PRESTO

Okay, so Rush are my favourite band, so please expect this to be a gushing praise of the kings of music. I'm not a fanboy (believe it or not, they aren't perfect), and some of the stuff on here is a good sign of their weaknesses.

I'll just go track by track.

1. Show don't tell (5:01) - A pretty good song. Not at all the strongest on here. There's a great bass solo in the middle, though. The start is very cool though. 2. Chain lightning (4:33) - Great song, with a particularly great intro. The chorus slows down as little with fantastic lyrics. What brings this one down is the solo, which succeeds at being very chaotic but a little aimless. 3. The pass (4:50) - Awesome, brilliant song. Very good lyrics, great riffs throughout. One of my favourite Rush songs. The live versions really kick this rendition to shreds, though. 4. War paint (5:24) - Not so brilliant, in the same zone as Show Don't Tell. It's got a good outro, though. 5. Scars (4:07) - As a bassist I really appreciate this one. The bass is very prominent. Also, it's quite different from most other Rush songs, hard to compare it to anything they've done. 6. Presto (5:46) - This track has its charms. The choruses are so-so, and the vocals are especially good on this one too, as well as the solo and the outro. 7. Superconductor (4:47) - A very simple song with a fantastic riff. Generally fast paced except for a synth-y bit in the middle which brings it down a little. The choruses easily make it up, and the end continually builds up in power. 8. Anagram (for Mongo) (3:59) - I've always been fond of this one. It's very short, but I love the lyrics, the chorus and the bass. The main riff is also very cool. Sadly, it's actually rather forgettable and I barely think of it when I listen to Presto. 9. Red tide (4:30) - One of the best. Fantastic lyrics, and great riffs. Rush don't use much piano but it makes for a fantastic intro to this one, as well as a great ending. 10. Hand over fist (4:10) - This one isn't so fantastic. The guitars are the main attraction here with some quite cool riffs. The chorus is a bit weak, though. The outro solo is pretty rockin' though. 11. Available light (5:04) - Ah, a great ending song. Some more piano here. Generally slow, it explodes for the choruses and the ending. Very strong, excellent lyrics, and a fantastic instrumental section including a genuinely good solo from Alex (often his solos are quite forgettable). It's a pity it fades out. I'd love love love to see this live.

So, weaker tracks: - Show Don't Tell - War Paint - Hand Over Fist

Middling tracks: - Chain Lightning - Anagram - Presto

Great songs: - The Pass - Superconductor - Available Light - Scars

No, it's not long 10 minute songs any more, that departed long ago. I am very pleased Rush have kept evolving. If you think this review isn't positive enough for a 4 star rating, I probably haven't said it quite right. This album is excellent.