HEMISPHERES

Nestled right smack in the middle of their heyday, ('76-'81), Rush released their magnum opus, "Hemispheres." Their creative peak started here, took a break with "Permanent Waves," and ended with 1981's "Moving Pictures." But that's another story. "Hemispheres" divulged a band that was firing on all musical pistons: top notch instrumentation, fantastical lyrics, superb production and sound quality, and most importantly, riveting compositions that'll keep your mind and ears wide open, your face smiling, and your air guitar wailing! And it's even got a naked dude dancing on a brain, (yeah I know, pretty pedestrian symbolism). Fortunately, the music contained therein is anything but pedestrian. Drummer/lyricist Neil Peart took it upon himself to create his own Greek myth. Guitarist Alex Lifeson and bassist/keyboardist/singer Geddy Lee threw in their sonic sensibilities alongside Peart's tasty drumming, and voila...instant classic. Clear cut story telling, coupled with recurring melodies and themes drive the plot forward, and tell of a time when Greek Gods Apollo and Dionysus battled for the hearts and minds of mankind. The result? Don't read on if you haven't heard this one before! The Gods, in despite their arrogance, decide to share, thanks to a mere mortal, later named Cygnus, telling them to cut the crap. What have we learned? That it's OK to party on Garth, but just have the sense to come in from the cold now and then! Or something like that. Tracks 2-4 are just as much fun. Initially, "Circumstances" sounds like a throw away song, especially after the the splendor of the title track. However, after a couple listens, nuances present themselves in the form of odd time signatures and wonderful instrumental interactions. And damn, that's a catchy chorus. "The Trees" is a song that's had its critics concerning its "dippy" lyrics, but hell, I once had a college English professor devote an entire class period to the interpretation of this song, so that's good enough for me! "Hemispheres" wraps up with THE quintessential Rush tune,"La Villa Strangiato." For those unfamiliar with it, imagine the genius of the instrumental, YYZ from "Moving Pictures." Now take that 4 minute slab of sonic brilliance, throw in lotsa insane drumming, frantic guitar work, in-your-face bass runs and licks, turn it into a 9 minute slab of sonic brilliance, and there you have it...a perfect ending to a near perfect album. This is some of the best 70's prog around (and by Canadians, no less!), so if you don't have it, do yourself a huge favor, and just go out and get it . The naked dancing dude thanks you for your support. -yak