MOVING PICTURES

RUSH followed up their huge breakthrough "Permanent Waves" with an even more refined and perfected 8th studio album MOVING PICTURES. Like the last album I have been sick of this one for quite some time having heard the classic radio behemoths "Tom Sawyer," "Red Barchetta," "YYZ" and "Limelight" to death! All, of course, are outstanding examples of RUSH focusing the energies of their converging sounds. As a result of the excessive airplay of these tracks, this is another album I have unintentionally eschewed in favor of 70s RUSH albums which to this day I still prefer even to this one. Upon revisiting all the RUSH albums lately as i'm obtaining the remasters, I have been giving this classic album some much needed attention mainly due to the fact that this is by far their highest rated album on virtually every list made. Listen again and again I have and I can only come to the conclusion that i'm in accord with the majority on that this is indeed another masterpiece and a perfect album that I wouldn't change a thing.

"Tom Sawyer" remains one of the band's most popular single tracks and for good reason. It shows excellent powerful songwriting that manages to meld metal and hard rock into one while allowing Geddy Lee to perform some of his best keyboard work ever.

Both "Red Barchetta" and "Limelight" are also brilliantly well written songs.

"YYZ" is an outstanding instrumental that utilizes progressive time signatures with a quirky metal feel to it. Alex Lifeson is the star on this track but all member are equally riveting.

"The Camera Eye" is officially the last song over 10 minutes to appear on a RUSH studio album. The very last hurrah of their progressive era and beautifully done staying true to the style of past while blending in the new. An interesting track that has two distinct parts. The first is synth based capturing the mood of New York City and the second is bass dominated representing the mood of London. Their intents don't really translate to me in the same way, but what the hey! It's still a great song.

The album ends with two excellent tracks "Witch Hunt" and "Vital Signs."

This is an album that may have neglected earlier but after years of avoiding commercial radio and giving some time to miss even the overplayed songs, I am more than making up for lost time with this one and I have to also say that the remasters are well worth acquiring. There are no bonus tracks, just digitally remastered albums that sound so much better. This album moves my pictures in a most amazing way.