2112

When I was talking to my uncle about a year ago, he mentioned the band Rush. He told me about how they ruled the world when he was in high school. I said I knew a little about them, but not much else. He almost cried. "My God, you don't know what you're missing. Go to a record store, buy 2112, talk to me later." I bought 2112, and it might have been the best decision that I have ever made musically. 2112 opened my eyes to the beautiful world of progressive rock. I was an adolescent in serious need of a shaking, and my mind was being corrupted by poppy punk and corporate rock. After listening to that album, I wanted more Rush, more prog rock, more, more, more. The album is THAT good.

If you consider yourself a true rock fan, 2112 is a must-have. Without a doubt, this album ranks within my top ten list, and I probably would slot it at #2 or #1. The musicianship displayed on this album is incredible. Neil Peart's full talents aren't on full display here, but still, his performance is unbelieveable. Geddy Lee's bass is magnificent, and the way he's able to mix complex bass lines with some very good vocals is beyond me. However, this album truly belongs to Alex Lifeson. The spotlight is truly on him on 2112, and he shows why many people consider him one of the greatest guitarists of all time. On this earlier album, his style is very Zeppelin-like, with a hard rock feel. His solos are brilliant, and everything seems perfect. His best albums are Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures, but as a band, 2112 is probably thier best work. When these three men combine, the result is nothing short of incredible.

Without a doubt, this album solidifies Rush as one of the greatest bands of all time. This is the album, along with Moving Pictures, that spawned the great progressive rock/metal bands of this era, mainly Dream Theatre. These guys are musical geniouses. Absolutely magical stuff. A must-have in any prog rock colleciton. Go buy it. Now.