ROLL THE BONES

"Roll The Bones" continues in the same mold and style as "Presto". Rupert Hines again is the co- producer. The synth dominated era from RUSH that reigned from "Grace Under Pressure" to "Hold Your Fire" was being phased out starting with "Presto", and like "Presto" the synths here are used "mostly" in the background. This record is even more commercial sounding then "Presto" was. Lots of radio friendly tunes and even some "rapping" on the title song "Roll The Bones".Yikes !

"Dreamline" is such a great sounding song with background synths and some good guitar from Alex. I saw them do this "live" a couple of times, good concert tune. "Bravado" is a mid paced, slick sounding song. "Roll The Bones" just doesn't do it for me, either lyrically or musically.

"Face Up" is another commercial sounding song with some great intro drumming while Alex lets it rip later. "Where's My Thing" is by far the best track on this record. An instrumental with a funky feel to it. This would be their first instrumental song in 10 years (YYZ being the last). The drumming is incredible and I like the synths on this one. "The Big Wheel" on the other hand comes across as being wimpy because of the synths. "Heresy" could have been on "Hold Your Fire". "Ghost Of A Chance" ,"Neurotica" and "You Bet Your Life" are all ok.

You can maybe tell i'm not too enthusiastic about this recording. I really think it's the worst record they have ever made. Oh well, this is RUSH after all it's not that bad.