_hi_water._

154. "Rivendell," Fly By Night (1975) Fly By Night - Entry 1 out of 8 ...And here we go. Like Zeppelin in the 70's, Rush were creaming themselves over hobbits and Tolkien. It serves as an excellent album track, but on its own, it's just okay. They really could've done something more interesting with this one, as this is not the brightest way to be sentimental. 161. “For What It’s Worth” - 2/8, FB 160. “The Way The Wind Blows” - 2/13, S&A 159. “Neurotica” - 3/10, RTB 158. “Hand Over Fist” - 3/11, PR 157. “Spindrift” - 3/13, S&A 156. “Shapes Of Things” - 3/8, FB 155. “Out Of The Cradle” - 2/13, VT 154. “Rivendell” - 1/8, FBN

155. "Out of the Cradle," Vapor Trails (2002) Vapor Trails - Entry 2 out of 13 I feel kind of bad knocking this one low - it's a very powerful and emotional ending to Vapor Trails. Sadly, it's an alt-grunge track that doesn't really do much else for me. 161. “For What It’s Worth” - 2/8, FB 160. “The Way The Wind Blows” - 2/13, S&A 159. “Neurotica” - 3/10, RTB 158. “Hand Over Fist” - 3/11, PR 157. “Spindrift” - 3/13, S&A 156. “Shapes Of Things” - 3/8, FB 155. “Out Of The Cradle” - 2/13, VT

156. "Shapes of Things," Feedback (2004) Feedback - Entry 3 out of 8 Alright, so maybe I shouldn't have included Feedback on this list, but it is a real studio album released by Rush, despite being an EP. Again, this one is more interesting than the previous two I've went over - but the other thing is, there are two Yardbirds covers on this album (and we will get to the better one eventually!). This is one of the few tracks that really just sounds like bar band Rush - not bad at all, but there's more to be found on the horizon, y'know? Do you agree with this placement? What are your least favorite covers from Feedback? 161. “For What It’s Worth” - 2/8, FB 160. “The Way The Wind Blows” - 2/13, S&A 159. “Neurotica” - 3/10, RTB 158. “Hand Over Fist” - 3/11, PR 157. “Spindrift” - 3/13, S&A 156. “Shapes Of Things” - 3/8, FB

157. "Spindrift," Snakes & Arrows (2007) Snakes & Arrows - Entry 3 out of 13 For me, "Spindrift" has one of the best riffs throughout Snakes & Arrows. However, the song doesn't end up being as cohesive, and the potentially great lyrics end up sounding forced. What are your thoughts on this one? 161. “For What It’s Worth” - 2/8, FB 160. “The Way The Wind Blows” - 2/13, S&A 159. “Neurotica” - 3/10, RTB 158. “Hand Over Fist” - 3/11, PR 157. “Spindrift” - 3/13, S&A

158. "Hand Over Fist," Presto (1989) Presto - Entry 3 out of 11 Rock, paper, scissors - shoot, I almost forgot this song existed, it almost disappeared into the crowd! Nah, this song is okay. The music itself is a bit fun actually. It's just that the lyrics, well, cut it this way - Do you see where I am about to go with this? ...And as always, where do you stand with this one? Is it nothing so much, or is it the strength of the common touch? 161. “For What It’s Worth” - 2/8, FB 160. “The Way The Wind Blows” - 2/13, S&A 159. “Neurotica” - 3/10, RTB 158. “Hand Over Fist” - 3/11, PR

159. "Neurotica," Roll the Bones (1991) Roll the Bones - Entry 3 out of 10 This is definitely one of the stronger tracks from Roll the Bones instrumentally - there's a great riff and an excellent solo from Alex. Like the other two songs I have dismissed previously from this album, the lyrics really hold this one back. "It's just neurotica, exotica/It's just erotica, hypnotica". Definitely one of the bottom-listing Rush choruses for me. What's your verdict on this one? 161. “For What It’s Worth” - 2/8, FB 160. “The Way The Wind Blows” - 2/13, S&A 159. “Neurotica” - 3/10, RTB

