FLY BY NIGHT

Noteworthy for being the first album with Neal Peart, and also for containing a hint at the heavy prog direction Rush would partake in the future, namely in ''By-Tor and the Snow Dog''. This eight minute driving epic ought to keep prog fans satisfied with all of its themes and twists and changes. This song and ''Anthem'' are early examples of what we call ''Heavy Prog''.

The rest of the album doesn't hold a candle to either song. I have a soft spot for ''Best I Can'' of all things even if it fits better on RUSH. The band tries acoustic folk with ''Rivendell'', but this sappy soft song doesn't really sound like Rush. Most of the other songs are rather forgettable in the context of later Rush glories, even if many fans consider the title track a classic.

Rush were finding their feet here. Don't expect too much of a masterpiece here.