy's Drummer Reality Camp

Neil Peart will one of the special guests at this year's "Drummer's Reality Camp" taking place June 27th-30th in Los Angeles.  Sponsored by Drum Channel, Guitar Center, and LA Music Academy College of Music, the camp gives aspiring drummers a change to hang out and learn from the greats.  Neil is slated to partake in a special roundtable discussion on the third day of the camp (Friday).  For complete info and pricing visit LAMusicAcademy.edu. - Thanks to Andy Olson for the headsup!

Jammit Launches On The Mac

Yesterday Rush announced on Facebook that they have continued their partnership with Jammit with the release of "2112", "Limelight", "YYZ" and "Tom Sawyer" on Jammit for Mac (with the note "coming soon for Windows").  Jammit gives you access to the original Rush multi-track masters, with instrument-specific versions available for drums, bass, guitar and vocals, with the precise notation and tablature.

"Most music over the last 50 years was recorded to a multi-track format, allowing individual volume control over each instrument in the band. Those tracks are blended together into the mix that we’ve all become very familiar with over the years. Jammit has partnered with Rush to give you access to those separate elements of classic Rush songs so you can hear every nuance of Geddy's bass and vocals, Neil’s drums, and Alex’s guitar performances.  Jammit also gives you synchronized notation and tab, section looping, variable slow mode and a performance recorder so you can interact with 2112, Limelight, YYZ and now Tom Sawyer in ways that were not possible…until now. Travel back in time to when these classic Rush songs were born, and experience Rush like you have never before!" - jammit.com/artist/rush

RUSH To Receive 'Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award' At 'Revolver Golden Gods' April 11th

"New honorees, presenters, performers and special guests have been announced for the fourth annual Revolver Golden Gods, presented by Epiphone, America's only hard-rock and heavy-metal award show. The event will take place Wednesday, April 11, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles and is almost sold out. Fans without tickets can still watch the show though, as it will be broadcast live in its entirety on XBOX LIVE, as well as on the XBOX and Revolver Facebook pages. The award show live broadcast is the first ever of its kind and kicks off globally at 6 p.m. PDT/9 p.m. EDT.

"The Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by XBOX LIVE, will go to prog-rock pioneers RUSH, who will release their highly anticipated 19th studio album, "Clockwork Angels", this year on Roadrunner Records. (Previous honorees include hard-rock and metal legends MÖTLEY CRÜE, Lemmy Kilmister of MOTÖRHEAD and Ozzy Osbourne.) The award will be presented by Jack Black and Kyle Gass of TENACIOUS D, whose new record, "Rize Of The Fenix", hits stores on May 15. RUSH's Neil Peart commented, "We are honored and delighted to receive this honor — especially because it will be presented by Jack and Kyle. Our 'lifetimes' are not over yet, and we dearly hope our 'achievements' are not either, so I suppose you could say that to us this is the 'So Far, So Good' award." Of presenting the award, Black commented, "RUSH was the most impressive band, musically, when I was just learning about rock. Weirdly, they got your body moving in interpretive-dancing ways, but it was still aggressive. Their stuff was just so complex and so tasty!" - Blabbermouth.net, March 12, 2012 (Thanks to Frank Ray and RushFanForever for the headsup!)

Rush Makes Billboard's "Top 40 Money Makers 2012"

Rush has made Billboard magazine's list of "Music's Top 40 Money Makers 2012", coming in at number 32 with $5,819,304 in earnings:

The Canadian prog-rock power trio remains a mighty draw on the road, thanks to the band's deep catalog of anthems like "Tom Sawyer," "Closer to the Heart" and "The Spirit of Radio," and the chops of bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart. The band's Time Machine tour continued through the first half of 2011, grossing $14.1 million in the United States and netting $4.8 million. Rush also made noise at retail, generating U.S. album sales of 431,000 units. Adding to the revenue mix: a concert recording titled "Time Machine: Live in Cleveland 2011" debuted and peaked at No. 54 on the Billboard 200 in November, with the live show kicking off a new deal with Roadrunner Records. - Billboard.biz, March 9, 2012 - Thanks to squintyt4e for the headsup!

Rush On "Archer", yet again!

Rush was referenced yet again on FX's Archer.  During yesterday's episode "Skin Game", in the opening scene Krieger brings Archer to his lab which holds a large Neil Peart-esque drumkit, replete with double bass drums with "Thunder" and "Dome" written in the font from the debut album. Archer says "Wow, amazing, you can play 'YYZ'", to which Krieger replies "First of all, it's YY-zed. And second of all, no I can't get it, it's impossible."  Later, in the next scene (after the opening credits), in regards to creating an android of Katya, Krieger says "How dare you fail to recognize my greatest accomplishment to date?", and Pam replies "What, you finally nailed YYZ?"  Krieger shouts "It's Zed, and...no, Neil Peart (Pert) stands alone..." - Thanks to Benny Prince for the headsup!

