QueenZone discussion #814428

nikkilove80 wrote: Why are so many great musicians so underrated? I love Queen and Zeppelin and etc. but I also love Rush. Some of the interns at UMGD were telling me that there is a new Rush DVD out. I went to the band's website (link and sure enough its true! If you are a Rush fan, definitely check it out.

me_and_my_innuendo wrote:

nikkilove80 wrote: Why are so many great musicians so underrated? I love Queen and Zeppelin and etc. but I also love Rush. Some of the interns at UMGD were telling me that there is a new Rush DVD out. I went to the band's website (link and sure enough its true! If you are a Rush fan, definitely check it out.

You know, there was a huge thread about Rush that I was a part of. Some bickering, but also some cool facts and critique about the best thing to come out of Canada since hockey.
I agree. Rush is underrated. They've been around just as long as Queen, and although they don't have the astounding mainstream success that Queen had, Rush is just as good, but in different ways.
Let's compare, shall we?
Lead singers/vocalists:
Freddie Mercury V.S. Geddy Lee
This is a very tough one. Freddie had the showmanship, while Geddy has the range and effectiveness.
I'm not saying Freddie didn't have a good range, because he did. Freddie took his responsibility as a frontman and used it to his advantage, becoming one of the most charismatic and energetic performers this world has ever seen. Geddy Lee is a different story. He is not energetic, as it would be pretty tough running around the stage with a Rickenbacker on your back. Plus, Geddy really wouldn't look too good in tight pants and leotards. Honestly.
Going back to their sound, Freddie's uses his strength to cast forth his vocals, making them more effective both in the studio and on stage. Geddy uses his extreme range and his penchant for screaming to get his vocals out, which works for me, too. Others have to calmly get their messages across; Geddy forces his messages to the listener. Some might not be able to stand Geddy's vocals, but I can. He's one hell of a singer.
Overall, it's Freddie's showmanship against Geddy's professional yet rebellious approach. I would have to say Freddie wins this.
Guitarist:
Brian May V.S. Alex Lifeson
To say this is a close battle would be an understatement; these are two of the greatest axemen to ever grace a stage. Both Brian and Alex have memorable solos and riffs throughout the past 30+ years, and neither one fails to impress fans worldwide. While Brian has the longevity, Alex does have a sense of productivity with his guitar work, which really is a plus, because it's no longer 'lay down a guitar track'. It is more of a glitzy, all-eyes-on-the-guitarist affair these days, and to be honest, I really don't know who comes out on top.
...this is a very tough decision, but I'm gonna go with my gut and say Alex Lifeson gets this one. Simply because he's simple, yet effective.
Bassist:
John Deacon V.S. Geddy Lee
I'm sorry, but this is actually one-sided in my opinion. I have to go with Geddy on this. John is an accomplished bassist, with exceptional skill, but he gets blown away by Geddy's expertise. He doesn't just play a bass track; he seemingly creates one as he goes along. He's all over the bass in nearly every song he plays, especially Rush's tracks from the 1980's. John has Another One Bites The Dust as his finest hour, but Geddy's technicality has earned him his finest 32nd year.
It's a no-brainer. Sorry, Queen fans, but Geddy wins this one.
Drummer:
Roger Taylor V.S. Neil Peart
This is another tough one: Do we go with Roger's straightforward hammering of the drums, or Neil's abstract mastering of the drums?
Well, there's a reason that Neil Peart (pronounced 'pee-ert', not 'pert' or 'pairt') is called "The Professor". He has a vast knowledge of the drums, and is able to create vivid masterpieces in a few minutes time. If you've ever heard one of his drum solos, you've must have enjoyed it. Have you even seen one of his live drum kits? It's something out of a drummer's Heaven, with numerous toms and snares and cymbals and assorted gadgets; even electronic pads and synths.
While