Rush's middle period page
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Beginning with A Farewell To Kings in 1977 and concluding with Exit... Stage Left in 1981; this period showed an extraordinary growth in Rush's "art-rock" style. Each of the albums of this period created epic works; most notably, Xanadu, La Villa Strangiato, Jacob's Ladder & Natural Science and The Camera Eye, in addition to their numerous shorter compositions. It is during this period that there is an extensive use of 12 string guitars, synthesizers and numerous percussive instruments! This is considered by many to be the period of Rush's greatest work! It could be considered "The Great Age."
A Farewell To Kings is Rush's first great album? This album contains
Rush's magnum opus-"Xanadu," arguably "art-rock's" greatest opus, "Closer To The Heart"-
one of Rush's finest short songs, "Cinderella Man," "Madrigal," the title cut and another
opus-"Cygnus X-1." "Cygnus" represents Rush's second major foray into the
realm of space- it is complicated and interesting, but a little too noisy. The title cut
has a good classical guitar intro-but Geddy's vocals prevent this album from
reaching perfection! "AFTK" is a huge improvement over 2112 and ATWAS!
Above graphic created by Hugh Syme.
Hemispheres is Rush's first great album! A very impressive work overall!
This album contains two superb songs-"The Trees" and "La Villa Strangiato!"
"Circumstances" is also an outstanding song. The side-long suite "Cygnus X-1 Book II Hemispheres"
is a very impressive work; it is grand, complicated, everything that great "art-rock" should
be! Each of the songs on this album are showcases for Rush's instrumental
virtuosity!
Permanent Waves is Rush's second great album! Even more magnificent
than Hemispheres, it represents an even greater improvement in overall sound quality
and structure. Permanent Waves has more beautiful short songs and two magnificent
extended suites: "Jacob's Ladder" and "Natural Science." "Jacob's Ladder" is superb!
Most instrumental in nature, it is an extremely pleasant suite. "Natural Science," on
the other hand is one of Rush's greatest works. The three part suite has several time-
signature and chord changes! The other songs on this album are also great, especially
"The Spirit Of Radio," "Freewill," "Entre Nous" and one extremely beautiful
piece-"Different Strings!"
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This page © by A. Keith Davis
(1977)
(1978)