160. "The Way the Wind Blows," Snakes & Arrows (2007) Snakes & Arrows - Entry 2 out of 13 ...And my least favorite 6+ minute Rush song goes to "The Way the Wind Blows." Not bad by any means, but its welcome wanes out upon listening. The main riff is not impressive to me, and the chorus just drags on. I get that the boys wanted to go for a mostly mid-tempo album, but yeeeesh they seriously could've trimmed out a few tracks from this one - it's 62 minutes long! Did I slam one of your favorites from Snakes & Arrows, or do you not care for this one either? Do think this album is perfect length, or could've it used the trim? 161. “For What It’s Worth” - 2/8, FB 160. “The Way The Wind Blows” - 2/13, S&A

161. "For What It's Worth," Feedback (2004) Feedback - Entry 2 out of 8 Okay, I'll come out with this - I am not a huge fan of Feedback (and I think that you might've guessed that already). I think lots of these covers would've done much better for Rush if they did this when they started out in '74 or '75 - as an EP or maybe part of an album. In 2004... - yikes, this is a definitely a missed opportunity. These guys sound heavily mature and the mixing is not in too much of favor. Another underwhelming and out of place cover from this EP, but it's at least more interesting to hear than "Seven and Seven is". What's your opinion on this cover? What's your opinion on Feedback as a whole? 161. “For What It’s Worth” - 2/8, FB

Here is my list so far! 173. “Half The World” - 1/11 TFE 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” - 1/11, PR 171. “Bravest Face” - 1/13, S&A 170. “Virtuality” - 2/11, TFE 169. “Dog Years” - 3/11, TFE 168. “Seven And Seven Is” - 1/8, FB 167. “BU2B2” - 1/12, CA 166. “Face Up” - 1/10, RTB 165. “Tai Shan” - 1/10, HYF 164. “Peaceable Kingdom” - 1/13, VT 163. “You Bet Your Life” - 2/10, RTB 162. “War Paint” - 2/11, PR What do you guys think - should I post daily, spread my posts out more, or am I going at the right pace...?

162. "War Paint," Presto (1989) Presto - Entry 2 out of 11 Another track from Presto that is nothing special for me. It's definitely more interesting than "Anagram (for Mongo)", I'll give it that. Kind of like "You Bet Your Life," I really don't appreciate some of the vocal choices here that much, especially at the end with the "Boys and girls together/Let's paint the mirror black". What is your take on this one? Is this one of your favorites from Presto, or is this nothing special to you? 173. “Half The World” - 1/11 TFE 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” - 1/11, PR 171. “Bravest Face” - 1/13, S&A 170. “Virtuality” - 2/11, TFE 169. “Dog Years” - 3/11, TFE 168. “Seven And Seven Is” - 1/8, FB 167. “BU2B2” - 1/12, CA 166. “Face Up” - 1/10, RTB 165. “Tai Shan” - 1/10, HYF 164. “Peaceable Kingdom” - 1/13, VT 163. “You Bet Your Life” - 2/10, RTB 162. “War Paint” - 2/11, PR

163. "You Bet Your Life," Roll the Bones (1991) Roll the Bones - Entry 2 out of 10 Serves as a fine closer to Roll the Bones. Not sure if I really like the vocal choices that much. What's your take on this one? 173. “Half The World” - 1/11 TFE 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” - 1/11, PR 171. “Bravest Face” - 1/13, S&A 170. “Virtuality” - 2/11, TFE 169. “Dog Years” - 3/11, TFE 168. “Seven And Seven Is” - 1/8, FB 167. “BU2B2” - 1/12, CA 166. “Face Up” - 1/10, RTB 165. “Tai Shan” - 1/10, HYF 164. “Peaceable Kingdom” - 1/13, VT 163. “You Bet Your Life” - 2/10, RTB

