Booked On Rock

Did Rush’s 80s synth era go too far—or was it a bold evolution?

In this episode highlight, I ask Richard James, author of Rush 1984 to 2015: Every Album, Every Song (On Track), what he really thinks about Rush’s shift in the 1980s. As keyboards took center stage on albums like Signals, Grace Under Pressure, and Power Windows, some fans pushed back hard.

Was the criticism fair? Did Rush lose something—or gain a whole new dimension?

🎧 Watch & listen to the full episode

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

We take a deep dive into Rush’s evolution from 1984 through 2015—an era defined by bold reinvention, synth-driven experimentation, and a powerful late-career resurgence. 

This episode features an interview with Richard James, author of Rush 1984 to 2015: Every Album, Every Song (On Track). We explore the band’s shift from Grace Under Pressure through Clockwork Angels, breaking down the albums, the risks, and the creative decisions that kept Rush evolving while staying true to their identity.

From synth textures to guitar-driven comebacks, and from personal tragedy to triumphant final tours, this is the story of how Rush wrote the last chapters of one of rock’s most respected legacies. 

Listen now and experience Rush’s final era—album by album, song by song.

Purchase a copy of Rush 1984 to 2015: Every Album, Every Song (On Track)

Visit Richard James' website

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🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock

🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK

Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
 
BookedOnRock.com
 
The Booked On Rock Store
 
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
 
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

What went into creating one of the most recognizable sounds of the ’80s?

In this highlight from Booked On Rock, producer Robert Margouleff reveals the surprising story behind DEVO’s “Whip It” — including the unusual recording setup and the moment it didn’t go quite as planned.

Margouleff, known for his groundbreaking work with Stevie Wonder and as co-creator of the TONTO synthesizer, shares how creativity, experimentation, and a little risk led to a sound that became iconic.

👉 Hear more stories from Robert Margouleff on the full episode

🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK

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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network

BookedOnRock.com
 
The Booked On Rock Store
 
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

In this audio highlight from Booked On Rock, legendary producer Robert Margouleff shares his firsthand perspective on the extraordinary musical gift of Stevie Wonder.

Margouleff, who worked closely with Stevie during his classic 1970s run, recalls the moment it became clear that this was no ordinary talent—saying it was as if “God came down and put his thumb on his forehead.” From the groundbreaking albums like Music of My Mind, Talking Book, and Innervisions, this clip captures the awe and inspiration behind one of the greatest artists of all time.

🎧 Hear the full episode featuring Robert Margouleff for more incredible stories about Stevie Wonder, Devo, and the evolution of modern sound.

🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK

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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network

BookedOnRock.com
 
The Booked On Rock Store
 
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
 
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
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TIKTOK
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

This episode features an interview with Robert Margouleff, author of Shaping Sounds: Stevie Wonder, DEVO, The Synth Revolution, and My Life Behind the Music.

Grammy Award-winning producer Robert Margouleff takes you inside one of the most groundbreaking eras in music history. From co-creating the massive TONTO synthesizer to helping shape Stevie Wonder’s classic run of albums—Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, and Fulfillingness’ First Finale—Margouleff shares firsthand stories of innovation, risk-taking, and redefining what popular music could sound like.

He also reflects on his work during the rise of the synth revolution, his connection to DEVO, and the creative breakthroughs that changed recording forever. This is a rare, in-depth conversation with the man behind the sound.

Purchase a copy of Shaping Sounds: Stevie Wonder, DEVO, The Synth Revolution, and My Life Behind the Music

Visit Robert Margouleff's website

Email Robert Margouleff: [email protected]

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🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock

🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK

Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
 
BookedOnRock.com
 
The Booked On Rock Store
 
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
 
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
X
 
Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe