What album do you think is better - Hemispheres or Moving Pictures?

[GabesCavesOfIce]

Hemispheres is to Rush like Animals is to Pink Floyd. They get virtually no attention on radio, music media, heck, even the bands (lately Gilmour and Waters never play from it, and when was the last time anyone heard the Sphere or Bringer of Balance live or on the radio?)

 

Yet fan poll after fan poll indicates for each band, these two albums are not just fan favorites, but attest to their respective creativity.

 

Both are absolute masterpieces. Tough to use that adjective on MP.

 

Really? They based a tour on the ability to play it in its entirety. Because they knew no other album would bring out people like MP.

 

I'm personally not sure I like MP more than PeW. But it is inarguably a masterpiece.

 

I think Gabby is talking about the hardcore fans. I think the hardcore were happy about TMT because they'd finally hear The Camera Eye, not because they got to hear TS, Limelight, or YYZ for the umpteenth time. But I agree with you that MP is obviously the band's most accessible and most accepted album. But like most (I think) hardcore fans, MP doesn't rate as the band's best for me.

 

I'm not sure there are many people going to shows now that aren't hardcore fans, and the opening bars to Tom Sawyer seemed to generate one of the highest amounts of enthusiasm, at least when I saw them on R40 and TMT.

 

This is kind of pet issue of mine. The hardcore fans (I sometimes say "real" fans) always seem to turn their noses up at the material that reaches a broader audience. MP has some otherworldly songs on it. I think that, more than anything, is why it's so widely revered. Anyways, it might or might not be better than PeW IMO. It has no other challengers, though.

 

On the last 6 years or so they toured, I'd go with about 10-14 friends (combined over different shows), and only 1 or 2 knew more than 4 or 5 Rush songs. When I sit in the back, I'd say very few people are hardcore fans...and each of those seems to have brought a significant other, friends, and/or kids who are just along for the ride.

 

I agree with you that TS is very well received, and I think that's because it's one of the few songs that everyone at the show actually knows. I do think it's funny, though, that you pointed to 2 tours where TS opened up the second set. They could play The Speed of Love and get a huge positive reaction in that slot.

 

Honestly, I chose those two because I personally hadn't seen them since the GUP tour.

 

I did not thumb my nose up, just said it was not their masterpiece. On MP, RB, TCE and possibly WH are among their best all time songs, but the balance of MP, although very good, fun cranking songs, are not in the Hemispheres class, IMHO.

 

Your point on TS getting the crowd going reminds me of the Gilmour show the other night. Comfortably Numb got the crowd going, and is an absolutely awesome song, but I would rate everything on Animals superior, an album neither Gilmour nor Waters has touched in a long time, yet it won the TRF poll for best Floyd album, as Hemispheres typically does here as well.

[ReRushed]

Moving Pictures is Rush's masterpiece. That doesn't mean it has to be your favorite Rush album.

 

It is an album were everything worked. Everything aligned perfectly. And as time passes it keeps proving it wasn't some fluke.

 

I think I can be considered a hardcore Rush fan and Moving Pictures, for me, is it.

[presto123]

Moving Pictures is Rush's masterpiece. That doesn't mean it has to be your favorite Rush album.

 

It is an album were everything worked. Everything aligned perfectly. And as time passes it keeps proving it wasn't some fluke.

 

I think I can be considered a hardcore Rush fan and Moving Pictures, for me, is it.

 

Isn't it funny they were never able to capture that production ever again? MP sounds better than every album that came before or after it. The blu ray HD version thingy is unreal.

[Lucas]

Moving Pictures for me and it's not even close. Look, Hemispheres is a great prog record, but Moving Pictures is the pinnacle and Rush at the top of their game in every area. The only reason a lot of people under -rate it after all these years is that it has been played to death both on radio and on the concert stage. If most people could go back and hear it for the first time again they would be doing cartwheels.

 

That's not completely accurate ... I saw them the day John Bonham died - Sept 25th 1980 - and they played Tom Sawyer ( obviously, pre release )

 

I didn't like it then ....

