NYM86

No.

For me, Caravan is head and shoulders above the other two. Just a much more complete song IMO - lots of variations, stronger melodies, and the most illustrative lyrics of the three. I'll put Headlong Flight above BU2B in a photo finish. That's because I was mildly disappointed with the lack of any real solos in the latter. All three songs are very good.

I dig the sound. All the other Rush albums have such pristine mixing, and rightfully so, but Vapor Trails has a totally different feel. It's not about the technical precision and polish we know and love from the boys. It's more about raw energy/emotion amid a wall of grungy noise. It's very cathartic, and the rough sound lends itself very well to that rough-around-the-edges vibe. It's easy to throw colorful metaphors around like "It sounds like dirt in a blender" or whatever, which I see a lot here and in other places, but I truly think that's missing the point.

I am. I can't wait to throw it on my iPod so I don't have to sit at my computer every time I want to rock out to a little Headlong Flight.

It took me a few listens, which was not unexpected - every Rush song takes me a few listens. But it absolutely rocks. It's heavy, it's driving, and the guitar solo is on fire. I also love the distorted voice section. Two gripes: 1) They definitely could've condensed it a tad, but excess has always been a hallmark of this band so I can't complain too much. 2) Lyrics are not Neil's best work. He is capable of painting such vivid pictures with his words, but here he resorts to rather vanilla phrases like "All the journeys on this great adventure." Overall, a great song. 8.5/10 for me.