Rush
Moving Pictures
Tracklist:
1. Tom Sawyer (4:33)
2. Red Barchetta (6:06)
3. YYZ (4:24)
4. Limelight (4:19)
5. The Camera Eye (10:56)
6. Witch Hunt (Part III of �Fear�) (4:43)
7. Vital Signs (4:43)
Total: 40:08
Introduction
Rush had gained several cult-favorite albums under their belt over the years, including, but not limited to, albums such as 2112 and A Farewell to Kings. In 1981, Rush released their most commercially successful album to date, Moving Pictures. Combining their hard rock roots, complex lyrics, and excellent instrumental talents with new, electronic elements, Rush has put out an album that not only pleases their fans, but also draws in new ones in the process.
Synopsis
Moving Pictures starts with the excellent �Tom Sawyer�, undoubtedly one of Rush�s biggest hits to date. With Geddy Lee�s high-pitched vocals, catchy synth lines, great riffs from Alex Lifeson, awesome drumming from Neal Peart, and interesting, complex lyrics, it�s a song that many will definitely enjoy.
�Red Barchetta� is a slower song. Geddy well here, and at times his voice can get really high. Midway through the song, Lifeson delivers a great guitar solo. I can�t say that I�m a big fan of this song�s lyrics though. They�re not as intriguing as the lyrics on some of the other songs on this album.
Definitely a highlight of the album, the instrumental �YYZ� showcases how skilled the band is with their instruments. Featuring insanely fast bass lines, killer guitar riffs and solos, and complex drumming, �YYZ� is a track that you shouldn�t look over.
Track number four, �Limelight�, is another radio staple. It doesn�t have a lot of the electronic elements �Tom Sawyer�� had, but it still is a quite catchy song, especially that chorus. Geddy sings well here; these are probably his best vocals on the album. Neal goes crazy on the drums towards the end of the song.
�The Camera Eye� is the longest song on the album, just two seconds shy of eleven minutes. The song opens to lots of weird electronic noises that probably won�t surprise you, as this is a Rush album, dammit! Anyway, the song slowly builds up, with Peart coming in slowly with a drum roll, then Lifeson comes in with rocking riffs. The song stays instrumental for about four and a half minutes, until Geddy starts singing. The song goes on for a bit, with some good vocals and interesting lyrics. As the song comes to a close, Lifeson delivers his best guitar solo on the album, and Neal�s drumming gets faster and louder.
�Witch Hunt� is Part III of �Fear�. Part II would be found on the next album, Signals, and Part I would be found on the album after that, Grace Under Pressure. A fourth part would later be made, on 2002�s Vapor Trails. But enough of that, onto the song: �Witch Hunt� is a great song, and is my favorite song on the album. The song opens up with eerie sound effects and slow, thunder-like drumming. Geddy sings with a tone of seriousness and mystery. Lifeson generates some great riffs here too. Halfway through the song, the synths come in, and they make the song even better. Soon after, Geddy starts singing, hitting all the high notes and then some.
The album comes to a close with �Vital Signs�. The opening sounds very reggae influenced, and Geddy�s vocals have a cool echoing effect to them. I really like the lyrics to the song as well, which are science fiction influenced, like many of Neal Peart�s lyrics.
Highlights
�YYZ�, �The Camera Eye�, �Witch Hunt�
Bottom Line
Rush's Moving Pictures is a great album, which is why this is their most popular album to date. Rush fans shouldn�t pass this one up, and those unfamiliar with Rush should pick up this to get you into the band.
Final Grade: A
Did You Know�?
- The intro to the song �YYZ� is actually YYZ played using Morse code. The song is named after the IATA Airport Code for Toronto Pearson International Airport.
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Last Updated ::
5/6/2005
Album: Moving Pictures
Album line-up:
Geddy Lee � Bass Guitar/Mini Moog/Oberheim
Polyphonic/Taurus Pedals/Vocals
Alex Lifeson - Electric and
Acoustic Guitars/Taurus Pedals
Neil Peart - Drums/Percussion
Additional Personnel:
Hugh Syme - Synthesizers on �Witch Hunt�
Release Year: 1981
Label: Mercury
Produced by: Rush and Terry Brown