CLOCKWORK ANGELS

Clockwork Angels is one of Rush's most interesting records musically and conceptually. The story is based around a young man's life, which begins on a peaceful farm, expands outward to the cold fire-lit Crown City, wanders through a desert of ice and red rock, and eventually finds itself back at the farm. The cyclic nature of this record suggests that no progress may be made in life's adventures or philosophies-- that the exchange of love and respect transcends the structure of this clockwork universe. That is, despite the different philosophies, religions, and ideals that people embrace-- which may all be fruitless-- the exchange of love gives people's lives meaning and direction.

Clockwork Angels is also musically brilliant. Rush proves that concise pieces may make a profound statement; take, for example, "The Wreckers" and "The Garden" --two pieces with relatively simple structures and melodies. The aforementioned songs achieve a striking level of emotional impact, debunking the progressive mantra that "more is more." This is not to say, however, that Rush does not create progressive pieces-- "Clockwork Angels" (the title track) and "Headlong Flight", for example, see Rush stretching out and having fun.

Altogether, Clockwork Angels has a mature concept and assimilates many facets of Rush's career. This record dissolves the false dichotomy that people either like Rush or they don't, for Clockwork Angels has something for everyone.

Well done Rush.