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Rush Sector 2 Review Index
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Dear Darren Lock (Re: Hemispheres):
You mentioned in your review that Neil Peart’s characterizations of Apollo and Dionysus are a bit off. They come from the work of Friedrich Nietzsche, who, while writing about art history, used the term “Apollonian” to stand for all things classical (having order, proportion, restraint) and “Dionysian” to stand for all things romantic (emotional, directly pleasing to the senses). So while Hemispheres is a pretty inaccurate take on Greek mythology, it does have some context, coming from Nietzsche.
I’m a huge Rush fan, but I don’t mind at all hearing mixed reviews about Rush; in fact, it’s interesting for me to hear how people who didn’t grow up with these albums (as I did) react to them. I started listening to these records when I was about 13, so I can’t really judge them objectively. On the flip side, these days when I try to get into bands that I didn’t really listen to when I was younger, such as early Genesis, I find that I just can’t get into them – I think it’s because I’m too old and the neurons are too stiff to accept new stuff. If I’d heard it during the ages of 13-18, though, I’d probably love it to this day.
I’m enjoying your reviews and your unboxing videos very much.
Best,
Alex in New York, USA
It’s a cultural thing. You are more likely to accept Rush because they are Canadian and use lots of cultural references that you understand, such as American rock music and write lyrics in that style.
Whereas Genesis is a British band, and their music is based purely on British ideas: hymns, classical music and poetry – there are almost zero American influences. If you are not raised with that cultural background, then it might be hard for you to “get it”.
Well that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!
Thanks for the comment!