Rush – Permanent Waves (Numbered Gold CD)

Remaster of 1980 Classic is Best-Sounding Rush Document in Existence

The first of three consecutive studio masterpieces, Permanent Waves firmly established Rush as a band whose appeal went far beyond what had been thought to be an audience mostly comprised of music nerds, mathematics professors, and science-fiction freaks. Anchored by the sizzling “The Spirit of Radio” and assertive “Free Will,” each longtime radio standards, the record found the group folding pop sounds of the era (namely, reggae-infused accents and energetic hooks) into its hard-rock template. The moves were a stroke of genius.

Shorter song lengths, space-age Moog keyboards, and uncongested arrangements translated into catchier material—and announced the beginning of Rush’s transition away from complex prog and towards synthesized rock. Permanent Waves represents the trio’s best balance of both elements. The ageless record is one reason why Rush is finally getting the long-overdue respect its deserved and experiencing a windfall of attention in the mainstream, garnering accolades from television shows (“The Colbert Report”), films (I Love You Man and Adventureland), and fellow rock contemporaries (Metallica’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame acceptance speech lobbied for Rush’s inclusion in the institution).

Sticklers for precision and perfection, the group demanded nothing less than the best from itself and production team. And there’s no better place to experience it than on Mobile Fidelity’s astounding remaster. Sourced from the original analog tapes, this exposes you to just how much detail and information you’ve been missing out on hearing.