A FAREWELL TO KINGS

This is what I consider to be Rushes finest record. A well structured and consistent masterpiece that firmly established Rush as one of the leading progressive acts of the late 70s. Every member of the group is on great form and the songwriting is exceptional.

The opening track "A farewell to kings" seems to be somewhat overlooked by prog fans as it is overshadowed by the longer pieces "Xanadu" and "Cygnus X-1". The track begins with some excellent classical acoustic guitar, and in true Rush style, explodes with ear splitting guitar riffs, powerful rhythms and Geddy Lee's high pitched yelp. The centerpiece piece of the album however is the second track "Xanadu", one of the most unique songs to appear on a Rush record. For this track, drummer Neil Peart wasn't afraid to use everything at his disposal, using drums his bandmates had never even heard of. Yet what really makes the track stand out is it's wonderful intro, sounding almost "spiritual" and taking a full five minutes before the vocals enter. "Xanadu" is Pearts take on Coleridges classic verse and it holds up excellently, featuring some of Pearts most powerful drumming. Quick to become a fan favourite the song has stayed in the bands setlist for a long time.

Side two opens with Rushes first big hit, the short but effective none the less "Closer to the heart", the song recieved a lot of air-play and a reworking live to include some hearty jamming to finish. The albums closer "Cygnus X-1" is another elongated jem that was to be continued on the next album "Hemispheres". "Cygnus X-1" is complete with it's own sci-fi storyline (of a blackhole) and some fierce playing from each member, not forgetting Lee's wonderful bass line at the beginning. The track screams violently out of your speakers, mind blowing and powerful, one of the greatest tracks from Rush in the 70s.

Rush would soon crack under the pressure of having to follow up the storyline to "Cygnus X-1" and as the band would later admit "the music was becoming a slave to the concept, instead of being lifted by it" But on this record, everything sounded perfect.