RUSH - Signals - Canadian rock - 12" Vinyl LP Album
- A synth-charged rock milestone where sharp riffs meet introspective lyrics and iconic cover art

"Signals," released in 1982, marked a bold turning point for Rush as the Canadian trio embraced synthesizers and technology to expand their progressive rock sound. Recorded at Le Studio in Quebec, the album blends sharp guitar riffs, intricate bass lines, and Neil Peart’s thought-provoking lyrics with a polished, modern edge. Songs like Subdivisions and New World Man reflect themes of alienation, change, and individuality. With Terry Brown’s final production for the band, "Signals" stands as a milestone where Rush bridged their hard rock roots with the evolving sounds of the 1980s.

"Signals" Album Description:
Production & Recording Information:
Band Members / Musicians:
Complete Track-listing:
Video: The Analog Kid
Video: New World Man
Album Photo Gallery:
Selection of Vinyl LP Albums – Cover Gallery & Collector Information

"Signals" Album Description:

Rush, the iconic Canadian rock band known for their intricate compositions and virtuosic musicianship, added another jewel to their crown in 1982 with the release of "Signals". This 12" LP vinyl album, a treasured item in the collection of any rock enthusiast, not only encapsulated the band's musical prowess but also featured compelling cover artwork, all of which makes it a fascinating addition to your vinyl collection.

The Making of "Signals"

"Signals" marked Rush's ninth studio album, and it was a pivotal moment in their career. The album was produced by the band themselves, alongside renowned producer Terry Brown. The sound engineering was masterfully handled by Paul Northfield, ensuring that the music was captured with precision and clarity.

Recorded at Le Studio from April through July 1982, "Signals" was crafted in a studio known for its picturesque location in Quebec, Canada. This tranquil setting undoubtedly influenced the album's mood, which often features introspective and thought-provoking lyrics.

Bob Ludwig, a distinguished name in mastering, lent his expertise to the album's final touch, ensuring that the sound quality was nothing short of exceptional.

The Artwork and Design

One cannot discuss "Signals" without mentioning the striking album cover. Designed by the talented Hugh Syme, who was known for his collaborations with Rush, it depicts a mesmerizing blend of art and symbolism. The cover portrays a Dalmatian standing on a rocky shore, gazing at a red star. This enigmatic imagery perfectly complements the album's themes of communication and human connection, as depicted in songs like "Subdivisions" and "New World Man".

Deborah Samuel, a renowned photographer, captured the image that adorns the album cover. Her work beautifully encapsulated the mood and atmosphere of "Signals", making it an iconic piece of rock album art.

The Band's Lineup

As with any Rush album, the trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart shines brightly on "Signals". Geddy Lee's distinct basslines, Alex Lifeson's virtuoso guitar work, and Neil Peart's intricate drumming create a soundscape that is instantly recognizable as Rush.

Geddy Lee handles bass and vocals, his unmistakable voice delivering the album's lyrics with emotion and precision. Alex Lifeson's guitar work adds layers of complexity to the music, while Neil Peart's drumming is a masterclass in rhythm and technique. Together, they create a sonic tapestry that is the hallmark of Rush's sound.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Canadian Rock

Label & Catalognr:

Mercury 6337 243

Album Packaging

This album "RUSH - Signals" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1982 – Made in Holland

Producers:

Rush – Producer
Terry Brown – Producer
Terry Brown – Longtime Rush collaborator whose precise production shaped the band’s sound throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. "Signals" marked his final album with the group.

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Paul Northfield – Sound/Recording Engineer.
Paul Northfield – Sound/Recording Engineer at Le Studio, known for capturing the polished, modern sound of "Signals" and later working with other major rock and metal acts.

Recording Location:

Le Studio – Morin-Heights, Canada

Recorded April through July 1982

Le Studio – A legendary recording facility in Morin-Heights, Quebec, often called “Rush’s Abbey Road.” World-class for its state-of-the-art equipment, custom acoustic design, and serene lakeside setting, it attracted artists like Rush, The Police, David Bowie, and Bryan Adams. Its combination of cutting-edge technology and tranquil environment made it one of the premier studios of the 1980s.

