ROLL THE BONES

In 1991, Rush released Roll the Bones. It opens with "Dreamline", and this is an immediate improvement over their last several albums. The production is miles better than Presto, Geddy's vocal melody is strong, and the three musicians sound like they're having fun. It features some weird chords in the chorus; this is the first time in a while where it sounds like Rush took a bit of a musical risk.

Then again, maybe my expectations have just been lowered after being subjected to Presto and Hold Your Fire. "Bravado", the second track on the album, is not as interesting as "Dreamline". It reminds me a lot of something off Presto, if Presto had good production. "Big Wheel" is similarly bland, albeit more uptempo.

The title track features funk and hip-hop influences. The rhythm rolls along smoothly, and it's got a pretty strong pre-chorus. However, this song is best known for Geddy's goofy, pitch-shifted rap break, featuring such lyrical gems as "Jack, relax/Get busy with the facts/No zodiacs or almanacs/No maniacs in polyester slacks/Just the facts/Gonna kick some gluteus max" and "Stop throwing stones/The night has a thousand saxophones".

The Instrumental "Where's My Thing?" was nominated for a Grammy and features prominent funk influence. Geddy's bass is high in the mix, as always, and the synthesizers add to the overall feel without being overbearing. Roll the Bones closes strong. "You Bet Your Life" is an energetic, poppy piece that features multi-layered vocals and guitarwork that sounds like it's from Grace Under Pressure.

Review originally posted here: theeliteextremophile.com/2020/04/27/deep-dive-rush/