MOVING PICTURES

This is one of those albums which no matter how many times I hear it just leaves me somewhat underwhelmed. I have the same problem with many other so called classic albums which sound great while you are listening to it but leave me trying to recall what I have just listened to as soon as the groove runs out. This largely comes down to the fact that Geddy Lee simply does not have a strong melodic sense and choruses and verses seem to run into each other with little real differentiation. Even the album's best known track "Tom Sawyer" seems to plod along without any real melodic focus. I know for many Prog fans it is all about the production , musicianship, etc but for me whenever I listen to a Rush album I often find myself often craving something, anything resembling a decent tune and I am usually left wanting. On the plus side the production is excellent and introducing synthesisers was actually a smart move. Of course the playing is excellent as ever quite a lot slicker than their 70's albums. I do like the dramatic "Red Barchetta" and the complex instrumental workout "YYZ" but overall for an album that seems to be held up by many fans as one of the pinnacles of the genre I really am not convinced.

3 stars