PERMANENT WAVES

A great change from the epic concept albums, and still a musically challenging endeavor. The mucsical skill and tightness of the band shows through in the punch in the gut intro of "Spirit of Radio" . the enire song incorporates inricate melody, and begs the airband member to play along. Few sound effects or overdubs and little "overproduction" lend to the overall sound of the album, which is lighter than the previous two, creating a live feel emulated in songs like "Freewill" and "Entre Nous". Different Strings is the weak link, but still a powerful ballad. "Natural Science" combines the intricacy of musicianship and Neil's awesome poetic images while still maintaining the epic song format for which Rush is so well known .