MOVING PICTURES

There was a law passed in Canada that required every household to have a copy of this album. If anyone tried to destroy or get rid of their copy, the punishment would be death by firing squad. Years ago "YYZ" replaced "O Canada" as the national anthem. School kids have to stand up and air bass to the song. What happens when a kid refuses to air bass? You guessed it...firing squad. "Tom Sawyer", "Limelight" and "Red Barchetta" are played to death on Canadian radio. I think even the country stations are required to play these three songs. The only two songs that get played more are "Spirit Of Radio" and "Closer To The Heart".

Even "YYZ" is now a famous song thanks to that video game. What was it...Guitar Hero? Rock Band? Both? The other three songs on what was Side Two hold up a lot better due to not being overplayed. I think the title 'moving pictures' was what people used to call films or television in their earliest days. But here of course the band uses the term literally. I'm not exactly sure, but I think each painting on the cover corresponds to a song on the album. Maybe not. They continue the process started on the last album of writing shorter, catchier songs and incorporating New Wave and reggae influences.

Lifeson's guitar tone and playing on this album is some of his best work. Geddy's vocals are starting to get less annoying than before. His bass and synth work is still top notch. Peart drums great as always and his lyrics are improving, IMO. "Vital Signs" is probably the weakest song here but it's still good. Inspired by The Police, it has a good chorus. This is probably Rush's most consistent album with no really weak moments that stand out. "Camera Eye" and "Witch Hunt" stand up very well, but "Camera" can be a bit repetative, even if it is one of the better and proggier tracks on the album.

A now classic album. After this the band would write even more concise, catchier songs. The synths start becoming more important and overall their music becomes less interesting. They never made an album better than this, although the previous three come close. 4 stars.