The RUSH discography

Well, props for trying new stuff. Never a band to rest on their past success.

Like I've said many times, I would prefer a band do what they want and try new things (even if I don't particularly like the direction) than just keep recording the same exact album over and over. Rush has gone through many changes of direction throughout their 40 year career, some albums I like more than others, but if you look at their discography as a whole it's quite the interesting and personal trajectory they've gone on. Even the lesser albums add elements to the journey that wouldn't be the same if they didn't exist.

S.D. wrote:

Like I've said many times, I would prefer a band do what they want and try new things (even if I don't particularly like the direction) than just keep recording the same exact album over and over. Rush has gone through many changes of direction throughout their 40 year career, some albums I like more than others, but if you look at their discography as a whole it's quite the interesting and personal trajectory they've gone on. Even the lesser albums add elements to the journey that wouldn't be the same if they didn't exist.

I wholeheartedly agree and I know that sometime (more sooner than later) my old dinosaur butt will go back and listen to those Rush albums either dismissed at first/second listen or totaly ignored.

Well, I really like Power Windows. I do understand so many not liking the direction/sound with a deep catalog and long standing fan base. I can appreciate it, even if I don't agree. I think Getty is outstanding on this album. He really burns and shows a passion and emotion that propels each song into a story. Not a bad track on the album, but I don't think I'd ever get sick of Mystic Rhythms. Even with all of the 1's and 0's I think the band did exactly what they wanted and believed in it completely. I think it shows. I pulled it out today and listened with a critical ear and yes, I did hear some things I never noticed. Funny, how some things go un-noticed until they are pointed out. I don't think the band was chasing trends on this one. It may seem like perfect timing, but I'm convinced they did it their way. Everyone goes through changes and nothing ever stays the same. The band has pulled back a little from this release in recent times, but really hindsight is 20/20. I give this album a 10 out of 10 because it pulls me in and paints a picture with strong and vibrant imagery just like much of Rush's best work does.

journeyman wrote:

Well, I really like Power Windows. I do understand so many not liking the direction/sound with a deep catalog and long standing fan base. I can appreciate it, even if I don't agree. I think Getty is outstanding on this album. He really burns and shows a passion and emotion that propels each song into a story. Not a bad track on the album, but I don't think I'd ever get sick of Mystic Rhythms. Even with all of the 1's and 0's I think the band did exactly what they wanted and believed in it completely. I think it shows. I pulled it out today and listened with a critical ear and yes, I did hear some things I never noticed. Funny, how some things go un-noticed until they are pointed out. I don't think the band was chasing trends on this one. It may seem like perfect timing, but I'm convinced they did it their way. Everyone goes through changes and nothing ever stays the same. The band has pulled back a little from this release in recent times, but really hindsight is 20/20. I give this album a 10 out of 10 because it pulls me in and paints a picture with strong and vibrant imagery just like much of Rush's best work does.

Excellent post.

My critique of the album is more in regards to the production than the actual material itself.

This is one of my least listened to Rush albums. I like almost the whole thing, but the production kills it for me... Mystic Rhythms and Middletown Dreams still kick ass despite it, though.

My favorite period of Rush is from Permanent Waves to Grace Under Pressure, and this one falls just outside the boundary of that era obviously. The quality began slipping majorly after here, but I still enjoy this one while it's playing.

I played fly by night on my way home last night.

What an awesome classic platter