A FAREWELL TO KINGS

RUSH's A Farewell to Kings begins a second phase of RUSH music which I call their "Mid-Era Progressive" phase. Beginning with this 1977 release, and going right up to the "Live" Exit Stage Left released in 1981.

A Farewell to Kings kicks off Rush's foray into full progressive rock, which began with "2112", and eventually culminates with Moving Pictures. On Kings, Alex Lifeson continues to use more acoustic guitars. Neil creates more interesting percussion sounds, and Geddy's bass-lines improve to some of their most distinct. Two of the band's most progressive tracks are included here. Coming in at over ten minutes each, Xanadu and Cygnus X-1 are classic examples of 70's progressive hard rock. The album also contains one of Rush's all-time fan favorites: Closer to the Heart.

A Farewell to Kings is one of my favorite Rush albums from this era and many fans put it in the top 5 of all Rush releases. Even discerning Prog-Rock fans put this album in their Top 50 of all-time progressive rock titles. It's only second to the ever-popular Moving Pictures in ranking. I will always have a certain fondness for this title, as it was the very first record album I ever purchased as a youth.

Favorite Tracks: A Farewell to Kings and Xanadu