MOVING PICTURES

Hmmm...why do I like this disc so much? That's like asking people why they like chocolate ice-cream. It's not something you think about; merely something you acknowledge. By that logic, "MP" could be compared to ice cream, but MP doesn't melt in your mouth; it melts in your brain.

"Tom Sawyer" is truly the most well-known song on the disc, aside from "Limelight", and I think that's at the expense of the other 5 songs. "The Camera Eye", although the intro is rather tedious and lengthy, is a fun ride and takes you elsewhere for 10 minutes. And face it-wouldn't we all like to take a 10-minute vacation away from the drabbiness of everyday life? That's what the best music does; ergo, that's what this disc does.

"Vital Signs" is a catchy, up-tempo reggae-rocker that takes their experimentation on "The Spirit Of Radio" and spices things up a bit with a warm synth playing in tandem to Alex's insistent guitar.

"YYZ" is one of those tunes that seems to come from out of nowhere, with a head-spinning display of chops by everyone aboard. Alex's guitar sounds especially good, weaving and ducking around the basslines and synth rffs til the bass clashes with the guitar just before the solo...then; THE SOLO. BLAST OFF! It's amazing how much instrumental brilliance he packs into 30 seconds.

"Witch Hunt" is simply eerie, mysterious, scary, but not sickeningly so. Instead, it's the kind of feeling that leaves you with wet undies and the nagging idea that someone's behind you. Hugh Syme's synth performance is top-notch, and does nothing if not build more and more tension. Yes...I'm more than able to give it 5 stars. I'd give it six stars, if I could. This is pure, unadulterated prog-rock with a pop bent, and foreshadows things to come.