_hi_water._

nah, those are good good lyrics

Totally intentional

105. “Manhattan Project”, Track 3/8 (5:03), Power Windows (1985) Power Windows - Entry 1 out of 8 Only Rush could get away with making a peppy historical lesson of a song about devising the atomic bomb from 1945. On an album like Power Windows, we especially didn't need a track like this that has several tempo changes and manages to be a spectacular rocker. This one was quite flat-sounding live back in the day, but the Clockwork Angels Tour brought this one to a much better light. Perhaps a little too cheesy for Power Windows, but still great cheese. Previously on my list... 111. “Where’s My Thing? (Part IV, “Gangster Of Boats” Trilogy)”, Track 5/10 (3:49) - Entry 7/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 110. “Summertime Blues”, Track 1/8 (3:43) - Entry 7/8, Feedback (2004) 109. “Armor And Sword”, Track 2/13 (6:36) - Entry 8/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 108. “The Main Monkey Business”, Track 6/13 (6:01) - Entry 9/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 107. “Wish Them Well”, Track 11/12 (5:25) - Entry 4/12, Clockwork Angels (2012) 106. “Turn The Page”, Track 8/10 (4:55) - Entry 4/10, Hold Your Fire (1987) 105. “Manhattan Project”, Track 3/8 (5:03) - Entry 1/8, Power Windows (1985) How is this album doing? 8. “Manhattan Project”, Track 3/8 (5:03) - #105/173

106. “Turn The Page”, Track 8/10 (4:55), Hold Your Fire (1987) Hold Your Fire - Entry 4 out of 10 One of the quirky tracks from Hold Your Fire - it has a tasty bass intro, a driving poppy beat and memorable synth lines near the chorus. It has a very strange way of going for its message at the start, though - "Nothing can survive in a vacuum/No one can exists all alone/We pretend things only happen to strangers/We've all got problems of our own". Shame that "Tai Shan" took its place for being the second last track of Hold Your Fire - man, this album's chronological structure is odd. If this choice was a head-scratcher for you, wait until the next one. Here comes the hate! Previously on my list... 111. “Where’s My Thing? (Part IV, “Gangster Of Boats” Trilogy)”, Track 5/10 (3:49) - Entry 7/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 110. “Summertime Blues”, Track 1/8 (3:43) - Entry 7/8, Feedback (2004) 109. “Armor And Sword”, Track 2/13 (6:36) - Entry 8/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 108. “The Main Monkey Business”, Track 6/13 (6:01) - Entry 9/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 107. “Wish Them Well”, Track 11/12 (5:25) - Entry 4/12, Clockwork Angels (2012) 106. “Turn The Page”, Track 8/10 (4:55) - Entry 4/10, Hold Your Fire (1987) How is this album doing? 10. “Tai Shan”, Track 9/10 (4:17) - #165/173 9. “Second Nature”, Track 4/10 (4:36) - #134/173 8. “High Water”, Track 10/10 (5:33) - #112/173 7. “Turn The Page”, Track 8/10 (4:55) - #106/173

I am ready for the incoming salt towards this thread for my next two posts, especially #105! (It won't be "Red Barchetta"... or will it?) Will I get rid of some popular early 70's material? Not the biggest fan of Caress of Steel, mind you... Will I get rid of that one song from Permanent Waves you've all been keeping your eye on the look for? Will I finally get rid of some material from 80's Rush that isn't Hold Your Fire?

107. “Wish Them Well”, Track 11/12 (5:25), Clockwork Angels (2012) Clockwork Angels - Entry 4 out of 12 Wow! What a great second-last track to end their career. It has a mesmerizing chorus and a glorious melody - makes it a lot more exciting after "BU2B2" and before the majestic closer "The Garden" (which we will get to a lot later, wink wink!). A little pedestrian compared to other tracks on the album, especially when everything else has some kind of majesty, heaviness or complexity. However, it's hard for me to go knocking against this one, since I almost can't go wrong with this album - it's nearly perfect. If I were to rewrite this list, I would include "BU2B2" and "Wish Them Well" as one track, since "BU2B2" is an interlude and "Wish Them Well" is a song with real length. Both songs as one would be in this exact spot. Previously on my list... 111. “Where’s My Thing? (Part IV, “Gangster Of Boats” Trilogy)”, Track 5/10 (3:49) - Entry 7/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 110. “Summertime Blues”, Track 1/8 (3:43) - Entry 7/8, Feedback (2004) 109. “Armor And Sword”, Track 2/13 (6:36) - Entry 8/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 108. “The Main Monkey Business”, Track 6/13 (6:01) - Entry 9/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 107. “Wish Them Well”, Track 11/12 (5:25) - Entry 4/12, Clockwork Angels (2012) How is this album doing? 12. “BU2B2”, Track 10/12 (1:28) - #167/173 11. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - #128/173 10. “Carnies”, Track 5/12 (4:53) - #119/173 9. “Wish Them Well”, Track 11/12 (5:25) - #107/173

There is a number coming up soon that will get people talking. Take this warning.

