Mad Rush & Contrary Motion : the best
358237
Cada vez que me pongo a escuchar este CD, irremediablemente slo oigo las pistas 2 y 4, es decir, Mad Rush y Contrary Motion. Es como escuchar Reverie, de Debussy, en versin para orquesta con flauta solista, o bien para piano. Es decir, cada versin tiene un sabor distinto e igualmente hermoso. Cuando escucho estos temas, MR y CM, en piano, son preciosos, pero cuando las  escuch  a travs del CD en un rgano "real" y "acstico", magistralmente interpretado por Donald Joyce qued absolutamente asombrado. El rgano parece un coro con cientos de voces, con una textura casi csmica, aunque parezca exageracin.
Recomiendo el CD slo por lo que acabo de exponer, pues las dems pistas -"Dance IV For Organ", "Dance II For Organ" y "Satyagraha (Act III Conclusion, Arr. Riesman)"- no tienen la misma suerte en adaptacin al sonido tan particular del rgano. Las "Dances" me gustan mucho ms con ese toque "electrnico" de teclado Yamaha de los aos 70, pues, entre otras cosas, la reverberancia del rgano acstico diluye su fuerza.
"Satyagraha" es casi una curiosidad escucharla en este instrumento. Es agradable, pero no llega los temas que titulan esta nota.
3788382
I have been a Rush Fan since 1974. They are as much a fabric of my life as any music can be.

The 2112 album stands as a pinnacle of Rock and Roll Albums. I have always been into this genre of rock. Preferring such bands as Rush, Yes and Boston.

I would like to go back to the 70's when the rock was pure and hard.

Well you can go back to the 70's by just listening to this album. Let it take you back!!!
1554117
Back in 1976, Rush was a much better live band than studio band.  The live versions of "2112" and "Something for Nothing" leave their studio-born siblings in the dust. The same can be said for just about all of the tracks here. Heck, I even like this version of "By-Thor and the Snow Dog." I'm not a huge fan of Phase-I Rush, but the energy here is contagious and the album is a lot of fun to listen to.

And what would a 1970's-era live hard rock album be without an extended drum solo. At least we get to hear one of the greatest rock drummers of all time on this one.
4338926
Mad Caddies outshine themselves once again. While everything old is awesome/amazing/rediculously great music, this album has to be their best. As they have done with every other album, each new album outshines those previously released. Probably due to my trend towards slower ska music over the last couple years, my favorite tracks are State of Mind, Lay Your Head Down, and Riding for a Fall. But honestly, they aren't *that* slow. I'm also in love with Coyote, which has a hint of something spicy to both the vocal accent and the instrumental harmonies. Without You is not to fast, not to slow, but has a hint of early Mad Caddies. Souls For Sale and Pyramid Scheme are over-the-top catchy... in a good way. Backyard and Today both remind me of the Duck and Cover era. Only two problems. One: the quiet build up to the first track is a bit too long and too quiet (darn near silent). Two: the album is far too short. Other albums seemed longer to me. Or maybe I just can't get enough of this CD!!
1003395
This is a fan favorite Rush album. The opening title suite is a great piece that closes the story started in the prior album's "Cygnus X-I." "La Villa Strangiato" is one of my favorite instrumentals, and "The Trees" has some of the best lyrics ever. Hemispheres also probably features the band at its most virtoustic. This is an album to get if you are a big fan, but if you are more casual or want an introduction, get Moving Pictures.
2330102
I originally reviewed this in 2003 and gave it a 3 star rating. However, now I truly appreciate it. Rush could have made Moving Pictures II after that album was so succesful but they always challenged themselves. While synthesizers had played a role in the band's sound, the band embraced them on Signals as though they were a fourth member of the group. Many of their longtime fans cried sellout but with Signals, the band released a challenging album that is arguably one of their best.