Mastering Engineer & Location:

Bob Ludwig – Mastering Engineer at Masterdisk
Bob Ludwig – Mastering Engineer
My quick tell for a record that’s about to sound expensive: “Mastered by Bob Ludwig” quietly lurking in the credits. Read more...
Bob Ludwig, for me, is the final boss of “make it hit”: cutting lacquers at A&R in the late ’60s, shaping the 1970s at Sterling Sound, the 1976–1992 Masterdisk era, then building Gateway Mastering in Maine (founded 1992) before retiring in 2023. His mastering fingerprints run from classic rock to metal to modern pop—Led Zeppelin and Lou Reed through Metallica, Nirvana, Tool, and Daft Punk.
Bob Ludwig Wiki

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Hugh Syme – Album Cover Design
Hugh Syme – Art director, graphic designer, photographer
The guy who made Rush look like Rush (and yes, that Starman). Read more...
Hugh Syme, the rare multi-tool who can make an album cover iconic and also show up as an actual musician, is the name I keep running into whenever a rock record looks suspiciously smarter than it has any right to be. He is a Canadian Juno Award-winning graphic artist and longtime visual architect for Rush, starting with the cover for "Caress of Steel" (1975) and going on to create their famous Starman logo, basically branding half of progressive rock fandom for decades. Before (and alongside) all that visual world-building, he performed as a keyboardist, singer, and co-arranger with the Ian Thomas Band in the mid-to-late 1970s, and later contributed as a keyboard player on several Rush albums; he is also credited as a musician with Tiles, because apparently sleeping is optional when you are Hugh Syme. Hugh Syme Wiki

Photography:

Deborah Samuel – Album Cover Photography:
Deborah Samuel – Canadian photographer celebrated for her distinctive portraits, she provided the striking visual imagery that complemented Hugh Syme’s design concept for "Signals."

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:

Geddy Lee – Vocals, Bass Guitar, Keyboards
Geddy Lee (Paul Gary Lee Weinrib, born 1953, Toronto) co-founded Rush and became known for his high-pitched voice and complex bass playing. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he remains one of rock's most influential bassists.
Alex Lifeson – Guitars
Alex Lifeson (Aleksandar Živojinović, born 1953, Fernie, BC) is co-founder of Rush, known for innovative guitar work that shaped the band's sound. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he remains highly influential in rock music.
Neil Peart – Drums
Neil Peart (1952–2020) joined Rush in 1974 as drummer and lyricist. His technical drumming and philosophical lyrics defined the band’s style. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his legacy endures as one of rock’s greatest drummers.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:

Subdivisions Single
The album's second commercial single; one of Rush's most iconic tracks addressing suburban alienation.
The Analog Kid Rare
Released as a U.S. promotional single only, contrasting youthful energy with adult realities.
Chemistry
A rare Rush song where all three members contributed lyrics.
Digital Man
Explores technology and modern identity with a reggae-influenced groove. Not released as a single.

Video: Rush - The Analog Kid

Tracklisting Side Two:

The Weapon
Part II of Neil Peart’s "Fear" song cycle, continuing a thematic series across albums.
New World Man Single
The album’s first and biggest hit single, reaching #21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Losing It Guest
Features guest musician Ben Mink on electric violin, a rare Rush collaboration.
Countdown
Inspired by Rush’s direct experience watching the launch of NASA’s Columbia space shuttle (STS-1). Not released as a single.

Video: Rush - New World Man

RUSH - Signals Album Photo Gallery:

Album Front Cover Photo

Front cover of Rush's 1982 album Signals, featuring minimalist artwork by Hugh Syme. The image shows a bright red fire hydrant on a textured green grass background, with a black-and-white Dalmatian dog leaning forward to sniff the hydrant. Above the photo, abstract black brushstroke shapes form the word Rush, and beneath them the word Signals is spelled out in spaced capital letters. The composition is framed within a pale gray border, evoking both simplicity and stark contrast. — The album cover of *Signals* is defined by Hugh Syme’s minimalist and witty design. At the center sits a sharp, vivid photograph of a bright red fire hydrant placed on a lush green artificial grass surface, rendered in clean and high contrast tones.

Beside the hydrant, a black-and-white Dalmatian dog bends down, nose pressed curiously to the hydrant’s base, a humorous play on the concept of “signals” and communication. The textures of the spotted fur, hydrant metal, and grass all stand out clearly.

Above the photo, abstract black brushstroke symbols spell out the band’s name in stylized form, with the word *Signals* presented in wide, spaced capital letters beneath. A soft gray border frames the entire composition, giving it a restrained yet striking modern feel.

Album Back Cover Photo

The back cover of Signals carries a cool, technical atmosphere. A pale gray canvas centers a bold blue suburban blueprint marked “Warren Cromartie Subdivision Plan.” The map shows neat rows of lots and streets, with a yellow route traced across and red dots marking key intersections.

