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What is Rush's worst album?
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verslibre View Drop Down
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Originally posted by Steve Wyzard Steve Wyzard wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

It was a lot more than that (they were getting that bogus 'synth-band' critique back for Signals and even Pictures)--- It was clear something severe and quite disruptive had happened. And of course much had indeed occurred with Terry Brown, the commercial expectations of the time, even the image the band had of itself.   Just look at the band photo for that record and it's like "Yeesh-- what the hell happened, boys?!"



Around the time of Grace Under Pressure, there were continuous rumors about the band taking a "solo album sabbatical" due to all of the "record biz" frustrations they were dealing with at that time. No, they didn't hate each other, nor were they considering breaking up, but all three members also had growing kids and were concerned that the "album - tour - album - tour" cycle was becoming too hard on their families. So with all the "nuclear war" headlines, the record biz issues, and the personal issues, it's no wonder the resulting album is really kind of a downer and more difficult to listen to than the other albums from that same decade.


They came up with some of their best melodies & lyrics. Alex's solo on "Between the Wheels" is one of my favorites. I love the album. It's perfect as is.
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Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

It was a lot more than that (they were getting that bogus 'synth-band' critique back for Signals and even Pictures)--- It was clear something severe and quite disruptive had happened. And of course much had indeed occurred with Terry Brown, the commercial expectations of the time, even the image the band had of itself.   Just look at the band photo for that record and it's like "Yeesh-- what the hell happened, boys?!"


Around the time of Grace Under Pressure, there were continuous rumors about the band taking a "solo album sabbatical" due to all of the "record biz" frustrations they were dealing with at that time. No, they didn't hate each other, nor were they considering breaking up, but all three members also had growing kids and were concerned that the "album - tour - album - tour" cycle was becoming too hard on their families. So with all the "nuclear war" headlines, the record biz issues, and the personal issues, it's no wonder the resulting album is really kind of a downer and more difficult to listen to than the other albums from that same decade.    
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There is no such thing as a good Rush album.  We almost agree  Wink
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(Yes, I know Neil had been clean-shaven since PeW.)
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Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Just look at the band photo for that record and it's like "Yeesh-- what the hell happened, boys?!"


What, the absence of Neil's handlebar moustache? You could still look to Triumph's Mike Levine for a satisfactory helping of facial fur.
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Originally posted by verslibre verslibre wrote:

The only negative sentiment surrounding Grace that I recall back then came from much older fans who didn't like the band using synths.

It was a lot more than that (they were getting that bogus 'synth-band' critique back for Signals and even Pictures)--- It was clear something severe and quite disruptive had happened. And of course much had indeed occurred with Terry Brown, the commercial expectations of the time, even the image the band had of itself.   Just look at the band photo for that record and it's like "Yeesh-- what the hell happened, boys?!"
"Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."   -- John F. Kennedy
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Originally posted by verslibre verslibre wrote:

Originally posted by richardh richardh wrote:

Possibly the band started to run low on inspiration around the time of Grace Under Pressure (although personally I rate that album very highly). Power Windows is the album that maybe divides opinion most and could be rated anything from 2 stars to 5 stars legitamately. Just depends on taste. HYF is where most agree the band truly dipped and I think generally it was a time where pop and rock music was in the gutter.


HYF isn't as strong as GUP or PoW but those two proved to be hard acts to follow, for any rock band.

The only negative sentiment surrounding Grace that I recall back then came from much older fans who didn't like the band using synths.

Then, when HYF arrived, the next set of fans were going "Well, it's good, but it's not Signals nor GUP..."

I generally agree....I personally love both GuP and PW and enjoyed that era of the band where they were moving forward with synths to accompany Lifeson's guitar.  Regarding HYF, for many years I couldn't stand to hear any tracks from it.  In the past few years it has grown on me so I no longer throw shade on it.  
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I've been listening to the band discography and yeah, the dip is evident with HYF. The mix is considerable worse than Power Windows and surprisingly already reminds me a bit of Presto, with less synths than the predecessor, but a lot of the tracks are lighter and I would even say more "romantic". IMO the album is closer to Presto/Roll the bones instead of PoW or GUP.

Saying that, there are still too many great songs in late 80's/90's Ruah. Removing 2 songs from HYF/Presto/RTB/TFC already make these albums a lot better, especially because they usually have 50 minutes or more of music anyway
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Originally posted by richardh richardh wrote:

Possibly the band started to run low on inspiration around the time of Grace Under Pressure (although personally I rate that album very highly). Power Windows is the album that maybe divides opinion most and could be rated anything from 2 stars to 5 stars legitamately. Just depends on taste. HYF is where most agree the band truly dipped and I think generally it was a time where pop and rock music was in the gutter.


HYF isn't as strong as GUP or PoW but those two proved to be hard acts to follow, for any rock band.

The only negative sentiment surrounding Grace that I recall back then came from much older fans who didn't like the band using synths.

Then, when HYF arrived, the next set of fans were going "Well, it's good, but it's not Signals nor GUP..."
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Originally posted by Disconnect Disconnect wrote:

Most post-Presto releases are subpar.  Hard to rank one higher (or lower) than another.  The exception (to these ears) is Clockwork Angels, which was a fine bookend.