108. “The Main Monkey Business”, Track 6/13 (6:01), Snakes & Arrows (2007) Snakes & Arrows - Entry 9 out of 13 An instrumental from Snakes & Arrows that really showcases what the album is all about musically. Although it goes on for six minutes, it is a jam and is quite fun to listen to - definitely one I always come back to when listening to this album. This album, this song specifically - does not let you forget that Lifeson is a Rush superpower. Previously on my list... 111. “Where’s My Thing? (Part IV, “Gangster Of Boats” Trilogy)”, Track 5/10 (3:49) - Entry 7/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 110. “Summertime Blues”, Track 1/8 (3:43) - Entry 7/8, Feedback (2004) 109. “Armor And Sword”, Track 2/13 (6:36) - Entry 8/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 108. “The Main Monkey Business”, Track 6/13 (6:01) - Entry 9/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) How is this album doing? 13. “Bravest Face”, Track 10/13 (5:12) - #171/173 12. “The Way The Wind Blows”, Track 7/13 (6:28) - #160/173 11. “Spindrift”, Track 5/13 (5:24) - #157/173 10. “Hope”, Track 8/13 (2:03) - #150/173 9. “The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)”, Track 4/13 (4:07) - #133/173 8. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51) - #121/173 7. “Workin’ Them Angels”, Track 3/13 (4:48) - #115/173 6. “Armor And Sword”, Track 2/13 (6:36) - #109/173 5. “The Main Monkey Business”, Track 6/13 (6:01) - #108/173

109. “Armor And Sword”, Track 2/13 (6:36), Snakes & Arrows (2007) Snakes & Arrows - Entry 8 out of 13 Another straightforward rock song from Snakes & Arrows that maybe goes on for a little more than it should. However, this one has a lot more going for it, with the cool intro and eastern elements that make this song feel less deserted. It has a killer chorus, though - "Our better natures seek elevation/A refuge for the coming night/No one gets to their heaven without a fight". The list will get even juicier from here on out, have fun reading more of my posts! ;) Previously on my list... 111. “Where’s My Thing? (Part IV, “Gangster Of Boats” Trilogy)”, Track 5/10 (3:49) - Entry 7/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 110. “Summertime Blues”, Track 1/8 (3:43) - Entry 7/8, Feedback (2004) 109. “Armor And Sword”, Track 2/13 (6:36) - Entry 8/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) How is this album doing? 13. “Bravest Face”, Track 10/13 (5:12) - #171/173 12. “The Way The Wind Blows”, Track 7/13 (6:28) - #160/173 11. “Spindrift”, Track 5/13 (5:24) - #157/173 10. “Hope”, Track 8/13 (2:03) - #150/173 9. “The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)”, Track 4/13 (4:07) - #133/173 8. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51) - #121/173 7. “Workin’ Them Angels”, Track 3/13 (4:48) - #115/173 6. “Armor And Sword”, Track 2/13 (6:36) - #109/173

Sigh...

110. “Summertime Blues”, Track 1/8 (3:43), Feedback (2004) Feedback - Entry 7 out of 8 I can't really bring out any comments against this one that I haven't said about my previous posts from this album. Basically, Rush was better off doing covers in the 70's, and not in the 2000's where the songs sound like Vapor Trails. Although this is no improvement over (what is technically) the Who, this one is quite fun and sure as hell is a banger for R30. Previously on my list... 111. “Where’s My Thing? (Part IV, “Gangster Of Boats” Trilogy)”, Track 5/10 (3:49) - Entry 7/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 110. “Summertime Blues”, Track 1/8 (3:43) - Entry 7/8, Feedback (2004) How is this album doing? 8. “Seven And Seven Is”, Track 6/8 (2:53) - #168/173 7. “For What It’s Worth”, Track 3/8 (3:30) - #161/173 6. “Shapes Of Things”, Track 7/8 (3:16) - #156/173 5. “Mr. Soul”, Track 5/8 (3:51) - #151/173 4. “Crossroads”, Track 8/8 (3:27) - #145/173 3. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - #131/173 2. “Summertime Blues”, Track 1/8 (3:43) - #110/173

After all of the Power Windows hate, I am glad to see no "Mystic Rhythms" yet

I kid, lmao

Rush fanclub card revoked!

