UAWIL #151: Rush - A Show of Hands

In thinking about what we wanted to do for our 151st episode, we wanted to talk about an album which we knew very well. In realizing that we rarely do live albums, we thought about the live albums that have influenced us and that we've listened to the most. For The Wolf, that would be 1989's A Show of Hands by Rush - their 3rd live album chronicling their 80s techno-pop stage. Many hardcore Rush and rock fans don't have much nice to say about 80s era Rush as the mid-range usually occupied by Alex Lifeson's guitar was all but consumed by keyboards. Even legendary drummer Neil Peart had MIDI triggers on his drum kit to make more experimental noises. But A Show of Hands does show arena Rush moving from strength to strength with Geddy Lee's plodding bass, Neil's brilliant bombastic, Ales's flourishes and lyrics that had become more timely and more timeless. Covering the albums Signals, Power Windows, Grace Under Pressure and Hold Your Fire (with a couple of older ones thrown in) this highlights a Rush era that may not be everyone's favorite but an important time in their history. And one The Wolf & Action Jackson hold in high esteem. Released January 9, 1989, they actually released several singles which charted in the US and this wrapped up the 80s techno phase before moving back towards the power trio sound with Presto. One of our favorites - enjoy! Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Ugly American Werewolf in London Store - Get your Wolf merch! Visit our sponsor RareVinyl.com and use the code UGLY to save 10%! Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices