Moving Pictures (Mercury) - Rush (CD 1997)

"A modern-day warrior/mean, mean stride/today's Tom Sawyer/mean, mean pride"

With these four lines, Rush kick off their most well-known song, "Tom Sawyer," which still receives regular radio play 22 years after its release. It has endured for so long because of its unique sound - those who remember it recall its heaviness, moodiness, and the way it combined synthesizers and head-moving riffs with thought-provoking lyrics.

This potent sonic blend is the result of Rush being in something of a transitory period. Over the course of three releases - 1980's Permanent Waves, 1981's Moving Pictures, and 1982's Signals - Rush's songs got shorter, their musical attack got more direct, and their lyrics fell down to earth. Neil Peart's tales of magical kingdoms and outer-space voyages began to give way to anthems of teen angst (Tom Sawyer) and meditations on celebrity and technology (Limelight, Vital Signs). Interestingly, this shift of focus in songwriting made Rush sound more intelligent than ever.

Moving Pictures also finds Rush beginning to use the synthesizer as a primary instrument. Throughout the album (but especially on Tom Sawyer), the synth is used to fantastic effect. Later, it would dominate the band's sound, but here, it's balanced with Alex Lifeson's guitar almost perfectly. Speaking of which, Lifeson's solos on "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight" are amazing, and his rhythm work is nearly air-tight throughout. Geddy Lee's vocal work is outstanding as he continues to abandon his banshee shriek of the 70's for a warm, accessible tenor. His bass-playing is also top-notch, as usual (check out the solo spots on YYZ). And as for Neil Peart, let's just say that his work on Moving Pictures is how drumming is DONE.

But the highest recommendation that I can give for Moving Pictures is that despite its heady lyrics and mind-bending musicianship, it's still a lot of fun. From the racing "Red Barchetta" and the manic instrumental "YYZ" to the reggae rhythms of "Vital Signs," Rush show that their music is also about having a good time. The album's sobering moment comes in the form of "Witch Hunt", which warns of the wrath that results from ignorance and intolerance. The only song on Moving Pictures that isn't quite as good as the rest is the 10-minute plus "The Camera Eye." It's still a very good song, but it does drag a little, unlike 2112, which held my attention for all of its 20-minute plus running time.

Some Rush fans prefer the fantastic drama of the band's 70's music. Others like the new wave-influenced, more mainstream sound of their 80's input. On Moving Pictures, listeners can get both, served up with killer riffs and inspired lyrics. If you want to get into Rush, get Moving Pictures - it'll be your gateway to Rush's amazing three-decade career. Fans of progressive rock, 70's rock, and heavy metal will also be doing themselves a favor by picking this one up.

Rush - Moving Pictures
Track Listing
01 - Tom Sawyer 4:33
02 - Red Barchetta 6:09
03 - YYZ 4:24
04 - Limelight 4:19
05 - The Camera Eye 10:58
06 - Witch Hunt (Part III of Fear) 4:44
07 - Vital Signs 4:46

Total Time - 40:04

Rush is:
- Geddy Lee - Bass, Vocals, Synthesizer, Pedals
- Alex Lifeson - Guitars, Pedals
- Neil Peart - Drums, Percussion