VICTOR

VICTOR
ST (1996)
320 KBPS

I had always given Geddy too much credit for the old magic of Rush's '70's and '80s albums; this record enlightened me to the true Guitar Wizard status that Alex should enjoy. There are a couple fluffy tracks on here... the "Shut Up Shuttin' Up" thing is some great playing, but the lyrics/banter are trivial at best. The balance of the album, though, is a very surprising show of lyrical writing that I didn't think Alex had in him. Very dark, and deeply disturbing at times, and yes a bit misogynistic in the opening track, but a far cry above the (sorry) crap that Rush has been spewing forth for a number of years now (except for their latest, Snakes and Arrows which is pretty good). Although, I still buy all their albums just out of a probably misplaced hope that the magic will eventually be rekindled.... One downside that I should mention... as Alex said in an interview once, this album has a "guitarist's mix." This seems to mean an at times piercing tonal balance that might be a tad painful on some systems, depending on your hearing and speakers. Still an awesome album, though, once you tweak the EQ a bit.

1. Don't Care
2. Promise
3. Strart Today
4. Mr. X
5. At The End
6. Sending Out A Warniong
7. Shut Up Shuttin' Up
8. Strip And Go Naked
9. The Big Dance
10. Victor
11. I Am The Spirit