111. “Where’s My Thing? (Part IV, “Gangster Of Boats” Trilogy)”, Track 5/10 (3:49), Roll The Bones (1991) Roll The Bones - Entry 7 out of 10 Easily one of the Roll the Bones standouts. It's got jazz fusion and funk, something we almost never get from Rush. Neil goes to town on the drums with complex rhythms, and Ged has some catchy basslines. It's no "YYZ" or "La Villa Strangiato", but it sure as hell is great. We must also not forget the almighty Clockwork Angels Tour version of this song with the drum solo! Side note - I also have dark memories with this song. On a cloudy January 10 evening in 2020, I was listening to Roll the Bones in full and this song came on - pulled on some basic news from Google or something, and found out the passing of Neil. A chilling moment that has been stuck in my head since. How is this album doing? 10. “Face Up”, Track 4/10 (3:54) - #166/173 9. “You Bet Your Life”, Track 10/10 (5:01) - #163/173 8. “Neurotica”, Track 9/10 (4:39) - #159/173 7. “Roll The Bones”, Track 3/10 (5:30) - #141/173 6. “The Big Wheel”, Track 6/10 (5:13) - #137/173 5. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27) - #122/173 4. “Where’s My Thing? (Part IV, “Gangster Of Boats” Trilogy)”, Track 5/10 (3:49) - #111/173

