What? Simple Intelligence & good ol' rock n roll still can co-exist! Thank You Rush! (Four stars)

Classic Canadian trio Rush has come back with a big bang with Snakes and Arrows, a rockin' good ol' time with raw emotion and thoughtful insight on the human condition. So often these days in rock, the thought part gets lost in an abyss that bands cannot penetrate- but Rush, the ultimate thinking person's band does swimmingly.

Standouts on the beautifully packaged Snakes and Arrows include the poetic rally of resistance to controlling forces, "Faithless" and the perfectly chosen lead track, "Far Cry", a very guitar-driven force with which to be reckoned. Once again, Rush provides a musical odyssey with two instrumentals, including the better, more extensive "The Main Monkey Business". The theme of Snakes and Arrows is perhaps, best captured with "Bravest Face". Musically, Rush has amp'ed it up a notch or three, especially heard on tracks "Armor and Sword" and "The Way the Wind Blows". The latter has a bluesy-rock intro similar to a track from the band's previous release, Feedback, a salute to classic 70s rock,

With the lyrical genius that is drummer Neil Peart, Rush continues to tap into sentimentality without being trite or corny, and articulate strong perspectives without being preachy. Addressing the struggle of the societal ills thrusted upon the individual ("No one gets to their heaven without a fight") subtle rebellion


Despite being around for more than 30 years, the triple threat still strikes an exuberance and freshness
of which thirsty rock fans continue to quench. Undoubtedly, Rush is the perennial band that still grasps the music mallet and keeps on hammering away. So, it makes one question how in the hell has Rush not been inducted in The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Come on hall, putting the Pretenders well ahead of Rush in the hall. Chrissy Hyde is OK but still is working to legend status. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the Fame is a B.S. operation. Why am I getting all worked up? Anyway, tune into Snakes and Arrows people.

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