HEMISPHERES

I could end my review there, but instead I'll explain my rating. As a huge Rush fan ( that's putting it mildly), this is my favorite period of the band for so many reasons. If you're a big Rush fan, there's a good chance you're a musician or appreciate exquisite musicianship. On Hemispheres, the three guys are flawless.

Geddy Lee is an amazing bassist, and his playing here is absolute perfection. Listen closely and you'll hear Geddy pretty much playing lead throughout the whole album. And he's a bassist! Yes, there are many guys faster than Geddy, but none who play the right notes all the time and have his soul. His bass sound here is perfect too. Then there are the keyboards and synthesizers. No he's not a great keyboard player, but he does a pretty good job here. Oh, and he's the singer too. Is that enough to keep one busy? Just watch him in concert, and you'll be amazed. I personally believe every bassist starting out in rock music should be forced (wait, graced) to listen to Geddy to hear how it should be done.

Neil Peart is widely regarded as the finest drummer in rock, by listeners and most importantly, by other musicians. His drumming on Hemispheres is simply amazing. Listen to this album and be amazed by his intricate style throughout. One of the few albums that I can listen to simply to focus on drums. They're that good. Neil writes all the lyrics also, and they are so cool on this collection.

Alex Lifeson is often forgotten in rock, but is so under rated. Alex is simply great on this album, primarily for his rhythm work. There are some good solos here also, but his song structure is so good, I'd be ok not having the requisite solo. In fact, the second song, Circumstances, has no guitar solo at all.

As for the songs themselves, the first song (and originally first side of the album) is Hemispheres, around 20 minutes. The first few minutes are an amazing instrumental intoduction. So crisp and intricate with all three guys playing together so seemlessly. Those first few minutes are perhaps my favorite few minutes in music. I can't listen to it enough. The whole song is great also, with some amazing music and some fun lyrics. True prog masterpiece.

The second side of the album starts with Circumstances, a shorter song. As I mentioned, no guitar solo, which is unusual in rock. This is one of my co-favorite Rush songs. I don't know why I like it over some other of their great works, but it seems to just fit together perfectly.

The Trees is a typical funky, fun song from this period and is a fan favorite.

Then comes the instrumental masterpiece La Villa Strangiato. Drums, bass and guitar perfection. All three guys shine on this jazzy/bluesy/rock instrumental. My favorite bass solo is within this song. The playing here would make most other rock musicians blush, and then promise to keep practicing. Although I like YYZ from Moving Pictures, I feel this is heads and shoulders above that great instrumental.

Overall, a masterpiece from so many angles. The guys could never do better than this album for me.

As I said, perfect.

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