Rush Signals CD

Rush: Geddy Lee (vocals, synthesizer, bass); Alex Lifeson (guitar); Neal Peart (drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Ben Mink (violin).
Recorded at Le Studio, Quebec, Canada between April & July 1982.
Rush: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neal Peart.
Additional personnel: Ben Mink (violin).
Lyricists: Geddy Lee; Alex Lifeson; Neil Peart.
Personnel: Geddy Lee (vocals, guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, bass guitar); Alex Lifeson (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Ben Mink (violin, electric violin); Neil Peart (drums, percussion).
Audio Mixer: Paul Northfield.
Recording information: Le Studio (04/1982-07/1982); Studio (04/1982-07/1982).
Photographer: Deborah Samuel.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Deborah Samuel; Alex Lifeson.
Arrangers: Rush Brown; Rush; Terry Brown.
Instead of playing it safe and writing Moving Pictures, Pt. II, Rush replaced their heavy rock of yesteryear with even more modern sounds for 1982's Signals. Synthesizers were now an integral part of the band's sound, and replaced electric guitars as the driving force for almost all the tracks. And more current and easier-to-grasp topics (teen peer pressure, repression, etc.) replaced their trusty old sci-fi-inspired lyrics. While other rock bands suddenly added keyboards to their sound to widen their appeal, Rush gradually merged electronics into their music over the years, so such tracks as the popular MTV video "Subdivisions" did not come as a shock to longtime fans. And Rush didn't forget how to rock out -- "The Analog Kid" and "Digital Man" were some of their most up-tempo compositions in years. The surprise hit, "New World Man," and "Chemistry" combined reggae and rock (begun on 1980's Permanent Waves), "The Weapon" bordered on new wave, the placid "Losing It" featured Ben Mink on electric violin, while the epic closer "Countdown" painted a vivid picture of a space shuttle launch. Signals proved that Rush were successfully adapting to the musical climate of the early '80s. ~ Greg Prato
Making the transition from the heavy-rocking '70s to the synthesizer-driven '80s, the power trio Rush embraced the new technology with open arms. After the 1981 smash album MOVING PICTURES, Rush decided to lead their cult of loyal fans down a slightly different musical route while continuing to maintain their high level of expertise. The result, SIGNALS, was a very unique album for the group and ushered in an era that focused their sound toward keyboard-centered orchestrations and tight, stylized arrangements.
The driving opener "Subdivisions" is a powerful depiction of the sometimes bleak outlook of suburban life. The special effects of "Chemistry" and the shuffling "Digital Man" take on a futuristic slant befitting the group's new synthesizer-based sound. The most creative use of the technology comes with the mysterious "The Weapon," one of the group's darkest compositions. A more typical song is the up-beat "New World Man" which showcases the trio's strengths on top of a sequenced computer track. The grand finally comes with a very realistic description of the launch of NASA's space shuttle on the programmatic "Countdown."

Remastered