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Signals is the ninth studio album by the Canadian rock band Rush, released in 1982 (see 1982 in music). The album marked Rush's foray into the techno-oriented 1980s, via the increased use of electronic instrumentation (keyboards, sequencers, electric violin). Drifting farther away from their hallmark extended instrumentals, the band turned out a rather "industry standard" eight songs, the longest of which is 6:24. In essence, because of this, many people felt a lot of Rush's 'soul' was missing on Signals but nevertheless, the album is a strong one with an all-around up-tempo feel. The album is also widely regarded to contain some of Peart's best lyrics.
One factor many people tend to overlook in their opinions of this album is the incorporation of some then "new" varied Caribbean influences such as Reggae, Ska, & Calypso, a la another prevalent 1980s trio: The Police. Songs "Digital Man" and "New World Man" are the prime examples of the band's use of these styles.
Close scrutiny of the album's inner artwork (e.g., the "Blueprint") reveals not only their intent to maintain continuity within certain musical and lyrical themes, but also their self-deprecating sense of humour.
The stronger tracks include "Subdivisions", which explores the adolescent misfit subculture which so many of the band's followers have endured. One of the band's staple tunes, "Subdivisions" is also a classic and challenging play-along for first-year drummers. Excellent lyrics by Peart.
Opening with one of Peart's signature drum fills, "Digital Man" is a fast-paced rocker that showcases bassist Geddy Lee's incredible mastery of both his instrument and its rightful place in the rock genre.
"New World Man", an FM-radio staple, is an accessible song with lyrics written in a somewhat similar vein to Moving Pictures' "Tom Sawyer". Though you would never think by listening to it, this song was written and recorded almost on a whim at the end of the recording sessions, in order to preserve the continuity of the then-popular cassette tape format.
"Losing It" includes a guest appearance by FM alumni Ben Mink, showcasing his talent through the use of multi-tracked electric violins. (Mink later collaborated on Geddy Lee's 2000 solo album, My Favorite Headache.) This masterpiece also includes outstanding lyrics by Peart which reference, among other things, the latter years of writer Ernest Hemingway: "for you the blind who once could see, the bell tolls for thee..."
"Countdown" is also a sublime example of lyricist Neil Peart's descriptive liguistics derived from his many literary influences: "venting vapours like the breath of a sleeping white dragon...", as he recounts the launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1981.
Signals also represents the band's last collaboration with producer Terry Brown, who had co-produced every Rush album since 1975's Fly By Night.
Track Listing
- "Subdivisions" - 5:33
- "The Analog Kid" - 4:46
- "Chemistry" - 4:56
- "Digital Man" - 6:20
- "The Weapon" - 6:22
- "New World Man" - 3:41
- "Losing It" - 4:51
- "Countdown" - 5:49
(The Track Listing is from the CD Release. This album was originally released on LP and cassette.)
Personnel
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