[ReRushed]

Moving Pictures for me and it's not even close. Look, Hemispheres is a great prog record, but Moving Pictures is the pinnacle and Rush at the top of their game in every area. The only reason a lot of people under -rate it after all these years is that it has been played to death both on radio and on the concert stage. If most people could go back and hear it for the first time again they would be doing cartwheels.

 

That's not completely accurate ... I saw them the day John Bonham died - Sept 25th 1980 - and they played Tom Sawyer ( obviously, pre release )

 

I didn't like it then ....

You are just being a contrarian!

[Lucas]

Moving Pictures for me and it's not even close. Look, Hemispheres is a great prog record, but Moving Pictures is the pinnacle and Rush at the top of their game in every area. The only reason a lot of people under -rate it after all these years is that it has been played to death both on radio and on the concert stage. If most people could go back and hear it for the first time again they would be doing cartwheels.

 

 

 

That's not completely accurate ... I saw them the day John Bonham died - Sept 25th 1980 - and they played Tom Sawyer ( obviously, pre release )

 

I didn't like it then ....

You are just being a contrarian!

 

lol

 

No !!!

 

I like Moving Pictures, but I honestly do not see it as a "masterpiece" .. And Tom Sawyer is a song I always skip - I just do not like the song ... Sort of like New World Man - it just strikes me as corny .. and the music itself does nothing for me - it does not jump out and move me .. it's too damn stiff

 

 

[ReRushed]

Moving Pictures for me and it's not even close. Look, Hemispheres is a great prog record, but Moving Pictures is the pinnacle and Rush at the top of their game in every area. The only reason a lot of people under -rate it after all these years is that it has been played to death both on radio and on the concert stage. If most people could go back and hear it for the first time again they would be doing cartwheels.

 

 

 

That's not completely accurate ... I saw them the day John Bonham died - Sept 25th 1980 - and they played Tom Sawyer ( obviously, pre release )

 

I didn't like it then ....

You are just being a contrarian!

 

lol

 

No !!!

 

I like Moving Pictures, but I honestly do not see it as a "masterpiece" .. And Tom Sawyer is a song I always skip - I just do not like the song ... Sort of like New World Man - it just strikes me as corny .. and the music itself does nothing for me - it does not jump out and move me .. it's too damn stiff

Apparently, you are too damn stiff!

[Lucas]

The one thing that I think we all can agree on is the fact that, as Rush fans, we can appreciate every great album and understand how each one has found its own dedicated following .. I understand how Moving Pictures has attained the status of masterpiece among fans - I don't agree, but I understand

 

Hemispheres and A Farewell To Kings are that for me - it is really difficult to choose between the two of those for me

 

I think 2112 and Permanent Waves could also hold these positions with fans

 

If nothing else, that right there is a testament to how much super high quality music this band has created .. The fact that this is not unanimous is a good thing

Edited April 16, 2016 by Lucas

[Lucas]

Moving Pictures for me and it's not even close. Look, Hemispheres is a great prog record, but Moving Pictures is the pinnacle and Rush at the top of their game in every area. The only reason a lot of people under -rate it after all these years is that it has been played to death both on radio and on the concert stage. If most people could go back and hear it for the first time again they would be doing cartwheels.

 

 

 

That's not completely accurate ... I saw them the day John Bonham died - Sept 25th 1980 - and they played Tom Sawyer ( obviously, pre release )

 

I didn't like it then ....

You are just being a contrarian!

 

lol

 

No !!!

 

I like Moving Pictures, but I honestly do not see it as a "masterpiece" .. And Tom Sawyer is a song I always skip - I just do not like the song ... Sort of like New World Man - it just strikes me as corny .. and the music itself does nothing for me - it does not jump out and move me .. it's too damn stiff

Apparently, you are too damn stiff!

 

lol

 

 

[Lucas]

I'll toss Grace Under Pressure in there too ... I know that album is tops for some fans

 

You could even put Caress Of Steel in there too

 

Rush has as diverse a fanbase as their catalog ... They are legendary and one of a kind

 

But right now, gun to head, I will say that Hemispheres is the pinnacle ... The Masterpiece

 

Hemispheres is their Destroyer

 

;)

 

[Segue Myles]

Moving Pictures is Rush's masterpiece. That doesn't mean it has to be your favorite Rush album.

 

It is an album were everything worked. Everything aligned perfectly. And as time passes it keeps proving it wasn't some fluke.