How is my list shaping up so far? 173. “Half The World”, Track 3/11 (3:43) - Entry 1/11, Test For Echo (1996) 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)”, Track 8/11 (4:00) - Entry 1/11, Presto (1989) 171. “Bravest Face”, Track 10/13 (5:12) - Entry 1/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 170. “Virtuality”, Track 8/11 (5:44) - Entry 2/11, Test For Echo (1996) 169. “Dog Years”, Track 7/11 (4:55) - Entry 3/11, Test For Echo (1996) 168. “Seven And Seven Is”, Track 6/8 (2:53) - Entry 1/8, Feedback (2004) 167. “BU2B2”, Track 10/12 (1:28) - Entry 1/12, Clockwork Angels (2012) 166. “Face Up”, Track 4/10 (3:54) - Entry 1/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 165. “Tai Shan”, Track 9/10 (4:17) - Entry 1/10, Hold Your Fire (1987) 164. “Peaceable Kingdom”, Track 4/13 (5:23) - Entry 1/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 163. “You Bet Your Life”, Track 10/10 (5:01) - Entry 2/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 162. “War Paint”, Track 4/11 (5:24) - Entry 2/11, Presto (1989) 161. “For What It’s Worth”, Track 3/8 (3:30) - Entry 2/8, Feedback (2004) 160. “The Way The Wind Blows”, Track 7/13 (6:28) - Entry 2/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 159. “Neurotica”, Track 9/10 (4:39) - Entry 3/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 158. “Hand Over Fist”, Track 10/11 (4:11) - Entry 3/11, Presto (1989) 157. “Spindrift”, 5/13 (5:24) - Entry 3/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 156. “Shapes Of Things”, Track 7/8 (3:16) - Entry 3/8, Feedback (2004) 155. “Out Of The Cradle”, Track 13/13 (5:03) - Entry 2/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 154. “Rivendell”, Track 7/8 (4:52) - Entry 1/8, Fly By Night (1975) 153. “Need Some Love”, Track 2/8 (2:16) - Entry 1/8, Rush (1974) 152. “The Color Of Right”, Track 4/11 (4:48) - Entry 4/11, Test For Echo (1996) 151. “Mr. Soul”, Track 5/8 (3:51) - Entry 4/8, Feedback (2004) 150. “Hope”, Track 8/13 (2:03) - Entry 4/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 149. “Superconductor”, Track 7/11 (4:47) - Entry 4/11, Presto (1989) 148. “Carve Away The Stone”, Track 11/11 (4:06) - Entry 5/11, Test For Echo (1996) 147. “Madrigal”, Track 5/6 (2:35) - Entry 1/6, A Farewell To Kings (1977) 146. “I Think I’m Going Bald”, Track 2/5 (3:41) - Entry 1/5, Caress Of Steel (1975) 145. “Crossroads”, Track 8/8 (3:27) - Entry 5/8, Feedback (2004) 144. “Available Light”, Track 11 (5:03) - Entry 5/11, Presto (1989) 143. “Double Agent”, Track 8/11 (4:52) - Entry 1/11, Counterparts (1993) 142. “Scars”, Track 5/11 (4:07) - Entry 6/11, Presto (1989) 141. “Roll The Bones”, Track 3/10 (5:30) - Entry 4/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 140. “Here Again”, Track 4/8 (7:30) - Entry 2/8, Rush (1974) 139. “Between Sun & Moon”, Track 5/11 (4:37) - Entry 2/11, Counterparts (1993) 138. “The Stars Look Down”, Track 5/13 (4:28) - Entry 3/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 137. “The Big Wheel”, Track 6/10 (5:13) - Entry 5/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 136. “Time And Motion”, Track 5/11 (5:01) - Entry 6/11, Test For Echo (1996) 135. “Presto”, Track 6/11 (5:45) - Entry 7/11, Presto (1989) 134. “Second Nature”, Track 4/10 (4:36) - Entry 2/10, Hold Your Fire (1987) 133. “The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)”, Track 4/13 (4:07) - Entry 5/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 132. ”Red Tide”, Track 9/11 (4:29) - Entry 8/11, Presto (1989) 131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004) 130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996) 128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012) 127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975) 126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993) 125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989) 123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996) 122. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27) - Entry 6/10, Roll The Bones (1991) 121. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51) - Entry 6/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 120. “Lakeside Park”, Track 3/5 (4:07) - Entry 2/5, Caress Of Steel (1975) 119. “Carnies”, Track 5/12 (4:53) - Entry 3/12, Clockwork Angels (2012) 118. “Take A Friend”, Track 3/8 (4:27) - Entry 3/8, Rush (1974) 117. “Lessons”, Track 4/6 (3:51) - Entry 1/6, 2112 (1976) 116. “How It Is”, Track 6/13 (4:04) - Entry 6/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 115. “Workin’ Them Angels”, Track 3/13 (4:48) - Entry 7/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 114. “Alien Shore”, Track 6/11 (5:45) - Entry 4/11, Counterparts (1993) 113. “Ghost Rider”, Track 3/13 (5:41) - Entry 7/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 112. “High Water”, Track 10/10 (5:33) - Entry 3/10, Hold Your Fire (1987) Here is the breakdown of each album: Rush (1974) - 3/8, 5 left remaining Fly By Night (1975) - 2/8, 6 left remaining Caress Of Steel (1975) - 2/5, 3 left remaining 2112 (1976) - 1/6, 5 left remaining A Farewell To Kings (1977) - 1/6, 5 left remaining Hemispheres (1978) - 0/4, 4 left remaining Permanent Waves (1980) - 0/6, 6 left remaining Moving Pictures (1981) - 0/7, 7 left remaining Signals (1982) - 0/8, 8 left remaining Grace Under Pressure (1984) - 0/8, 8 left remaining Power Windows (1985) - 0/8, 8 left remaining Hold Your Fire (1987) - 3/10, 7 left remaining Presto (1989) - 9/11, 2 left remaining Roll The Bones (1991) - 6/10, 4 left remaining Counterparts (1993) - 4/11, 7 left remaining Test For Echo (1996) - 8/11, 3 left remaining Vapor Trails (2002) - 7/13, 6 left remaining Feedback (2004) - 6/8, 2 left remaining Snakes & Arrows (2007) - 7/13, 6 left remaining Clockwork Angels (2012) - 3/12, 9 left remaining I still have yet to eliminate tracks from Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, Signals, Grace Under Pressure, and Power Windows. Which album do you predict will be eliminated first? Which album do you predict will lose a track last?

Woahhhh whaaa?

