My Favorite Headache
It's ironic that someone associated with Ayn Rand's cult of the individual would record 22Rushalbums before getting around to doing one of his own. Of course, Geddy Lee hasn't lacked self-expression as the Canadian trio's lead singer and bassist, but this first solo album does highlight interesting aspects of the esoteric rocker's talent. Recording and cowriting with Ben Mink (formerly of fellow Canadian bandF.M., but better known for his exceptional collaborations withk.d. lang), Lee's distinctive vocals sit nicely amid Beatle-esque strings on "Working @ Perfekt" and "The Angel's Share." Elsewhere, the piano-driven "Slipping" and "Still" evoke an air of personal reflection that can get lost in Rush's sonic onslaught. Yes, there's still plenty of quick riffing ("Home on the Strange" makesYessound restrained), overly ambitious lyrics (the title track rhymes "nihilistic" with "realistic"), and that patented, helium-tinged voice. But listening to this record could surprise many of the band's detractors, while serving as an enjoyable head-rush for fans awaiting album 23.--Bill Forman