Test for Echo [Enhanced]

Rush | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 10, 1996)
• Original Release Date: September 10, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• ASIN: B000002JAI
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (189 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #123,525 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Test For Echo

2. Driven

3. Half The World

4. The Color Of Right

5. Time And Motion

6. Totem

7. Dog Years

8. Virtuality

9. Resist

10. Limbo

11. Carve Away The Stone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I hope this is not the last testament of Rush..., December 24, 1999

By 

"mh53465" (Kansas City, Missouri United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Test for Echo (Audio CD)

Almost everyone who hears a new Rush studio album in the 90's refers to it as "the best since Moving Pictures". Although that may be true, I feel that is an unfair statement, because it dismisses all of the work they released in between, many of which were fine works (Roll The Bones, Presto, Grace Under Pressure, and Signals[still my favorite]), as irrelevant in the continuing evolution of this band. Rush has always used a "clean slate" approach with each new project, creating work that is true to their convictions, and in tune with the times. If they had stood pat and attempted to recreate "Moving Pictures" every time they returned to the studio, they would have disappeared like so many other bands that came along, had their 15 minutes of fame, then faded into oblivion.Back to the subject at hand. Test For Echo, while not Rush's greatest work, is still a very solid offering. It continues the more organic musical approach evident during the Counterparts sessions.The use of an American mixing enginneer (Andy Wallace) gives this record a more "alternative" sound, dirtier and less processed. Alex Lifeson's guitars are much more dominant in the mix and have a rawer sound. Geddy Lee's bass work, while it has always been stellar, has reached a new dimension with his experimentations with dropped tunings. And Neil Peart, drummer extraordinare, is excellent, as always. The work he invested in the reinvention of his style definitely paid off. He really grooves here, more than ever before, and his fills are more creative than ever. Let's hope this is not the last testament from Neil (or the band, for that matter) and pray that he finds the inner strength to begin again after the tragedies he has been dealt. For us who have recognized how talented these three musicians really are, it would be tragic for us to have this album become their "swan song".Standout tracks here: The title track, "Driven" and "Virtuality", two of their heaviest songs in the past 15-20 years, "Half The World" (which should have garnered more attention as a single), "Resist", a moving ballad which for me conjures memories of "Losing It" (from Signals), and "Time And Motion", a song that proves Rush can still display their prog-rock chops and do it within the parameters of a five minute song. Great time signature shifts within this song, tasteful Peart fills, and a killer Lifeson riff.If this is your first Rush purchase, do not make it your last. There are many other works of theirs that I recommend for you: Counterparts, because it is a good companion piece to this that defines Rush's sound for the 90's. For those who like what they hear on Test For Echo, and want something from the 80's in their collection, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, and Signals are musts. The music is more complex on these discs, but contain songs that will never leave the radio.Grace Under Pressure is an album you might want to check out if you want to own the one that seems to be the bridge between "heavy" Rush and "light" Rush. Even with the heavier reliance on keyboards and electronic percussion, there is still some great Lifeson guitar work on here. Then if you want to check out Rush at their prog-rock finest (the late 70's), start with either A Farewell To Kings or Hemispheres. If you then want a representation of Rush live, go straight to the latest, Different Stages. Skip the other live sets, for they do not truly sound "live", plus the third disc here (from '78) is a true gem.I hope that Test For Echo is not the last testament of Rush. For the music world, it would be tragic if it came to be.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Underrated Rush Disc, January 5, 2005

By 

Samhot (Star Land) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Test for Echo (Audio CD)

Rush has much to be admired for. They still continue to make progressive rock, evolving and growing with each release.

This album seems to flow in a hard-edged, straightforward fashion, yet there are still complex arrangements, particularly Alex Lifeson's guitar parts.

The title track starts off things in a somber, yet energetic way. "Driven" is one of my favorite Rush tracks featuring heavy riffs and catchy chorus'. As usual, Neil Peart's lyrics never disappoint. "Half The World" is one of the most melodic tracks on here, giving this track, as well as many on the album a "worldly" sound to match the "aiming for higher horizons" artwork. "The Color Of Right" is probably the most pop oriented on here. "Time And Motion" is dark, aggressive and complex, featuring a rhythm in 10/8, and bringing reminiscence to such Rush-influenced progressive metal bands as King's X and Tool.

"Totem," while airy/ethereal, is also catchy. "Dog Years," despite the corny title, is one of the hardest rocking tunes on here. The lyrics as usual ARE thought-provoking ("Dog Years/For Every Sad Son of A.....) seem to ring true. "Virtuality" is a funky hard rocker, reminding me of Living Colour. The lyrics I find rather charming, which are about the internet experience (communication without faces or voices). "Resist" is very poignant, deep and arguably the most impressive in terms of combining lyrics and music. Geddy Lee's vocals are very moving (I'm not joking!). "Limbo" is an instrumental in the Rush tradition. It starts with water drops followed by Geddy Lee's funky bass playing. From there, it becomes hard rocking. Once again, reminding me of Living Colour. Also, check out Geddy's echoing voice. "Carve Away The Stone" ends the album perfectly with some complex arrangements, poignant guitar/vocal harmonics and great lyrics.

Overall, Rush continues to progress in their long career, and this is another jewel in the Rush anthology.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tight playing, enormous growth: another winner, May 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Test for Echo (Audio CD)

Having been a fan for close to 15 years, and impatiently awaiting each new album's release, you just don't know what direction Rush will go. From Hold Your Fire's keyboards, Presto's more acoustic sound, to Roll The Bones' shorter, concise, radio-friendly tracks, to the darker Counterparts, just in the 90s Rush made about 4 right turns in their music.
I certainly like to hear Rush played on local radio, and I think you can do that without "selling out" your sound, but the technical aspects underlying the well-written songs should open some eyes who casually listen to AOR.
From the beginning with TFE and Driven, Rush has again moved with the sound of the day, heavier guitar and bass, Peart still pounding away methodically on drums. A personal favorite is Half the World. Simple in many respects, if you sat down to play it on guitar you understand what Lifeson has done: Made Rush radio-friendly without denying his skills.
Another instrumental, a 7 minute mini-epic, and Carve Away the Stone also are nice touches.
No wonder this album debuted at #3 on Billboard: People are longing for better quality music and not the same old grunge/overdrive guitar sound that you hear everywhere.
This album delivers and for me ranks as one of their best, near Moving Pictures and Permanent Waves.