ROLL THE BONES

Lady Luck, as it were, had been favorable to this Canadian rock trio, who has put out so many great albums that enjoy substantial popularity from both artistic-minded listeners and commercial radio. The band loosely conceptualized that for this album, about taking chances and seeking one's fortune. For the most part, the sound is fairly similar to that of Presto, but takes on a slightly harder edge.

"Dreamline" Some of Neil Peart's best lyrics exist in this song, particularly in the choruses. The music is equally amazing, switching between the palm-muted guitar, heavy rock sections, and the airy refrain. Even as I age, I can still relate to these timely lyrics of restlessness: "When we are young, wandering the face of the earth, wondering what our dreams might be worth- learning that we're only immortal for a limited time."

"Bravado" One of Rush's most poignant songs and a fan favorite, "Bravado" boasts clean guitar, lovely vocal harmonies, tight drumming, and moving lyrics.

"Roll the Bones" Those synthesized horns and percussion let the listener know that this album was made in 1991. But aside from that (admittedly welcome) bit of cheesiness, the lyrics are thought-provoking, the music striking, and the chorus is incredibly catchy. As another clear sign of the times, "Gansta Lee" raps in the middle of the song, which is all at once embarrassing and fitting.

"Face Up" This is a catchy fast-paced rocker, but one that I'm not nearly as fond of. It's still a good track, however.

"Where's My Thing?" This instrumental sounds like it would have been right at home on the previous album, given how close the sound is. The thin rhythm guitar about two minutes in sounds almost exactly like the beginning of "Hand Over Fist."

"The Big Wheel" While this is one of those songs I don't particularly care as much for, it's still a great song, full of spunky bass, layers of vocals, gritty guitar, sprightly synthesizer, and skintight drumming. The chorus is particularly catchy, and makes it sound like a pop song of the era.

"Heresy" A marching snare drum begins and ends "Heresy," which is built around light guitar and airy synthesizer. Peart's drumming is creative throughout, depending mostly on his toms.

"Ghost of a Chance" This one kicks off with an electrified country-feel, although sometimes it reminds me of classic Blue Oyster Cult. The verses move into a light, frothy chorus with subtle, Mark Knopfler-like guitar licks thrown in. The guitar solo during this song is certainly a highlight of the album.

"Neurotica" This was one of the first songs on this album I heard. The melody, the chords, and the backup vocals during the chorus are somewhat characteristic of one or two songs that always appear on Rush albums since the 1980s, but the band has always been able to reformulate certain basic structures without ever becoming formulaic. If the guitar solo on the previous song was good, the screaming one here is fantastic, and Peart's drum fills are thick and satisfying.

"You Bet Your Life" Whilst the synthesizers are still present in a small way, the final song uses Alex Lifeson's dependable abilities as a rhythm guitarist. Underneath Geddy Lee's human vocals during the chorus runs some counterpoint "robotic" singing.