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Hemispheres | 
 enlarge | Artist: Rush
Label: Island / Mercury
Category: Music
List Price: $9.98
Buy New: $7.97
You Save: $2.01 (20%)
New (53) Used (23) Collectible (1) from $4.49
Rating:  168 reviews
Sales Rank: 3710
Format: Original Recording Reissued, Original Recording Remastered
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 534629
UPC: 731453462922
EAN: 0731453462922
ASIN: B000001ESL
Release Date: May 6, 1997
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| Tracks:
| • | Hemispheres | | • | Circumstances | | • | The Trees | | • | La Villa Strangiato |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Smart rockers Rush were just on the brink of being embraced by the album rock mainstream when they recorded Hemispheres. Already wildly popular with a certain corner of the intellectual crowd, thanks in part to drummer Neil Peart's Ayn Rand obsession, this CD marked a turning point for the Canadian trio. Hemispheres explores the political, social economic, and sci-fi themes prevalent on their early work, continuing the saga of "Cygnus" from A Farewell To Kings. Rush was fond of writing in movements, almost orchestrally, rather than the typical verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure, and Hemispheres has the usual opus-like compositions that perfectly displayed their chops. The CD features time changes that you'd need a calculator to crack, impossible guitar arpeggios from Alex Lifeson, and Geddy Lee's low end bass rumblings and high end vocal shriekings. Rush's lofty lyrics sometimes bordered on the ridiculous and, if for no other reason, Hemispheres deserves props for Lee's ability to sing the line, "There is unrest in the forest..." (from "Trees") while keeping a straight face. --Steve Gdula
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| Customer Reviews: Read 163 more reviews...
 Rush's best 70s work July 13, 2008
I think that Hemispheres is Rush's best 70s album, and definatly one of the best records thay ever made. Most people will say 2112 or Kings are better, because they are more recognizable/popular, however I disagree with that assesment. The title track is the finest extended song that band has ever written, the lyrics are really amazing when you read along to the music. It is far more substaintial and better crafted then 2112. Be prepared for a strange trip with Hemispheres, it is the most progressive work of Rush, which sadly would not be approached again after it's release and tour. Circumstances is a short, yet highly sophisticated rocker stuffed with time changes and exotic instruments employed. The Trees is another fan favorite that relies on Neil's fable like story telling to represent social unrest through the aspect of nature. And last but not least there is LaVillStragiato, a 9 minute instrumental which i think spotlights Alex's talent as one of the best guitarists on the planet. I like this instrumental much better then the far more popular YYZ.
Even though it only has 4 songs, this CD reward repeat listenings. Definate must buy, it is one of Rushes finest moments.
Rush at its best! May 13, 2008
This is when Rush got everything really together and still hadn't stopped for too much polishing. An amazing feat as Hemispheres takes you on a great journey through ancient wisdom, impeccable musicianship to perfection. A true rock classic!
A solid effort once again for Canada's best May 13, 2008
Four Songs. For GREAT Songs. For INCREDIBLY Great Songs.
You realize I could go on forever, right? Anyway, Every song on here is a success in every way. From the beutiful instrumentation of "La Villa Strangiato" to the incredible lyrics of "The Trees", this album is a masterpiece. All I can say is Buy It! You WILL NOT be sorry. I hope you guys enjoy it...
Masterpiece, Book II May 2, 2008
As a follow up to Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres is everything it could possibly be. The two albums are linked not only by release dates and progressive creativity, but also by a light thematic link in the "Cygnus" saga. Musically, the boys are again at the top of their game with this release.
It is a testament to this album that it is the ONLY Rush album in their long career from which every song (yes, the entire album) was played on the supporting tour. (Only Moving Pictures eventually saw every song played live, but not on the supporting tour.)
For the songs:
HEMISPHERES: "Cygnus X-1, Book II". A fantastic album-side epic track. It is a coherent whole, both musically and lyrically, and yet is diverse enough to remain interesting throughout. The connection to "Cygnus" from Farewell is not particulary strong (both Books might have stood alone almost as effectively), but the connection is there and I suppose it does add a little to the saga. The song also has some of the most extensive and intense singing of any Rush epic -- lots of lyrics to be sung, and not much instrumental break for Geddy (perhaps one of the reasons it's not done live anymore -- would be quite a marathon to do night after night). In any event, an amazing prog-rock epic trak, and incredibly creative.
CIRCUMSTANCES: A tight little rocker, with some incredible riffs, especially just before each chorus. A bit of a mood change at the beginning of the instrumental section, which builds back up to the power of the song's opening.
TREES: A perennial favorite live, with a classical guitar opening, a nature setting instrumental section in the middle, and some driving rock sections in between. The meaning behind the lyrics has been debated, but the ironic twist at the end is clever regardless.
LA VILLA: Hands down, the best instrumental of all time. It is a multi-movement song that builds, retreats, and builds again through about 9 movements, some of which repeat later to create a chorus feel. Another song that has not grown old, and still makes a grand appearance on most tours.
This album also sees Geddy's last really high-pitched, wailing vocals (except for a brief moment in "Freewill" on the next album), and seems to mark the end of an era for Rush, as they really turn from their epic numbers over the next two albums, before abandoning them altogether. Fortunately, they end that chapter with this incredible album.
If there is one drawback to this album, the cover art is a little goofy. But hey, it's prog rock, and they were having fun.
5+ stars
Vintage Rush April 11, 2008
In the early days of high school I had to scrounge for tapes of albums, mainly because I didn't have a job, therefore no money. I had a friend record this album for me onto cassette and I wore that tape out. When I could I eventually bought a cd copy.
First let me say that beyond the sentimental value of this cd, that it's straight up, prog Rush at their very finest. First is the classic opus Hemispheres, artistically protraying the battle of the heart and mind, as represented by Dionysus and Apollo respectively, a quandry that is resolved by Cygnus, the bringer of balance. The lyrics and musicianship are incomparable, this is Rush at their very best. Next is Circumstances, a brooding track that I like very much. Then comes the classic "The Trees", a song which has lived a long life in concert performances and lastly "La Villa Strangiato", a phenomenal instrumental, featuring some sweet soloing by Alex Lifeson.
The music is somewhat dated by now, but it doesn't change the fact that it's an astounding prog rock classic. I'd say get this cd along with 2112 and you'll hear Rush at their absolute peak.
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