Search - Rush :: Permanent Waves

The Lasting Effects of "Permanent Waves."

Andrew Estes | Maine | 01/02/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On this date 30 years ago, Canadian prog-rock trio Rush released their seventh studio album, delivering perhaps their most commercial set of songs at the time while simultaneously helping to usher in a new era of music. "Permanent Waves" is that album, and its effects can be felt just as strongly today.



Opening with the arena-rock ode to music, "The Spirit of Radio," this six-song set injects not only a strong song-writing sensibility, but also tighter musicianship as well as top-notch production. In fact, it's one of the few rock albums from its era that still sounds fresh and lively long after its heyday has passed. Whether it's Geddy Lee's vibrant vocals and expressive bass-lines, guitarist Alex Lifeson's precise riffing or drummer Neil Peart's infallibility behind the drums, everything that served to define the band before is in full effect on this effort, only streamlined to express something entirely different.



Granted, "Permanent Waves" does find the band scaling back its grand approach to song-writing and song-structures, but everlasting hits like "Freewill" and the aforementioned "Spirit of Radio" are just as bold and hard-hitting as anything else in their back catalogue. "Entre Nous" is a slightly less-recognized cut, but is yet another example of the band's shift from prog-rock heroes to stadium rock Gods. Never fear, though, as "Jacob's Ladder" and the album's nearly 10-minute long closer, "Natural Science" show a more experimental and traditional side of the album while simultaneously complimenting the hits on hand perfectly.



Although it's admittedly more radio-friendly and commercial than the band's previous efforts, it holds up us one of Rush's most consistent and powerful records to date. To be honest, there is not a single flaw to be found, and the songs breeze by so fast, you'll feel compelled to start the album all over again just as soon as it finishes. "Permanent Waves" is a rock album that transcends genres from a band that has never been afraid of taking risks. One of the best in the band's career, as well as one of the best albums the 80's had to offer.

"

Permanent Waves

MRT | 12/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Permanent Waves is a sort of arrival record. Up until this point Rush played as fast and as long as they could to show their prowess. With this album they abandon that theory and begin crafting shorter, more powerful songs with a much better result.One of the things noticeable on this album is how Rush starts allowing the music to be influenced by the lyrics. This is very evident on "Jacob's Ladder" where the music becomes almost as ominous as the lyrics themselves. Rush learns more subtlety with songs like "Entre Nous" and we get to hear Peart exploring his drum set around the words he's written.The double punch of "Spirit Of Radio" and "Freewill" demonstrate how Rush doesn't need a 10 minute song to play like Gods or get their lyrical ideas across. "Natural Science" is a bit of a return to the longer form of songwriting, except this is simply outstanding.For the first time up to this point, Rush has released an album that is powerful from beginning to end...something that would continue for many years. Usually on the earlier albums there was some hit and miss with songs being great and some being just awesome.

"

Great album. Great Re-Master!

Joe Monteiro | Houston, TX USA | 08/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kudos to Mobile Fidelity! Permanent Waves has never sounded better. The folks at MOFI are true craftsmen. Gone is the gain-clipped distortion in Alex Lifeson's guitar intro to "The Spirit of Radio". In fact, his guitar tone is hugely improved from previous issues of this CD. There's a warmth that was not there before. The instruments are well separated-- you'll hear things you may not have noticed before. I can finally hear all the nuances of the bubbling water effect in the beginning of "Natural Science". A true revelation!



In short, one of Rush's best albums has finally received the mastering treatment it deserves. I dare say, this issue sounds better than my original vinyl copy. It's well worth the money if you are a big fan of this recording.



Okay, now to find the discontinued MOFI versions of Moving Pictures and 2112!"