Hold Your Fire [Remaster] (CD - 1987)

Additional personnel includes: Stephen Margoshes, Andrew Jackman (conductor); Aimee Mann (vocals); Andy Richards (keyboards, programming); Jim Burgess (programming); The William Faerey Engineering Brass Band.

Recorded between January & April 1987.

Personnel: Geddy Lee (vocals, guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, bass guitar); Aimee Mann (vocals); Alex Lifeson (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Williams Fairey Brass Band (horns); Andy Richards (keyboards, synthesizer); Jim Burgess (synthesizer); Neil Peart (drums, percussion, electronic percussion).

Recording information: Air Studios, Montserrat (01/1987-04/1987); Lerxst Mobile (01/1987-04/1987); M (01/1987-04/1987); Manor, Oxfordshire, England (01/1987-04/1987); McClear Place, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (01/1987-04/1987); Ridge Farm Studio, Surrey, England (01/1987-04/1987).

Photographer: Glenn Wexler.

Unknown Contributor Roles: William Faery Engineering Brass Band; Williams Fairey Brass Band; Scott Alexander.

Arrangers: Peter Collins ; Rush; Andrew Jackman.

Hold Your Fire is an album in the purest sense; infinitely greater than the sum of its parts, it gradually draws in the listener by slowly revealing its nuances and secrets. While the use of keyboards is still overwhelming at times, Geddy Lee employs lush textures which, when coupled with a greater rhythmic and melodic presence from guitarist Alex Lifeson, results in a far warmer sound than in recent efforts. Of course, drummer Neil Peart is as inventive and exciting as ever, while his lyrics focus on the various elements (earth, air, water, fire) for much of the album. Opener "Force Ten" is the band's most immediate number in years, and other early favorites such as "Time Stand Still" and "Turn the Page" soon give way to the darker mysteries of "Prime Mover" and "Tai Shan." The multifaceted "Lock and Key" is quintessential Rush, and sets the stage for the album's climax with the sheer beauty of "Mission." As was the case with 1976's 2112 and 1981's Moving Pictures, Rush always seem to produce some of their best work at the end of each four-album cycle, and Hold Your Fire is no exception. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

Continuing their trend that began with GRACE UNDER PRESSURE, Rush turned in a glossy, keyboard-driven record with 1987's HOLD YOUR FIRE. Like the previous album, POWER WINDOWS, this one was co-produced by Peter Collins, resulting in a collection of very pop-friendly songs but with the trio's signature complex arrangements and intelligent lyrics. The most dramatic difference with FIRE is the inclusion of an outside guest vocalist on "Time Stand Still" in the person of rocker Aimee Mann.

This period of Rush's career often came under fire from many longtime fans, who felt the band had exchanged their heavier, fantasy/sci-fi style of the '70s for a flashier, synthesizer-infused sound in hopes of gaining more radio airplay. However, it is the band's traditions of artful lyric writing coupled with intricate musical soundscapes that shine through the glistening digital textures. Standout examples of such include the opening "Force Ten," "Prime Mover" and the driving "Turn The Page." Soon, the trio would grow out of this period and strike a musical balance between the new digital technology and their original guitar-oriented sound. minimize