Which Albums by Rush are real Prog Rock? And Why?

miamiscot wrote: Easy: 2112 to Moving Pictures.

I don't think you can really compare Genesis,King Crimson and Yes with Rush. Those bands are the first wave of "Prog" and they put out their best material before Rush even released anything. You have to remember that things in Canada and the US were different from the UK. Those bands had the luxury to do whatever the hell they wanted to a degree. Rush didn't, they worked for it and earned their keep. They also barely put out their 1st album in 1974.To me, Rush kept the "prog" alive after those bands fell from grace or disbanded and they turned many to those other bands (such as myself). As for Rush being "Prog?" You have to ask yourself What is "Prog" really?? Personally, I think it's both a distinct genre but it's also an ethos of wanting to move your music forward which to me is something they always did since Neil joined them. Which Rush albums are Prog? I say all with Neil Peart (Fly by Night - Clockwork Angels). Whether you consider Prog as a distinct genre and/or an ethos of wanting to move your music forward. Rush has always been Prog. Let me give reasons for this

After the Hemispheres, they continued to experiment with sounds they never used before(electronica, reggae, ska, new wave and numerous other sounds). All that before Yes or King Crimson ever did anything to that degree, they were one of the first bands to do this in a rock context. That's pretty damn "prog" if you ask me. After that they continued to experiment with sounds such as a prog rap (Roll the Bones) and true 80s prog with albums like Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, Signals, Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows, Hold Your Fire and even after that. Who else was doing this kind of music? Because I can't think of any other band. Anyway, to me they've always been "prog"

Edited by ProgMetaller2112 - October 07 2019 at 03:52

cstack3 wrote: The late Chris Squire was once intimidated by a Geddy Lee animatronic figure, "Geddy Leap!"

AFlowerKingCrimson wrote: ^ That reminds me of what Gene Simmons said in the Rush documentary: "What kind of band is Rush? Rush is Rush."

The late Chris Squire was once intimidated by a Geddy Lee animatronic figure, "Geddy Leap!" 

cstack3 wrote: Catcher10 wrote: cstack3 wrote: Am I the only person on PA who is not totally in love with Rush?   I mean, they've done some good to near-great music, but Lifeson wasn't in the same league as Fripp, Howe, Hackett etc.   Also, Geddy Lee's voice can really be irritating.  What is it that I am missing?  I see no beauty in their music, unlike Yes, King Crimson, Genesis etc.   You don't have to be totally in love with any band. You confirm Rush has done good to near great music, to me that is more than enough to like a band a lot. Whether Lifeson was in the same league as those mentioned is subjective. I've never been a huge fan of Fripp or Howe, Hackett is better than all of them. Geddy's voice issue is a long in the tooth discussion, growing up I never had any issue with it and I suspect most of the prog/hard rock world does not either. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as the 3 you mention made magical music before Rush came into their own. Those bands are influences to Rush members and Rush music, that's all. I don't think you are missing anything other than you may not enjoy harder prog or Zeppelin styled prog rock, at least in the early years.... Well said!  I've enjoyed some of their music over the years, but I just don't seek it out.  They have done an amazing job as a 3 piece, and Geddy's ability to sing/play bass and also bring synth into the mix is very impressive.   However, I don't find them as progressive as their peers like Yes, KC or Genesis in terms of composition or musical talent.  I view them as more of an arena oriented rock band.  They can be fun, I saw them on a tiny stage just after their second LP came out in the 1970s!  Most of the bands I played in back then covered "Working Man" because it was fairly easy to play and was a good song.   It's all good, believe me!

Rush are an enigma. They've been a prog rock band, they've been a rock and roll band, and they've been an 80's arena power rock trio. Fair paly to them. If they'd still been making albums like Hemispheres by the end of the 80's tey would have died a death commercially, and just a few thousands nerds in anoraks would still be following them.

They managed to transition to a credible 80's sound, without dumbing down and selling out, like Genesis did, which has got to count for something.

Uh, Roll The Bones