What's the best 'sounding' Rush album? I pick 'Counterparts'

[GabesCavesOfIce]

I would definitely say Counterparts. In fact, I'd say it's one of the best produced hard rock records that I own by ANY band. Perfect balance of instruments and separation to go with the stripped down arrangements. LOVE listening to that album with headphones. It's like the band is set up and playing right there in the room with you!

 

I wish they'd hire Kevin Shirley (or Terry Brown) to re-mix Clockwork Angels. I'd listen to that one so much more if it had the clarity and punch of CP, instead of being the brickwalled sludgy mess that it is.

 

 

Thank you. I thought that CA was brickwalled as well but only see it mentioned with VT. Some CA songs, the 'background' keys wash out the whole damn tune,

[lifeson90]

Only two rush albums i ever had sound issue with were VT for obvious reasons and RTB for its slightly tinny effect. Both are still brilliant though.

[Rutlefan]

I love the sound of S&A, not the writing (though I like most of that, the instrument side of it anyway) but the crispness and power without head-numbing effect of pre-remix VT. The guitar solo in A Larger Bowl is my favorite post-Terry Brown Rush moment.

 

After S&A I'd add a vote for CP, despite the weakness of the material.

Good call on S & A. It does sound fantastic...a great balance of power and warmth. My favorite post-Brown solo is also on S & A, but it's the solo in the Main Monkey Business. Alex's tone is incredible, beginning at 2:48.

 

http://www.therushfo...ys-girl/unread/

 

I was playing S&A on the way to my 4 year-old son's swimming lesson (we usually listen to They Might Be Giants 123s or ABCs but sometimes he lets me listen to my stuff). He has definite and kind of curious (from my POV) opinions about which songs he likes and which he doesn't. TMMB is his favorite. When I asked him why he said it was the drums. Smart kid if I'm allowed to say. I have to say though that the guitar is what does it for me, mainly. It took me awhile to really appreciate the musicianship on that album but once it clicked it really clicked. I just skip The Way the Wind Blows and I'm content (try it; improves the album greatly).

 

Edit: I think you posted the wrong link. Here it is I think. My favorite part is at 3:40, but it's one of many here.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ajfuf9W6B0

Yeah...definitely the wrong link. :laughing guy:

 

 

 

 

No really, that's not my link.

 

Is this stalking, should someone be concerned, or just innocent voyeurism? ;)

[GabesCavesOfIce]

I agree with those that love the Debut, it has a great raw sound n energy. A Lifeson masterpiece.

 

As far as best sounding, the big 5, 2112, Kings, Hemi, Pew, MP. Honorable mention Signals n CP.

 

Seque, VT?? I need three Advil when I listen to that brick wall, and I ain't payin for it twice.

[bluefox4000]

I agree with those that love the Debut, it has a great raw sound n energy. A Lifeson masterpiece.

 

As far as best sounding, the big 5, 2112, Kings, Hemi, Pew, MP. Honorable mention Signals n CP.

 

Seque, VT?? I need three Advil when I listen to that brick wall, and I ain't payin for it twice.

 

Segue always finds a way to work in the VT love, lol.

 

Mick

[Weakly Criminal]

Counterparts sounds great, but give me Permanent Waves, if for Natural Science alone. The echo coming off the Canadian mountains in the intro of that song is amazing. Jacobs Ladder deserves mention as well.

 

Broon should have been the fourth member forever.

[greg2112]

The sound is so good on Counterparts it often "covers" for some very average songs on that album.

 

The answer overall is Permanent Waves.

[Todem]

Hemispheres, Waves and Pictures.

 

Sonic Rush bliss.

[goose]

I love the sound of S&A, not the writing (though I like most of that, the instrument side of it anyway) but the crispness and power without head-numbing effect of pre-remix VT. The guitar solo in A Larger Bowl is my favorite post-Terry Brown Rush moment.

 

After S&A I'd add a vote for CP, despite the weakness of the material.

Good call on S & A. It does sound fantastic...a great balance of power and warmth. My favorite post-Brown solo is also on S & A, but it's the solo in the Main Monkey Business. Alex's tone is incredible, beginning at 2:48.

 

http://www.therushfo...ys-girl/unread/

 

I was playing S&A on the way to my 4 year-old son's swimming lesson (we usually listen to They Might Be Giants 123s or ABCs but sometimes he lets me listen to my stuff). He has definite and kind of curious (from my POV) opinions about which songs he likes and which he doesn't. TMMB is his favorite. When I asked him why he said it was the drums. Smart kid if I'm allowed to say. I have to say though that the guitar is what does it for me, mainly. It took me awhile to really appreciate the musicianship on that album but once it clicked it really clicked. I just skip The Way the Wind Blows and I'm content (try it; improves the album greatly).

