PERMANENT WAVES

First a few comments concerning Alex's guitar playing on this album (plus a Canuck-centric reference) : Alex took the modern sound he'd perfected on Hemispheres & perfected it on this album. It was heavy, but your average housewife (please do not take umbrage at the reference, I did actually read it in Creem Magazine), was not moved to switch radio stations when Spirit of Radio came on, due to its' melodious tone. Indeed, one of our more "pop" groups from Canada - the Barenaked Ladies - even inserted the introductory guitar solo passage (meant to represent a radio or electronic wave form) into one of their tunes. Geddy Lee's vocals would come down a bit in pitch, again allowing a wider audience to appreciate the group's skill at producing highly interesting & enjoyable music. And even today, the radio genre called "classic rock" still plays Spirit of Radio & Trees as if they had been top 40 songs in their time. SO thanks must be given to the heavens that "some" quality music does get through to the so-called masses. Different strings was a bit off the beaten path for the group, but previous albums did occasionaly have these moments. 2112 has Tears, Fly By Night has Rivendell, Farewell to Kings has Madrigal; so they weren't exactly pitching a ballad or slow song for the first time. Perfect album - no. But are there any faults to be found with Alex & Geddy - not likely. The group was continuing on its' path & progressing, for the better or worse, fans can argue. But this album still shines as a team effort.