Number 48: Moving Pictures by Rush
Release: February 12th, 1981
Genre: Prog Rock
Favorite Tracks: Tom Sawyer, YYZ, The Camera Eye
Where I heard it:
I've been playing drums for about half of my life now, beginning in middle school and diminishing in frequency throughout my adult life. Although I never played much drum kit proper, my love for percussion started - like many others - with Neil Peart, drummer for Rush. I watched a lot of old VH1 retrospectives as a young teen in my downtime, and it seemed like Peart was always mentioned to some capacity as one of rock music's greatest artists. I idolized this guy for the better part of a year, and just couldn't say no to an opportunity to see him play during Rush's 2010 Time Machine Tour that had a scheduled stop at Red Rocks Amphitheater. One week before I started high school, I was absolutely blown away at the marathon double set that included a performance of Moving Pictures in its entirety. It's a memory of my teens that I'll never forget as long as I live. As such, Moving Pictures holds such a special place in my heart not only for the sentimentality, but for the lasting legacy it has left behind on so many musicians with iconic tracks like YYZ and Tom Sawyer.
No, his mind is not for rent
To any God or government
Always hopeful, yet discontent
He knows changes aren't permanent
But change is
And what you say about his company
Is what you say about society
~ Tom Sawyer
What to expect:
When taking a look at the discography of Rush, the sheer volume of records can be quite daunting for those looking for a place to start. By the 80's, Rush had already accrued a sizable portfolio which included such gems as the epic prog anthem 2112 or the theatrical masterpiece Hemispheres. For their eighth release, Rush drew inspiration from other legendary prog acts like King Crimson and Yes that were steadily increasing the complexity of their music in a sort of prog rock arms race. Rush knew they had to bring their best this go round, and Moving Pictures may be the most well-rounded and engaging album they've ever put out. From a technical standpoint, the trio are completely locked in during odd 7/8 or 10/4 time signatures that occasionally spring up unprompted in the middle of a song. The band's strong chemistry allows each instrument to work in synchronous harmony, leaving plenty to be dissected but not so much that phrases clash together. Geddy Lee's unmistakable vocal style displays incredible depth as he weaves tales of dystopian future and personal reflection penned by Neil Peart. Known for his elaborate drum kit setup and remarkable live solos, Peart produces his most notable career work in the drum feature for Tom Sawyer and trade-off solos with Geddy Lee during YYZ. Rounded out by the versatile guitar tones of Alex Lifeston, Moving Pictures pulls musical inspiration from the least likely of sources. For instance, YYZ references Toronto International Airport's ID code YYZ, and transcribing a rhythm based off those letters in morse code. There's also the subtle reggae roots of Vital Signs that were experimented with on Rush's prior album Permanent Waves in the form of The Spirit of Radio's conclusion. While certainly not the most advanced music of their repertoire, Moving Pictures feels the most broad in its reach, resulting in creative and abstract concepts that were groundbreaking for Rush at the time. The band would continue to explore with their sound over the decades, but never strayed too far from the progressive elements that earned them their fame. Moving Pictures is a perfect snapshot of Rush's blend of prog with outside influences during the timeline of their illustrious career.
Down in his barn, my uncle preserved for me an old machine for 50-odd years
To keep it as new has been his dearest dream
I strip away the old debris that hides a shining car
A brilliant red Barchetta from a better vanished time
We'll fire up the willing engine, responding with a roar
Tires spitting gravel, I commit my weekly crime
~ Red Barchetta
Why it's my favorite:
I get a little bit emotional when pondering over what makes Rush one of my favorite bands ever. I've seen them in concert twice, shared memories with friends over their music, and even acquired a taste for the drums because of them. When I learned of Neil Peart's loss to brain cancer at the start of 2020, it was one of the few celebrity deaths that left a heavy impression on me. His passing was mourned by droves of others that also fell in love with his fantastic storytelling and superhuman musical abilities. I thought about my first time seeing Rush, watching Moving Pictures be performed while the audience was still in their captivation of the band's awesome power. Then, the roar of the crowd between songs in the darkness of night, celebrating the communal appreciation that entire amphitheater shared for Rush. Their music has transcended generations, establishing a sort of fraternal fandom that are all in on the secrets of the band's musical magic. Just the other day, I was at the grocery store in my Rush shirt and an older couple passed by me to quip, "Love Rush. Best band ever!". It gave me some pause to value all the things Rush has given me over the years: amazing music, unforgettable experiences, and a love for prog that resonates with me to this day. Admittedly, Moving Pictures is a bit more than just the music to me, but that fact has no bearing over how good this album truly is at face value. It's more than deserving of a spot on this list.
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