MUSIC REVIEW: Rush - A Show of Hands

"Slick songs with an edge."

It bewilders me that people say the songs here sound identical to their studio versions. I couldn't disagree more. In most cases, I think the performances on A Show of Hands catch fire, injecting considerably more energy than was present on the studio renditions. Though not quite the unadulterated intensity of All the World's a Stage, due to some glossing with overdubs and some added maturity, A Show of Hands is still exciting and emotionally charged. Take, for instance, "Subdivisions," a song whose energy breaches the ceiling with a crunchier presence of Lifeson's guitars, fiery drumming, and Geddy's passionate delivery. Actually, on each song here Lifeson's guitars have a bigger presence than the studio versions. That alone boosts the intensity level. Yes, the incidence of overdubs detracts strongly from the imperative, genuine live feel, but I'd still say there's more than enough energy to compensate. "Marathon," one of my favorite Rush songs, never gave me more goose bumps (that final chorus just soars!). "Closer to the Heart," a requisite concert staple, gets a new jam tagged onto the end, and it's a strong conclusion to a strong live album. Sprinkled throughout are songs that showcase the lighter, melodic side of the band. "Time Stands Still" and "Mystic Rhythms" sound infinitely better here than on the studio versions, thanks to a powerful, emotional performance. Peart's drum solo "The Rhythm Method" is sure to have a few jaws hitting the floor. The man is the master! If you didn't like Rush's "synthesizer era," don't buy this unless you're a completist. But if you do like those albums, definitely get this one.

MUSIC REVIEW: Rush - Hold Your Fire

"Attack of the 80s Part III."

Sure, the unequivocal 80s pop sound is evident here, like synth-soaked songs, the vocal stylings, and whatever else. That's not inherently bad news, however. You see, unlike most progressive rock bands, Rush fared well when the 80s sucked them in (Yes or Genesis, on the other hand, were turned to crap by the 80s). There is nothing tremendously distinctive about the songs themselves, other than the fact that the writing is very high caliber all throughout. Hold Your Fire is similar in sound to Power Windows, but it rocks a little less and shines a bit more often from track to track. I can empathize with the prog rockers who were PO'ed when Rush went in a very commercial direction, because it can be frustrating when a band goes through radical changes. I dig this record though. Neil Peart maintains his reputation as rock's best lyricist, while Lee's continued flirtations with synthesizers yields some effective results. Some people say "Damn you, Lee, drop the keyboards and pick up your bass guitar!" Cripes, listen to the album! It's full of dexterous bass playing, and combined with Peart's drumming it rounds out one of the best rhythm sections around. I kind of feel sorry for Lifeson, who is one of rock's most original guitarists but whose role on this album is diluted (although he provides an awesome solo on "Mission" and some vital energy on "Force Ten" that make that song so great, and some great ambient chords on "Tai Shan"... and lots of other cool parts, so whatever). Although I've never really warmed up to "Turn the Page," I dig this album... and this is from an overweening progressive rock fan. So, I give Hold Your Fire 5 stars.