MOVING PICTURES

This was my first Rush album and also my first prog rock album! Though, I was still a metalhead at the time. Seeing them perform this album live was truly an experience that I doubt I will ever forget.

The first side is a Classic Rock Radio DJ's dream. It starts off with Tom Sawyer, probably the heaviest song on the record. This is followed by the brilliant and beautiful Red Barchetta, which contains some of Geddy's best vocals of the restrained period. YYZ is truly the greatest bass performance of all-time (don't believe me, just go to digitaldreamdoor.com). The other hit, Limelight, has a very emotional feel, with Alex's favorite guitar solo that he ever did. All in all, the first side is perfect, even if it is a little overplayed.

The second side kicks off with my favorite Rush song and most played song on my ipod: The Camera Eye. I use to just skip the track, but after listening to it a few times, I found its beautiful melody and one of Alex's best guitar solos. Things then slow down a bit with Witch Hunt. Kinda forgettable, but the lyrics provide deep thought about public judging. Vital Signs is a pretty good track, which helped point the way towards Signals, but was probably better than anything on that record.

A true masterpiece, with the first 30 min. or so being absolutely perfect. Even though it slows at the end, it is undeniably one of Rush's masterpieces and a great place to start for new Rush fans.