Website Updates: Windows 7 Themes and Smartphone Wallpapers

The impetus for this website when it was first launched 12 years ago was the Desktop Wallpaper and "Windows Plus!" Desktop Themes pages. While I still offer Themes for Windows XP/ME/NT, I have updated the Windows Themes page to now include a complete set of Windows 7 Themes. These Windows 7 Themes include Desktop Background Slide Shows along with the same sounds, icons and cursors used in the older Windows Plus themes. The Desktop Background Slide Shows include ALL the linernotes images for any given album, as well as additional live photos taken during that album's tour sourced from the tourbooks. Some of the Windows 7 Themes for more recent releases have HUGE Slide Shows included - the Snakes & Arrows Live theme has 36! In addition, these themes are user customizable, meaning, if you don't want to use the sounds and icons, you don't have to. Visit our Windows Themes page for details.

Next, more and more frequently I've been asked about wallpapers for Smartphones; after all, I offer PSP wallpapers, why not then include Smartphone wallpapers? As I'm a Blackberry user, however, I have been slow to get around to it. But thanks to the urging and guidance of Smartphone user John Patuto at Cygnus-X1.net, I've finally added a complete "Smartphone Wallpaper" page of 360x480 pixel RUSH wallpapers for SmartPhone, Palm, Blackberry Storm, Pocket PC, Apple iPhone and iPod Touch devices. Enjoy!

RUSH Makes Planet Rock's "Top 40 Live Albums"

Listeners of the UK's Planet Rock radio voted in their thousands in a poll to determine the Top 40 Live Albums of All Time. - Thanks to Scot McBean and Matt Kelly for the headsup!

"Thousands of you voted and now we know once and for all that Thin Lizzy's Live And Dangerous is the Greatest Live Album of All Time. The 1978 album has been repeatedly accused of containing more overdubs than live material, but that doesn't hide the fact that this is a definitive "live" record - it captured the band's stunning live energy and sound absolutely perfectly across a tracklist that probably couldn't have been bettered, and that, after all, is everything we could ask for. Deep Purple were so close to stealing this one at the last minute with their classic Made In Japan, and UFO's Strangers In The Night wasn't too far behind either. Rush deserve a notable mention for being the one band who's fans successfully sabotaged their chances for the Top Ten by splitting the vote rather spectacularly across three albums in the Top 40." - Planet Rock.com

Miniature Replica Of Geddy's Rickenbacker 4001

You've asked for it, and now it's here: a precise recreation of Geddy Lee's Rickenbacker 4001 bass. His primary instrument of the 70's, first seen during RUSH's first tour in 1974, Geddy effectively retired this bass after the Signals tour until bringing it back on tour in 2007.

This 1:4-scale replica miniature bass collectible is made of solid mahogany wood, hand crafted and airbrushed with outstanding detail. This bass guitar sells for $24.99; click here to order. As these guitars are hand made, please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery as supplies are limited.

Axeheaven is providing a special discount for Power Windows Website Users. To receive the discount, just enter the below coupon code while checking out at AxeHeaven.com:

• For free shipping for all domestic orders: coupon code FS2010
• For an overall 10% discount off of international orders: coupon code TEN2010

Click here for the complete RUSH miniature instruments collection

Rush Slam in Spoof Superbowl Commercial

In the controversial Dodge Charger Superbowl commercial, "Man's Last Stand", morose looking men are shown as a male voice over lists things a man must endure so that they can drive what they want. A spoof commercial has been made by women, "Woman's Last Stand", where the tables are turned. Of course, RUSH gets slammed; afterall, there are no female RUSH fans, right? - Thanks to John Tice for the headsup!

Superbowl Halftime Show Featuring RUSH?

"The NFL is making a very conscious effort to avoiding the conflict over potential lawsuits that came by way of Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction. By most accounts, the last few years have gotten better and better while encompassing a variety of long-time, tenured, rock-and-roll professionals. So here is a list of five bands that would serve the NFL well over the next half-decade...

Number Two: RUSH might be the most controversial selection for those who are not fans of the band. However, this is one of the most technical, influential, and greatest rock bands ever to hit the stage. They have reached legendary status even though they are still snubbed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Perhaps no band is better equipped to pull off a similar medley of their music as quickly as RUSH could. They have still been touring into their late 50’s and producing high quality musical releases as well. Most recently drummer Neil Peart was asked to help revamp the Hockey Night in Canada theme music, and has landed the drum set he used to get into the Hockey Hall of Fame. This band is from Canada, but they have always toured in the United States. RUSH is the most capable band of surprising, while making a few new fans." - BleacherReport.com, February 8, 2010 - Thanks to John @ Cygnus-X!.net

Joan Jett bashes Rush

Back in 1977, one of the many bands who opened for Rush was The Runaways, the all girl band fronted by Joan Jett, Cherrie Curie and Lita Ford. In fact, the Runaways attended a party in Rush's honor as pictured here. However, although it seems out of character for Rush, the Runaway's Joan Jett has less than fond memories of their time touring together. - Thanks to Tony Stiles for the headsup!

