Moving Pictures by Rush (CD, Jun-1989, Island/mercury)

Every track on this CD is outstanding, from the opening riff of "Limelight" to the fade out on "Vital Signs". It's easy to see why this is Rush's best-selling title as it strikes an easy balance between the "prog-rock" Rush of the 70's and the synth-driven Rush of the 80's. It's hard to pick my favorite song on the disc, but I'll go with "Vital Signs"; I love the reggae rhythm and the lyrics.

As far as where this title fits in the Rush canon, I think it really depends on where you're coming from. For a novice to the group, this is probably the best place to start--you're hearing the band in its prime. For the Rush fan, it's definitely top 5, but your other top albums may be from any era: early prog Rush, classic rock radio Rush, synth-driven Rush, back to basics Rush. Here's how my list looks:

1. Hemispheres (La Villa Strangiato, The Trees!)
2. Moving Pictures
3. 2112 (title track, Something for Nothing)
4. Counterparts (Animate, Between the Sun and Moon)
5. Power Windows (Manhattan Project, Marathon, Middletown Dreams)

On any given day, I could plug in "Permanent Waves", "A Farewell to Kings" or "Grace Under Pressure" to replace one of the other titles on my list.

Overall, I think "Moving Pictures" is probably the album with the broadest appeal to rock fans without being too indulgent.

This is one of the best CD's that I own.It comes from a time when it was about the music and not about being flashy.If you have a chance to get this CD I highly recommend it you will be glad you did!

I was around when this music was first released. I did not pay much attention as I was otherwise obsessed with other sounds. I came across Dream Theater by chance and as I investigated this band they noted the influence of Rush in terms of composition and skill on bass, guitar and drums .This the music I believe they were referencing. This music is timeless.