Review Summary: The enduring band's masterpiece.
Unfortunately, Rush have announced that they will no longer be touring on a larger scale as a result of Neil Peart’s retirement. Basically, if he’s done, they’re all done. That’s a sign that the band truly works perfectly together and that no one in their collective is replaceable. Though they haven’t ruled out future albums or a show here and there, they’re more or less finished. For someone like me who has just recently gotten the chance to experience their talent in a live setting for the first (and probably last time), it was an odd sigh of relief because it was a close call. Their last tour was my chance to see them whether I knew it or not, and it was completely eye-opening. The energy and chemistry they all had together was simply remarkable. No amount of old age appeared to be getting to them because absolutely nothing about their performance was half assed. Neil’s toms rebounded throughout the entire arena with incredible power, Geddy used the bass as if it was meant to be heard 100% of the time and Alex at the guitar helm was jaw dropping. The next day, I came and listened to
Moving Pictures thinking I may have been won over, and I was right.
It's safe to say that everyone has heard “Tom Sawyer” at some point whether it’s known or not. It’s for good reason too because everything about it is incredibly memorable. It marks the first appearance of the band’s synthesizer phase and they did it well. In addition to this, everyone’s trademark instrumental ability exists at the perfect volume. Geddy’s bass and voice plow through the mix, Alex’s guitar riffs live on through the ages and Neil’s drumming is perfect down to the slightest technical detail. This song is a fan favorite for these reasons and other favorites such as “YYZ” and “Limelight” prove no different. Though the former lacks Geddy’s signature falsetto voice, this song is one of the most seminal instrumentals ever due to their rock solid musicianship. Meanwhile “Limelight” features that enduring guitar riff and catchy chorus. Both these songs signify the band’s maturity as well, with “YYZ” featuring their sky rocketed musicianship and “Limelight” showing Neil writing realistic lyrics about real things. These qualities thankfully carry over through the rest of the record too.
In addition to being aided by the wonderful qualities mentioned above, “Vital Signs” and “The Camera Eye” also showcase the album’s variety. “Vital Signs” keeps a steady instrumental tempo and is instead driven by Neil’s masterful lyrics about the importance of understanding in all aspects of life. “Witch Hunt” also functions in a similar manner, but it reveals the atmospheric guitar sound explored a lot more in
Grace Under Pressure. Opposing this song is “The Camera Eye.” This song acts as the record’s massive epic. After a slow burning beginning, it gives way to the band’s excellent song writing and ability to make an over ten-minute song interesting for its entire duration. From the atmospheric beginning to Neil’s engrossing drumming, “The Camera Eye” possesses all of the band’s best characteristics, as well as the rest of the record.
The best characteristic of the band in general as showcased by this album proves their ability to change with the times without sacrificing their integrity or identity. Take “Red Barchetta” for example. It’s one of the most radio friendly songs they’ve written, but it’s still irresistible. That guitar tone is way too beautiful to hate and it really goes to show how anyone can make an accessible song like that with masterful musicianship and said identity very much intact. That’s why Rush have endured and thrived in every era. Whether it be progressive rock, hard rock or their 80s synthesizer era, every album they’ve made has been their own. It certainly helps that they were always able to duplicate their brilliant studio recordings on stage with ease. They’ll forever remain one of the greatest rock bands in music for these reasons. I really do have to thank seeing them in person for opening my eyes to all of these elements. There’s so much to their music on
Moving Pictures alone and it makes me proud to be a fan of them.
