My Amazon Reviews: Rush "2112"

[blackleatherbookshelf]

...And The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth
5 Out of 5 Stars

Rush jumped a creative canyon in 1976, when they released their science-fiction epic "2112." It was pretty much the moment when drummer Neil Peart mastered his writing skills, basing the entire first side on a socialist empire taken down by a guitar slinging rebel. It was more adventurous and ambitious than anything on the band's initial three albums, and also finally put the spotlight on Rush's virtuoso musical chops. Even with the dopey dedication to 'the genius of Ayn Rand' on the cover, the first half of the album was brilliant. A perfect lure for teenagers who thought prog-rock was to arty and not loud enough.

In fact, that side one suite is so amazing that it even saves the album from dropping below a five star rating. Because like it or not, side two is mostly run-of-the-mill hard rock, down to the obligatory stoner anthem ("A Passage To Bangkok"). "Twilight Zone" fares little better. The ballad "Tears" is probably the best of the second half of the album, and Geddy Lee's lyrical contribution to the disc. The stadium ready "Something for Nothing" is exactly the kind of 'raise your fist and yell' concert pleaser, and ends the song on a high note.

"2112" is still the gateway Rush album. It took them a couple more tries to make another brilliant album ("Moving Pictures"), but this was the moment it was obvious that this trio was on to something bigger than the sum of the trio.

   

Comments

[maxauburn.livejournal.com]

I first heard "2112" while I was in college.

It's still an amazing album!

[master-dave.livejournal.com]

I had no idea what "Rush" was.  Eventually, I noticed "Subdivisions", "Tom Sawyer", and something else, on My 1982 radio tape.  The band was Rush, of course, and I have loved them ever since.  I have most of their LPs, but those are in storage---I have only mp3s here. :-(

[bigbear4xl.livejournal.com]

I disagree. I think Permanent Waves is every bit as brilliant as either 2112 or Moving Pictures. The band themselves have said that if there had not been Caress of Steel, there would not have been 2112, and if not for Permanent Waves, there would not have been Moving Pictures. For me, Rush didn't start straying from genius until maybe around Hold Your Fire. Those late 80's/early 90's albums are drowning in unnecessary keyboards but there are still great songs on them. They pulled out of this period with Counterparts and their last couple of records are amazing.

[tbrough.livejournal.com]

Well, you ARE the Rush Authority! Although I did think PW was just a slight dip in quality, it was the album I finally saw them touring under.