March 1, 1974 - Rush and Rush

My first release of 1974 didn't come out until March 1, a bit of a long break in the timeline. A new band joins my library when it was though, with the self-titled debut album by Canadian rockers "Rush". But who are Rush? They were a 3-piece rock band from Toronto, Ontario consisting of lead singer/bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer John Rutsey. The three guys originally recorded with an outside producer, but were unimpressed with the results and moved to a new studio and ended up producing the album themselves. Rutsey ended up quitting the band after the album was finished due to him not wanting to tour extensively, so this is the only album with the original line-up. Let's check it out!

Side one begins with "Finding My Way" which opens with a speedy guitar riff by Lifeson. We hear Geddy's voice for the first time, his voice is very high, but I like it, seems like a good rock voice. He plays some solid bass to keep the beat while Lifeson goes off for a pretty good guitar solo. The guitar definitely makes the song, as Rush are going for the "classic" rock sound of guitar leading, and a good rhythm section backing. They're finding their way just fine! The next song is "Need Some Love" as Geddy sings high again, but I think he sounds great. Lifeson carries the song with some cool guitar and we even hear a few nice drum fills from Rutsey. Lifeson's solo is pretty sweet and he jams a lot of good stuff into this shortest song on the album. Track 3 is titled "Take A Friend" which starts with a fade-in and leads to a catchy main riff by Lee on bass. Lifeson adds some great-sounding guitar licks that are just wonderful as Geddy sings about how having a friend is always better than being alone in this laid-back rock song. Lifeson delivers another solid guitar solo in this one, and while nothing so far has been off the charts, it's all some solid rock. The last song on this side is "Here Again" and it's driven by a slow, almost blues-y bass riff by Lee that sounds pretty good. Geddy's singing sounds very epic with the slow music as the guitar slowly jams along. Lifeson's extended guitar solo starts slow, but he ramps it up as it goes on and it's pretty freakin' great by the end. A pretty cool, slow rock epic.

Side two begins with "What You're Doing" and it's a pretty heavy, catchy riff by Lifeson that carries this song. Geddy sings some quick lyrics and he syncs up with Alex on his bass for a cool little riff. Lifeson delivers another really good guitar solo, and these guys seem to have the classic rock style down pat already, including a cool flourish to end the song. Up next is "In The Mood" which is led by a catchy guitar riff that sounds pretty good. Geddy's singing sounds good as well and he sings about girls turning him on, and who can't relate to that? Lifeson's solo is pretty solid but not too flashy, and it's easy to see why this song was the big hit single off the record. It's easy to sing along to and very catchy and makes for the perfect radio hit. Track 7 is called "Before And After" and it opens with a slow, soft guitar followed by some cool slow bass. This instrumental beginning is slow, but pretty cool and it segues into a more typical hard rock riff with great contributions from everyone. Lifeson plays another sweet solo and Rutsey is playing some great drums as well. Alex goes off for a second solo that is also pretty sweet and this is definitely another cool rock song. The album closer is "Working Man" and what an amazing, slow guitar riff that carries this song. Geddy sings about getting up early and working all day, another subject most people can relate to. Lifeson's 1st solo is short, but very good and then a wicked bass riff by Lee brings us into an extended 2nd solo for Alex. He's really shredding this one, man that sounds fantastic! This awesome solo moves right into a new speedy riff backed by some great drums that also sounds amazing! Then with no break it's right into solo #3 for Lifeson, and it's back to awesomeness as he really shows off again. They build it up, and bring it back to the opening riff for another lovely verse. They slow it right down and once you hear that first slow guitar note, you know they're about to speed it up again. Lifeson slowly speeds up his riff and by the end it's madness! Another rock and roll flourish ending closes out this fantastic song and this rockin' debut!

That is the end of "Rush" and I thought it was a really good rock album. "Working Man" is my favourite, but every song on this record was a cool rock song. These guys figured out what they're good at, and showcased it very well. I look forward to hearing more from this Canadian band in the future!