Album Thoughts
I have a lot of nostalgia around Rush.
This is the newest Rush I’ve listened, to, though. This is music that my dad introduced me to, and he certainly influenced a lot of my early music tastes.
Song Notes
Animate
- Not a sound I typically associate with Rush, but then the chord progression hits in and then Geddy Lee starts up, and we get familiar. Playing chords on the bass is always neat!
Stick It Out
- This is even more what I was expecting. It’s heavier than I’m used to hearing from them, but the chords and rhythms are more in line with their style. The discordant chores are very cool here.
Cut to the Chase
- Sick solo!
Nobody’s Hero
- Okay, go off about gay rights. Mourning the loss of a friend due to AIDS, and mourning the loss of a family friend, raising awareness.
- It feels maybe a little clunky, but I get it. It’s very personal, and I get wanting to share.
Alien Shore
- The broader understanding and discussion of gender and sexuality has definitely come a long way since then, but I do appreciate the clear planting a clear flag in the ground of acceptance and trying to understand other people.
Double Agent
- Yo, this one rules. I think this is my favorite so far.
Leave That Thing Alone
- I like this instrumental. I think I just inherently trust Rush’s instrumentals, especially given YYZ.
General Thoughts
- Despite really liking Rush, I’m completely unfamiliar with this album. I might remember a thing or two from going to their Time Machine Tour.
- I love these nerds. I’m glad that even though Neil Peart is gone, I’m gonna get to see them again.
- Their songs that involve activism are a little blunt, but I in 2004, I think the bluntness is extra appreciated, especially in retrospect.
- The lyrics are corny, but the music behind them is damn solid.