Third Stage - Boston

Here's a band everyone should know: Boston. Any music fan will recognize that Third Stage is not the most recognizable album by the group. In fact, I think this album is WAY overlooked by the majority of those who enjoy their debut album. In short, Third Stage contains a lot of the magic of the self-titled album, with a few twists and turns thrown in that make it a completely unique experience.
Looking down the track list, your average listener would probably recognize only the first track, "Amanda". The song became a great hit for the band after the initial success they had 10 years earlier. However, this is only the beginning. The song is a great single, but more importantly, it's a great introduction to a lot of themes that will be revisited throughout the album. That's right, Boston made a concept album. Each track contains some sort of musical reference to the others, whether it's the 4-note guitar lick from "Amanda" or the suspension-resolution line from the vocals in "Can'tcha Say/Still In Love". These little nuances make repeated listenings more and more enjoyable, which is why this album ranks so highly in my opinion.
Another cool thing you'll find here is the symbolism. A lot of the tracks appear (on the surface) to be related to a space shuttle's launch and journey, but underneath you'll find a metaphor for human relationships. Again, the concepts are an awesome addition to the already wonderful music.
Definitely turn up the volume when you get to "The Launch". The chords and build sequence are best experienced at high volume. My favorite part is when, after a heavy guitar passage, the bottom drops out, leaving just the synth to soar on the high end, as though drifting through silent space. It's a great effect.
And then.... it explodes into "Cool The Engines". You won't find this song on the charts, but it's solidly one of my favorite Boston songs ever. The energy in vocals keeps the song driving like a rocket on the red line. It's just fantastic!
The next few tracks are some wonderful fillers to the middle of the album that will take you to "A New World". "Can'tcha Say/Still In Love" is a mystery to me. I can't seem to figure out why this song isn't a worldwide hit. It's just as good if not better than every track on their debut album. And it's not even on "Greatest Hits"! What happened here? Without a doubt, you must listen to this song!
Finally, "Hollyann" is an interesting closer. You'll feel like this song brings back memories, because it closely resembles "Amanda", but slower. It really ties the ribbon on a great album.
All in all, I wish this album was more well-known. There's a lot here, and people don't seem to see that. Take a listen, I think you'll agree. That's all for this week; happy listening!

Free link to the album on Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=10796610

Moving Pictures - Rush

It's finally come time for me to show some respect to Rush. As I'm sure you can tell, I really enjoy Dream Theater's work. However, with no Rush, there would be no DT. Many consider this band to be one of the most important influences on modern prog rock, and I'd have to say I agree. No album says "This is why I love Rush" better than Moving Pictures.
The first thing I want to mention about this album is its length. I think this album has to be near the top of the quality/time ratio scale. Weighing in at only 40 minutes, you'd never expect this album to be the prog heavyweight it is. The time has a lot to do with the fact that Rush was really one of the only prog bands getting a lot of radio play during the time period. Knowing this, the album's short playtime makes a lot more sense. It's filled with shorter songs for a casual prog listener.
First off is "Tom Sawyer". This is easily one of the band's most popular and well known tracks, and for good reason! The first thing I love about this song is the way it features Geddy Lee's vocals. The melodies are very simple, but will stick with you. Specifically, I love how the verse's melody is centered around one pitch, allowing for a lot of embellishment and emphasis on the later verses. Also, another thing I like to point out in this song is the idea of simple vs. complex. The guitar riff that runs through each verse is as simple as they come: sounding chords that linger through the vocals. However, the drums are often accenting here and there (as Peart is known to do). I've said it before, but it bears repeating: understanding instrumental focus is one of the best things a band can do to separate themselves from the rest.
"Red Barchetta" is more of a traditional symphonic prog tune. The lyrics follow a descriptive narrative, and as they change, so does the mood. The guitar sound is well chosen for different sections, as well. The melodic verse has a ringing, reverb-laden guitar, where as the faster, more energetic part has more distortion. Very tasteful and well done.
"YYZ" is an instrumental that I'm really glad to see has gained popularity with the rise of music gaming. As one of Rush's more progressive pieces, it's a true delight. Every time I listen to it, I focus on a different instrument (guitar, bass, and drums). Each has so much to offer here. I suggest you do the same.
"Limelight" has got a very radio-friendly feel to it, which is interesting, as it's got tons of time signature changes flying around. The syncopation makes this one really happen. Next time you listen, just check out how much is happening on and off the beat.
At 11 minutes (and taking up a quarter of the album!), "The Camera Eye" is the longest tune on Moving Pictures. Definitely check it out, though, as it's a wonderful progressive rock song. My favorite part of this one is how the sound paints the picture. With distorted guitar and soothing synth, you're taken on a ride.
The last two tracks are also very good, and in the same vein as most of Rush's music. If you enjoy any of the hits by this band, you owe it to yourself to dig just a bit deeper. Check out "The Camera Eye". If you're into that, I recommend another album called 2112. It's got that prog epic feel to it as well. I hope you guys enjoy this classic album as much as I do! Happy listening!

Free link to the album on Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=10495733