Originally published by L.S. Media. April 23rd 2011.
There are some anniversaries that deserve a little something extra, a chance to really set the town alight, go the whole hog and show that special someone how much you care and love them. For fans of the Canadian super group Rush, that’s exactly what’s happened for them in the form of the seminal piece of work Moving Pictures.
Rush had devolved into one of the best bands to record and tour by the time Moving Pictures was unleashed onto an unsuspecting world 30 years ago, they had already given an indication of what the 80’s would bring for them with Permanent Waves and the superb radio friendly hit of Spirit of Radio. By following this up with the incredible Tom Sawyer, the band was once more thrust into the spotlight on both sides of the Atlantic. Its resonating overtones of anti-establishment permanence that has become a staple of their live set ever since.
The album is a combined effort of the three men that have made up the band since the second album, Fly by Night, main writer and one man drum machine Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson on guitars and the unmistakable voice of Geddy Lee made Moving Pictures one of the sought after albums of the decade and to this day the best selling album ever by the band.
Multi layered, self-reflecting and with lyrics that have stood the test of time, with songs that just make the ears beg for more and which Rush quietly delivers in spades. There’s no getting away from the gentle caressing opening of Red Barchetta or the haunting appeal of YYZ, it’s easy to see why they still are a vital cog in the diet of serious music lovers everywhere.
The only problem, and it’s a big problem with this re-issue is the fact that’s its recorded in 5.1 Surround Sound. Absolutely brilliant for those with the equipment to harness the rawness, the magnitude of the album but for anyone still using basic C.Ds players or recording it onto a P.C. its technological clearness is wasted and the music buyer would still be better off buying the ordinary version which in all honesty kicks some wonderful ass.
Other than that the album and bonus disc featuring a few rare videos is a timely reminder of the uniqueness and longevity of a band that has been a mainstay of Rock/Prog and Populism. Call it opportune or callous business, either way, a grand way to prepare their legions of fans that the British tour is just around the corner, one that will be eagerly awaited by all.
Ian D. Hall