Rush Redux: Is Remixed ‘Vapor Trails’ An Improvement?

By now we’ve probably had time to give some fair listens to Rush’s newly mixed version of Vapor Trails, their 2002 triumph. Its original sonics have been complained about since the album’s release day; it was something everybody noticed, a hot, crinkly mix. So more than a decade later, producer David Bottrill’s version came out last month as Vapor Trails Remixed.

But is Remixed better? Yes but no. Firstly, the version a Rush fan heard first is probably gonna stick with most of us. That means the new, unblemished Vapor Trails is best for future fans. But comparison is unkind to Remixed: In its perfection, it neuters four or five songs and returns at least one to Presto-era vibe. Sure, new “Earthshine” has magic (once you get used to it) but doesn’t stand up any taller against that euphoric live version on Rush In Rio.

But here’s the weird thing: In this interview, bassist Geddy Lee states that the responsibility for VT‘s bad sound is theirs; it wasn’t a glitch or a manufacturing gaffe. So if the screw-up was Lee’s and Alex Lifeson’s, shouldn’t we get a copy of Vapor Trails Remixed free of charge?

Think of it: We could each take a picture with our copy of the original VT, then post it to Rush’s high-tech webpage. It’s proof that we own the shit, and it would make a neat promo happening to up the buzz around the album’s second go-around. I mean, if Rush wants to make it right for all of those involved — not just its creators — then fans shouldn’t be charged twice. Hey Rush, you fuckers owe me one!