COUNTERPARTS

Well I thought Rush was all washed up after Power Windows and arrogantly dismissed their later works as mediocre only returning to this section of their music in the last three years or so. What a blessing and a relief, to not only have not been in the 'moment' for each subsequent release after Power Windows but have the indulgent pleasure of immersing myself into all their back catalogue up to Snakes and Arrows with even a revisit on the errant Test For Echo. Nice to be proven wrong!!

Counterparts released in 1993 is definitely one of their best album releases. Conceptually an album based on the yin yang of relationships, partnerships irrespective of sexual preference. The aids inspired ' Nobody's Hero' a perfect case in point. Great plaintiff vocals by Geddy Lee and lyrics speak for themselves. The album commences with the dizzy ' Animate' followed by the thumping ' Stick it Out', musicianship as tight as ever with an excellent chorus. The album has the appeal of having more layers of synth and keyboards courtesy of John Webster assisting Geddy Lee on keyboards . The highlight of the album is the instrumental " Leave that Thing Alone' where Lifeson, Lee and Peart mesmerize with complete skill and artist wizardry. The bass in particular gives even that fellow Chris Squire a run for his money. This is an excellent album, indicative that Rush did change with the times, they did plunder new territories and their main ingredients never got diluted as perhaps some ( indeed this reviewer) at the time suggested. A worthy minimum four stars.