"Closer to the Heart" by Rush

Song#:  0849
Date:  12/12/1981
Debut:  90
Peak:  69
Weeks:  7
Genre:  Rock, Arena Rock



Pop Bits:  Rush was at the peak of the prog-rock popularity with 1981's "Moving Pictures" becoming their most successful album in the US. The song "Tom Sawer" from the LP became their biggest pop hit at the time reaching #44. Since they were a very successful concert draw, the group's next move was to cull performances for a live album. "Exit...Stage Left" was assembled from shows in the UK and Canada and released. This first single, a live version of an earlier hit, was issued and it stayed on the lower end of the chart, which was typical for most Rush singles. However, it did best the original recording's effort on the chart, which reached #76 in 1977.

ReduxReview:  This is a great Rush song and I'm sure if you were lucky enough to see one of their concerts around this time, it was probably awesome. But as I've said several times before, live albums don't do much for me. I'd rather listen to the original recording or be there in person. So while I really like this song, a live single similar to the original just leaves me longing for the original.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) The group got the album title from a cartoon character. It was the catchphrase of Snagglepuss, a pink mountain lion who made appearances on shows like "The Yogi Bear Show." Whenever Snagglepuss had to get out of a situation or leave, he would say "exit, stage left" (or right).  2) The front and back covers of the LP paid tribute to all of Rush's previous albums by incorporating images or figures/characters from those albums.

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