"Their Order of Canada is probably safe. But Joan Jett says members of Rush were anything but polite Canucks when the Runaways opened for them in the 1970s. In the new film biopic about the band titled The Runaways, Jett (played by Kristen Stewart) is derided by an unidentified rock group they’re opening for. She later retaliates by breaking into their dressing room and urinating on one of their guitars. Jett doesn’t hesitate to identify the real-life inspiration for the scene. 'Rush! They sat on the side of the stage and laughed at us,' Jett says. 'That sort of stuff pisses me off.'" - Joan Jett, Jam!Music, January 29, 2010

Geddy Lee On The Canadians For Haiti Telethon

Geddy Lee appeared on the Canada For Haiti benefit telethon on Friday night which raised over $9.4 million for a group of Canadian charities working in Haiti following the earthquake of January 12th. Geddy Lee made an appearance at the event but did not perform; click here for Geddy's appearance. For more information visit canadaforhaiti.com. - Thanks to Rushisaband for the headsup!

Caress Of Steel, A Record To Die For

In the February issue of Stereophile, writer Brian Damkroge includes Caress Of Steel in his "Records To Die For" feature. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

"Caress of Steel, Rush's third album narrowly edges out their fourth, 2112, as my R2D4. The sparse arrangements showcase their playing; in particular, Alex Lifeson's chord-based guitar style is shown off far better here than on their later, more complex albums. With Caress and 2112, Rush exploited the album format with longer, more developed operettas than were possible with their later focus on radio-friendly singles. Yes, 'I think Im going bald' is woefully out of place, the lyrics a little pretentious, and Geddy Lee's vocals are an acquired taste, but the music and sound are incredible. Rush at their very best."

Neil Peart "Soulscape" Print

International artist Tom Noll paints various musicians and is now featuring his Neil Peart "Soulscape" as a giclee art print from the original oil painting. The print has an image area of 27" x 18" (68.6 cm x 45.7 cm), is printed on 100 lb cover stock using fade resistant UV inks and sells for $350 plus shipping. For more information visit creativeboneartworks.com; click here for a closeup of the painting. - Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

RushPetition.com Is Back For 2010 Tour

RushPetition.com is back for a fourth consecutive tour to take your votes on the top five songs you would like the band to bring back from "the vault". This go round, however, they are only offering up songs that have not been played in the last 20 years (songs not heard since the Presto tour). Surprisingly, there are 85 songs to choose from! - Thanks to Skip Daly for the headsup!

30th Anniversary Of Permanent Waves On "In The Studio"

The 30th anniversary of Permanent Waves was the subject of "In The Studio - The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands" which aired the week of January 11th. The show was a compilation of past interviews, and can now be heard at inthestudio.net.

"Crafting A Neil Peart Prototype"

"Do artists really influence the designs of the cymbals that bear their names? And, if they do, by what process does a drummer design a cymbal? We sat down recently with Sabian's west coast artist relations director Chris Stankee to discuss the design of a new Chinese cymbal with Neil Peart. You'll see how over the course of two years Neil and Chris worked together, They would receive new prototypes, test the, take them on the road, and then ask the factory for changes. With each generation of the design, this cymbal got closer and closer to what Neil heard in his head. You can see the whole story of Paragon cymbals on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/sabianparagonlounge."- DRUM!.com, January 10, 2010 - Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

Sonic Reality Releases "Neil Peart Drums Vol. 1: The Kit"

Announced at this week's NAMM show: "Neil Peart Drums Vol. 1: The Kit. This sample library for BFD2 and Infinite Player, and powered by Kontakt, is part of Sonic Reality's Drum Masters series. Neil Peart, drummer of the band Rush, collaborated with Sonic Reality and producer/engineer Nick Raskulinecz to digitize the sound of Snakes and Arrows’ Custom DW Drum Kit. It features deep level dynamics, humanized random alternating hits, discrete multiple mic mixing, and more. It gives e-drummers, keyboardists, and composers the ability to play rock drum samples with the distinctive Neil Peart sound, and have a drum kit suitable for many styles of music from Progressive Rock to Heavy Metal. It comes mapped in GM, iMap, V-Drum and a Custom Map mode to be controlled by any electronic drum kit. It also includes discrete mic mixing and album-quality presets. It ships in the first quarter, but the price has not been announced." - Macworld.com, January 15, 2010 - Thanks to Rushisaband.com for the headsup!

