Thursday, May 15, 2008

Album of the Day

Signals, by Rush (1982): If AFtK was the start of Rush's proggiest period, Signals was a fairly definitive statement that it was over. The songs are more concise and overtly radio friendly. Which is not to say dull or straightforward, but certainly more accessible. Signals also marked a rise in the prominence of synths in the mix, which would continue, really, until Counterparts. Rush fandom is divided on the synth era. It's some of my favorite Rush stuff, both because it was what was new when I was growing up and because I'm a keyboard player anyway, so I'm not biased against their use. Besides, who can't love that fat Oberheim sound that kicks off "Subdivisions"?

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