COUNTERPARTS

Counterparts is certainly the best Rush effort of the 1990s. Animate is a poetic yet rock- tageous opener. The beat is actually based on a rhythm drummer Neil Peart used to play in his formative years. Stick It Out is rebellious and anthemic. It is definitely the heaviest track on the album with the overdriven guitar and bass playing the opening riff in unison. Also of note are Nobody's Hero and Alien Shore. Nobody's Hero is a ballad about the heros of everyday life that are not recognized as they should be. The first verse is based on Neil Peart's gay friend, Ellis, who died of AIDS. Alien Shore is great. The music and vocals are great. Finally, the instrumental, Leave That Thing Alone, is one of Rush's best. If your opinion is that Rush passed their prime with Moving Pictures, this album should renew your faith in the creativity and talent of the Canadian trio. You will never regret buying this album.