I have been listening to Rush since 1987, and for many years 2112 was the benchmark album for me, but loved them all. This album just blows me away - I have become used to other bands I like that have been around for a long time releasing "just good enough" albums, sometimes even moving into the disappointing range. I felt a bit that way about Caravan in 2010, and I first listened to CA not really expecting anything particularly memorable.
Most Rush albums take some time to grow on me, but this one just astonished me from the moment I heard it, and it keeps getting better the more I listen to it (which is too often). But THE GARDEN is the killer track. When I am in the car I find myself often pushing the back button as the album finishes, just to hear that track once more. I even think (not in a morbid way) that it's probably a song I'd want played at my funeral or wake or whatever.
So yeah, I know what you mean about "The Garden Trance", I've got it bad! Also rate Available Light up there with it as one of their best songs ever, but Presto as an album was not as strong as Clockwork Angels. I just hope this is NOT their Magnum Opus, and there's something better still to come!
BTW Rush, come and tour Australia!!!!!