Neil Peart On Paragon Brilliant "More Than A Shine - It's A Matter Of Sound"

In a new article at Sabian.com, Neil Peart discusses Paragon Brilliant cymbals. - Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

"The evolution of Paragon Brilliant is about more than spit and polish. It began with the pursuit of the openness and responsiveness of an older cymbal, right 'out of the bag.' I have always found that brand-new cymbals have a certain 'tightness,' both in their physical response and in their sound, and it takes a few shows to play them in. Then they loosen up and start to 'dance' on the stand, and the swell of sound from attack to decay would become smooth and open..."- Neil Peart, Sabian.com, December 22, 2009

Alex Lifeson Makes "VH1's 100 Most Shocking Music Moments"

Alex Lifeson makes list of VH1's 100 Most Shocking Music Moments. Moment number 62, titled "When a Rush Comes to Shove", discusses Alex's New Year's Eve at the Ritz in 2003 (click here for a complete history of the event). Several musicians, including Scott Ian from Anthrax, comment on how Rush is a "geeky prog rock band" and "who would've thought they'd actually be on the list", while a comedian states "maybe Rush is using the prog rock geekiness as a front. Maybe they all could kick your ass." The segment includes Alex saying, "Gives a whole new meaning to spending the night at the Ritz."

"Trailer Park Boys 2: Countdown To Liquor Day" Now On DVD

Trailer Park Boys 2: Countdown To Liquor Day, the second Canadian comedy film featuring the bad boys from the trailer park, is now available on DVD. The film includes yet another cameo by Alex Lifeson, this time in the role of a cross-dressing undercover policeman:

"Of course, there's the de rigueur appearance by Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, here playing a drunken, undercover cop posing as a transvestite in a gay-prostitute alley (centered around a Chip Wagon that serves alcohol -- man, Halifax is one weird town). The character may indeed be the same cop Lifeson played in the previous Trailer Park Boys movie, showing his true colours." - Edmonton Sun, September 25, 2009 - Thanks to RushIsABand.com

"R30" Complete Edition BluRay

The R30 Complete Edition Blu-Ray is released today, including Rush's complete concert from Frankfurt, Germany, on September 24, 2004. Unlike the DVD release which omitted Bravado, YYZ, The Trees, One Little Victory, Secret Touch, Red Sector A, La Villa Strangiato and By-Tor and the Snow Dog, those tracks have been restored to their original running order for this high definition release:

"Some of the songs were dropped from R30 due to technical reasons but also we didn't want to have too many similarities with Rush In Rio. Why not? Well, I think now that it was a dumb decision of ours. In fact I regret not having put the whole show on those disks. But I promise you, all those songs that were cut will eventually see the light of day, in some shape or form." - Geddy Lee, Aardschok Magazine, March 2006

Unfortunately, unlike the DVD release which includes a bonus disk containing over 1:30 minutes of interviews and bonus features, the Blu-Ray version contains the concert feature only. Click here for more information.

Neil Peart & John Good discuss The Finer Points Of DW's Shell Technology - Video Online

Early last month, the latest issue of Drum Workshop's "The Edge" magazine was published including a new article titled "Neil Peart & John Good discuss The Finer Points Of DW's Shell Technology" (see pages 14&15 here). Now, two 10 minute videos of their conversation are available on Drum Workshop's Youtube Channel. Check them out here and here. - Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for the headsup!

Permanent Waves Album Cover Details Explained

One intriguing aspect of Rush's albums is their album covers, and one of the most intriguing album covers to me has always been Permanent Waves. Let's face it, the scene showing a gorgeous smiling woman standing in the midst of all that destruction has always been a visual feast for the eyes.

"Permanent Waves is the result of a conversation which I had with Neil out at his home in the country. We spoke all evening about Rush growing up, and how we were going to do these EKG readings of each member as they were recording. We were going to tape their temples and chests and have real heartbeats of them while they were playing. So Permanent Waves was going to be a technical statement, and we were going to treat that with red and gold foil, and do a nice study in design- as opposed to a photographic thing. I walked out and, in the doorway, said 'Wait! Let's try something with Donna Reed, with her permanent Toni hairdo, and have her walking out of a tidal wave situation.' Neil gave me this blank look and said, 'Get out of here.' The following day, he asked me to consider doing just that because he'd discussed it with the band, and they'd all thought it was more likely for a cover than the serious approach." - Hugh Syme, Creem, 1983

By now we all know the story behind the "Dewey Defeats Truman" newspaper headline, but what about the rest of the cover?

Rush Wins SOCAN's "International Achievement Award"

"Veteran rockers Rush took the international achievement award...as the music industry organization SOCAN handed out its awards Monday night. The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, the copyright collective for musical works, gives annual awards for Canada's top acts and recognizes songs and artists who get the most airplay. Rush is coming off a year of successful international touring and the release of its album Snakes & Arrows Live. The band, which first toured in 1974, is also wooing a new generation by releasing its classic songs for download on the game Rock Band." - CBCnews.com, November 23, 2009