HEMISPHERES

The first time I heard anything off this album was in '78. Me and a buddy were listening to the local progressive-rock station (WHFS to those who are familar with the Wash. D.C. area), we were complete fusion fanatics at the time. What we were listening to was an instrumental that was knocking our socks off which is, of course La Villa Strangiato. When the DJ announced that it was Rush from their new album, we just looked at each and went WHOA! I said "Isn't that the same group that did that joke of an album called 2112?"

Anyway, I can't say I became an instant convert at the time (actually I never did, but I did start taking more notice when Permanent Waves came out). So, after PW came out, I back-tracked a little bit and bought Hemispheres and listened to it and have to say it was a step up from 2112. The title track was certainly more in-depth and intricate than ithe previous epic attempt 2112. Circumstances? Nyeh, take it or leave it. The Trees was quite interesting musically despite the idiotic lyrics. But La Villa stands out as Rush's most ambitious cut ever up until this time and is probably the most respected work they've ever done to this day. Based on a riff Alex had a dream about, they just threw in everything including 2 kitchen sinks, a blender and a microwave! Not entirely original, but beautifully executed and well timed. I can see why it took forever for them to get this right in the studio.

I give 4 stars just for this track alone. 'nuff said!