waltappel 1 #1 March 2, 2007 For all you old fuckers out there (like me!): Overture, Temples of Syrinx Discovery, Presentation Oracle: The Dream Solilioquy, Grand Finale Walt Ok, here's the story/lyrics: "2112" by Neil Peart I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of Megadon. City and sky become one, merging into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as they trace their way across the steely sky. I used to think I had a pretty good life here, just plugging into my machine for the day, then watching Templevision or reading a Temple Paper in the evening. My friend Jon always said it was nicer here than under the atmospheric domes of the Outer Planets. We have had peace since 2062, when the surviving planets were banded together under the Red Star of the Solar Federation. The less fortunate gave us a few new moons. I believed what I was told. I thought it was a good life, I thought I was happy. Then I found something that changed it all... Anonymous, 2112 I. Overture "And the meek shall inherit the earth." II. Temples of Syrinx The massive grey walls of the Temples rise from the heart of every Federation city. I have always been awed by them, to think that every single facet of every life is regulated and directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play are all looked after by the benevolent wisdom of the priests... "We've taken care of everything The words you hear the songs you sing The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes. It's one for all and all for one We work together common sons Never need to wonder how or why. We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx Our great computers fill the hallowed halls. We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx All the gifts of life are held within our walls. Look around this world we made Equality our stock in trade Come and join the Brotherhood of Man Oh what a nice contented world Let the banners be unfurled Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand. We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx Our great computers fill the hallowed halls. We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx All the gifts of life are held within our walls..." III. Discovery Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in my hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was beautiful. I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them sound differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds, and soon my own music! How different it could be from the music of the Temples! I can't wait to tell the priests about it! "What can this strange device be? When I touch it, it gives forth a sound It's got wires that vibrate and give music What can this thing be that I found? See how it sings like a sad heart And joyously screams out its pain Sounds that build high like a mountain Or notes that fall gently like rain. I can't wait to share this new wonder The people will all see its light Let them all make their own music The Priests praise my name on this night." IV. Presentation In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up to a circle of grim, expressionless faces. Father Brown rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed throughout the silent Temple Hall. Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as Father Brown ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his feet... "I know it's most unusual To come before you so But I've found an ancient miracle I thought that you should know Listen to my music And hear what it can do There's something here as strong as life I know that it will reach you. Yes, we know it's nothing new It's just a waste of time We have no need for ancient ways The world is doing fine Another toy will help destroy The elder race of man Forget about your silly whim It doesn't fit the plan. I can't believe you're saying These things just can't be true Our world could use this beauty Just think what we might do. Listen to my music And hear what it can do There's something here as strong as life I know that it will reach you. Don't annoy us further We have our work to do. Just think about the average What use have they for you? Another toy will help destroy The elder race of man Forget about your silly whim It doesn't fit the plan." V. Oracle: The Dream I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw a completely different way to life, a way that had been crushed by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss of all these things... "I wandered home though the silent streets And fell into a fitful sleep Escape to realms beyond the night Dream can't you show me the light? I stand atop a spiral stair An oracle confronts me there He leads me on light years away Through astral nights, galactic days I see the works of gifted hands That grace this strange and wondrous land I see the hand of man arise With hungry mind and open eyes They left the planet long ago The elder race still learn and grow Their power grows with purpose strong To claim the home where they belong Home, to tear the Temples down... Home, to change..." VI. Soliloquy I have not left this cave for days now, it has become my last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the control of the Federation, but there is no other place to go. My last hope is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and know peace at last. "The sleep is still in my eyes The dream is still in my head I heave a sigh and sadly smile And lie a while in bed I wish that it might come to pass Not fade like all my dreams Just think of what my life might be In a world like I have seen I don't think I can carry on Carry on this cold and empty life Oh...noo. My spirits are low in the depths of despair My lifeblood spills over..." VII. The Grand Finale "Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation We have assumed control. We have assumed control. We have assumed control..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tri160 1 #2 March 2, 2007 Incredible CD. Incredible band. I have seen them 17 times since 1981 and will continue to go to every tour of theirs I can. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 0 #3 March 3, 2007 QuoteFor all you old fuckers out there (like me!): 2112 was released 5 years before I was born, but I still love it. www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkycndo 0 #4 March 3, 2007 Quote 2112 was released 5 years before I was born, Thanks Matt. With help like yours, I starting to feel old. But at least not as old as Walt.50 donations so far. Give it a try. You know you want to spank it Jump an Infinity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 0 #5 March 3, 2007 Glad I could help, Sean. www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot1 0 #6 March 3, 2007 Who's the band doing the songs? Too may people on stage. Definitly not Geddy, Alex or Neil..... Saw them about 5 times. Remeber the first smell as you walked into the arena? Be safe Edwww.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #7 March 3, 2007 Quote Who's the band doing the songs? Too may people on stage. Definitly not Geddy, Alex or Neil..... Saw them about 5 times. Remeber the first smell as you walked into the arena? Be safe Ed It's a seriously good tribute/cover band called Classic Albums Live or something like that. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainbo 0 #8 March 3, 2007 Jeez, it's almost like I was drunk years ago now....oh yeah, I wasRainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #9 March 3, 2007 What the hell, I say, what the hell is all that nonsense, boy? ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #10 March 3, 2007 Quote What the hell, I say, what the hell is all that nonsense, boy? Good question, actually. Back in the days of vinyl records (yeah, I'm really that old), there were a few "concept albums", in which the songs were components of a larger story. The first one I remember was Tommy, by The Who. It was billed as a "rock opera". One side of 2112 (yep, vinyl records really had two sides and you had to flip the record over) was a set of songs that was sort of a science fiction opera that was set in the future. The future society is described in the song, Temples of Syrinx. It is rigidly-structured and tightly controlled. Freedom of choice has been replaced by a society of forced lifestyles and dictated culture controlled by the priests who reside in the societal control centers, the Temples of Syrinx. In the next piece, Discovery, a man finds an ancient relic, a guitar, in a cave. He is awed by the power and beauty--music--that can be produced by this relic and excitedly takes it to the priests, so they can share this wonderful discovery with the rest of the world. By the way, Discovery starts off with the guitarist tuning his guitar for what seems like forever. It's part of the performance. The man has discovered the ancient relic, a guitar, and is toying with it trying to figure out what it is. In Presentation, he presents his find to the priests and they destroy it, telling him it has no place in this society. He futilely tries to convince them otherwise. Then it all turns out to be a horrible dream--or maybe not. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #11 March 3, 2007 Here's some interpretive modern dance. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 94 #12 March 3, 2007 Remember that the story was continued on the Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres albums. They knew that having songs that were so long limited the play time they would get on the radio. Not many bands have been around so long (since '74) with the same members (Neil Peart replaced the original drummer, John Rutsey, after their debut album because he had cancer). http://www.rush.com/php/home.php?f=1 http://www.lost-tranquility.com/rush.htm When my 14 year old son started playing drums, I made darn sure that he realized that they don't get any better than Neal Peart. He now appreciates the music that he's had to listen to in the car for so many years. Just today he bugged me about finding the song (instrumental) YYZ because it is on the Guitar Hero Playstation II game, and he wants to hear a quality version of it. For drummers, the DVD put out by Peart, Anatomy of a Drum Solo is fantastic. The Feedback album released in 2004 is really cool. They did remakes of some really cool old songs, such as Summertime Blues and The Seeker... I asked Bob Dylan, I asked the Beatles, I asked Timothy Leary but he couldn't help me either, they call me the Seeker, I'm searching low and high, I won't get to get what I'm after, till the day I diePeople are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 0 #13 March 3, 2007 QuoteOne side of 2112 (yep, vinyl records really had two sides and you had to flip the record over) was a set of songs that was sort of a science fiction opera that was set in the future. The future society is described in the song, Temples of Syrinx. It is rigidly-structured and tightly controlled. Freedom of choice has been replaced by a society of forced lifestyles and dictated culture controlled by the priests who reside in the societal control centers, the Temples of Syrinx. In the next piece, Discovery, a man finds an ancient relic, a guitar, in a cave. He is awed by the power and beauty--music--that can be produced by this relic and excitedly takes it to the priests, so they can share this wonderful discovery with the rest of the world. By the way, Discovery starts off with the guitarist tuning his guitar for what seems like forever. It's part of the performance. The man has discovered the ancient relic, a guitar, and is toying with it trying to figure out what it is. In Presentation, he presents his find to the priests and they destroy it, telling him it has no place in this society. He futilely tries to convince them otherwise. You're aware of the (intentional) heavy parallels between this story and Ayn Rand's Anthem, right? It happens to be one of my favorite novels and it's a very short read, you should check it out if you haven't. Incidentally, you can read it for free, electronically, at Project Gutenberg. Also, if you like the prog-rock concept album thing, you should check out a much newer band the Mars Volta (perhaps start with their album De-Loused in the Comatorium). It's a much looser concept to follow but still interesting. I have found that most "young guys" like me who like Mars Volta, also like Rush. Unfortunately I've been less successful with getting the "old guys" who like Rush interested in Mars Volta... but it's still worth a shot. www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 24 #14 March 3, 2007 Quote What the hell, I say, what the hell is all that nonsense, boy? [makes a black mark next to Jaye's name for pure and unexcusable ignorance of the best band ever.]Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverbry 0 #15 March 3, 2007 Wow Walt did you bring back some memories. As teenagers we used to listen to that album over and over again. Haven't played it for a long time,think I'll break it out and play it. Istill have the vinyl,but got it on CD also. In fact they were the last band I saw in concert,late 80's at Hampton Colisieum,Hampton,Virgina. Bry-------------------------------------------------- Growing old is mandatory.Growing up is optional!! D.S.#13(Dudeist Skdiver) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 94 #16 March 3, 2007 That album is so full of energy. The 2nd side is also awesome - Train to bangkok, Tears, Twilight Zone, Something for Nothing...ROCK!People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #17 March 3, 2007 Oh. Ok. ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #18 March 3, 2007 QuoteQuote What the hell, I say, what the hell is all that nonsense, boy? [makes a black mark next to Jaye's name for pure and unexcusable ignorance of the best band ever.] I'll take 'Blue Oyster Cult' for 500, Bob...~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
countzero 7 #19 March 3, 2007 many moons ago after hearing "Tom Sawyer" on a rock radio station (KMOD in Tulsa). i went to buy "Moving Pictures". when i asked what other of thier albums the record store guy would recommend, he pointed me toward "2112". for the next 2 weeks i think i only listened to "Moving Pictures" 6 or 7 times and listened to "2112" 15 or 20.diamonds are a dawgs best friend Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 94 #20 March 3, 2007 QuoteI'll take 'Blue Oyster Cult' for 500, Bob... Oh yeah! I just wish radio stations would have been willing to play something besides The Reaper, the song after that on the Agents of Fortune album, "E.T.I." (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) is one of my favorites. Another little known song that really rocks is from the Mirrors album, "The Vigil". Poetess Patti Smith, meanwhile, not only co-wrote two tracks, but also performed on one: "The Revenge of Vera Gemini". More Cowbell! I think Will Ferrell may have secretly posed for the back cover of the Mirrors album.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VectorBoy 0 #21 March 4, 2007 Primus is a much,much better band. "Primus the Rush without the pomp and hype" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #22 March 6, 2007 Here's the real thing. clicky Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
