My review. See no need to add an other thread....
Classic Album of the Day- Rush- Moving Picture (1981) *****
First a disclaimer. Rush is my favorite band, but you might be surprised, as far as ranking as favorites, I have it at #5 or #6 in their catalog. Which puts me in the extreme minority of the huge universe of Rush fans. Seems almost everyone else has Moving Pictures #1 or #2, usually behind 2112. Why? From 1981-1983 this LP got way way overplayed, almost to the point I got sick of it. Used to get laughs when people would come up to me, and ask if heard this new Band Rush, when in essence, I had been listening ad loving them 6 years already.
But I will have to admit, this album has their best songwriting of their 19 studio albums, (plus no. 20 if you include their Feedback album of '60's Covers). 5 of the 7 songs on this album get significant airplay of classic rock stations. Not many bands can make that claim of one album's success. This was especially groundbreaking for the band, as it was the first one that Geddy starting truly infusing synth into a line share of the band's product. Some Rush purist decry that as a departure from the 2112/Permanent Waves epic sound. But of course, with all music, tastes differ, and one thing that could be said about this band..... They were not afraid to experiment with new styles and sounds, and at least 60-75% it worked to their advantage in stature as a legendary band.
And remarkably.... This album has zero filler.
Fun Fact: 1st LP that Lee used his Fender Jazz bass. And my guess, his 4 string of choice of 2/3 of work towards the end.
Side 1
Tom Sawyer- There is no mistaking the phasic power synth chord that starts on the Band's signature song. Song got massive FM radio play in the day. And honestly I got sick of it. Song has drum work that is considered the benchmark of difficulty. Song was well received for its comments on social commentary, but.........
6
Red Barchetta- Talk about a prophetic song. One about banning gas burning cars. Plus this tune absolute rocks, with some of the greatest syncopative Lifeson/Lee guitar dueling in their career. Drumming is insane too. VROOOOM!!!!!!
3
YYZ- The bands most first or maybe second most famous instrumental. (Lavilla?) Name of the song corresponds to their homage to the Airport code of their hometown -Toronto, Canada. Drum/Bass/Ax interplay is incredible. Some of Geddy's bass lines, and of course the tune was always a fixture at their concerts.
4
Limelight- Yes, this was overplayed like Tom Sawyer, but at least for me, aged better as an enjoyable song. Peart was infamous for his privacy, and he chose this song to communicate that fact to his fans. Maybe the best hooks of the LP too. If you listen to Classic Rock stations in this era, you'll hear it at least once weekly. A solid solid pick, as among their best.
1
Side 2
The Camera Eye- A very much more obscure tune, if you do not have this album. But make no mistake, this song loses nothing on content, and sheer talent. Was kind of unusual for Rush to have "2" instrumental tunes on one album, well this song is 90% instrumental. Just because this is the lesser of the two, does not diminish its greatness.
5
Witch Hunt- This is the true super sleeper on this album. I just absolutely love the dark, deep, and foreboding feel of this song. Lyrics so much now embody what suppression and persecution we are now witnessing from the from a political perspective in this country. I don't think Peart meant it to be the ultimate intent. But it hits close to home now
2
Vital Signs- At this point, you realize that there isn't a weak moment on the LP. This one probably most closely mimics meter and style of earlier Rush, than the rest of the album. And still it sounds 100 light years of what we remember from 1974 Rush.
7
In any case, if you are a rock fan, and never heard this album in its entirety, you are in for a treat.