The opening track, "Subdivisions", may not have been the biggest hit on Signals but over time has become the most enduring. Tackling the subject of teen isolation, Neil Peart's lyrics here are both powerful and emotional and Geddy Lee's vocal seconds that feel. "Analog Kid" is a very strong track with its fast riffs during the verses and solemness during the choruses and Alex Lifeson's solo is pretty wicked also. "Chemistry" is a decent midtempo track that is heavy on the synths. "Digital Man" is a killer and the first of two songs here that recall the Police with its quasi-reggae rhythms and sense of space. "The Weapon" is a pure new wave tune and while it doesn't have a hook, Peart's lyrics really shine. "New World Man", the other Police sound-alike tune, would be the band's biggest hit single and amazingly their only top 40 hit. "Losing' It" is probably the saddest song that Rush ever composed as well of one of its most adventurous shorter tracks. "Countdown" is a cool closer that features actual NASA recordings to reflect the feel of entering space. This, along with Caress of Steel, is an album that took me many years to appreciate but now I really enjoy it. I still prefer Grace Under Pressure from the synth era but Signals is pretty close.
1924256
This is the album that turned me into a Rush fanatic (it's hard to believe that was 40 years ago) , and this 40th Anniversary reissue is spectacular. I love the DVD that shows the boys in their raw glory. 2112 was so different than anything else I had heard, and this remaster is superb. If you are a fan and don't own this,  I highly recommend you purchase it.
748176
I went to see Audio Adrenaline in Phily.  They were very good.  Fono opened with Raze.  Raze was not good at all.  Fono was intense from the first beat.  They caught my attention and I was amazed.  After that AA were  not as good.  I immediately bought the CD and listen to it all the time.  It's my favorite.  All the songs are excellent.  Great music with lyrics  that make you think.  If these guys keep this up they will be big hits.  I  hope to see them again and can't wait for the next CD.
3113840
Tailsman meets eddguy meets rush is the best way to decscribe this cd and it works. I like the faster songs better although alone is not a bad song ,but i think this band sounds better on the fast tracks. The guitar playing is great ,the song writting is also, the standouts are blast off , circle of fools ,life goes on , and think. If you are looking for something different try taraxacum .
3291523
I had all of Rush's recordings in 1979...  and I have all of their recordings in 2001.  So I consider myself a very experienced critic of the band.
  This is a very solid album, closer to five stars than three.  I also think it's better than any of Rush's recordings since 1982's Signals (possible exceptions:  Power Windows and Counterparts).
  I think this CD has more variety than any Rush studio recording, ever.  And like other listeners, I find it grows on me, and I hum and sing along to the songs (a very good sign that I like the music).
  Good work, Dirk!
1365972
I love these guys.  Recently discovered, I've got all 3 albums.  Valley of the Damned is my favorite, and gets better with each listen.  These guys are so fast it's almost unbelieveable, but don't let that fool you, it's very creative music and very catchy.  If you love speed metal with a medival feel you'll really dig these guys.
2203122
This album from Rammstein is the best against the older ones. And it's in a good DIGIPAK, and also included a cool poster (size about 40x40 CM) and the tracks are unbeliavable! COOL!! Who likes the hard tracks, will like this!
1432426
Wow, it IS possible for Rush to have a modern, progressive sound like Tool or Porcupine Tree. Bottrill proves that point by taking one of the most emotional, brilliant Rush CDs "Vapor Trails" that was plagued by horrific mastering. For over a decade, fans have been denied the ability to take songs like "Earthshine" and BLAST them through their headphones or speakers. Now, we can... ;)

Thanks to Alex in particular for turning a train wreck into a masterpiece. I hope they use Bottrill for any future recordings. While I like the sound on "Snakes.." (not a fan of the material) and "Clockwork" (awesome material - great / not incredible mastering), Tool and PT have, IMO, FAR better mastering ("In Absentia" by PT) is an example of what Rush _could_ sound like. Tool has always sounded amazing. Anyway, today is a great day.

VT has finally been liberated.
4721006
This album is just incredible. This is the Rush I grew up with. This is when they were known as the original "POWER TRIO". This is Rush at their best LIVE! This is Rush before they went techno and lost 3/4ths of their fan base (what we thought was just an experiment in the early 80s turned out to be a long term thing and we fans said 'bye'). Released 8 months after Frampton Comes Alive, this album stands up just as well. Tiny Massey Hall is the back drop, and the acoustics are perfect. From the opening of Bastille Day, to the laughter backstage after the show, this album ROCKS! The boys show us all why there WERE masters of their craft. Standouts include a flawless Bytor (in completion), In the End, and a rocking Anthem. Also, the best live version of 2112 (minus 2/3rds of Discovery and all of Oracle). Very little overdubs and, although I have never been a fan of the Les Paul, Lifeson is superb on it (both my 335 and my 345 will out-growl and out-sustain a solid body any day). The 335 sunburst was the main guitar on the 2112 tour (as well as the 2112 album). But for some odd reason, for these 3 shows at Massey, the 74 Paul was used exclusively. If you are over the age of 40, you, without a doubt, have a copy already (the origial LP jacket was a trifold, then only a double). If you have been living in a cave somewhere, and don't have this live album, then GET IT! Take a journey back in time and re-live Rush at their best. 5 Stars (and I never rate a live album with 5 stars...that's how good this thing is)!
820776
Forget about Do the locomotion and Were an American Band garbage. This album is the REAL Grand Funk. In Need and Paranoid are two of the heaviest songs there are. They were one of the tightest bands around and you could  tell they were having fun playing their music. Buy this album, you won't be  sorry.
2347105
Well, after about 20 listens and going back forth from the older albums to this one I have decided to declare Snakes a total success. If Rush is not recognized for this masterpiece by the likes of the R&R Hall of Fame and the AMA's the critics have no taste in music. Armor and Sword may be one of the best tunes to come out this millenium. Rush loves controversy and that song is very controversial. You know the religiosos will go nuts when they hear "their heaven". Couple that with the song Faithless and the late Pope will be turning in his grave. Come on, "Nobody gets to their heavan without a fight". How telling in so many ways is that lyric with what is going on in today's world? If you haven't already done so, you need to order this thing today. It will be well worth the money. An instant classic. Move over Stones, Rush has claimed the title of the "Best Band" in the history of the world. Simply brilliant.  See you June 23 at the Nissan Pavilion at which time I will know it by heart and singing at the top of my lungs "I can get back on" with Geddy<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/My-Favorite-Headache/dp/B00004Z3F0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">My Favorite Headache</a>.
43963
I bought this because Quicksand's "Slip" is a great album and because music today has got me scavenging for anything that resembles quality.  Man, am I glad I did.  I have been listening to this for 3 weeks straight and I am in no way tired of it.  Great Rock Music.  Emotional, intense, alive.  This album has got great musicianship, as well as, some great hooks.  Personal favorite is "Undercovers On".  Got the hair on my arms standing up.  This album gives you that adrenaline rush that few albums used to, and no albums currently do.  So buy it, you just might be inspired enought to create something beautiful of your own.