112. “High Water”, Track 10/10 (5:33), Hold Your Fire (1987) Hold Your Fire - Entry 3 out of 10 I dare say that this is one of the most overlooked tracks throughout Rush's entire discography - it might have to do with the fact that Hold Your Fire is 50 minutes with fleshed-out synths, and this song closes out the album right after "Tai Shan". I firmly believe that this album would've turned out better with only 8 songs, getting rid of the two I threw out previously. Even though this would be the weakest one, the album holds its fire and pours it out with water. This song sort of has a "Mystic Rhythms" feel, except that it isn't as dark and synth-oriented. It has some driving bass and excellent percussion - and whatever they might be that I can't articulate, the ocean sound effects that are occasionally heard throughout the tune are especially nice. However, the song's uplifting final 45 seconds is quite abrupt, and I wish that they would've gone off about it earlier in the song or progressed. Great song! Previously on my list... 121. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51) - Entry 6/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 120. “Lakeside Park”, Track 3/5 (4:07) - Entry 2/5, Caress Of Steel (1975) 119. “Carnies”, Track 5/12 (4:53) - Entry 3/12, Clockwork Angels (2012) 118. “Take A Friend”, Track 3/8 (4:27) - Entry 3/8, Rush (1974) 117. “Lessons”, Track 4/6 (3:51) - Entry 1/6, 2112 (1976) 116. “How It Is”, Track 6/13 (4:04) - Entry 6/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 115. “Workin’ Them Angels”, Track 3/13 (4:48) - Entry 7/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 114. “Alien Shore”, Track 6/11 (5:45) - Entry 4/11, Counterparts (1993) 113. “Ghost Rider”, Track 3/13 (5:41) - Entry 7/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 112. “High Water”, Track 10/10 (5:33) - Entry 3/10, Hold Your Fire (1987) How is this album doing so far? 10. “Tai Shan”, Track 9/10 (4:17) - #165/173 9. “Second Nature”, Track 4/10 (4:36) - #134/173 8. “High Water”, Track 10/10 (5:33) - #112/173

oops

113. “Ghost Rider”, Track 3/13 (5:41), Vapor Trails (2002) Vapor Trails - Entry 7 out of 13 This song showcases Neil's thought-evoking reflections on his pain and suffering for the few years prior, and this song is absolutely powerful. However, it is definitely not a very well mixed song, and perhaps isn't the most interesting track instrumentally; it makes me long for more interesting tracks later in the album. Great track, but not a standout. Previously on my list... 121. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51) - Entry 6/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 120. “Lakeside Park”, Track 3/5 (4:07) - Entry 2/5, Caress Of Steel (1975) 119. “Carnies”, Track 5/12 (4:53) - Entry 3/12, Clockwork Angels (2012) 118. “Take A Friend”, Track 3/8 (4:27) - Entry 3/8, Rush (1974) 117. “Lessons”, Track 4/6 (3:51) - Entry 1/6, 2112 (1976) 116. “How It Is”, Track 6/13 (4:04) - Entry 6/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 115. “Workin’ Them Angels”, Track 3/13 (4:48) - Entry 7/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 114. “Alien Shore”, Track 6/11 (5:45) - Entry 4/11, Counterparts (1993) 113. “Ghost Rider”, Track 3/13 (5:41) - Entry 7/13, Vapor Trails (2002) How is this album doing so far? 13. “Peaceable Kingdom”, Track 4/13 (5:23) - #164/173 12. “Out Of The Cradle”, Track 13/13 (5:03) - #155/173 11. “The Stars Look Down”, Track 5/13 (4:28) - #138/173 10. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - #130/173 9. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - #125/173 8. “How It Is”, Track 6/13 (4:04) - #116/173 7. “Ghost Rider”, Track 3/13 (5:41) - #113/173

One of the hardest takes I have to disagree with on anyone's list so far... this has always been a HYF highlight since I first listened to it.

114. “Alien Shore”, Track 6/11 (5:45), Counterparts (1993) Counterparts - Entry 4 out of 11 A much stronger straightforward rockin' tune from the album that has a good funk to it. May not be one of the more interesting tracks from Counterparts for me, but the lyrics here are definitely a highlight for progressive rock in 1993. "You and I, we are pressed into these solitudes/Color and culture, language and race/Just variations on a theme/Islands in a much larger stream". Previously on my list... 121. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51) - Entry 6/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 120. “Lakeside Park”, Track 3/5 (4:07) - Entry 2/5, Caress Of Steel (1975) 119. “Carnies”, Track 5/12 (4:53) - Entry 3/12, Clockwork Angels (2012) 118. “Take A Friend”, Track 3/8 (4:27) - Entry 3/8, Rush (1974) 117. “Lessons”, Track 4/6 (3:51) - Entry 1/6, 2112 (1976) 116. “How It Is”, Track 6/13 (4:04) - Entry 6/13, Vapor Trails (2002) 115. “Workin’ Them Angels”, Track 3/13 (4:48) - Entry 7/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007) 114. “Alien Shore”, Track 6/11 (5:45) - Entry 4/11, Counterparts (1993) How is this album doing so far? 11. “Double Agent”, Track 8/11 (4:52) - #143/173 10. “Between Sun & Moon”, Track 5/11 (4:37) - #139/173 9. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - #126/173 8. “Alien Shore”, Track 6/11 (5:45) - #114/173

Ouch...