MOVING PICTURES

This album was the last released during Rush's "perfect years" ranging from 1978's 'Hemispheres' until this album's release in 1981. One of the very few perfect rock albums ever recorded. This is one of those rare times in rock history where every aspect of the recording comes together in all the right ways. Not one note is overplayed or out of place, the songs are wonderfully composed and the songs manage to hold up even more than 25 years after its release.

I must say I am surprised to see that there are not more 5-star ratings for this album. I suspect that anyone who would rate it at less than 4 stars has some kind of personal axe to grind with Rush.

The entire album can be considered its own highlight, although I suppose if you have to choose standouts.....then "Limelight", "Red Barchetta", and "YYZ" would be the choices.

Peart's playing, as always, is monumental throughout. Lifeson's tone on this recording is quite possibly the most perfect and pure tone he has ever achieved in his 30+ year career. And on this album we finally see Geddy Lee eschewing the 'screechiness' of his earlier vocal work, finding that balance between melody and emotion. His bass work has never been more organic.

Not just a perfect prog album, but one of the most perfect rock albums of all time that managed to transcend that barrier between prog and "mainstream" without selling out.

If I could give this record 10 stars, I would.