MOVING PICTURES

Considered being the last 'classic' Rush album. A very influential record, on the strength of these seven compelling songs. The drumming on opener 'Tom Sawyer' is rich of detail, the lyrics turn him into an eighties icon: a healthy individual attitude, a scepticism towards mass consumption. The memorable 'Limelight' unveils the hardship of public stardom "for those who wish to seem". 'YYZ' (referring to Toronto airport) is an instrumental tour de force with jazz rock leanings. The poetic imagery in 'Red Barchetta' highlights the precious sentiment of melancholy. The epic 'The Camera Eye' is the city's grand opus, drawing on the narrative influence of John Dos Passos. 'Witch Hunt' is their production piece, evoking dark moods of lynching mobs, with a todays' political relevance concerning the issue of racism and prejudice. The closing 'Vital Signs' already announces the stylistic changes from 'Signals' on. Essential.