Above the blueprint appears the understated production credit Produced by Rush and Terry Brown in small red lettering. Below, the track list is presented in clean serif type, splitting Side One and Side Two with their four songs each.

In the corners, functional details anchor the design: a Mercury catalog number with a price sticker on the upper right, and a small marketed by Phonogram logo on the lower right. Together, the imagery echoes the album’s themes of suburbia, order, and the modern signals of daily life.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve

Inner sleeve of Rush's 1982 album Signals, featuring three vivid pixelated portraits of the band members against a plain white background. From left to right: Alex Lifeson, with a red-toned digital mosaic effect; Geddy Lee, wearing dark sunglasses, his face rendered in red-orange pixelation; and Neil Peart, with a magenta and violet glow. Beneath the portraits, in the lower half of the sleeve, is a block of production credits, musician roles, and acknowledgements in black serif text. The layout is minimal yet striking, blending early 1980s digital aesthetics with traditional album credits. — The custom inner sleeve of *Signals* places three striking portraits of the band side by side, each rendered in a glowing, pixelated style. From left to right: Alex Lifeson’s face shimmers in red mosaic tones, Geddy Lee appears in sunglasses surrounded by fiery oranges and deep shadows, and Neil Peart glows in violet and magenta highlights.

Below the portraits, the lower half of the sleeve is filled with detailed production notes and credits. Set in neat serif text, the information lists the band’s roles, production team, recording locations, mastering details, and acknowledgments, all arranged in structured blocks that balance the vibrant artwork above.

The overall presentation combines bold digital-inspired imagery with the precise documentation of a studio album, perfectly capturing Rush’s forward-looking aesthetic of the early 1980s.

Second Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve

Original inner sleeve of Rush's 1982 album Signals, showing the complete printed lyrics of all eight songs across both sides of the vinyl. The sleeve has a clean cream background with columns of neatly typeset black and red text. Side One lyrics on the left include Subdivisions, The Analog Kid, Chemistry, and Digital Man, while Side Two lyrics on the right feature The Weapon, New World Man, Losing It, and Countdown. The text is aligned in organized blocks, with song titles highlighted in red capitals. The catalog number 6337 243 is printed in the top right corner. The design emphasizes clarity and accessibility, giving fans full access to Neil Peart’s intricate words. — The original custom inner sleeve of *Signals* features all the lyrics from the album laid out in structured columns. On a cream-toned background, each song title is set in bold red capitals, with the verses neatly printed beneath in fine black text.

Side One’s lyrics — including *Subdivisions*, *The Analog Kid*, *Chemistry*, and *Digital Man* — appear on the left half, while Side Two’s tracks — *The Weapon*, *New World Man*, *Losing It*, and *Countdown* — are on the right.

The design highlights Neil Peart’s detailed writing, presenting each line with precision. The catalog number *6337 243* stands printed at the top right corner, underscoring the pressing’s identity.

Close up of Side One record’s label

Side One of the Signals LP is pressed with a vivid blue Mercury label. The Mercury logo dominates the top, surrounded by a ring of copyright text circling the edge.

Large white lettering displays STEREO and 33 1/3 alongside catalog number 6337 243, clearly marking it as a Holland pressing. The tracklist is printed in bold: Subdivisions, The Analog Kid, Chemistry, and Digital Man.

Production credits at the bottom confirm Rush and Terry Brown as producers, with songwriting attributed to Lee, Lifeson, and Peart. The legal imprint of PolyGram Inc. USA finalizes the label design, balancing function with classic early-80s Mercury style.

Selection of RUSH Vinyl LP Albums – Cover Gallery & Collector Information

RUSH - Moving Pictures

Released in 1981, Moving Pictures is Rush’s eighth studio album and one of their most acclaimed works. Blending progressive rock with radio-friendly hooks, it features classics like Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, and YYZ. The album showcases the trio’s peak musicianship and became their best-selling release worldwide.

RUSH - Signals album front cover vinyl record

RUSH - Signals 12" Vinyl LP

Released in 1982, Signals is Rush’s ninth studio album and marks a bold shift toward synthesizers and modern rock textures. Recorded at Le Studio in Quebec, it features standout tracks like Subdivisions and New World Man, blending technical musicianship with introspective lyrics that captured the spirit of the early 80s.

RUSH - Signals - Canadian rock - 12" Vinyl LP Album - A synth-charged rock milestone where sharp riffs meet introspective lyrics and iconic cover art

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