PRESTO

This album belongs to Rush's weakest. Most tracks are not only dull, but annoying for various reasons.

First, there is a group of awkward and cumbersome compositions: Show Don't Tell; Warpaint; Anagram. These tracks are definitely sub par - I got the impression they just picked those songs out of a drawer labeled 'discarded ideas'. They lost their way in those tracks.

Then we have a group of tracks that are just exercises in rhythms - pleasant to the ear at first but you'll long for the end after the second or third spin: Chain Lightning, Scars, Superconductor.

Lastly, we have a group of songs I like, but I can understand when others disagree: Presto, Red Tide, Hand over Fist. Presto I find pretty exceptional for Rush, but its a good, calm number. Red Tide and Hand over Fist have a good groove but might be not heavy enough for the avarage Rush fan.

Then we have the two classics: The Pass and Available Light. Those two pieces are flawless, IMHO. The Pass is a thoughtful number about a suicidal youth - and the music is on par with the high standard lyrics. Available Light cannot be placed anywhere but at the end. I believe this track is the kind of music they want and ought to make.

The rating: Ì'm in two minds whether to give this album 2 or 3 stars but since even the better numbers have nothing to do with prog, I think 2 stars are fair. Nice, enticing artwork, though.

Favourite songs: The Pass, Presto, Available Light

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