I think mostly Rush were a great band up to Signals with their album run from 2112 being one of the identifiable better album runs covering 6 albums. Possibly the band started to run low on inspiration around the time of Grace Under Pressure (although personally I rate that album very highly). Power Windows is the album that maybe divides opinion most and could be rated anything from 2 stars to 5 stars legitamately. Just depends on taste. HYF is where most agree the band truly dipped and I think generally it was a time where pop and rock music was in the gutter. Rush were not the only band churning not very interesting stuff. Once we got to the 90's there was a full on rock revival and with it 'traditional' sounding progressive rock came back. The bands that were the pillars of the movement back in the day (Rush included) could not turn the clock back that easily even when as in the case of ELP and Yes they wanted to. Rush decided they had paid their dues but at least carried on putting out great live shows. Different Stages is a testament to that. Vapor Trails was a return to form but by this time they had become (or reverted to) a hard rock band with few pretensions. This trend definitely started with Roll The Bones as the art side of the music was largely removed. Presto was an anaemic album and not a great measuring stick and showed them at a crossroads. 
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Most post-Presto releases are subpar.  Hard to rank one higher (or lower) than another.  The exception (to these ears) is Clockwork Angels, which was a fine bookend.
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Yeah, no "u" in vapor trails. ;)
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my rating would be

1. Signals
2. Moving Pictures
3. Grace Under Pressure
4. Permanent Waves
5. Power Windows
6. Counterparts
7. Clockwork Angels
8. Vapor Trails
9. 2112
10. A Farewell to Kings
11. Fly by Night
12. Snakes & Arrows
13. Hold Your Fire
14. Hemispheres
15. Caress of Steel
16. s/t

Test for Echo, Presto, Roll the Bones - gotta re-listen these, hardly remember them
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Presto. Or Vapour Trails. Probably.
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Originally posted by Epignosis Epignosis wrote:

Originally posted by Catcher10 Catcher10 wrote:

Originally posted by Epignosis Epignosis wrote:

I bought Hold Your Fire used and sold it right back to the used record store.

I regret that decision.  It's a fantastic album.

If forced to choose, I'm not really fond of the debut.  It's too much standing in Led Zeppelin's shadow.

All the other albums are at least great, which is a testament to just how incredible and creative this group was.
Word....For me if my life depended in it would be Test For Echo, but only because I don't spin it that often.

Mr Skeletor, any new music coming out?? Thumbs Up


Yes!

Ten new songs this year.  Just need the sports season to wind down.

I gave up teaching and I'm now a sports editor.  Once the lazy days of baseball get underway, I can finish the new project.  It is called, Moments Between Light.
That title is very cool Clap.....Keep us posted on the release date. I assume you will have a release party with beer and chocolate cake?? Beer

I still play Refulgence....







Edited by Catcher10 - February 24 2024 at 18:11
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Hold Your Fire is their worst for me. It's bland, late '80s cheese that I simply don't like. Test for Echo and Vapor Trails are both pretty bad, too, but at least those have individual songs I like and can remember. HYF is just a bland mush that doesn't stick with me at all.
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Originally posted by Epignosis Epignosis wrote:

Originally posted by Catcher10 Catcher10 wrote:

Originally posted by Epignosis Epignosis wrote:

I bought Hold Your Fire used and sold it right back to the used record store.

I regret that decision.  It's a fantastic album.

If forced to choose, I'm not really fond of the debut.  It's too much standing in Led Zeppelin's shadow.

All the other albums are at least great, which is a testament to just how incredible and creative this group was.
Word....For me if my life depended in it would be Test For Echo, but only because I don't spin it that often.

Mr Skeletor, any new music coming out?? Thumbs Up


Yes!

Ten new songs this year.  Just need the sports season to wind down.

I gave up teaching and I'm now a sports editor.  Once the lazy days of baseball get underway, I can finish the new project.  It is called, Moments Between Light.
Awesome news on both fronts.  
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Not a big Rush fan. Anything after 2112, I suppose. 
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I'd say the debut album, and even that was quite passable! 

Garage bands often covered "Working Man" in that era!  
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Originally posted by Catcher10 Catcher10 wrote:

Originally posted by Epignosis Epignosis wrote:

I bought Hold Your Fire used and sold it right back to the used record store.

I regret that decision.  It's a fantastic album.

If forced to choose, I'm not really fond of the debut.  It's too much standing in Led Zeppelin's shadow.

All the other albums are at least great, which is a testament to just how incredible and creative this group was.
Word....For me if my life depended in it would be Test For Echo, but only because I don't spin it that often.

Mr Skeletor, any new music coming out?? Thumbs Up


Yes!

Ten new songs this year.  Just need the sports season to wind down.

I gave up teaching and I'm now a sports editor.  Once the lazy days of baseball get underway, I can finish the new project.  It is called, Moments Between Light.


Edited by Epignosis - February 17 2024 at 20:21
https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays
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