 

I think I can be considered a hardcore Rush fan and Moving Pictures, for me, is it.

 

I agree with you. Every classic band has that one album the world regards as their masterpiece, and Rush rightfully has Moving Pictures.

 

It is the very best of the best.

[RUSHHEAD666]

Is this thread a joke?

 

Comparing an epic progressive rock masterpiece to a fuckking cliche, corporate commercial rock record?

 

Hilarious.

 

I'm embarrassed by this novice thread.

 

Fanboi Foolishness.

 

Go with your MTV Radar Rectum.

 

Even Geddy Alex and Neil know that they peaked with "Hemispheres." Their energy was spent.

 

They had to scale it back hence created "Permanent Waves." I've read many interviews about that section of time.

 

They were out of ideas and had a very hard time putting out a new record.

 

Then "Moving Pictures" comes out and everyone jumps on the corporate bandwagon.

 

Yet "2112" was everything but what "Moving Pictures" taught the musical world.

 

Hypocritical Homage to Hogs And Hyenas!

 

Enjoy your commercial splendor!

 

"2112" saved the band's bacon. Not fukking "Moving Pictures."

 

"A Farewell To Kings" and "Hemispheres" are IT!

 

The true trifecta of progressive grit.

 

Get it?

 

Do the math. It's simple.

 

2+1+1+2+A+F+A+R+E+W+E+L+L+T+O+K+I+N+G+S+H+E+M+I+S+P+H+E+R+E+S= BLISS

[GabesCavesOfIce]

Folks, Mr. Ramer has spoken.

[Blue J]

Folks, Mr. Ramer has spoken.

 

...and we are all the for it.

 

Earl, I know you've had a hard time lately, but this is the second or third thread I've looked at this morning that you've taken to just telling us how lame and stupid we all are.

 

The Rush Forum continues to go on, regardless of who takes time off from it, or comes back, or whatever else.

[TheAccountant]

For me this is fairly easy. My preference is MP.

 

Side one of MP has 3 great songs and one (YYZ) that I don't like and now I just skip it. Or if I do listen to it I feel like a machine gun is being fired right next to my ear for the 1'st 30 seconds or so and that just turns me off to the song. Side one of Hemispheres is ok but nothing special. I can take it or leave it. So, side one of MP is way better, overall (to my ears), than side one of Hemispheres.

 

Side 2 of MP is weaker than side one but its still very good. Side 2 of Hemispheres is very good and slightly better than side 2 of MP but it just does not make up for large advantage side one of MP has run up over side one of Hemispheres.

 

Put another way, to my ears the best side of MP (side 1) is better than the best of Hemispheres (side 2). The worst of MP (side 2) is better than the worst of Hemispheres.

 

Adds up to a preference for MP - for me.

[Lorraine]

Is this thread a joke?

 

Comparing an epic progressive rock masterpiece to a fuckking cliche, corporate commercial rock record?

 

Hilarious.

 

I'm embarrassed by this novice thread.

 

Fanboi Foolishness.

 

Go with your MTV Radar Rectum.

 

Even Geddy Alex and Neil know that they peaked with "Hemispheres." Their energy was spent.

 

They had to scale it back hence created "Permanent Waves." I've read many interviews about that section of time.

 

They were out of ideas and had a very hard time putting out a new record.

 

Then "Moving Pictures" comes out and everyone jumps on the corporate bandwagon.

 

Yet "2112" was everything but what "Moving Pictures" taught the musical world.

 

Hypocritical Homage to Hogs And Hyenas!

 

Enjoy your commercial splendor!

 

"2112" saved the band's bacon. Not fukking "Moving Pictures."

 

"A Farewell To Kings" and "Hemispheres" are IT!

 

The true trifecta of progressive grit.

 

Get it?

 

Do the math. It's simple.

 

2+1+1+2+A+F+A+R+E+W+E+L+L+T+O+K+I+N+G+S+H+E+M+I+S+P+H+E+R+E+S= BLISS

 

Earl, I never pretended to be anything other than what I am on here. Why do you think I ask so many idiotic questions? And create such stupid threads?

