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Rush: Rush
05/03/13 || InquisitorGeneralis
It seems weird to write a Rush review and NOT mention Neil Peart. Well, he’s the best drummer in rock history and that’s that. However, he was not a founding member of Rush and did not pound the skins on the band’s amazing, and often overlooked, selt-titled debut album. Sure, everyone knows the radio and concert staple “Working man”, but gems like “Take a friend” and “What you’re doing” rarely see the light of day anymore unless you are jamming out with classic rock aficianados who get boners over the deepest of cuts.
Geddy and Alex are on “Rush”, though, and it rules. Plus, John Rutsey (RIP) does a decent job himself behind the kit, so all is fucken well. Rush 1.0 was no the progressive beast that dominated the dope dens of the late 70’s, or the synth-heavy rock band that dominated the airwaves of the 80’s. The Rush of “Rush” is much more similar to the current sound of the band which is focused on heavy riffs and a more traditional hard rock sound. Actually, I should flip that shit around. The band’s current revival is precisely because they have returned to the Zepplin’ lovin’ sound that they started with over thirty fucken years ago! I love all eras and aspects of Rush long and amazing career, but when I want gritty, no nonsense rockin’, I reach for the debut, baby. Should I have made a Class 6(66) review for this? Maybe, but some of the tracks on here are not “classics”. It’s close, real close. Don’t worry, there are Class6(66) review for later Rush albums coming down the pipe.
“Working Man” is the most well-known track on here for a reason…it’s awesome. Amazing riffs, a killer solo, a classic breakdown, and cool lyrics make it one of the band’s most memorable tracks. Personally, I like hearing Geddy sing about ice-cold beer and shitty jobs. It is a nice contrast to more complicated songs about Kublai Khan, space invaders, and concentration camps. I love those songs too, but “Working man” shows the band at a young and raw stage. “Finding my way” is a great opening song, and it’s fast pace and frenetic structure can be found in many of the bands later epics. My two personal favorites are the extremely riff-oriented, Led Zepplin/Deep Purplish gems “Take a friend” and “What you’re doing”. Both of which are centered around Lifeson’s guitarwork and really capture the essence of what made early Rush awesome. Rutsey’s drumming is also solid on those twin gems, heavy and groovy but lacking the flair (some say wankery even?) of the young Neal Peart that would replace him.
Watch the awesome documentary “Beyond the Lighted Stage” if you want all of the background information behind the recording and mixing of this record. There was an early version that some people think sounds better, then there was a proper version that some other people think sounds better. Who gives a shit, it’s a solid album chock full of (mostly) good tunes either way.
“Need some love”, “In the mood”, and “Here again” are the three anchors that keep this ship from sailing into the Class6(66)ical seas of awesomeness. “Rush” is an amazing record, and there are killer songs on it, but it is not a 100% classic. The next six records after it (except maybe “Caress of Steel”) definitely are. Rush had to go through their growing, recording, and line-up changing pains before becoming one of the greatest bands in the history of rock. Just like you had to learn how to shit your pants and suckle your mommies titties before you could walk.
If I had chosen to place this in the Class6(66) section, I may have gone with an 8 or 8.5, but amongst the regular reviews “Rush” stands pretty goddamn tall. Got a problem with that?
Eat a dick.
Rush 4life.
- Information
- Released: 1975
- Label: Mercury
- Website: www.rush.com
- Band
- Geddy Lee: vocals, bass
- Alex Lifeson: guitar
- John Rutsey: drums, percussion
- Tracklist
- 01.Finding My Way
- 02.Need Some Love
- 03.Take a Friend
- 04.Here Again
- 05.What You’re Doing
- 06.In the Mood
- 07.Before and After
- 08.Working Man