164. "Peaceable Kingdom," Vapor Trails (2002) Vapor Trails - Entry 1 out of 13 Aside from the controversial mixing... Vapor Trails was an exciting album for Rush fans at the time. The one stale chip of the bunch was "Peaceable Kingdom", a song in response to 9/11. Not to knock the subject itself, but it feels very odd on this album. I would've also expected Rush to given this song some more emotion...? It is in a weird placement on the album after a song like "Ghost Rider" - yes, I sometimes tap the skip button on this one. Do you agree with this placement? Is it too late or early for Vapor Trails to make an appearance for you? What would be your pick for 'filler' tracks on this album and why? 173. “Half The World” - 1/11 TFE 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” - 1/11, PR 171. “Bravest Face” - 1/13, S&A 170. “Virtuality” - 2/11, TFE 169. “Dog Years” - 3/11, TFE 168. “Seven And Seven Is” - 1/8, FB 167. “BU2B2” - 1/12, CA 166. "Face Up" - 1/10, RTB 165. "Tai Shan" - 1/10, HYF 164. "Peaceable Kingdom" - 1/13, VT

165. "Tai Shan," Hold Your Fire (1987) Hold Your Fire - Entry 1 out of 10 Hold Your Fire is an album that I am kinder to the more I listen to it. Despite its bland mixing, I would say that this album is quite solid throughout most of it. Save for "Tai Shan," the group's least favorite track. This song seems to go nowhere when sometimes it should, and it ruins the album's conviction. Bland. Shame that this song could've been something more. What do you guys think? Do you agree with the band that this is the worst song (or one of the worst ones), or is this an underrated gem? 173. “Half The World” - 1/11 TFE 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” - 1/11, PR 171. “Bravest Face” - 1/13, S&A 170. “Virtuality” - 2/11, TFE 169. “Dog Years” - 3/11, TFE 168. “Seven And Seven Is” - 1/8, FB 167. “BU2B2” - 1/12, CA 166. "Face Up" - 1/10, RTB 165. "Tai Shan" - 1/10, HYF

166. "Face Up," Roll the Bones (1991) Roll the Bones - Entry 1 out of 10 Time to enter Roll the Bones territory! I like this album a bit more than Presto for two reasons: the album has a much better conviction - and despite Rupert Hine's not-so-great mixing, it pans out a little bit nicer overall for the tracks on here. Therefore, I consider many tunes on Roll the Bones significantly better than ones on Presto. However, similar to Presto - Roll the Bones does have its clunky tunes that I can consider to be expendable. "Face Up" has one of the corniest Rush choruses throughout the discography - I sure don't come back to this one often when listening to Roll the Bones. What do you think - would you put this one below something like "Seven and Seven Is," "BU2B2" - or "Half the World"? 173. “Half The World” - 1/11 TFE 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” - 1/11, PR 171. “Bravest Face” - 1/13, S&A 170. “Virtuality” - 2/11, TFE 169. “Dog Years” - 3/11, TFE 168. “Seven And Seven Is” - 1/8, FB 167. “BU2B2” - 1/12, CA 166. "Face Up" - 1/10, RTB

167. "BU2B2," Clockwork Angels (2012) Clockwork Angels - Entry 1 out of 12 Geddy sings against some strings for a minute and a half. Not much else to really say here... it's just a nice little interlude track without much significance. 173. “Half The World” - 1/11 TFE 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” - 1/11, PR 171. “Bravest Face” - 1/13, S&A 170. “Virtuality” - 2/11, TFE 169. “Dog Years” - 3/11, TFE 168. “Seven And Seven Is” - 1/8, FB 167. “BU2B2” - 1/12, CA

168. "Seven and Seven Is," Feedback (2004) Feedback - Entry 1 out of 8 Oh yeah - Feedback! That was also a thing that exists. They had to put something out in the wild for us to listen to for the R30 hype. Problem is, not many people - including myself - are crazy about bands in their modern days releasing covers EPs. The result of that is forgettable covers like this one. This will be my lowest Feedback placement since this is the most forgettable and seems to fit as a very bizarre choice to put on the EP. List: 173. “Half The World” 1/11 TFE 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” 1/11, P 171. “Bravest Face” 1/13, S&A 170. “Virtuality” 2/11, TFE 169. “Dog Years” 3/11, TFE 168. “Seven And Seven Is” 1/8, FB

169. "Dog Years," Test for Echo (1996) Test for Echo - Entry 3 out of 11 Don't worry, Test for Echo will get its break. As I am realizing, especially with Test for Echo, how under-appreciated Alex Lifeson really is. Despite the lack of hooks, there are some great riffs that elevate each song from being terrible. Sadly, as I have already established with two songs from this album previously, the lyrics really bomb the score. "In a dog's life/A year is really more like seven/And all too soon a canine/Will be chasing cars in doggy heaven." Yikes. List: 173. “Half The World” 1/11 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” 1/11 171. “Bravest Face” 1/13 170. “Virtuality” 2/11 169. “Dog Years” 3/11