This is the third Rush reference on Archer. Last April, Dr. Krieger's van was painted with an "Exit Stage Left" mural.  And during this year's season premier in January, Dr. Krieger had a new van sporting a mural featuring a recreation of the Hemispheres cover, with the words "Krieger Vanispheres" as the headline.

Neil Peart Featured In Ginger Baker Documentary "Beware of Mr. Baker"

UPDATE: A second preview of the Ginger Baker documentary has been posted at HollywoodReporter.com, and this one includes a couple of shots of Neil Peart discussing Ginger and Cream. Check it out here. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Neil Peart is one of a host of musicians featured in the new Ginger Baker Documentary Beware of Mr. Baker. Rollingstone.com has posted the first trailer of the film (click here to view), and although Neil is not featured in the clip, he is listed as one of the featured artists.

If you've got a problem with Ginger Baker, go ahead and hit him in the nose. He'd welcome it. "I ain't gonna sue you. I'm gonna hit you back," the crazy drummer tells the camera in this trailer for the new documentary Beware of Mr. Baker, which screens multiple times at SXSW in Austin beginning March 10th. Eric Clapton, Johnny Rotten, Carlos Santana, Charlie Watts and Neil Peart are just a few of the legendary musicians who attest to the musical gift of the drummer, best known for playing in Cream and Blind Faith before discovering the Afrobeat of Fela Kuti. Most of them can also vouch for Baker's ferocious approach to life. "Maybe you have to be a little mad to play the way he does," says Marky Ramone. - RollingStone.com, March 1, 2012

Sonic Reality Update: Additional Neil Peart Library in the Works?

There have been two Sonic Reality libraries featuring the sampled drums of Neil Peart: "Neil Peart Drums Vol. 1: The Kit" and "Vol. 2 The Grooves".  On Sunday the Sonic Reality Progressive Rock Project updated their Facebook page with the following.

"Right now I'm working on an extra Neil Peart kit from the original session that was never released. This will be part of a stereo kit library for Reason, SampleTank, Battery and some other formats we're going to be supporting. Sounds great! Some other cool unreleased things like a Queen style kick and snare from the British rock sessions. I've been going through the sessions to find things we missed the first time around."

Stay tuned for more!

Neil Peart Artist Calendar from Drum Workshop

Neil Peart is one of the featured Artist Calendars offered as a print resolution download from DW Drums.  For the full collection of Artist Calendars visit DWDrums.com. - Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for the headsup!

No More "Limbo" for "Limbaugh" - Rush Pulls Music From Limbaugh Show

According to the Huffington Post, Rush has formally demanded that Rush Limbaugh cease and desist using the band's music as bumper music on his show.  Here is the full text of their lawyer's letter to the show:

The Rush Limbaugh Show 1270 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 RushLimbaugh.com Premiere Radio Networks.

Ladies & Gentlemen:

I am the attorney for Rush, their management company, S.R.O. Management Inc., their music publishing company, Core Music Publishing and their record company, The Anthem Entertainment Group Inc.

According to media reports, Rush Limbaugh, Premiere Radio Networks and The Rush Limbaugh Show have been using Rush's recorded music as part of what is essentially a political broadcast.

The use of Rush's music in this way is an infringement of Rush's copyrights and trademarks. The public performance of Rush's music is not licensed for political purposes and any such use is in breach of public performance licenses and constitutes copyright infringement. There are civil and criminal remedies for copyright infringement, including statutory damages and fines.

(see sections 501-513 of Title 17 of the United States Code http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html)

In addition, the use of Rush's music in this manner implies an endorsement of the views expressed and products advertised on the show, and is in breach of not only copyright and trademark rights, but also, of section 51 of the New York Civil Rights Law (excerpt attached).

Accordingly, we hereby demand that you immediately stop all use of Rush's music and confirm that you will do so.

Yours very truly,
Robert A. Farmer
Director of Legal Affairs
S.R.O. Management Inc.,
Core Music Publishing
The Anthem Entertainment Group Inc.

- Thanks to Ed Dobbins for the headsup!

Related Links

• Rush (The Band) Yanks Music From Limbaugh Show, Huffington Post, March 6, 2012
• Rush Becomes Second Musical Act To Demand That Rush Limbaugh Stops Using Their Music, Ultimate Classic Rock, March 7, 2012
•  Rush to Rush Limbaugh STOP USING OUR MUSIC ... or Else, TMZ.com, March 7, 2012
• When Liberal Musicians Don't Like Their Conservative Fans, American Spectator, March 9, 2012

Geddy Lee referenced on "Switched At Birth"

Geddy Lee was referenced during last week's episode of ABC Family's Switched At Birth (Tuesdays at 8/7c).  Late in the episode "Write A Lonely Soldier", Daphne (who is deaf) is making out in a car with a boy named Wilke when she stops him and says she wants to communicate with him in sign language.  Wilke responds "Alright, what's the sign for Wilke's the greatest bass player since Geddy Lee?"  The episode is online at ABC Family's website. - Thanks to Giraldo Perez for the headsup!

