Snakes & Arrows

The new Rush disc, "Snakes & Arrows," has hit the streets. I've had it for a few days now and can report that it's brilliant.

Longtime fans of the band will find much to love here - daring musicianship, intelligent and insightful lyrics, ambitious structures, and plenty of FUN stuff. New listeners should be attracted by the singular nature of this wonderful band.

The music is timeless but the production is pleasingly contemporary, meaning this music can't be written off as mere "classic rock."

Like all the group's best records - and this new one clearly ranks among the band's Top 5 - the listener is asked to invest a bit of his or her self in the process of the music's unfolding. That means the more you listen to the record, the more you'll get out of it. This material is ready-made for the stage, and expect to hear plenty of it when the band shows up for its 4th of July gig at Darien lake. Look for my full review of "Snakes & Arrows" in this Friday's Gusto.

Comments

[Michelle M.]

Jeff,

Just read your review in the Gusto. Finally! A critic who gets Rush! (Whether a review is positive or negative, I like to know that the critic has actually listened to the body of work in question, rather than just spout off generalities. You've obviously been listening.)

There is not a song I don't like on this CD. The instrumentals are all fabulous. (Three of them! I'm in heaven.) I agree that Rush, and especially for this release, requires investment from the listener. You need several listens to absorb all that is going on and be blown away by the sheer musicianship.

Two months and counting until July 4. :)

[Kevin]

I think it's great that someone like you with musical talent appreciates a band like this and has been able to spread the word. This is their best recording since Counterparts. I've got my tickets for July 4th!

[Darren]

I'm glad you like it Jeff I think its fantastic Armour and Sword,Far Cry,Malignant Narcissism are some of the stand outs