Track Listing

1. Tom Sawyer
2. Red Barchetta
3. YYZ
4. Limelight
5. The Camera Eye
6. Witch Hunt
7. Vital Signs

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4913 in Music
• Released on: 1997-07-14
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .21 pounds
• Running time: 40 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
With Moving Pictures, Rush's complex songwriting and musical virtuosity reached new heights. It's that rarest of creatures, a highly listenable progressive-rock album; even the all-instrumental "YYZ" is of interest to listeners besides musicians. The highlight of the album is "Limelight"; like many progressive-rock bands, Rush writes songs about the experience of being on-stage. The result is impressive, with almost orchestral arrangements that never overwhelm the actual music. "Tom Sawyer", another classic, is on this album, as well as the science-fiction-meets-road-movie "Red Barchetta", the epic "The Camera Eye", the cautionary "Witch Hunt", and "Vital Signs", which takes advantage of the budding digital sound technology available at the time the album was recorded. This is probably Rush's best album; it's definitely their most accessible. --Genevieve Williams

CD Description
MOVING PICTURES is the intersection between Rush's '70s art-rock style and their sequencer-laced '80s efforts. An incredible stylistic leap for the band, the songs here incorporate reggae, percolating synth and even a new wave-tinged early'80s pop sensibility. "Tom Sawyer", the ultimate alienated-teen saga, is the album's best known song. "Red Barchetta" picks up where 2112 left off with futuristic, sci fi-orientedlyrics. The instrumental "YYZ" is as far into straight-up progressive rock as the band had ever ventured. Things get socio-political on the ominous "Witch Hunt", and a Jamaican flavour enlivens "Vital Signs". The increased reliance on synthesizers and sequencers would later become irksome to old school Rush fans, but on MOVING PICTURES, electronics are tastefully applied to further the group's musical vision, makingfor what just might be their finest batch of songs.

Customer Reviews

The epitomy of musical excellence
I can confidently say that for me 'Moving Pictures' is the best rock album of all time. Rush moved through several styles during the seventies, and by the time MP was recorded they had evolved into the most technically proficient rock musicians in the industry. Their songwriting had also evolved to a point where they became more concise with their tunes, less concerned with writing the lengthy prog epics of their 70's output. They achieved this without, in any way 'selling out' MP is a wonderfully produced album, which compliments the bands very tight playing. The album excites the listerner with the driving instrumental masterpiece 'YYZ', Inspires with the memorable 'Tom Sawyer' and entrances with the epic (only epic on the album) 'The camera eye' Rush have always been masters of creating exciting rock music. They also bring prog rock ideas to life and give them structure without compromising the more positive prog conventions - good musicianship, conceptual songwriting and being open to jazz and classical influences, but without the pomp. Moving Pictures is the point in their career when everything great about this unique Canadian band came together on one fine album. If you only ever buy one Rush album, let this be it.

A Unique Achievement!
Following the popular 'Permanent Waves,' Rush continued to build on their success that had been sown in the previous year. Although only seven tracks long, each one is packed with excellent musicianship and revealing lyrics. Standout tracks include the 10 minute extravaganza 'The Camera Eye' with its themes of paranoia and secrecy, and 'Whitch Hunt' detailing the superstitious nature of people towards their fellows. 'Limelight' is a high paced, energetic techno-rocker, and makes use of synthesisers which would be used to greater effect on later albums. Elsewhere, the instrumental, 'YYZ' shows the trio working fluidly as ever; Neil Peart's inventive drum work coupling with Geddy Lee's solid bass lines leaving scope for Alex Lifeson's thrilling guitar solos. As an album, Rush's greatest work was arguably this one, closely rivaled by '2112' & 'Permanent Waves,' and highlighting their underated sound and ability which are still largely ignored today.

Moving Pictures -What a Classic
I bought this Album when I was 14 and at 38 still listen to it regularly.
This was my introduction to Rush and in my opinion is the best by far.

It's an album that I never overplayed but find myself continuosly revisiting it time and time again and have never got tired of listening to it which I think emphasises how good it is.

This Album at the time was a very modern sound and still hold's its own emphasising it's impact at the time.

Pearts drumming is technically impossible and I still do the air drumming in the mid section of Tom Sawyer (I can't Help it).

You either Love or Hate Rush but the latter must have never heard this one. If you like good rock music (Not the Hair,teeth,Groin and Ego Stuff), musicianship, well thought out meaniningful lyrics and a dark undertone- this is for you.