Books on Tape: The Top 10 Collabs Between Authors and Musicians

The new Clockwork Angels novelization is the impetus behind a new story from Spinner.com:

"Can you imagine a world where, instead of fossil fuels, modern machinery runs on the power of steam and everyone's favourite band is Rush?  If so, you've glimpsed into the alternate reality that unfolds in the forthcoming steampunk novel from sci-fi author Kevin J. Anderson. The best-selling scribe of over 100 genre books, including titles for the 'Star Wars,' 'Dune,' and 'X-Files' franchises, is writing a companion novel to 'Clockwork Angels,' the upcoming studio album from Canadian prog-rock giants Rush.

"'I take my inspiration from many sources, but music has always been a key to my literary imagination, more than just a soundtrack but a trigger for images, scenes, and strange worlds,' Anderson tells Spinner.  In fact, he dedicated his first novel, 'Resurrection, Inc,' to the Rush album 'Grace Under Pressure,' a nod that spawned a friendship with Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart which eventually led to the 'Clockwork Angels' collaboration. Spinner.com, March 2, 2012 (click here for the full story) - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Rush Cover Versions Update

I've recently added four cover versions to the Discography's Rush Covers page and thought I would share them.  All four are unique and worth checking out:

• "Subdivisions", performed by Anita Athavale on In The Noise, January 11, 2007.  This version has a soft rock/adult contemporary vibe; just a female vocal with piano accompaniment.  Hear it here (begins at the 0:30 mark).
  

  "Making the album, I was in a place where I was about to put music down: try something else, be normal, make some money, buy a house, whatever else I was supposed to do. That song made me think about choosing that other life." - Anita Athavale

• "Losing It", performed by the Maurizio Rolli Big Band on Rolli's Tones, August 4, 2009.  An import from Italy, this is an extremely well done jazz band performance which is fairly true to the original arrangement.  A saxophone solo takes the place of Ben Mink's violin.  Hear it here.
• "Subdivisions", performed by Artok on Above Ground, December 28, 2010.  From Canada, this version pointedly does not include keyboards; that part is faithfully reproduced on guitar.  Hear it here.
• "Bravado", performed by Gregorian on Masters Of Chant Chapter VIII, September 30, 2011.  Another import, Gregorian is a German band headed by Frank Peterson that performs Gregorian chant-inspired versions of modern pop and rock songs.  Again, a very interesting version.  Hear it here.

- Thanks to Joe Pesch, RushFanForever and Nik Ramone for the headsup!

Did Rush suffer from the Sophomore Slump?

Music journalist Jeff Wagner discusses how the "Sophomore Slump" has affected various "metal" bands, and includes Rush in his discussion:

"Easy call. 'Rush' is like Led Zeppelin and Cream jamming and eating back bacon together. It's fully capable and crammed with energy. But it's derivative. 'Fly by Night,' however, adds Neil Peart to the mix, widens the musical scope, and offers monumental songwriting efforts like 'Anthem' and 'By-Tor and the Snow Dog.' No contest here. 'Fly by Night' wins." - Jeff Wagner, Noisecreep.com, March 1, 2012 - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Neil Peart Featured in April "Motorcyclist" Magazine - Article Now Online

UPDATE: The article "Workin' Them Angels" is now available online at Motorcyclistonline.com.

The April 2012 issue of Motorcyclist Magazine contains the feature article "Workin' Them Angles" written by executive editor Brian Catterson.  Brian, a long-time Rush fan who has written about his rides with Peart in the past (see Cycle World, February 2003), talks about how he had always hope to meet Neil, how he eventually did - and also discusses riding with Neil during the final leg of the Time Machine Tour. In addition to the main article, there are two sidebars, "The Bike That Changed My Life: 2006 BMW R1100GS" with Neil Peart, and a short final article, "How We Roll". - Thanks to John at Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!

"Site Updates" Page Addition

There is a new addition to the Power Windows website, the "Site Updates" page.  You'll find it on the Menu under the "News" button.  This page has been created to document additions to this website which might not necessary be worthy of sharing on the main "News" page, such as additions to the "Inspirations", "References" or "Downloads" pages, or the occasional historical addition to the "Tour" page.  More notably, it will document the frequent ongoing updates to the "Transcript Archive".  To be notified of updates, you can also subscribe to my Twitter feed, and/or "Like" us on Facebook.