I don't often listen to whole albums these days, I just let iTunes play what it thinks best, but since I bought "Clockwork Angels" by Rush last month, I find I have to listen to the whole thing from start to finish. It is a concept album, and in the words of one Kevin J. Anderson who is writing a novelisation of the album, it tells how "In a young man's quest to follow his dreams, he is caught between the grandiose forces of order and chaos. He travels across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy, with lost cities, pirates, anarchists, exotic carnivals, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life."
It is easily their best work in many years and I am listening to it right now for about the 20th time.
I've been listening to mostly all-Rush the past two months, between Clockwork Angels and their many recent live albums. Will be seeing them late October at the Boston Garden. Actually next weekend I'll be seeing a local Rush tribute band, Lotusland, at Twin River...they're playing a 3 hour show!
I haven't decided where to rank C.A. but I'm digging the concept. For each song, the music really conveys the mood of the story.
I can never praise these guys enough for all the good music they've written and performed!
"I can't stop thinking big..."