Signals [Original recording remastered, Import]

 

 

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'Signals' (often mistakenly called 'Subdivisions' by non-fans) is a continued growth as well as a departure for the band. The influence of the new bands of the day, such as the Police, Ultravox, and Visage, are readily apparent. The times were changing, and Rush was willing and able to change with them. Gone were the Science Fiction and dytopian infused themes, to be replaced by an exploration of humanity and technology.

The album grabs you immendiately. The opening bass notes of "Subdivisions" rivets your attention. Throughout this amazing song, the guitar is a bit back in the mix (this situation is much improved in live releases and performances of the song--especially on the 'Snakes & Arrows Live' set, where Alex brings out his Les Paul to cut through the synths). The bass and drums on this studio version are so tight. They lock in and drive an incredible amount of excitement through the song. The songs seems simpler than their older material, but you will be surprised to discover a high degree of complexity in terms of playing and arrangement. The solo section is one of my favourites on the album. Alex captures an incredible feeling of loneliness and ambition rolled together.

I don't think Rush have done a song this fast up until now. The "Analog Kid" has a very quick tempo. They really rip through this one. The vocal melody is beautiful and dreamy, almost hiding the burning fretwork and quick drums underneath. I love the majestic Genesis-esque chorus, done in a contrasting slow tempo. "Analog Kid" is my anthem. It is all about the hopes and dreams of my youth. Back then it was about desire, but now it is about my regret for a life not lived. The solo says it all: anger, joy, frustration, passion.

"Chemistry" was a hard song to get into at first, especially agter the first two tracks. It is a fast paced blending of styles: Rock, New Wave, Reggae, Ska, and Prog. This song is the progress of the experiments begun on 'Permanent Waves'. The playing is fantastic throughout and leaves you wanting more.

"Digital Man" is a very cool Rock-Reggae inspired song that is slow tempo for rock, but fast temp for Reaage. There is a heavy Police inflence here. Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland might as well be rocking this one. I'm surprised this wasn't released as a single instead of "Countdown". To my mind "Digital Man" has greater "1982-hit" potential than the album closer. Alex blazes through yet another great solo and we are left totally blown away after four heavy rocking and accessible numbers. Rush have proved that they can change with the times and still be Rush.

Side 2 opens with a thumping dance beat that is reminicent of Visage's "Fade to Grey", then the chords switch to the dark sounds of "Witch Hunt". This is almost like what "Witch Hunt" would sound like if it were done by Midge Ure and Steve Strange. "The Weapon" takes us back to the darkness of side 2 of 'Moving Pictures', blending ideas introduced in "The Camera Eye" and "Witch Hunt", and tying them in to the New Wave sounds of bands like Ultravox. Alex delivers one of his coolest solos.

To me, "New World Man" is totally out of place on side 2. It almost would have been better if they had switched places with "Chemistry". This is another Police inspired song, played simply and directly.

"Losing It" provides some much needed relief from the frenetic songs. it is interesting to hear Rush play in sucha a restrained way. They hold back to let the strings and violin carry the mood and emotion of the song. To me, this is the genesis of ideas that were so brilliantly developed for "Mission". Because "Countdown" is one of my least liked Rush songs, "Losing It" is often the album closer for me. It is a great way to end a superb album.

"Countdown"--maybe all this song needs is a little work. It has too many awkward moments in it.

this rush cd is very different as, songs such as subdivision really hit home, especially with the constant growth of citys. When this cd was released, here in winnipeg, st.vital was just starting to grow and expand. now it is grown so much and the truth of the song hits home. that area is just one part of the city that has grown so much. countdown was another enjoyable song especially with the shuttle invovled, along with the people from nasa doing the launch of columbia. this was the start of myself liking rush. new world man was also enjoyable song to listen to. rush is a group that has to be listened to understand. some time the music is so so but the lyrics are the key to understanding rush.

If you were to own one rush cd, buy signals. The songs are great from start to finish. The best song on this cd as well as rush's best song ever is Subdivisions. This song begins with a great introduction on synthesizer by Geddy Lee. Neil Peart lays down a great drum track, as well as Alex Lifeson's guitar solo. Geddy Lee's voice is at his best on this cd.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Essential Rush
Signals is one of Rush's stronger albums even though it did not match the commercial success of Moving Pictures. There is no track which could be considered weak. Read more

Published on July 11 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Album from Rush
I took me awhile to really catch on to Rush, but once I did, I bought all of their late 70's and early 80's albums, including this one. Read more

Published on July 6 2004 by B. Anderson

5.0 out of 5 stars Best album of Rush's third phase
Rush's ninth studio and eleventh overall album entitled Signals was released in September of 1982. The album was different to that of its predecessor, 1981's multi-Platinum Moving... Read more

Published on Jun 21 2004 by Terrence J Reardon

5.0 out of 5 stars Grand start to Rush's third phase
Rush's ninth studio and eleventh overall album entitled Signals was released in September of 1982. The album was different to that of its predecessor, 1981's multi-Platinum Moving... Read more

Published on May 14 2004 by Terrence J. Reardon

5.0 out of 5 stars A definite '80s album....
Some people say that this album...along with GRACE UNDER PRESSURE...marked a low period for RUSH. I disagree. Read more

Published on April 20 2004 by irnmtn25

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite Rush "album"
... I bought this in 1982 while in the 9th grade and jammed it for years; occasionally I still do,although I am now 36 and married, and my wife is not a Rush fan. Read more

Published on Mar 23 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars Rush veers somewhat from the path of glory
I'll always have a warm spot for this album because of the two shows I attended on the tour some six months apart, but I hesitate to call it a masterpiece. Read more

Published on Mar 23 2004 by William J. Eichelberger

4.0 out of 5 stars What is Subdivisions?
When I was in 7th grade, I didn't know a thing about popular music. I mean absolutely nothing. My pop music-loving buddies, David and Chris B. Read more

Published on Mar 13 2004 by James F. Colobus

5.0 out of 5 stars My first Rush album (and certainly not my last...)
It was the first album I ever bought (an LP, for those who remember such things). I had been listening to Rush as a teenager growing up in Vermont, as their music wafted over the... Read more

Published on Feb 19 2004 by William Grother

5.0 out of 5 stars This album IS cool and cast IN (to my player, that is!)
This album is a great follow-up to the landmark Moving Pictures, which is the Perfect album. I mean, how could you follow that? Read more

Published on Feb 18 2004 by orion724

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