Changes

Despite the band eschewing mainstream media exposure, their popularity grew as the years wore on, spawning fan-favorites such as 1980's ''Permanent Waves'' and 1981's quadruple platinum ''Moving Pictures''. The latter is conventionally considered the band's quintessential album and the apex of their commercial success. The band is still highly active with respect to touring and recording. They recently released their latest studio album ''Snakes & Arrows'' May 1, 2007. The band's catalog is vast (composed of 19 studio albums, 7 official live recordings and numerous compilations) since their activity spans over 30 years. This longevity inevitably resulted in obvious musical changes, which lead to disagreement among fans regarding the most popular/fan-favorite songs and albums.  

Despite the band eschewing mainstream media exposure, their popularity grew as the years wore on, spawning fan-favorites such as 1980's ''Permanent Waves'' and 1981's quadruple platinum ''Moving Pictures''. The latter is conventionally considered the band's quintessential album and the apex of their commercial success. The band is still highly active with respect to touring and recording. They recently released their latest studio album ''Snakes & Arrows'' May 1, 2007. The band's catalog is vast (composed of 19 studio albums, 7 official live recordings and numerous compilations) since their activity spans over 30 years. This longevity inevitably resulted in obvious musical changes, which lead to disagreement among fans regarding the most popular/fan-favorite songs and albums.  

Some of Peart's lyrics, however, especially during the late '70s and early '80s (e.g ''[[2112]]''), were inspired by the [[objectivist]] philosophy of novelist [[Ayn Rand]], as well as by psychedelic [[Illegal drugs | drugs]] (e.g. ''[[A Passage to Bangkok]]''). The band have received some criticism for these lyrical themes, especially in the pro-[[collectivist]] British press in the wake of this album in the 70s.

Some of Peart's lyrics, however, especially during the late '70s and early '80s (e.g ''[[2112]]''), were inspired by the [[objectivist]] philosophy of novelist [[Ayn Rand]], as well as by psychedelic [[Illegal drugs | drugs]] (e.g. "A Passage to Bangkok"). The band have received some criticism for these lyrical themes, especially in the pro-[[collectivist]] British press in the wake of this album in the 70s.

The band is currently on an intercontinental tour in support of their most recent album ''Snakes & Arrows''. A double live album dubbed ''Snakes & Arrows Live'' was released on April 15, 2008 chronicling this tour.  

The band is currently on an intercontinental tour in support of their most recent album ''Snakes & Arrows''. A double live album dubbed ''Snakes & Arrows Live'' was released on April 15, 2008 chronicling this tour.