Can't Rush Greatness

Rush - Fly By Night (1975) [SHM-CD] {2009 Japan Mini LP Edition, WPCR-13473}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC+CUE+LOG -> 212 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 90 Mb
Full Artwork @ 400 dpi (png) -> 101 Mb
© 2009 Atlantic / Anthem / Warner | WPCR-13473
Rock / Prog Rock / Hard Rock

Rush's sophomore release FLY BY NIGHT has become a milestone in their recording career. Although such future releases as 2112, HEMISPHERES, PERMANENT WAVES, and MOVING PICTURES would be superior albums, FLY BY NIGHT signaled a change from Led Zep blues-rock to more original and challenging material. But most important of all, FLY BY NIGHT was drummer/lyricist Neil Peart's first recording with the band. Peart had replaced original member John Rutsey just in time for Rush's inaugural U.S. tour, and became an integral member by the time of FLY BY NIGHT's recording.

Although keyboards dominated Rush's 1988 double live set A Show of Hands, it's a definite improvement over its somewhat flat predecessor, 1981 's Exit…Stage Left. The band's music isn't as hard rock-based as it previously was, evidenced by the more modern-sounding compositions selected for this third live album (the first Rush album to be produced completely by the band). The only tracks from the pre-1982 period to be featured are "Closer to the Heart," which is expanded to include a jamming section at the end, and the spooky "Witch Hunt," originally from 1981's Moving Pictures. The remainder of the album's track list is comprised of Rush's best compositions from 1982-1987, such as "Subdivisions," "Distant Early Warning," "Force Ten," "Time Stand Still," and "Red Sector A," as well as several tracks that have been forgotten over time ("Marathon," "Turn the Page," "Mission," etc.). Also featured for the first time on a live Rush album is a completely unaccompanied drum solo by Neil Peart – the intricate "Rhythm Method." The inspired A Show of Hands is an excellent snapshot of Rush in concert during the mid- to late '80s.

Few bands warrant, let alone deserve, a three-volume retrospective. Rush, however, make the case. As a concern, Rush are still going strong – perhaps stronger than ever as a live attraction – and their studio albums in the 21st century have been as heavy as anything they've ever cut, and very consistent in terms of quality. Rush have issued many compilations, but this makes three that bear the title Retrospective. The first volume covered the years 1974-1980, which addressed the period between their self-titled debut long-player and Permanent Waves; the second covered 1981-1987, bookmarked by the recordings Moving Pictures and Hold Your Fire; and this set covering 1989-2007 tracks the full-lengths Presto through Snakes & Arrows…

Inconsistent but sometimes riveting 1975 studio set that hits some high highs (a crunchy "Cut You a Loose," the lickety-split jazzy instrumental "Motoring Along") right alongside some incredibly indulgent moments. But that's Otis – the transcendent instants are worth the hassle. Breaking into the R&B Top Ten his very first time out in 1956 with the startlingly intense slow blues "I Can't Quit You Baby," southpaw guitarist Otis Rush subsequently established himself as one of the premier bluesmen on the Chicago circuit. Rush was often credited with being one of the architects of the West Side guitar style, along with Magic Sam and Buddy Guy. It was a nebulous honor, since Rush played clubs on Chicago's South Side just as frequently during the sound's late-'50s incubation period.

Not only is 1981's Moving Pictures Rush's best album, it is undeniably one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time. The new wave meets hard rock approach of Permanent Waves is honed to perfection – all seven of the tracks are classics (four are still featured regularly in concert and on classic rock radio). While other hard rock bands at the time experimented unsuccessfully with other musical styles, Rush were one of the few to successfully cross over. The whole entire first side is perfect – their most renowned song, "Tom Sawyer," kicks things off, and is soon followed by the racing "Red Barchetta," the instrumental "YYZ," and a song that examines the pros and cons of stardom, "Limelight."