Hemispheres
Smart rockers Rush were just on the brink of being embraced by the album rock mainstream when they recordedHemispheres. Already wildly popular with a certain corner of the intellectual crowd, thanks in part to drummer Neil Peart's Ayn Rand obsession, this CD marked a turning point for the Canadian trio.Hemispheresexplores the political, social economic, and sci-fi themes prevalent on their early work, continuing the saga of "Cygnus" fromA Farewell To Kings. Rush was fond of writing in movements, almost orchestrally, rather than the typical verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure, andHemisphereshas the usual opus-like compositions that perfectly displayed their chops. The CD features time changes that you'd need a calculator to crack, impossible guitar arpeggios from Alex Lifeson, and Geddy Lee's low end bass rumblings and high end vocal shriekings.  Rush's lofty lyrics sometimes bordered on the ridiculous and, if for no other reason,Hemispheresdeserves props for Lee's ability to sing the line, "There is unrest in the forest..." (from "Trees") while keeping a straight face. --Steve Gdula