PERMANENT WAVES

Well, well, well...this is what many consider to be Rush's pinnacle (though I disagree; I think Rush has had several high points). Still, if you want to make a case for greatness, you could do worse by starting elsewhere. A lot of their records come close to matching PERMANENT WAVES' greatness, but here they seem to match each other equally, whereas in other discs, one person seems to dominate. The trio are head and shoudlers above other groups who made discs that year (DRAMA or DUKE, anyone?) Geddy has been slowly introducing synths since A FAREWELL TO KINGS, yet he still uses them to create atmosphere, unlike other discs, in which they often carry the main melody. Alex is in top form, whether it's the biting lead and rhythm work in THE SPIRIT OF RADIO or the slow, moaning outro solo in ENTRE NOUS. Neal chips in with some wonderful lyrics as well. And his drumming is a thing of beauty, with lightning rolls and neck-snapping fills all over the damn place. After hearing this record, you will get on your knees and thank the rock gods for giving Rush to the world. And all who agree...say amen!