 

Edit: I think you posted the wrong link. Here it is I think. My favorite part is at 3:40, but it's one of many here.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ajfuf9W6B0

Yeah...definitely the wrong link. :laughing guy:

 

 

 

 

No really, that's not my link.

 

Is this stalking, should someone be concerned, or just innocent voyeurism? ;)

I had posted that link in the SOCN Bar & Grill...and I thought the S&A link had replaced it.

[troutman]

OK, I know there aren't a lot of 'Counterparts' fans in the forum. But I've been playing it a lot for this week's R40 Countdown entry, and it dawned on me that this is the best sounding Rush album.

 

We all know about the issues with "Vapor Trails" and I've heard beefs about "Clockwork Angels." But playing "Counterparts" this week it seems crisp. Neil's drums, from the first strikes of "Animate," seem to hit right in the chest. There's breathing room around the guitar and bass and Geddy's vocals aren't dubbed into mush. I have no trouble making out everything he sings.

 

I don't know if this is a mixing thing or a recording thing or an engineering thing. But it just jumps out of the speakers more so than other Rush albums. Am I alone here?

 

As for the actual songs. there's a lot to like here. I confess I haven't dived too deeply into it in a while. But I ended up liking it more than I remembered. Love "Cold Fire" and "Everyday Glory." I still don't know what the heck is going on in "Double Agent."

 

 

Anyway, here's our post for the week. I've got "Counterparts" at No. 8, and Will has "Hemispheres."

 

Rush R40 Countdown at No.8: Complicated 'Counterparts' sounds superior

 

 

 

Double Agent,

 

 

 

:D

[LedRush]

I recall telling a friend around 1995 that they had never topped the sound of Moving Pictures but he disagreed and said Counterparts sounded better. We compared and I thought Counterparts did sound better. I still think it has the best overall presentation but I prefer certain aspects of other albums.

 

One of the aspects I prefer on other albums is that all the songs on those other albums don't suck.

[troutman]

I recall telling a friend around 1995 that they had never topped the sound of Moving Pictures but he disagreed and said Counterparts sounded better. We compared and I thought Counterparts did sound better. I still think it has the best overall presentation but I prefer certain aspects of other albums.

 

One of the aspects I prefer on other albums is that all the songs on those other albums don't suck.

 

Counterparts kicks a** and is the best sounding album. Loud and up front. If they make another album it should sound like this. Its sad that Presto sounds like sh** volume wise. Love the tunes but it drives me insane that the volume level sucks. BTW, there are far worse songs from other albums.

[Stormtron]

Any of the four from the AFTK to MP run.

[KennyLee]

Hemispheres

Permanent Waves

Moving Pictures

 

Wow. Geddy had that growl going on and Alex's tone was glorious. Crisp distortion and chimey clean gloriousness. The keys were thick and right where they belonged. Neil's drums were crisp but still thunderous.

 

I'll say it again... God, I miss Broonsy. :(

[bluefox4000]

Hemispheres

Permanent Waves

Moving Pictures

 

Wow. Geddy had that growl going on and Alex's tone was glorious. Crisp distortion and chimey clean gloriousness. The keys were thick and right where they belonged. Neil's drums were crisp but still thunderous.

 

I'll say it again... God, I miss Broonsy. :(

 

me too. Some people say it's good Rush hasn't looked back. I say no. We have that deaf nick guy. yuck. It's a FACT the Broon albums sound impeccable.

 

Mick

Edited April 14, 2015 by bluefox4000

[troutman]

Hemispheres

Permanent Waves

Moving Pictures

 

Wow. Geddy had that growl going on and Alex's tone was glorious. Crisp distortion and chimey clean gloriousness. The keys were thick and right where they belonged. Neil's drums were crisp but still thunderous.

 

I'll say it again... God, I miss Broonsy. :(

 

That would be a nice touch to a wonderful career for the boys if they decide on another album. :codger:. :7up: :rush: :haz:

[beneathbetweenbehindyourmom]

All of the Terry Brown albums sound amazing, but for my money, I go with Permanent Waves. It's just a flawless record all the way through. Well... except that Different Strings fades out too early.

[Bard]

The best sound on Rush albums can be found on the 4 MoFi gold CD releases...PeW, MP, Signals, and 2112. Nothing better than those production mixes, period.