Before I get into my review and subsequent drooling, thought I’d mention a couple things.I just joined Blog Book Tours, an online class about setting up a book tour. Hope to learn a lot over the next few weeks.
I also received news that my book trailer will be ready sooner than expected! I am so stoked to see it. Believe me, you will all know when it happens!
Now, on to my review of “Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage.”
It probably comes as no surprise to my regulars that I am an unabashed Rush fan. As an adolescent, a derogatory comment about the Canadian power trio was cause for World War III. (Yes, I was overly sensitive to the topic.) As an adult, I am no longer concerned what others think of the band, but I still enjoy the music and respect the group.
So it was with anticipation that I was finally able to catch a screening of the new rock doc "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage." Would it surprise anyone to learn that I really enjoyed it? What may surprise you is that I think that anyone who enjoys an engaging documentary will find some good stuff as well. The film chronicles (Rush reference) the band from their Junior high days growing up in Sarnia, Toronto to their rightful place in the limelight.
One aspect that may be unexpected to the Rush neophyte is how much humor is in the film. The anecdotes and stories are downright funny. I was very impressed with the rare, archival footage that the director unearthed. Like them or not (I won't get angry) Rush has an amazing fan base that has kept them going for 40+ years. The film is interspersed with interviews from many established rock artists and it was refreshing to hear them echo what I've felt for years...
Rush is truly a great, genre-defining band that remains relevant because of their immense talent and songwriting. I can't wait to get the DVD - loaded with extra content... Joy!
Okay, Amazon – where’s my DVD?
I like old Rush, as does my husband....I don't listen to them anymore, but I went through my Rush phase in junior high (many, MANY moons ago).
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your book trailer!
And, I look forward to reading what you learn about doing a blog tour.
I'm still away on vacation (we're in Maine), so I apologize for not getting around the blogosphere lately. I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend, Alex.
Congrats on the news of your book I am really looking forward to it's realease as I want to get one for my son who is into sci fi.
ReplyDeleteIf we don't hear from you for a while I take it you'll be glued to watching your dvd.....lol
Take care.
Yvonne.
Kids and I were watching Minority Report today on TV, and for some strange reason, I thought of you. Just thought I would let you know.
ReplyDeletethe book trailer, the book trailer, the book trailer, the book trailer .... oh, I'm already uber-excited :)) You must organize some gala premiere when it comes out, you can't just post it in a regular post, Alex :))
ReplyDeleteOff course as soon as we get it, the trailer goes straight to HOLLYWOOD SPY's official YouTube channel!
Looking forward to your book trailer and release, Alex!
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend the Blog Book Tour. I participated last year and made great friends and learned a ton about social media.
Great news about the book trailer and upcoming tour.
ReplyDeleteI will want to see the Rush DVD since I am a fan. My wife probably won't be interested since she's not big on rock music and doesn't often like documentaries. Although I will say once I forced Rush on her when we were driving home from Las Vegas at night and I wanted some loud lively music to keep me up for driving. She was actually getting into the music. She had little choice but to listen or drive and drive she would not.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Congrats on the book trailer. I'll look forward to that. My kindle ebook went live this morning and I'm kinda happy.
ReplyDeleteAs for Rush, I've never been a huge fan but I do like a fair amount of their music.
I'm happy you loved it! Congrats on the trailer. I know you can't wait to view it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the book trailer...wow! Sorry I have been absent but you know the story behind that...I always liked Rush and the doc. sounds amazing! Thanks so much buddy for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't quite figures out the whole blog tour thing yet so I'm going on your tour. Is that right? Yeah for the book trailer too. I use to not like them at all, but lately I've seen some really intriguing ones. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteLola, I'll post tidbits as I learn them.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yvonne!
My influence is felt off the web - that's wild, Rayna!
Dezz, I really appreciate that. I'll do my bet to hype its premier.
Elizabeth, I've already several new blogs to follow. Looking forward to the class.
Lee, you would really appreciate the video.
Charles, that's great news!
Shannon, you just enjoy time with family.
Holly, thanks, and I hope mine doesn't disappoint.
Great news about the book trailer! Can't wait to see it.
ReplyDeleteBeing Canadian, of course I have to like Rush! I'm glad to hear there are others out there.
I echo everyone else (above) as I too look forward to your book trailer!
ReplyDeleteAs a HUGE RUSH fan, I've already got this DVD on my Amazon.com list, but simply haven't "pulled the trigger yet." While I worship 2112 and FAREWELL TO KINGS, I also really love their SNAKES AND ARROWS and really ALL thier periods and genre explorations.
You've got GREAT taste Alex.
Looking forward to the book trailer. Enjoyed the review. I haven't listened to RUSH in quite sometime. Guess it's time I listen again.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
I can't wait to see the book trailer and the release of your book.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Whoo! Book trailer! Looking forward to the grand unveiling!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've never ever listened to Rush (that I know of anyway) but I'm gonna give them a listen. You may have a new convert :) What would you recommend I start with? I'm a fan of music biopics, both fictional and real (This is Spinal Tap and Almost Famous are two great movies) so even though I'm not familiar with the band I think I'd get a kick out of it. It's a good thing that this documentary came out after Cassastar was written and awaiting publication, otherwise we might never have seen it :P
Best of luck on your book tour too!
