[zvinki]

I've noticed the same things with older bands, Rick, but was hoping that Rush would be immune to it. I agree with you regarding Counterparts which, IMO, was their strongest effort since Signals. Lots of fresh ideas, lyrically and musically, that seemed to work. I am not so warm to Test For Echo.

Regarding Vapor Trails, maybe it is the overwhelming sense of optimism in the lyrics and how I relate it to Neil's tragedies and the healing that he went through that makes me so fond of this effort. Having said that I also understand your complaints of their new sound. I, personally, don't like the sound of a Telecaster, which was the guitar of choice for this recording. But I also think that Alex had so many ideas that he threw out and, for whatever reason, Geddy Lee was unable to piece it together in as coherent a fashion as before. His bass playing, on the other hand, is outstanding throughout.