Album Information:
Album ID: 9600
About Rush:
Rush is a progressive rock band from Toronto, Canada that formed in 1968. The core lineup includes bassist/lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer/lyricist Neil Peart. They are known for their complex musical arrangements, philosophical lyrics, and dynamic live shows.
The band released their first album, 'Rush,' in 1974 and quickly gained a following in their native Canada. It wasn't until their fourth album, '2112,' in 1976 that they achieved international success. The album was a concept piece that told the story of a futuristic society ruled by a tyrannical priesthood and featured the iconic title track that is still a fan favorite today.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Rush became one of the most popular and successful rock bands in the world, releasing a string of classic albums such as 'A Farewell to Kings,' 'Hemispheres,' and 'Moving Pictures.' They also became known for their elaborate live shows, featuring complex lighting and stage setups.
In the mid-1980s, Rush began experimenting with synthesizers and electronic sounds, leading to a more polished and commercial sound on albums such as 'Power Windows' and 'Hold Your Fire.' This shift in sound was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Rush returned to their more traditional rock sound with albums such as 'Counterparts' and 'Snakes & Arrows.' They also continued to evolve and experiment with their music, incorporating elements of jazz and other genres into their songs.
Throughout their career, Rush has sold over 40 million records worldwide and received numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. In addition to their musical achievements, the band is also known for their philanthropy and support for various charities.
Tragically, Peart passed away on January 7, 2020, after a battle with brain cancer. The band announced shortly afterward that they would no longer be active or perform without him, effectively ending Rush's storied 40-plus year history.
About the album Presto:
As an AI language model, I do not have personal beliefs or the creative capacity to describe albums in an ideal and subjective manner. However, I can give you some factual information about Presto by Rush:
Presto is the thirteenth studio album by the Canadian rock band Rush and was released on November 21, 1989, by Anthem Records. It features ten tracks, with a total runtime of approximately 52 minutes.
The album was produced by Rupert Hine, who brought a new sound and approach to Rush's music, incorporating more keyboards and synthesizers. The band members have also stated that they wanted to create a more stripped-down and straightforward rock sound compared to their previous albums, which often featured complex arrangements and instrumentation.
Presto opens with the track 'Show Don't Tell,' which is a driving, guitar-driven song with a catchy chorus. The album also includes the popular songs 'The Pass' and 'Superconductor,' as well as the atmospheric ballad 'Available Light.'
The lyrics on Presto address themes of personal growth, self-reflection, and mortality. The album represents a shift in Rush's lyrical approach, with more introspective and philosophical lyrics compared to their earlier, more science-fiction-influenced work.
Overall, Presto is considered by many Rush fans to be a strong and underrated album in the band's catalog. It showcases the band's ability to evolve and explore new sounds while retaining their signature progressive rock style.
Members:
Rush is a Canadian rock band that was formed in 1968. The band consists of three members: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart.
Geddy Lee:
Full name: Gary Lee Weinrib
Birthdate: July 29, 1953
Birthplace: Willowdale, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Geddy Lee is the lead vocalist and bassist of Rush. He was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1953 and grew up in a musical family. Geddy started playing music at the age of six and was heavily influenced by his parents, who were both Holocaust survivors.
In 1968, Geddy founded Rush with guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer John Rutsey. He has been the band's frontman and bassist ever since. Besides music, Geddy has also been involved in various philanthropic causes, including multiple sclerosis research and animal welfare.
Alex Lifeson:
Full name: Aleksandar Živojinović
Birthdate: August 27, 1953
Birthplace: Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
Alex Lifeson is the guitarist of Rush. Born in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, in 1953, Alex started playing guitar at a young age. He met Geddy Lee in high school, and the two later went on to form Rush.
Alex is known for his technical and creative guitar playing, often incorporating a wide range of sounds and effects in his music. Outside of Rush, he has collaborated with several other musicians and released solo albums.
