HEMISPHERES

Fate led me to this album. Flash back to two years ago, when I was first getting into Rush (and music in general). After hearing Tom Sawyer and The Trees on the Rock Band video games, I wanted to hear more of this band. I proceeded to obtain a copy of Hemispheres - it was at that moment that my entire music tastes changed.

My fourteen year old ears couldn't fathom what they were hearing. This was a long way from what mom normally played on the radio. This was actually intelligent music, the likes of which I've never heard before. And I loved it. I loved every second of it, and I love it to this day.

"Cygnus X-1: Hemispheres" was very different than what I normally heard. Everything about it is different - the length (eighteen minutes is much different than four), the instrumentation (I'd heard sounds from this song I've never heard before - synthesizers, panning, ambiance), and the vocals (Geddy's voice is incredible, and oh so unique). Behind every instrument was a virtuoso, yet it wasn't the mindless shredding I'd heard before from so-called "good" musicians - it had substance, it had character, and most importantly, it was jam-packed full of emotion. From start to end the song trucks on, Alex, Geddy, and Neil never missing a beat. The concept behind this song was excellent as well, it has much meaning for one to draw. After I found out this was part two, I had to hear part one. And that, my friends, is how I "officially" got into Rush.

"Circumstances" is a good rocker. I love blasting this song when no one's home. Geddy's voice is flawless here. I have always loved the chorus that Alex adds to his guitar. It adds lots of progressiveness and character.

"The Trees" is the one everyone knows about. It's a fan favorite, and for good reason. Personally, this is my least favorite song on the album (that really isn't saying much though, The Trees is still an amazing song). On playthroughs of Hemispheres, I seem to be listening to this song with a yearning for La Villa Strangiato in the back of my mind.

And that's perfectly explainable. Before listening to "La Villa Strangiato", you must prepare yourself for nine minutes of excellence. Virtually every note played by all three musicians is played with the utmost emotion and virtuosity. From start to finish it sucks you in, and the nine minutes will seem like no time (time flies when you have fun). Indeed - I'll be listening to it in school, and before know I realize what's happened, it'll be time for the next class. Utter bliss is to be had when listening to La Villa Strangiato.

Hemispheres is what got me into music, Rush, and progressive rock. This album will always hold a special place in my heart. I encourage anyone who hasn't heard this album to put it at the top of their to-do list, for they have not lived until they have heard this album.

- Planklin

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