2/24: Workin' Them Angels
History recedes in the rear view mirror.
All my life
I've been workin' them angels
Overtime—
Riding and driving
And living so close to the edge.
My husband's favorite Rush album is Snakes and Arrows, which is a little ironic as i think the only album I’ve given less spins is Hold Your Fire.
Snakes and Arrows isn’t a bad album, per se. But for me, it just isn’t as “earworm-y” as either its predecessor, Vapor Trails, or the final album, Clockwork Angels.
That said, “Workin’ Them Angels” is definitely one of the best tracks from the album. The pacing is perfect—pairs so nicely with the lyrical travelogue—and I like Geddy’s haunting, ghostly vocalizations through the bridge.
In particular, Alex’s versatility really shines through on this track, where he plays not only a guitar and a mandolin, but also a bouzouki! I swear, give that man six strings and a fret, and he will work wonders.
Not for nothing, I also love the cadence of the phrase “workin’ them angels overtime,” the way it rolls off the tongue like water. For me, it’s one of those phrases, like “bless your heart” and “fixin’ to make supper” that must be said with a deep South accent. It’s especially rich coming from Neil, who not only was Canadian but very much did not believe in the concept of divine surveillance. But hey—poetry is poetry.
It's funny - when Snakes and Arrows first came out I really dug it. I loved the big, booming production by Nick Raskulinecz, after several albums where I found the production seriously flat. And I love that they included 3 instrumentals! But over time, I find it doesn't grab me as a whole album so much. I like individual songs, and the instrumental energy is awesome, but the songs don't stick. Like you say, they're less earwormy. Also, one of the worst album covers. I haven't looked into the imagery, if it is something with a deeper story or a reference to art or history, but visually it's like a washed out blend of religious iconography (I'm assuming Buddhist and maybe Hindu and others?).