Presto [Original recording remastered, Import]

 

 

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I'm a lifelong Rush fan and as this album came out when I was 16 it was one of four 'cassettes' that I learned to drive to (along with Pump, Appetite for Destruction & Dr. Feelgood). With no cassette player anymore, having not listened to this album in so long I recently upgraded to the CD. One of my top 3 favorite Rush songs is on this album - The Pass. Love it! Solid from track 1 through 11, this is a very balanced and even album with great hooks that's easy to get into. Just be careful not to do too much air drumming when you're behind the wheel.

New producer Rupert Hine brought a sonic clarity to `Presto' at the expense of dynamic range. Electric piano is used in place of synths. On bass, Geddy focuses on the mid-range of the instrument at the expense of the bottom end. Alex is pushed ever higher as the bass and piano, and Peart's drums, intrude on his space.

To me, this is a great album for the car stereo. Many of the audio limitations are not as apparent on a standard car stereo as they are on a decent home stereo. Also, I really got into this album driving back and forth to work back when I lived in London and commuted to St. Thomas, so it always reminds me of the road.

Some general comments about the sound of this album, particularly in the original, non-remastered release: The drums have no kick and they sound kind of wet or, at times, clattery. The guitar sound is very wiry. The bass pedals purr instead of roar. All the instruments seem to have a limited dynamic range.

I have done back to back comparisons between the original release and the remastered versions that appear on `Retrospective III', and they are distinctly better, but by no means perfect.

I like the intro to "Show Don't Tell". The tribal drum bit, then what sounds to me like the musical equivalent of someone falling down the stairs. Alex teases a lot of different, but wiry, sounds out of his Signature guitar. This song features some outstanding playing. I think the reason that it never became popular with Rush fans or with the general public is that the lyrics seem a bit too obvious.

The snare drum on "Chain Lightning sounds great! I love the minor key of this song, and I love the way that the drums and guitar seem to flash like lightning. Lyrically, I love the tie in of the astronomical and atmospheric effects with the communication of ideas and energy.

The more I hear it, the more that I think that "The Pass" is gorgeous. For some reason, I used to hate the bass line and riff--now I really like it, but think that it was played on the wrong bass. If you listen to this same song from `Rush in Rio' you will note an overall improvement in the bass sound. To me, this song has a real Peter Gabriel feel to it in places--maybe it's the synths. Alex's guitar solo is fantastic! It is very imaginative and emotive.

"War Paint" is a good song with simple music and great lyrics.

"Scars" is funky and cool. I like the atmosphere that they create. This song has a better dynamic range than the other songs on the album. This is one of my favourites from both the album and the tour. I have always thought that this would have made a great single.

The title track, "Presto", is one of those songs that really grows on you. Rush have been pushing this song in a subtle way for a long time. It's inclusion on the `Retrospective III' disc is a testament that they are still behind it. They could have chosen many other more obvious tracks for the latest retrospective. There is no doubt that this is a great song. It has a nice use of acoustic guitars, great lyrics, amazing singing, and a beautiful arrangement.

The use of cowbell on "Superconductor" always makes me laugh! This song is pretty straightforward pop-metal. This song may have done better as a single if they had not done that horrible music video. Elements of this song remind me of Genesis from this same era, but a little harder.

"Anagram" features both a very cool tune and some fun wordplay in the lyrics. This song would have fit well on their `Roll the Bones' album. I find the lyrics really stimulating for the imagination.

"Red Tide" features a fantastic arrangement with a great sound. The lyrics are a bit obvious at times, but they say things that should be said--this is another protest song like "Second Nature" from `Hold Your Fire'.

"Hand Over Fist" is an interesting song. It is fun to listen to all the changes and tricks.

Everything comes together on "Available Light". It combines powerful words and some of Geddy's best singing ever. The arrangement and playing are first rate. This song features an exciting mixture of textures. You haven't really heard Rush until you have heard this song.

Not one of Rush's better albums, nor not one of my favorites by them; but this album does have one of Rush's better 80's songs which in my opinion is track 2, Chain Lightning. This is a beautiful track and for me, is very Canadian as it wasn't an international hit.
I have been researching for years why this album was not included in the Rush remasters series and still have yet to find any concrete evidence. I have the original of course and although as mentioned, not my favorite album by them, I would buy the remastered version for Chain Lightning.

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2.0 out of 5 stars Desapointing one
This album has been a big desapointment for me, in regards to all the great previous ones like "Moving Picture", "Signals" or "Power Window". Not really recommanded.

Published on Mar 31 2008 by H. MARCHAL

5.0 out of 5 stars My personal pick for best Rush album
After the quartet of albums that featured heavy emphasis on synths during the 80's, Rush finally seemed to rediscover the balance of synths and guitar that they did on Moving... Read more

Published on Jun 23 2004 by Seth Nelson

5.0 out of 5 stars Start of new phase for Rush on new label
Rush's 16th album Presto was released in November of 1989. The album was the start of the band's fourth phase and the first for Atlantic in the US, although it's technically on... Read more

Published on Jun 21 2004 by Terrence J Reardon

1.0 out of 5 stars very unpopular shtuff
TRu prog is old. peeps, this stuff is fairly good compared to other prog but it still is old and will never be seen on TRL with the likes of more popular shtuff dat da informed... Read more

Published on Jun 3 2004 by tupac wayne gacy

5.0 out of 5 stars The great beginning to phase four of Rush
Rush's 16th album Presto was released in November of 1989. The album was the start of the band's fourth phase and the first for Atlantic in the US, although it's technically on... Read more

Published on May 21 2004 by Terrence J. Reardon

5.0 out of 5 stars A lyrical masterpiece? Yes, it's true...
Lyricism or overarching beauty has rarely been amongst Rush's creative goals and their oeuvre reflects this. But this album abandons that stricture almost completely. Read more

Published on April 24 2004 by S. McCrea

1.0 out of 5 stars Part Deux: Fools 'Rush' In
Inquiring re: 'Slaughter on 5th Avenue' and 'Wipeout' the clerk took me to the $1.99 bargin bin and pointed to 'Presto' and said "this should do". Read more

Published on April 22 2004 by a music fan

1.0 out of 5 stars Presto...
it's canadian popcorn. I'll take the advice of cut three and 'pass' on this hot-buttered scrum. 1 star.

Published on April 21 2004 by a music fan

5.0 out of 5 stars One awesome album....
This album was my first taste of the band RUSH. I discovered this wonderful disc in 1991...and haven't looked back since. Read more

Published on April 20 2004 by irnmtn25

5.0 out of 5 stars That's nice
Presto is without a doubt the most underrated album in the Rush canon. It's also the most heartachingly beautiful music the band has ever created. Read more

Published on Mar 18 2004 by Evil Lincoln

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