 

But thanks for calling me a fan girl. No one has ever called me that on here before. That's a first! :)

[Rick N. Backer]

Is this thread a joke?

 

Comparing an epic progressive rock masterpiece to a fuckking cliche, corporate commercial rock record?

 

Hilarious.

 

I'm embarrassed by this novice thread.

 

Fanboi Foolishness.

 

Go with your MTV Radar Rectum.

 

Even Geddy Alex and Neil know that they peaked with "Hemispheres." Their energy was spent.

 

They had to scale it back hence created "Permanent Waves." I've read many interviews about that section of time.

 

They were out of ideas and had a very hard time putting out a new record.

 

Then "Moving Pictures" comes out and everyone jumps on the corporate bandwagon.

 

Yet "2112" was everything but what "Moving Pictures" taught the musical world.

 

Hypocritical Homage to Hogs And Hyenas!

 

Enjoy your commercial splendor!

 

"2112" saved the band's bacon. Not fukking "Moving Pictures."

 

"A Farewell To Kings" and "Hemispheres" are IT!

 

The true trifecta of progressive grit.

 

Get it?

 

Do the math. It's simple.

 

2+1+1+2+A+F+A+R+E+W+E+L+L+T+O+K+I+N+G+S+H+E+M+I+S+P+H+E+R+E+S= BLISS

 

 

Earl, I am floored by this. Moving Pictures isn't filled with dance tunes. It isn't "commercial." It's in everyone's library because the songs on it are great. It didn't "save" them, because PeW had already started them down the road of being huge. Hemispheres is a great album. But it's true greatness lies in side 2. Because it is the beginning of the their golden era.

 

AFTK is, far and away, the "fanbois'" choice.

[RUSHHEAD666]

Is this thread a joke?

 

Comparing an epic progressive rock masterpiece to a fuckking cliche, corporate commercial rock record?

 

Hilarious.

 

I'm embarrassed by this novice thread.

 

Fanboi Foolishness.

 

Go with your MTV Radar Rectum.

 

Even Geddy Alex and Neil know that they peaked with "Hemispheres." Their energy was spent.

 

They had to scale it back hence created "Permanent Waves." I've read many interviews about that section of time.

 

They were out of ideas and had a very hard time putting out a new record.

 

Then "Moving Pictures" comes out and everyone jumps on the corporate bandwagon.

 

Yet "2112" was everything but what "Moving Pictures" taught the musical world.

 

Hypocritical Homage to Hogs And Hyenas!

 

Enjoy your commercial splendor!

 

"2112" saved the band's bacon. Not fukking "Moving Pictures."

 

"A Farewell To Kings" and "Hemispheres" are IT!

 

The true trifecta of progressive grit.

 

Get it?

 

Do the math. It's simple.

 

2+1+1+2+A+F+A+R+E+W+E+L+L+T+O+K+I+N+G+S+H+E+M+I+S+P+H+E+R+E+S= BLISS

 

 

Earl, I am floored by this. Moving Pictures isn't filled with dance tunes. It isn't "commercial." It's in everyone's library because the songs on it are great. It didn't "save" them, because PeW had already started them down the road of being huge. Hemispheres is a great album. But it's true greatness lies in side 2. Because it is the beginning of the their golden era.

 

AFTK is, far and away, the "fanbois'" choice.

 

Yo! Hey look I get it! Just trying to bring in a different take. I am so tired of all the overwhelming love for yes in my mind, the most commercial Rush record ever made! "Moving Pictures" is overplayed. "Moving Pictures" is like listening to an entire album of "Stairway To Heaven" or "Freebird."

 

The album is a masterpiece but they went for fame and fortune. They achieved their goal.

 

The boys deserve every penny the make. I'm just saying that "Moving Pictures" was the beginning of the end as far as turing into a radio friendly hard rock prog band. Commercialism at it's most intellectual finest moment.

 

"Hemispheres" is untouchable in any audio facet.

[RUSHHEAD666]

Is this thread a joke?

 

Comparing an epic progressive rock masterpiece to a fuckking cliche, corporate commercial rock record?

 

Hilarious.

 

I'm embarrassed by this novice thread.

 

Fanboi Foolishness.

 

Go with your MTV Radar Rectum.