Rogue, you are one awesome dude!
ReplyDeleteJamie, it'll only lose me for a couple days...
And for a good starting point with Rush, I recommend Moving Pictures or Permanent Waves. Both albums are very accessible and likely to contain songs you've heard before.
I've always enjoyed Rush too! I'll have to check it out :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely looking forward to the trailer. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised the DVD isn't already out. It seems like those things come out almost at the same time as the movie.
Straight From Hel
Red Barchetta is one of the coolest songs ever. And also very sci-fi influenced.
ReplyDeleteMy very first big-stage concert was Rush (opening act was Rick Derringer and Edgar Winter Group). It was the 2112 Tour. As with all things that are first-time, I remember it vividly. I have not been a fanatic like a friend of mine but I like their music as a tie to the past.
ReplyDeleteFunny aside: When they first came out and I was just getting into music heavily, I always got Rush and Mahogany Rush mixed up. Looking back, not sure how that could ever happen, but I thought people were just shortening the name, you know like the Stones for the Rolling Stones. Had the same problem with the Who and The Guess Who...still don't know how I confused them either...alright I'll shutup now.
http://www.apackalipsnow.blogspot.com
Awesome. I am definitely an above average Rush fan, so I will be checking it out.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I don't know them at all. I will really have to get with it! I will go to youtube and listen to their songs.
ReplyDeleteCD
Helen, they released it to 160 theaters mid-June and then a free preview on Direct TV. It came out on June 29, but Amazon is just being slow with their delivery!
ReplyDeleteTed, when you consider the video for Distant Early Warning was a Dr Strangelove tribute, yes! Big sci-fi influence.
Chuck, I am envious that you saw that tour! I was just a bit too young for that one.
Cheeseboy, you are just above average period!
Good luck on the book trailer!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your success! The Blog Book Tours sounds interesting. I'll have to keep that in mind, thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlex, well, congrats on your book! I can't wait to see your book trailer, either! (Did you get help with it?) I'm curious how that works, I'd need to know all about making one when my book comes out, too!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your wonderful news and sharing the love of Rush. <3
Ok, I know I'm a little late coming into this, but I guess I'll just make an entrance.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a fan of Rush. I was born and raised in Washington state and I remember when they were still new. I think one of their first major venues in the states was in Seattle, although I'm not on that. I was young. I saw them in concert years ago. I think it was for their third album ... er, CD. We had the lasarium show at the Seattle Center back then. Of course, around that same time, I also attended a Carpenters concert, although they didn't have a laser show.
I think the blog book tours info should be great--no clue how helpful the CLASS will be, but it can't hurt! Keep an eye this month: Elizabeth has a book released TODAY--tomorrow I plan to talk a little about it, next week she is guest blogging, and the day AFTER I am doing a review (I had a chance to read it) but because of my post TOMORROW, maybe some other readers will have also read it so we can do a little book chat-- It is the kind of thing you could only ask of people you'd established relationships with (Elizabeth didn't ASK actually--I offered, because she's been so fabulous) but it seems the 3 hit thing may be really good--if you want to do something similar when the time comes, I'm more than happy.
ReplyDelete(Rush reminds me of early MTV, which is pretty good memory stuff)
I really like the subtle reference to the "air cars" in RB, just enough info to get the juices flowing. That song says so much about where we were and where we are rapidly headed. It certainly is a brave new world!
ReplyDeleteBlog Book Tour...really exciting!
ReplyDeleteI agree you need to treat this as unique... We need a light show and some Rush music behind it ;-D
I cannot wait for your trailer! Always been a fan of Rush, maybe not as big as hubby is, but I like 'em.
ReplyDeleteLOL sounds like you had a good time. :)
ReplyDeleteI adore Rush. Truth is Neil Peart is one of the most amazing drummers EVER (in my not so humble opinion). Alas I had no idea there was a documentary about them and so I will be adding this to my Netflix queue and subjecting my hubby to it. Thanks for reviewing it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth. And my publisher is creating the trailer.
ReplyDeleteJL, that sounds awesome. I didn't start catching their tours until the 80's.
Hart, that would be awesome! Yeah, I had Elizabeth's giveaway posted and I know she's visiting a lot of blogs for the book release.
Kimberly, he IS the best drummer ever. You just watch and enjoy.
Fantastic that your publisher is creating the trailer--sounds like you have a good publisher!
ReplyDeleteI barely get to watch movies, let alone documentaries. But I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Michele
Southern City Mysteries
I'm ashamed! So ashamed...I have heard of them, but I can't think of anything they've performed. Still, congrats on the almost-there book trailer. And kudos to you for prepping for a blog tour! Sounds like you are staying organized.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the trailer!!
ReplyDeleteMichele, you need to treat yourself to a movie night then!
ReplyDeleteCarolina, I'm trying to stay organized. And I bet you've heard Rush's "Tom Sawyer."