MOVING PICTURES

I don't think there has ever been an album with a stronger first side than Rush's "Moving Pictures". Before I get to analyzing the album, I'd like to point out how remarkable this band is. It seems that as prog was in a decline, these guys only got better, and by 1981 they were on the top of the heap. This album is the perfect balance between Rush's synth and hard rock/prog eras. Incredibly complex music that is still rather accessible. How that can be a negative, as some have said, is beyond my comprehension.

Well, back to the first side. It begins with Tom Sawyer. An intoxicating blend of moog, Rickenbacker, a highly processed guitar tone, and Neil Peart knock you in the face with the quintessential Rush song. Incredible musicianship, great production, and a sharp focus make this song a tru favorite of mine. It is followed by the equally stunning Red Barchetta. Some gentle harmonics and a distorted bass solo begin the song, followed by some nice riffing by Lifeson. Lifeson's solo is awesome, and he utilizes some other-worldly tone. One of my favorite Rush songs.

Following is one of the greatest instrumentals of all time. YYZ kicks off with a devilish riff in 5/4, set to the rhythm of the morse code for Toronto Pearson Intl airport. The bass and drum fills towards the middle are classic, as is Lifeson's solo. YYZ is never boring, even for those of us who arn't musicians. Classic Rush.

Next is Limelight. Probably the second most popular song ever in 7/4, this is yet another awesome Rush song. Limelight is slightly "poppier" than the first three songs, but is just as strong in my opinion. The guitar solo is very atmospheric and very on one string. Some cool drum fills/soloing towards the end too.

After Limelight comes The Camera Eye. This song is based upon impressions of a photograph of London and a photo of New York City. There are some heavy synths towards the beginning, but also a lot of great riffing from Alex and some really awesome drum fills at the beginning of each vocal section. Neil literally closed his eyes and went all out when he did these in the studio, then had to go back and relearn them so he could play them live. The ten minutes are truly worth it for the guitar work at the end, bringing the song to a stunning climax and close.

The next two songs are the weakest on the album. Witch Hunt was the "production number" for Moving Pictures, and contines multpile drum tracks, as well as synth work from Hugh Syme. A very atmospheric song with a message that is especially true today. The next song is the most "electronic" sounding on the album, with a constant synth track. This song is rather reggae influenced, and sounds a little like The Police. The bass solo is cool and the drumming works well with the song.

This is one of the best albums of the 80's and you should definitely give it a shot, especially if you didn't like Rush's 70's material.

Classic Art Rock. Essential.