 

Even Geddy Alex and Neil know that they peaked with "Hemispheres." Their energy was spent.

 

They had to scale it back hence created "Permanent Waves." I've read many interviews about that section of time.

 

They were out of ideas and had a very hard time putting out a new record.

 

Then "Moving Pictures" comes out and everyone jumps on the corporate bandwagon.

 

Yet "2112" was everything but what "Moving Pictures" taught the musical world.

 

Hypocritical Homage to Hogs And Hyenas!

 

Enjoy your commercial splendor!

 

"2112" saved the band's bacon. Not fukking "Moving Pictures."

 

"A Farewell To Kings" and "Hemispheres" are IT!

 

The true trifecta of progressive grit.

 

Get it?

 

Do the math. It's simple.

 

2+1+1+2+A+F+A+R+E+W+E+L+L+T+O+K+I+N+G+S+H+E+M+I+S+P+H+E+R+E+S= BLISS

 

Earl, I never pretended to be anything other than what I am on here. Why do you think I ask so many idiotic questions? And create such stupid threads?

 

But thanks for calling me a fan girl. No one has ever called me that on here before. That's a first! :)

 

Just trying to be original! I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings you FAN GIRL! LOL!

 

I'm just sick of "Moving Pictures." "Tom Sawyer" drives me nuts. It is what it is. "MP" is a great fuckking record. For me it's just overkill. All good.

[Rick N. Backer]

Is this thread a joke?

 

Comparing an epic progressive rock masterpiece to a fuckking cliche, corporate commercial rock record?

 

Hilarious.

 

I'm embarrassed by this novice thread.

 

Fanboi Foolishness.

 

Go with your MTV Radar Rectum.

 

Even Geddy Alex and Neil know that they peaked with "Hemispheres." Their energy was spent.

 

They had to scale it back hence created "Permanent Waves." I've read many interviews about that section of time.

 

They were out of ideas and had a very hard time putting out a new record.

 

Then "Moving Pictures" comes out and everyone jumps on the corporate bandwagon.

 

Yet "2112" was everything but what "Moving Pictures" taught the musical world.

 

Hypocritical Homage to Hogs And Hyenas!

 

Enjoy your commercial splendor!

 

"2112" saved the band's bacon. Not fukking "Moving Pictures."

 

"A Farewell To Kings" and "Hemispheres" are IT!

 

The true trifecta of progressive grit.

 

Get it?

 

Do the math. It's simple.

 

2+1+1+2+A+F+A+R+E+W+E+L+L+T+O+K+I+N+G+S+H+E+M+I+S+P+H+E+R+E+S= BLISS

 

 

Earl, I am floored by this. Moving Pictures isn't filled with dance tunes. It isn't "commercial." It's in everyone's library because the songs on it are great. It didn't "save" them, because PeW had already started them down the road of being huge. Hemispheres is a great album. But it's true greatness lies in side 2. Because it is the beginning of the their golden era.

 

AFTK is, far and away, the "fanbois'" choice.

 

Yo! Hey look I get it! Just trying to bring in a different take. I am so tired of all the overwhelming love for yes in my mind, the most commercial Rush record ever made! "Moving Pictures" is overplayed. "Moving Pictures" is like listening to an entire album of "Stairway To Heaven" or "Freebird."

 

The album is a masterpiece but they went for fame and fortune. They achieved their goal.

 

The boys deserve every penny the make. I'm just saying that "Moving Pictures" was the beginning of the end as far as turing into a radio friendly hard rock prog band. Commercialism at it's most intellectual finest moment.

 

"Hemispheres" is untouchable in any audio facet.

 

Side 1 is a little overwrought, IMO. And to back up a hair, Cygnus X-1 has some moments where it displays how well they all play. For the most part it is as atonal as Revolution 9.

 

C'mon Earl. Yes, the songs on MP were radio staples. But that album is as close to our beloved 80s metal as these guys were going to come.

 

Living on a lighted stage . . .

 

\m/

[Segue Myles]

How anyone can hate on a rock band going commercial and yet be a massive ABBA fan leaves me scratching my head...

 

Rush went "commercial", but in a way that was distinctly Rush and no one else. I mean...it's not Hemispheres but it BLEW MY MIND in a way that took me straight back to the first time I played Maiden or Mastodon.

