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Rush
Moving Pictures (1981)

1. Tom Sawyer (4:33)
2. Red Barchetta (6:10)
3. YYZ (4:26)
4. Limelight (4:19)
5. The Camera Eye (11:01)
6. Witch Hunt (Part III of Fear) (4:45)
7. Vital Signs (4:46)

This is the album Rush is most known for. 1981's Moving Pictures stands as the band's commercial pinnacle, and is musically interesting to boot. The increased rock and roll presence is felt with three of the first four tracks, all radio-friendly songs with something for the established fan, whether it be a 7/8 mini-moog solo ("Tom Sawyer"), or Lifeson's guitar pyrotechnics in a rawk ("Red Barchetta") or purely emotive ("Limelight") sense. Then, of course, there is the instrumental "YYZ", named for the transmitter code of the Toronto International Airport. This is a demented showcase for all three musicians, particularly Lee's bass guitar and Peart's use of anything in sight to percussive effect.

The remaining three songs are not as successful, although all have their moments. "Camera Eye" is a bit over-long, and not nearly as successful as the longer tracks on the previous three albums. "Witch Hunt" was once one of my favorite songs by the band, but I now find it a bit heavy-handed; I still love the mood it sets but it could perhaps be a bit less over-the-top. Finally, we see a pseudo-reggae vibe in "Vital Signs", no doubt influenced by the Police, that I have never found too attractive in the band's work. This sound was to be explored further on their next couple of releases. These are all minor gripes, though, and I would consider each track more of a success than a failure.

All told, this is Rush's best-selling album, and a case where there is definitely a link between the artistic and commercial success of the band.

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