2112

This bit of news from http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/:

2112 Chosen for Masterworks Preservation: "The prog-rock experiments of the band Rush are among works that should be preserved for future generations, says a committee tasked with saving the best in Canadian television, radio, film and music. The band's 1976 album "2112," a unique blend of classic rock and synthesizers that made Rush a sensation both in Canada and the United States, is one of 12 cultural pieces named Thursday as MasterWorks by the Audio-Visual Preservation Trust. The public-sector group promotes the protection of classic Canadian works and selects a dozen every year for preservation, offering funds for those in danger of being lost...'The safeguarding of these selections is so important to the foundation of Canadian culture.' added president David Novek..."

This prompted me to take a new listen to Rush's epic 20+ minute masterpiece yesterday, in lieu of the honor.

For those of you who are not familiar, 2112 is a mini Rock Opera (for lack of a better term) about a young idealist in the 22nd century, a time of utopian totalitarianism, who finds an archaic musical instrument (a guitar) and recognizes it as a means of self-expression. With eager anticipation, he takes his new-found wonder to the all powerful Preists of the Temples of Syrinx, who are in control of all of the media, entertainment, information, and pleasure within this society. (where self-expression is prohibited). The protagonist is scorned, his guitar destroyed, and he descends into abject desolation.

You can read the lyrics HERE.

You can find it at Amazon.com HERE.

In listening again to this classic piece of prgressive Rock, I spent some time listening to the lyrics--realizing the profound nature of the lyrics.

You see, The Canadian Power Trio, Rush did not create 2112 on a whim--The released their fourth album in 1976 during the depths of their career--their record company had pretty much all but abandoned them (they were not even ON the profit projections for the year--they had pretty much been written off), and there was tremendous pressure BY the company to create something more "commercial" or more "Radio Friendly". Geddy, Alex, and Neil responded by producing an album which was the farthest thing from what the Corporate Bigwigs demanded.

2112 is oviously a commentary on that--The story of self-expression and muscial originality opposing a dumbed down, pre-packaged, contrivance thinly veiled as "entertainment". Victory was ultimately on Rush's shoulders--30 years later, with very limited radio or Video airplay, 2112 recieves such a great honor, Rush coninues to go strong (with a new album due to be released early next year), they are still selling out shows worldwide, continuing to chart new releases, Their Lyricist, Neil Peart is a bestselling author, and all three members have recieved high honors in their native Canada. It is true that the American Rock and Roll hall of Fame has continued to snub them (yet again this year) but I suspect that has to do with sour grapes from the priests of the. . .er I mean the american record companies.

For me, personally, this line from the epic is profound:

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

As a musician, a composer, driven to create, driven to play and sing. . .but with no desire to "succeed" due to the compromises that are involved with the music industry, this hits home. The world is full of forces that think that the only venue for music and creativity is within the bounds of record companies, radio, and Mtv. I am proud to follow in the footsteps of those who deny and contend against that.

Thanks and kudos to Neil, Geddy, and Alex for such a masterpiece--Thanks to all of you who support my music and creativity, as well as the creativity of independent artists and writers everywhere!