Neil Peart:
Full name: Neil Ellwood Peart
Birthdate: September 12, 1952
Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Death: January 7, 2020
Neil Peart was the drummer and lyricist of Rush. He was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1952 and started playing music at a young age. After joining Rush in 1974, Neil quickly established himself as one of the most talented and innovative drummers in rock music.
His lyrics were often characterized by their intellectualism, exploring themes of science fiction, mythology, and philosophy. In addition to his music career, Neil was also an author and avid motorcyclist.
Neil Peart passed away on January 7, 2020, after battling brain cancer for several years.
Track List for Presto:
1. 'Show Don't Tell' - 5:01
This song opens with a catchy guitar riff, followed by Geddy Lee's distinct vocals. The lyrics emphasize the importance of actions over words, and Neil Peart's drumming is particularly impressive in the chorus.
2. 'Chain Lightning' - 4:33
The second track has a more upbeat and energetic vibe, with an emphasis on the guitar and bass parts. The lyrics are about the unpredictability of life and the need to seize opportunities while you can.
3. 'The Pass' - 4:52
'The Pass' is a more introspective song with a slow build, featuring poignant lyrics addressing the issue of youth suicide. The chorus is powerful, and the guitar solo towards the end of the song is one of the album's highlights.
4. 'War Paint' - 5:24
The guitars take center stage on 'War Paint,' with a driving riff that continues throughout most of the song. The lyrics describe the idea of putting on a facade or mask to hide one's true emotions.
5. 'Scars' - 4:07
'Scars' is a simpler song both musically and lyrically, with a memorable chorus that features a harmonized vocal from Lee. The song deals with the burdens we all carry with us, whether physical or emotional.
6. 'Presto' - 5:45
The title track is a fan favorite, with a catchy and upbeat melody and an intricate arrangement. The lyrics deal with the idea of illusion and the magic of the human mind.
7. 'Superconductor' - 4:47
Another high-energy song, 'Superconductor' features a pulsing bass line and intricate guitar work. The song's lyrics reference the idea of fame and the people who are driven to achieve it.
8. 'Anagram (for Mongo)' - 3:59
The shortest song on the album, 'Anagram' is an instrumental featuring some of the album's most impressive guitar work. The song's title is a nod to the classic film 'Blazing Saddles.'
9. 'Red Tide' - 4:30
'Red Tide' is a slower, more atmospheric song with a haunting melody and introspective lyrics. The themes of the song explore the cycle of life and death and the impact that humans have on the natural world.
10. 'Hand over Fist' - 4:11
The penultimate track on 'Presto' is another energetic song with a driving beat, featuring a memorable vocal from Lee. The lyrics describe the feeling of being pulled in different directions by external forces.
11. 'Available Light' - 5:03
The final song on the album is a moody and introspective ballad, with a slowly building arrangement that features some of the most beautiful guitar work on the album. The song's lyrics are about the search for meaning and the value of small moments of happiness.
Discography for Rush:
Here is the complete discography for Rush in chronological order:
Albums:
1. Rush (1974) - March 1, 1974
2. Fly by Night (1975) - February 15, 1975
3. Caress of Steel (1975) - September 24, 1975
4. 2112 (1976) - April 1, 1976
5. A Farewell to Kings (1977) - September 1, 1977
6. Hemispheres (1978) - October 29, 1978
7. Permanent Waves (1980) - January 1, 1980
8. Moving Pictures (1981) - February 12, 1981
9. Signals (1982) - September 9, 1982
10. Grace Under Pressure (1984) - April 12, 1984
11. Power Windows (1985) - October 14, 1985
12. Hold Your Fire (1987) - September 8, 1987
13. Presto (1989) - November 21, 1989
14. Roll the Bones (1991) - September 3, 1991
15. Counterparts (1993) - October 19, 1993
16. Test for Echo (1996) - September 10, 1996
17. Vapor Trails (2002) - May 14, 2002
18. Feedback (2004) - June 29, 2004
19. Snakes & Arrows (2007) - May 1, 2007
20. Clockwork Angels (2012) - June 12, 2012
Live Albums:
1. All the World's a Stage (1976) - September 29, 1976
2. Exit...Stage Left (1981) - October 29, 1981
3. Grace Under Pressure Tour (1985) - October 21, 1985
4. A Show of Hands (1989) - January 1, 1989
5. Different Stages (1998) - November 10, 1998
6. Rush in Rio (2003) - October 21, 2003
7. R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour (2005) - November 22, 2005
8. Snakes & Arrows Live (2008) - April 8, 2008
9. Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland (2011) - November 8, 2011
10. Clockwork Angels Tour (2013) - November 19, 2013
Singles:
1. 'Not Fade Away'/'You Can't Fight It' (1973) - 7' single
2. 'Need Some Love'/'Bad Boy' (1974) - 7' single
3. 'Take a Friend'/'Here Again' (1974) - 7' single
4. 'Fly by Night'/'Anthem' (1975) - 7' single
5. 'Making Memories'/'Bastille Day' (1975) - 7' single
6. 'Lakeside Park'/'I Think I'm Going Bald' (1975) - 7' single
7. '2112 Overture/The Temples of Syrinx'/'A Passage to Bangkok' (1976) - 7' single
8. 'Closer to the Heart'/'Madrigal' (1977) - 7' single
9. 'Cinderella Man'/'Madrigal' (1977) - 7' single
10. 'Freewill'/'Jacob's Ladder' (1980) - 7' single
11. 'The Spirit of Radio'/'The Trees' (1980) - 7' single
12. 'Tom Sawyer'/'Witch Hunt' (1981) - 7' single
13. 'Vital Signs'/'The Weapon' (1981) - 7' single
14. 'New World Man'/'Vital Signs' (1982) - 7' single
15. 'Distant Early Warning'/'Jacob's Ladder' (1984) - 7' single
16. 'The Body Electric'/'The Enemy Within' (1984) - 7' single
17. 'Mystic Rhythms'/'Emotion Detector' (1986) - 7' single
18. 'Time Stand Still'/'High Water' (1987) - 7' single
19. 'Force Ten'/'Mission' (1987) - 7' single
20. 'Show Don't Tell'/'Tai Shan' (1989) - 7' single
21. 'The Pass'/'Superconductor' (1989) - 7' single
22. 'Dreamline'/'Bravado' (1991) - 7' single
23. 'Roll the Bones'/'Neurotica' (1991) - 7' single
24. 'Stick It Out'/'Cut to the Chase' (1993) - 7' single
25. 'Nobody's Hero'/'Roll the Bones' (1994) - 7' single
26. 'Driven'/'Driven' (1996) - CD single
27. 'Half the World'/'Time and Motion' (1996) - CD single
28. 'Test for Echo'/'The Limelight' (1996) - CD single
29. 'One Little Victory'/'Earthshine' (2002) - CD single
30. 'Secret Touch' (2002) - promotional release
31. 'Summertime Blues (Live)' (2003) - promotional release
32. 'Far Cry'/'Armor and Sword' (2007) - CD single
33. 'The Larger Bowl'/'Malignant Narcissism' (2008) - CD single
34. 'Caravan'/'BU2B' (2010) - 7' single
35. 'Headlong Flight'/'BU2B' (2012) - 7' single
Other Releases:
1. Rush Through Time (1978) - EP
2. Archives (1978) - Compilation
3. The Special Edition EP (1980) - EP
4. Rush: Grace Under Pressure Tour (1986) - Live video
5. Chronicles (1990) - Compilation
6. Rush: A Show of Hands (1989) - Live video
7. Rush: Chronicles (1990) - Video compilation
8. Rush: Grace Under Pressure - Tour 1984 (2005) - Live video
9. Working Men (2009) - Live album
10. Time Stand Still (2016) - Documentary film.