SNAKES & ARROWS

I starting listening to RUSH when Moving Pictures was new. I haven't missed an album or tour since. I have just loved everything they recorded in the past, including the Feedback EP and the first album.

This RUSH CD is unlike any other CD in their catalog, in my opinion. I believe that is so, because of the content of the lyrics. Neil Peart, for the first time, seems really unhappy about the state of the world and he lets it show. I haven't really heard anyone as bitter and cynical about religion, politics and humanity itself since listening to some of George Carlin's later works. It really seems like Neil did not really end up as a very happy person. All the lyrics are definitely insightful and interesting, but they are not uplifting or inspiring at all. It's just a huge change for RUSH. I never thought that I would listen to a RUSH album and feel so down about....everything.

Musically, it is a really tasteful album. Lifeson's guitars sound so good, he should teach a class on how to get good tone! Geddy sings with conviction and I am entertained by all his parts, as always. It seems like a lot of thought and time has been put into the song writing. The performances that were captured in the recording sessions are all pretty impressive. It has been said that this is not a Pro-Tools album, it is not! I also have the MVI DVD, which has the high-quality 5.1 mix of the album. It is just great sounding, especially the acousting guitars.

Basically, RUSH seems to still care greatly about their product, but the lyrics on this album destroy it for me.