Coming Soon: Rush, Counterparts / Test for Echo on vinyl

As you probably already know, 2015 is Rush's 40th anniversary as a band, and it's a monumental occasion that we've been celebrating with some top-notch vinyl reissues. And we're not just blowing smoke when we use the term “top-notch,” friend: we're talking 200-gram vinyl here. Even better, each one comes with a code to access a high-definition digital download.

Last month, we delivered Presto and Roll The Bones. In January, we'll be offering up Feedback and Snakes & Arrows, which we're telling you now just so you can be financially prepared. This week, however, it's time to revisit 1993's Counterparts and 1996's Test for Echo.

Counterparts: One of the two highest-charting albums in Rush's discography - like 2012's Clockwork Angels, it hit #2 - it's probably best known by mainstream rock radio listeners for the singles “Stick It Out,” “Nobody's Hero,” and “Cold Fire,” but it was the song “Leave That Thing Alone” which earned the band a Grammy nod for Best Instrumental Rock Performance.

Test For Echo: Unfortunately, this album is probably better known by fans for being the last album Rush released before Neal Peart found his life upended as a result of first losing his daughter in a car accident and, less than a year later, losing his wife to cancer. All things being equal, though, you should really think of it terms of having delivered a tremendous title track and the equally strong singles “Half the World” and “Driven.”

Of course, both of the albums sound better than ever, but as a bonus for you vinyl freaks out there, Counterparts and Test For Echo both feature etched designs on side D of the album which are available for the first time on these pressings. Yes, little things do mean a lot, and trust us when we tell you that these are pretty darned cool. Pick 'em up, won't you?