Even though my mind’s radio station had a light-hearted musical response to my most recent misfortune, I can’t pretend that I’m not stressed by it. And I’m sure there will be reverberations of it in the weeks and months to come, but I’m not the type to dwell on that type of emotional response. It doesn’t do anything to help me accomplish something constructive; and that’s what I need to focus on more than ever.
So I should have seen today’s MotD coming yesterday … but I didn’t. I was letting myself be distracted from what I need to do by how I’m feeling. Perhaps that made this musical clue-by-four even more effective.
Yeah, I know: probably not the page-turning song some of you were expecting; and probably not a preferred Rush track for some1 of you. That’s the way it goes.
I know that Hold Your Fire is considered by many Rushians to be one of the band’s worst albums. I’ve read complaints about it not being heavy or prog enough; that its sound is too pop; and of course, the synth haters have good reason to dislike it. It has a very special place in my heart, as it was the first new release I bought after becoming a Rush fan, and its tour was my first experience seeing Rush live. “Turn the Page” is a good example of why the 1987 release remains one of my favorites.
First, that zippy bass line that Geddy opens with is fire. And even though the song is fairly synth-heavy, Alex’s guitar frequently cuts through in his brilliant, inimitable style. And that solo! Whew! Neil’s drumming doesn’t really stand out to me, which is fine: his lyrics are on point.
Many of the songs on HYF have powerful messages that resonated with me strongly back then, and still do. Perhaps that’s part of why I find them more intimate and warm, especially compared to the previous two albums (Grace Under Pressure and Power Windows). Now that I’m thinking about it, even the overall sound on HYF is more warm. “Turn the Page” was sped up just a touch live, with great results. Here it is from that tour:
And enough chatter from me. I’m choosing to face down the future, and I need to be as prepared as possible.
many?
I mainly know the songs from their greatest hits compilations, so I can't pass judgement on this deeper album track.
Brilliant sound and lyrics. You can count on Rush to have a song for any eventuality in life!
This one seems perfect right now for you and for all of us. "How can anybody be enlightened, Truth is after all so poorly lit."