New Rush Album

35 years and this band is still kickin'. It's been about 15 years since I first started obsessively listening to Rush (and getting mercilessly teased by my friends for doing so), but it seems like just yesterday I took my buddy Ben's recommendation to pick up Moving Pictures, cranked up the volume to Tom Sawyer, and then stuck the album on infinite repeat.

Fast-forward to present day, and certainly, the band is not what they once were (Rush-haters, keep your snide remarks to yourself). In all honesty, my tastes have changed too. Musically, Rush is now more uptempo with a heavier sound (both things that I like), but I miss the good old days when their compositions were more unconventional.

Music aside, it's interesting to note the shift in lyrics, as the band members are now all in their 50s. As a quick example, the lyrics to Tom Sawyer describe a free-thinking rebellious "modern day warrior:"

No his mind is not for rent
to any God or Government
always hopeful yet discontent
he knows changes aren't permanent.

I've always interpreted that song to be endorsing a young generation that would empower itself to change the world. 25 years later, it's understandable that that their same youthful optimisim isn't as strong, but it's still a little disheartening to see some pessimism creep into their lyrics, as in "Far Cry," the first single off the Snakes and Arrows album.

It’s a far cry from the world we thought we’d inherit
It’s a far cry from the way we thought we’d share it
...
One day I feel I’m on top of the world
And the next it’s falling in on me
...
One day I feel I’m ahead of the wheel
And the next it’s rolling over me

It's strange to read these lyrics and see how the world view has changed. Gone are the idealogical ramblings, the parables of individualism vs. collective, and the excitement of an ever-changing society. The new songs feel more world-weary and introspective than anything they were doing 10-20 years ago.

Still need to give the album a few more listens, but overall I'm enjoying the album, especially the instrumentals, in which Rush always delivers the goods (YYZ, anyone?).