Rush – “Clockwork Angels” (2012)
Another take on Rush’s new album by Adrien Begrand, dated June 8th, from his MSN Headbang column…
The 20th album by the Canadian legends is one of their most ambitious.
When you’re a fan of a band that’s carried on for decades, churning out album after album, the later they get into their career, the more you’re left hoping that they end their run with a little dignity. “We’re not asking for another classic album; just don’t embarrass yourselves.” But a funny thing happened since a fella named Neil Young first sang about how it’s better to burn out than to fade away back in 1978, as a few veteran bands have managed to reignite their creative fire. Iron Maiden has most famously been enjoying a triumphant late chapter in their legendary run, and in recent years, so has Rush.
Yeah, you can call me a Rush fan, but I’m a picky Rush fan. In fact, prior to 2007 I hadn’t liked a new Rush album since 1989’s Presto. Five years ago, however, Snakes & Arrows floored me with the strength of the songwriting and the energy in the performances of bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart. Here was an old band, probably very set in their ways, who decided to challenge themselves with an ambitious, younger producer in Nick Raskulinecz, and emerged with a modest triumph of a record, one that has aged very well since. Read the rest of this entry »
The Beat Patrol 