Presto

Rush - Presto

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CD Details

Artist: Rush
Edition: Music CD
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Original recording remastered
CD Release Date: 2004-08-31
Music Label: Atlantic
Product features:

RUSH PRESTO

Soundtracks:

Show Don't Tell
Chain Lightning
The Pass
War Paint
Scars
Presto
Superconductor
Anagram (For Mongo)
Red Tide
Hand Over Fist
Available Light

Music reviews of Presto

Music Review: "Presto" - An Underrated Rush Classic
Rating: 5 Stars

4.5 stars

1989's "Presto" was the band's 13th studio album and marked the beginning of a new direction for the band. The use of synthesizers, which were used heavily on the previous four albums, were scaled back dramatically and guitars were brought back to the forefront. While this act could be interpreted as the band returning to their roots, the sound on "Presto" is still miles away from the band's 70's sound. This was the beginning of a new sound for Rush; a sound they would continue to work on throughout the 90's.

"Presto" is quite possibly the most underrated and overlooked album in the entire Rush catalogue. It is one of the band's worst selling albums. However, despite the lack of popularity, "Presto" is simply a classic Rush release. It is an extremely capable and solid album throughout. There are no standout "super-hits" on this one, which is probably why it isn't a more popular album, but tracks like "The Pass," "Red Tide," and "Available Light," are some of Rush's best songs to date. Anyone avoiding this album simply because it doesn't contain mega-popular songs like "Tom Sawyer" and "Subdivisions" is truly missing out.

"Presto" is a transitional album. Traces of "Hold Your Fire" are still here and are mixed in with the new sound being developed. Like most transitional albums, consistency is an issue. Some of the songs here, like "Scars," are so different that they almost sound out of place. Indeed, there are some "funky" and "jazzy" elements in "Presto" that have not been heard before on previous efforts. These elements hint at what the band was planning for their next couple of albums (Roll the Bones, specifically.) This makes "Presto" one of the most diverse Rush albums. This diversity will explain the polarizing and mixed reviews of the album. Some will love it, some will hate it. Luckily I fall into the former and not the latter.

1)Show Don't Tell - This is the best known song from this album, even though it didn't quite reach the status of a "hit." The first 16 seconds will lead you to believe the band is continuing in the same direction as "Power Windows" and "Hold Your Fire," and then BAM! Lifeson's guitar breaks through with a powerful "funky" riff. Complete with the band's signature tempo-changes and melody, this song flat-out rocks. The "bass-lite" production becomes apparent during the passages in this song. When Geddy Lee starts plugging away on the bass, it sounds notably lighter than it used to. This is attributed to the new producer. The remastered version improves this problem somewhat, but not completely. Still, a great song. 9/10

2)Chain Lightning - Starts off with an ethereal synth riff that quickly gives way to a haunting guitar riff. Great melodic vocals, catchy chorus, excellent guitar work. Although a fairly mellow song, I appreciate the heavy riffs thrown in by Lifeson. It keeps it very interesting. Another great song. 8/10

3)The Pass - Wow. This has got to be one of Rush's best songs. Some of the best, most poignant lyrics ever written by Peart, beautiful song melodies, and powerfully emotional vocals. Even those who don't like this album love this one. The band has stated that this is one of their favorite songs to perform live. Simply incredible. 10/10.

4)War Paint - A solid song, though not as memorable as some of the others. Catchy chorus, nice use of the piano, great riffing by Lifeson. On par with "Chain Lightning." 8/10.

5)Scars - The opening bass riff gives this song a jazz-fusion sound. The drumming is almost tribal at times. Synthesizer is used to give the song an atmospheric effect. A very unique song, to say the least. Admittedly, I did not like this song the first time I heard it. After repeated listens, it started to grow on me. It still isn't one of my favorites on here, but I like its uniqueness and atmospheric qualities. 7/10

6)Presto - Starts off slower than I'd like it to. The opening line "If I could wave my magic wand" made me roll my eyes upon first listening. Geddy's vocal performance shines brightly in this song. At about the 2 minute mark the song gets going at a good pace. At 3 minutes, the song gets faster and heavier. Great drumming, excellent acoustic guitar from Lifeson. Again, great vocal performance. This ends up being a strong performer. 8/10

7)Superconductor - Probably my least favorite on here. Although one of the heaviest songs on here, it is more or less a generic rock song. It is also a little too repetitive for me personally. The background vocals during the chorus are also kind of annoying. 6/10

8)Anagram (For Mongo) - The title is a reference to "Blazing Saddles." Nice touch. Anyway, I like this song. It isn't a standout track by any means, but it is melodic with a catchy chorus. For some reason, I am reminded of Genesis when I hear the chorus. It's a nice, mellow, middle-of-the-album song. 8/10

9)Red Tide - After the first few seconds of the piano intro, I actually said "This song has potential." I was right. I simply can't believe that this song wasn't a big hit when it was released. Without question, one of the strongest tracks on "Presto." This song sounds like it could have been on "Grace Under Pressure." The style is very close, in my opinion. Anyway, I love this song. Beautiful use of the piano, extremely catchy chorus, intelligent and relevant lyrics. 10/10

10)Hand Over Fist - This song deals with the topic of "Rock, Paper, Scissors." I give this song points for originality, but it isn't one of the best songs on here. The chorus is very repetitive throughout the song. Great vocal delivery by Geddy Lee. Overall, not bad, just not great. 7/10

11)Available Light - An amazing way to end an album. This song might have the best chorus of any song on here. "Available Light" sums up the album perfectly. The song itself is a diverse and beautiful mixture of all the styles present on the album - jazz, synth-pop, and rock. It all comes together here. There simply could not be a more perfect ending to this album. One of their best songs ever. 10/10

So, although not all the songs here are perfect, the good far outweighs the bad. This album deserves a lot more respect than it gets. "Presto" contains some of Rush's very best work. Although some tracks are better than others, there are no "bad" songs on here at all. If given a fair chance, I'm convinced that "Presto" will end up being one of your favorites as well. It may not be as immediately impressive as "Permanent Waves" and "Moving Pictures," but it will grow on you.

Note: If you are new to Rush, I do not recommend making this your first purchase. Start off with "Permanent Waves" or "Moving Pictures" and then branch off from there. However, make sure you have this in your collection eventually. It is a must have Rush release.

More Presto free music reviews:
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Description of Presto

RUSH PRESTO

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