A Show of Hands by Rush (CD, Jan-1989, Mercury)

There isn't much to look forward to here. Not only are the songs either too long ("Marathon", "Mystic Rhythms", "Mission") mostly UN-catchy ("Turn the Page", "Manhattan Project"), the ones that are - the few FM classics "Subdivisions", "Distant Early Warning" and "Closer to the Heart" here are inferior versions. The guitar work by Alex Lifeson at this 1988 British performance is sloppy, his wiry, wurbly sound exactly what you'd hear if he played it underwater. There is no crunch to be found as on the later "Different Stages" live album. Geddy Lee's voice is clearly tired, yelping lines instead of singing them (like on lead off track "The Big Money"). His Wal bass sound lacks any bottom as on earlier Rush albums, rather it's a trebly top end sound. The synthesizers are now digital and sound brighter and "choral", and cannot reproduce the old ominous, analog volume that cut through the wall of sound. Neil Peart's playing reigns, ignore the cheese caused by excessive big band samples). Steer clear of the video companion too. Besides the disappointing sound, the band simply look and behave too silly (Geddy's got the racoon hair cut, Alex forgets his cues), songs are backed up by corny cartoons and pastel pools of light make it painful even to the most ardent fans. Three words for you: EXIT STAGE LEFT.