#379 Rush, 'Moving Pictures' (1981)

New Entry

Another glaring omission from the previous list has now been vindicated. As the old idiom warns, don’t judge a book by its cover. Ignore the punny dad joke that is the album cover (people literally moving pictures) and get into this album. ‘Moving Pictures’ is one of the most important and influential prog rock albums of all time. Featuring the incomparable, and recently departed Neil Peart on drums (and lyrics), guitar wizard, Alex Lifeson and the stunning falsetto and bass skills of Geddy Lee, this band had talent oozing from every pore. This album would go on to be Rush’s highest selling album in the States, being certified quadruple platinum. It was also nominated for one Grammy.

‘Tom Sawyer’ is my favourite display of Neil Peart’s drum skills. To be honest, it really showcases all their skills. ‘Limelight,’ the radio friendly single, is another favourite, as is ‘YYZ,’ the track that received a Grammy nod for Best Rock Instrumental. ‘The Camera Eye’ is the most prog song on the album, clocking in at 11 minutes with multiple parts to it. This record is often cited by musicians, especially drummers, as a major influence and it’s not hard to see why. 

#rs500albums