170. "Virtuality," Test for Echo (1996) Test for Echo - Entry 2 out of 11 So... yeah, uh... once again, this album hasn't aged greatly. The positive side to this song is the music itself - I'd say that this is one of the heaviest tracks Rush gave us in the 90's, with Alex giving us crunchy riffs. Sigh... unfortunately, it can be very difficult to listen to this song when I am set to hearing a dated chorus like this: "Net boy, net girl/Send your signal 'round the world/Let your fingers walk and talk/And set you free," "Net boy, net girl/Send your impulse 'round the world/Put your message in a modem/And throw it in the Cyber Sea." Boy... this is definitely a mid-late 90's album alright. Aaaaagh. 173. “Half The World” 1/11 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” 1/11 171. “Bravest Face” 1/13 170. “Virtuality” 2/11

I think every time I post a listing, I will also post all of the tracks we've gone through so far. That way people can catch up a little easier...? 173. “Half The World” 1/11 172. “Anagram (For Mongo)” 1/11 171. “Bravest Face” 1/13

171. "Bravest Face," Snakes & Arrows (2007) Snakes & Arrows - Entry 1 out of 13 The 'filler' tracks, which should've been trimmed off of Snakes & Arrows - were very dull. They all felt like mid-tempo jam sessions that almost anyone could've wrote. "Bravest Face" has some of my least favorite Ged vocals on record, and outside of the chorus - the lyrics don't seem very fitting for whatever Neil was approaching here. "I like that world, it makes a wonderful song/But there's a darker point of view/But sadly just as true/For so many among us." Yeah... not my favorite.

I swear to everyone I made a list before creating this thread. It's a coincidence two of the songs mentioned in the thread already made the bottom two. I can assure you the next one should be different (unless you take a shot at guessing which one is next!)

172. "Anagram (for Mongo)", Presto (1989) Presto - Entry 1 out of 11 Oh yeah - Presto... another album that is about to get slammed a bit. 1989/1990 was a rough period for music - the 80's were up and the 90's were entering the arena. At this point, many groups didn't know which direction their songs needed to go into, thus resulting in uninspiring material. To me, Rush seems to have fall into this hole at this point in time. A song like "Anagram (for Mongo)" seems to fit the perfect description of boring and very uninspiring. There is nothing that strikes me about this song musically - and the lyrics are... very odd. "There is tic-toc in atomic/Leaders make a deal/The cosmic is largely comic/A con they couldn't conceal." Bland.

it's at #

173. "Half the World," Test for Echo (1996) Test for Echo - Entry 1 out of 11 I'll give out a bit of spoilers for the start - Test for Echo is gonna get slammed pretty hard in terms of being placed on the list. Test for Echo is my least favorite Rush album, as it has a lack of hooks, lack of imaginative instrumentation - and uninspired lyrics. "Half the world is/Half the world was/Half the world thinks/While the other half does" - seems catchy, but damn, doesn't sound that hard to write at all. You can make that case with some other Rush songs, sure, but man - the simplicity really gets on my nerves after a while. Not only the most boring song lyrically, but also a bit boring instrumentally. Booooring. Most of this album really feels like the boys needed to put something out just for the sake of putting things out. Oof, I feel that will be more evident.

Whassup? I know it has been quite awhile since I have posted an actual thread on here - life isn't always fun, so I haven't overloaded the forum with polls for that :) However, I thought it would be fun if I shared my personal ranking of all Rush studio tracks from least favorite to personal favorite. Even with brief descriptions (and possibly ratings?), I won't post daily or too much at a time like I did before - I'll try spacing each ranking out so it keeps people interested. And, of course, even though I was away from the forum - what's stopping me from revisiting Rush? As I have revisited each album on repeat, including Feedback - I have found there to be no bad Rush songs - bland, mediocre Rush, sure, but no bad Rush. I really do enjoy most of what these guys put out. #173 will be posted... at some point ;)