Deluxe editions of Rush‘s 1976 album ’2112’ will be released Tuesday (12/18). There are three different configurations: 2112: Deluxe Edition (CD/DVD and CD/Blu-Ray) and a special Super Deluxe Edition (CD/Blu-Ray/Hardbound book/case) will be released.

The deluxe editions contain a CD/DVD or CD/Blu-Ray material including the remastered 2112 CD with three live bonus tracks and a DVD or Blu-ray™ disc with a 5.1 surround sound audio mix and an interactive digital comic book, a new album cover by original album designer Hugh Syme, liner notes and unpublished photos. The super deluxe contains the CD/Blu-Ray and is assembled in a hardbound bookcase packed with a 40-page comic book representing every song on 2112.

On the same day, the band is releasing a 66-page iBook at iTunes. A comparison of descriptions of the iBook to the hardcover book that comes with the Super Deluxe edition indicates that they are essentially the same thing, although one gets a few band photos not published in the hardcover when they download this digital version, which does not come with the music.

Neal Peart penned '2112' more than 35 years ago to tell the story of a futuristic society ruled by tyrannical priests. In the album notes, Peart credited "the genius of " author Ayn Rand ('Atlas Shrugged,''The Fountainhead') for his inspiration. That didn't sit well with some camps and caused the band significant negative publicity, with some labeling the band as right-wing extremist (a ridiculous assertion). Apparently, Peart has stuck to his guns, having just posted a "Spotlight On Ayn Rand" on the front page of rush.com.

As a fan of Ayn Rand myself, I say good for Neal. It's been especially fashionable lately for sites like Huffington Post and Salon to smear Rand's philosophy. But that's the country we live in today. If you disagree with someone's philosophy, ATTACK! Regardless of truth, regardless of common ground, and with no regard for civilized discussion that might actually produce solutions, ideas and progress. And that goes for both sides of the political spectrum.

If you've never read Ayn Rand, give 'Atlas Shrugged' a shot. The first two hundred pages drag a bit, but then it takes off. When you're done, see if you don't hear the news with a new set of ears.