PRESTO

Presto? Someone please make some magic with this album. I'm not going to hold back. This is the sorriest production I have heard on any Rush release. Sonically, it is difficult to appreciate due to the tinny sound Rupert Hine convinced the band to keep. Too bad, some nice acoustic work by Alex Lifeson is present.

This album has one standout. The Pass. Not Prog at all, but an excellent song. It is one that belongs on a Rush Best of Collection. The song addresses teenage suicide. I once heard that Neil wrote it for his teenage daughter, in sort of a never give up no matter how difficult life gets vein. I think he was watching her grow up while writing this album because War Paint addresses vanity. 'The mirror always lies.'

There are three blatant throw away songs, lyrically speaking, in Anagram, Presto, and Hand Over Fist. Decent yet not truly memorable are Show Don't Tell, Red Tide, and Available. Superconductor is upbeat and almost catchy for a 7/4 tune, but it really goes no where. It seems a bit forced. Chained Lightning has no electricity.

As always, the musicianship is there and no matter how good Rush are, many of the songs here just can't conjure the spark of interest. Then again, maybe if it had better EQ. Ah, maybe not. Presto gets the lowest rating from this Rush fan. It's for collectors only. 2/5 stars