SNAKES & ARROWS

I picked up the new Snakes and Arrows CD the day it was released. I'm one of those people that, although I love music, and listen to lots of it, all the time, I still usually cannot get a feel for an album without a few listens.

I just got through listening to the whole thing straight thru while working on the computer, and I have to say...Wow, this is some good stuff! I have all of Rush's music. In fact, Farewell to Kings was one of the first albums I ever walked into a record store and bought. Just for a perspective, I consider Hold Your Fire they're worst album. I liked Vapor Trails for the music, but still don't like the bad sonic properties of the mastering job.

Some people have said that the instrumental The Main Monkey Business just didn't do anything for them? I think it rocks! Sure it's not gonna be as exciting as hearing YYZ back when you were in High School and you and all you buddies thought Rush were Gods, but it is the YYZ of Rush in 2007.

I have definitely been let down by New Rush discs before (Power Windows, Presto, Hold You Fire, etc.) But, this one is so diverse. It's got that heaviness of Counterparts, with the sprinkling of acoustic guitars reminiscent of Farewell to Kings. No keyboards. No Rapping (OK, I like Roll the Bones...but). Just really good modern Rock from a very mature and intelligent band. Four and a half stars actually. Don't dismiss this one as just another modern Rush let-down. This is probably the best piece of work they have done in a decade. Check it out.