 

I found it hooky but also very layered and beautiful.

 

And sorry but Fly By Night was a very standard rock album full of potential chart hits. Half of AFTK was simpler rock n roll. 2112 had a very slick second half. Rush's debut sounded like early seventies radio rock.

 

Permanent Waves was in a similar vein...

 

Moving Pictures had an album full of the greatest short songs they had released to that point, only this time the short songs didn't complement a sidelong epic.

 

Moving Pictures is complex and beautiful and too wonderful to be labelled a sellout album.

[RUSHHEAD666]

How anyone can hate on a rock band going commercial and yet be a massive ABBA fan leaves me scratching my head...

 

Rush went "commercial", but in a way that was distinctly Rush and no one else. I mean...it's not Hemispheres but it BLEW MY MIND in a way that took me straight back to the first time I played Maiden or Mastodon.

 

I found it hooky but also very layered and beautiful.

 

And sorry but Fly By Night was a very standard rock album full of potential chart hits. Half of AFTK was simpler rock n roll. 2112 had a very slick second half. Rush's debut sounded like early seventies radio rock.

 

Permanent Waves was in a similar vein...

 

Moving Pictures had an album full of the greatest short songs they had released to that point, only this time the short songs didn't complement a sidelong epic.

 

Moving Pictures is complex and beautiful and too wonderful to be labelled a sellout album.

 

Honey I don't hate RUSH for putting out a commercial rock record. I hate them for putting out ""Vapor Trails." LOL!!!

 

 

I never used the word "sellout." Commercial yes. Hell yes. Come on man. "Tom Sawyer" "Red Barchetta" "YYZ" "Limelight" and even "Vital Signs" are always on the radio.

 

Hence commercial is a correct term for a wonderful record.

[Digital Dad]

How anyone can hate on a rock band going commercial and yet be a massive ABBA fan leaves me scratching my head...

 

Rush went "commercial", but in a way that was distinctly Rush and no one else. I mean...it's not Hemispheres but it BLEW MY MIND in a way that took me straight back to the first time I played Maiden or Mastodon.

 

I found it hooky but also very layered and beautiful.

 

And sorry but Fly By Night was a very standard rock album full of potential chart hits. Half of AFTK was simpler rock n roll. 2112 had a very slick second half. Rush's debut sounded like early seventies radio rock.

 

Permanent Waves was in a similar vein...

 

Moving Pictures had an album full of the greatest short songs they had released to that point, only this time the short songs didn't complement a sidelong epic.

 

Moving Pictures is complex and beautiful and too wonderful to be labelled a sellout album.

 

Honey I don't hate RUSH for putting out a commercial rock record. I hate them for putting out ""Vapor Trails." LOL.

 

Snap your fingers three times in a circle when you say that.

 

[Lucas]

Is this thread a joke?

 

Comparing an epic progressive rock masterpiece to a fuckking cliche, corporate commercial rock record?

 

Hilarious.

 

I'm embarrassed by this novice thread.

 

Fanboi Foolishness.

 

Go with your MTV Radar Rectum.

 

Even Geddy Alex and Neil know that they peaked with "Hemispheres." Their energy was spent.

 

They had to scale it back hence created "Permanent Waves." I've read many interviews about that section of time.

 

They were out of ideas and had a very hard time putting out a new record.

 

Then "Moving Pictures" comes out and everyone jumps on the corporate bandwagon.

 

Yet "2112" was everything but what "Moving Pictures" taught the musical world.

 

Hypocritical Homage to Hogs And Hyenas!

 

Enjoy your commercial splendor!

 

"2112" saved the band's bacon. Not fukking "Moving Pictures."

 

"A Farewell To Kings" and "Hemispheres" are IT!

 

The true trifecta of progressive grit.

 

Get it?

 

Do the math. It's simple.

 

2+1+1+2+A+F+A+R+E+W+E+L+L+T+O+K+I+N+G+S+H+E+M+I+S+P+H+E+R+E+S= BLISS

 

.

 

.

 

MTV Radar Rectum

 

.

 

.

 

I just wanted to see that again

 

 

[Disk98]

Moving Pictures is better. Half of Hemispheres is trash.