CLOCKWORK ANGELS

Yes RUSH is my favourite band so I am a fan-boy but having said that i've rated 8 of their 19 studio albums with 3 stars or less. Since they have come back post Peart's tradgedies I have really enjoyed their sound, although Geddy isn't the singer he once was. I was there front row off to the side in Toronto when they made their triumphant return on the "Vapor Trails" tour and I seem to be one of the few who loves that record. "Snakes & Arrows" wasn't as good in my mind but still a 4 star album which brings us to "Clockwork Angels" where they have increased the heaviness and Geddy's bass is more in your face. I do agree that it's "loud" as far as the sound goes but all three guys really put on a show here. I'm not into concept albums but thankfully that hasn't had a negative impact on the music.

If I might reminisce here I think the first RUSH I ever heard was from "2112" when I was about 17 and I thought these guys were insane. In fact my Art teacher told us on the first day of class back in 1977 that anytime the lesson was over we could use the record player at the back and play anything we wanted to except RUSH. I guess those extreme vocals back then were too much for some people. My first RUSH purchase was "A Farewell To Kings" on vinyl which was their current release at the time. I have such good memories of listening to "Hemispheres" while driving around glassy eyed. I still remember the look a cop gave me at the question I asked as he directed traffic up on the mountain during fishing season's opening day. Many teens went up there to just party, we had no fishing equipment just lots of ahem... party supplies. Anyway he refused to answer me as he rolled his eyes and walked away. We were absolutely wired. Listening to "Permanent Waves" while driving around the beaches in my tourist home town was a perfect match back in the summer of 1981. Again it was all about the green and the music, like bacon and eggs really (haha). That is so long ago now and those days are but a memory, but RUSH is still a big part of my life.

I love that the clock on the cover is set at 21:12. I purposely didn't listen to the singles RUSH released prior to this album as I wanted to hear it all at once, so the first two songs are as new to me as the rest. "Caravan" sounds so good early on as it builds then kicks in with vocals. I really enjoy the contrasts between the chorus and the verses. Killer bass 3 1/2 minutes in and same with the guitar after 4 1/2 minutes. "BU2B" is a top three along with the opener and "Headlong Flight". Anyway the vocals and sound echo then it kicks in hard before a minute as vocals follow. It does settle some but it kicks back in as contrasts continue. "Clockwork Angels" is like a mini concept on it's own as it opens with atmosphere then some ourtbursts come and go. It settles after a minute and the vocals come in. It kicks in hard as the vocals continue. It settles again as contrasts continue. Cool section before 5 1/2 minutes with processed vocals. "The Anarchist" has a great sounding intro, quite heavy. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. The chunky bass sounds incredible and we get prominant guitar before 5 1/2 minutes. "Carnies" opens with atmosphere then some wild guitar kicks in followed by vocals. It picks up. This rocks out pretty good.

"Halo Effect" opens with atmosphere as relaxed guitar and reserved vocals take over. It becomes fuller as contrasts continue. "Seven Cities Of Gold" has some killer bass in the intro as it starts to build. Vocals follow. This one grooves man. Nasty stuff after 4 minutes. "The Wreckers" is a feel good tune for me, so uplifting. Great sound before 3 minutes as it turns darker and heavier. "Headlong Flight" is groundshaking. How good is this ? Vocals just before a minute. It's the Peart show after 4 1/2 minutes then Geddy digs deep while Alex rips it up. What a performance ! I'd like to see this live. "BU2B2" is a short piece with mostly strings and vocals. "Wish Them Well" is just too catchy. I'm surprised I haven't tired of this one yet but it's holding up. There's some power here too at times. "The Garden" is the one song that hasn't caught on with me. I mean it's still a good song but perhaps it's just a case of being made to fit the concept lyrically and that's where the focus is.

So yeah this is one of the best things they've done since "Signals".