Rush - Power Windows
|
List Price: Our Price: $2.43 You Save: $9.51 (79%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.22 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for Power Windows
Free Music Review: Don't let the synths fool you. 4.5 stars
Hit: 5 Stars
Some rock fans think the fact that there is some keyboard and synth overkill in Power Windows, demerits the album mislabeling it of 'pop-ish'. There are lot of 80s keyboards indeed and some synths, also there is a lot of wonderful bass playing going on here and some elegant, sharp and fast guitars.
Listen to Rush albums in order since Permanent Waves through Hold Your Fire, there is a natural and logical musical evolution in keyboard use. Keyboards and synths are just other instruments to play and Rush used them to give another dimension to their music (OK, I admit that in Hold Your Fire the lush and clinical production was a bit too much).
So, I do not see the 'pop' in wonderful songs like Manhattan Project, Marathon, Territories or Mystic Rythms; lesser tracks as Grand Designs, Middletown Dreams or Emotion Detector have guitar solos, fast masterful bass playing and puzzling drums that will be the envy of any rocker dude.
The true Rush fan do not stops to think in little things to enjoy their music. If you are exploring Rush and never have heard this album, pick it at once, the rewards are endeless with each listen. I also recommend the 'Show of Hands' live album as an excellent starter to explore this Rush period (and guitarrist Alex Lifeson hits more the distorsion pedal), if you want to play it safe.
Want 'Pop'? Go and get some Maddona, New Kids on the Block, or Timberlake...if you don't see or feel a difference with Rush you can vote negative.
Free Music Review: One of their best
Hit: 5 Stars
Seriously this is an awesome album, not just for Rush but for music in general. This album is flawless not a bit of filler at all. The year was 1985 and synths were definitely the cool thing in music and MTV was a staple for young music lovers. Be forewarned, though, that if you thought Grace Under Pressure had too many synths then steer clear of this one as it is mostly synths. Right from the start of Big Money,with its in your face keyboard playing, you will know what you are in for. I also love the upbeat Grand Designs and Marathon. Territories is a little over six minutes but it still sounds very epic. Manhattan Project sounds a little darker, but has a very nice mid-80s AOR sound. The last three songs,I feel,really lay on the synths thick. Just the sad keyboard sounds of Middletown Dreams can bring a tear to your eye while Emotion Detector will have you playing that air keyboard in no time.
And then there is my personal favorite Rush song of all time: Mystic Rhythms. The synth sounds are at their best here and it proves that Rush knew had to make their music sound intelligent even with electronics and not just as if they were selling out to the 80s. This album is perfect to relax to in the backyard laying down in the grass, watching the sun go down and a cool breeze begins to set in. Like I said before this album is flawless and I would give it ten stars if I could. In my opinion this is one of the best albums in the history of music.
Free Music Review: Absolutely one of their best.
Hit: 5 Stars
Let me begin by stating that Rush is my favorite rock band ever and nothing could ever top them. And yes, I have every single album by them from their debut all the way through Counterparts. However, having said this, I am also objective about the quality of their albums. For example, I don't think their debut or Counterparts are very good albums at all, and some others like Roll the Bones are not much better. To me, the band peaked between 1977 and 1984. If Signals and Moving Pictures are tie for my favorite albums, then I would place Power Windows tie with Permanant Waves for second.I've read many reviews which disapprove of Rush's extensive usage of keyboards on Power Windows. While there are alot of cool sounds and textures created with the keys, the album is still chock full of exciting guitar, bass, and drum parts. I play the guitar, and the stuff on PW is every bit as fun to play as Moving Pictues stuff. Alex throws little chord stabs and neat arpeggiated lines throughout this album and I believe Geddy's bass playing is probably even more energetic on PW than ANY other album.
Power Windows signifies Rush reaching the pinnicle of their unique blend of achingly gorgeous melodies, haunting textures of sound, in-your-face high energy musicianship, and some of the best songwriting ever (not to mention the best lyrics in rock music). Rating it any less than five stars would be a crime.
Free Music Review: A 44 Minute Masterpiece
Hit: 5 Stars
Power Windows was the last Rush release that catered to the old LP format. Thanks to the CD format, Rush has since been able to release longer albums containing more songs. As a result fans have been subjected to seven or eight really good songs and three or four mediocre tunes per post Power Windows release. Maybe they should go back to this format.Power Windows contains eight songs, all of which are home runs. The running theme on this album is, you guessed it, power! The power of wealth is the theme of The Big Money, a song that pretty much says with money you can rule and control. The power to destroy with the help of science and technology is the theme of the Manhatten Project. Rush expermented on Manhatten Project by adding strings to the song. It experiment was a success. Strings and a chorus are also used on one of the bands best songs ever, Marathon. I have never criticized Rush for their musicianship. It has never been better than on this release. Geddy Lee's Wal bass sounds wonderful on such songs and Territories and The Big Money. Guitarist Alex Lifeson performs brilliantly, especially with Marathon and The Manhatten Project. Drummer Neil Pear shines on Mystic Rhythms, the album closer which is one of the best on the album. Rush is my favorite band and I am critical of their music, rarely giving them five stars. Here they deserve it.
Free Music Review: Pure rock genius MASTERPIECE says this 41 year young fan!
Hit: 5 Stars
I hear some simpleton critics mention that 'PW' is chock full of keyboards and sound effects. And, your point is?? The key here is that Rush judiciously and tastefully utilize these throughout the album, but never once do they detract from the excellent and powerful, passionate compositions! This release is pure prog-rock GENIUS! The songs are melodic and ultra-tight with lots of progressions that evoke 'flights of fancy', with musicianship that is the best in the business. 'The Big Money' is a GREAT song as well, with a plodding bass line that evokes funkiness and playfulness that perfectly complements the technical perfection and delivery that is this song! If you don't like 'PW', you probably just don't get it (or good quality music in general)! 'Power Windows' is one of those tour-de-force releases that fit into the category of 'the finer things in life', and if you don't recognize its' genius and virtuosity, you probably are the kind of person who prefers 'Steak-Umms' over real steak cuts anyway! To sum things up: this is easily one of Rush's BEST releases; VERY musical with great technical prowess and power/delivery; listen to it on a GOOD high-end system if you can (like Magnepan or Martin-Logan speakers, or McIntosh, Bryston amps, etc.)!!! I might add, the latest digitally remastered version is sonically a GEM!!! Long live RUSH!!!