PERMANENT WAVES

I'm a big Rush fan, but most post 'Moving Pictures' output is lost on me. So you might think I would agree with people who would see this album as a slide towards the commercial. However, I find that I listen to this album as much as any of those that precede, and more than some. True, 'Spirit of Radio' and 'Freewill' are both radio-friendly and catchy, though not poppy. However, considering Rush's previous catalouge, it's fun to hear the boys being comfortable enough to make some real sing-along classics. And with good, honest lyrics too, no falloff there. Then there's 'Different String', which is a great example of Rush's softer, more elegiac side. This song is well complemented by Entre Nous': a functional if not outstanding mid-album cut that keeps the passing of the album going. Resting in the middle of the album like a storm-shrouded monolith is 'Jacob's Ladder'. The chugging, milataristic feel is vintage Rush tempered by the newer, synthesized Rush. The album's apex is the suite 'Natural Science'. This may be Rush's last pure slice of progressive bliss. Interesting time signitures, philisopical lyrics, everything you could want. The song freely flights back and forth between harsh and agressive and airy and bouyant. In all, this album sets up 'Moving Pictures' whilst providing a last pleasant look back at Rush's heydey. Not essential for the casual Rush fan, but absolutely essential for fans of either or both of Rush's musical stages.