Album Information:
Album ID: 9590
About Rush:
Rush was a Canadian rock band formed in 1968 in Toronto, consisting of members Geddy Lee (vocals, bass, keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitar), and Neil Peart (drums, percussion). They are considered to be one of the most influential and successful rock bands of all time, known for their complex and technically advanced music, thoughtful lyrics, and captivating live performances.
The band's early music was heavily influenced by blues and hard rock, but they soon developed a unique style that incorporated progressive rock, symphonic rock, and heavy metal. Their songs often featured intricate time signatures, dynamic changes, and philosophical lyrics that touched on themes such as science fiction, philosophy, politics, and personal struggles.
Rush released their self-titled debut album in 1974, followed by their breakthrough album, '2112,' in 1976. The album features a 20-minute suite that tells a story set in a dystopian future where creativity and individuality are banned. It established Rush as a major force in progressive rock and earned them a loyal fanbase.
Throughout the 1980s, Rush continued to produce critically acclaimed albums such as 'Moving Pictures,' 'Signals,' and 'Grace Under Pressure.' In the 1990s, they explored different sounds and styles with albums like 'Counterparts' and 'Test for Echo.'
Tragedy struck the band in the late 1990s when Neil Peart's daughter and wife died within a year of each other. The band took a hiatus, and Peart spent several years travelling by motorcycle across North and Central America, chronicling his experiences in his book 'Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road.'
After reuniting in 2001, Rush continued to tour and release new music, including the albums 'Vapor Trails,' 'Snakes & Arrows,' and 'Clockwork Angels.' Their final tour, the 'R40 Live Tour,' took place in 2015, and the band officially retired the following year.
Over their career, Rush sold over 40 million albums worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. They influenced countless musicians across multiple genres and remain a beloved and influential band to this day.
About the album Caress Of Steel:
Caress of Steel is the fourth studio album released by the Canadian rock band Rush in 1975. The album features a progressive rock sound that builds on the band's previous releases, while exploring more complex musical ideas and experimenting with longer song structures.
The album kicks off with the track 'Bastille Day,' a high-energy song that showcases the band's signature blend of heavy guitar riffs and dynamic rhythm section. This track sets the tone for the album, which features a mix of hard-hitting rockers, experimental instrumentals, and epic, multi-part suites.
One of the album's most iconic tracks is 'The Necromancer,' a three-part epic that tells the story of a wizard and his battles with supernatural forces. The track features intricate guitar work, complex time signatures, and a dramatic musical narrative that showcases the band's prog rock chops.
Another standout track is 'The Fountain of Lamneth,' a six-part suite that takes the listener on a journey through various musical moods and themes. The song features some of the band's most ambitious musical arrangements, with elements of folk, classical, and hard rock all woven together into a cohesive whole.
Other tracks on the album include the moody instrumental 'Didacts and Narpets,' the hard-driving riffage of 'Lakeside Park,' and the acoustic ballad 'I Think I'm Going Bald.'
Overall, Caress of Steel is a challenging and ambitious album that showcases the band's musical virtuosity and adventurous spirit. While it may have been a commercial disappointment upon its initial release, it has since become a cult classic and an essential entry in the Rush discography.
Members:
Rush is a Canadian rock band that formed in 1968. The band initially consisted of three members: Geddy Lee (vocals, bass, keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitar), and John Rutsey (drums). In 1974, Rutsey left the band and was replaced by Neil Peart (drums, percussion). Below are biographies of each of Rush's key members:
1. Geddy Lee:
Geddy Lee was born Gary Lee Weinrib on July 29, 1953, in Toronto, Canada. He is a singer, bassist, and keyboardist for Rush. Lee began playing music at a young age and was influenced by artists like The Beatles and Cream. In 1968, Lee formed Rush with Alex Lifeson and John Rutsey. He has been with the band ever since and is known for his high-pitched vocals, intricate bass lines, and use of synthesizers. In addition to his work with Rush, Lee has also released a solo album and has collaborated with other musicians.
2. Alex Lifeson:
Alex Lifeson was born Aleksandar Živojinović on August 27, 1953, in Fernie, Canada. He is a guitarist for Rush. Lifeson's family moved to Toronto when he was young, and he began playing guitar in high school. In 1968, Lifeson formed Rush with Geddy Lee and John Rutsey. He is known for his complex guitar riffs and use of effects such as delay and chorus. Like Lee, Lifeson has also collaborated with other musicians and has released a solo album.
3. John Rutsey:
John Rutsey was born on July 23, 1952, in Toronto, Canada. He was a drummer and co-founder of Rush. Rutsey was a childhood friend of Geddy Lee and the two formed Rush in 1968 with Alex Lifeson. Rutsey played on Rush's debut album, but left the band shortly after its release due to health issues. He passed away on May 11, 2008, at the age of 55.
4. Neil Peart:
Neil Peart was born on September 12, 1952, in Hamilton, Canada. He was a drummer and lyricist for Rush. Peart joined Rush in 1974, replacing John Rutsey. He quickly became known for his technical drumming skills and thoughtful lyrics. Peart also played percussion and took on a larger role in the band's songwriting process over time. He passed away on January 7, 2020, at the age of 67.
Track List for Caress Of Steel:
Sure, here are all the tracks on the album 'Caress of Steel' by the band Rush in order of their appearance, including their play time and a brief description of each one:
1. 'Bastille Day' (4:37) - This track is a high-energy rock song that serves as an opening statement for the album, with memorable guitar riffs and a powerful drum performance.
2. 'I Think I'm Going Bald' (3:37) - A lighthearted song featuring playful lyrics and a catchy chorus, with a focus on the band's sense of humor.
3. 'Lakeside Park' (4:07) - A nostalgic song about a park in the band's hometown of Toronto, Canada, with a melodic and contemplative instrumental section.
4. 'The Necromancer' (12:32) - The longest track on the album, this song tells a fantastical story of a necromancer who controls the realm of the dead. It features intricate guitar work, atmospheric synths, and multiple sections that showcase the band's progressive leanings.
5. 'The Fountain of Lamneth' (19:56) - The album's epic finale, this multi-part suite explores themes of life, death, and rebirth. It incorporates elements of folk, classical, and hard rock, with impressive instrumental performances from all three band members.
Overall, 'Caress of Steel' is an ambitious and adventurous album that showcases Rush's diverse musical influences and virtuosity. While it received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since become a cult favorite among fans of the band's early work.
Discography for Rush:
Sure! Here's a complete discography for the artist Rush:
- Rush (1974)
- Fly by Night (1975)
- Caress of Steel (1975)
- 2112 (1976)
- A Farewell to Kings (1977)
- Hemispheres (1978)
- Permanent Waves (1980)
- Moving Pictures (1981)
- Signals (1982)
- Grace Under Pressure (1984)
- Power Windows (1985)
- Hold Your Fire (1987)
- Presto (1989)
- Roll the Bones (1991)
- Counterparts (1993)
- Test for Echo (1996)
- Vapor Trails (2002)
- Feedback (2004)
- Snakes & Arrows (2007)
- Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland (2011)
- Clockwork Angels (2012)
Here's a list of Rush's singles in chronological order (majority of them are from the 80s):
- 'Not Fade Away' / 'You Can't Fight It' (1973)
- 'In the Mood' / 'Take a Friend' (1974)
- 'Fly by Night' / 'Making Memories' (1975)
- 'Making Memories' / 'Rivendell' (1976)
- 'Closer to the Heart' / 'Madrigal' (1977)
- 'Cinderella Man' / 'Madrigal' (1977)
- 'The Trees' / 'La Villa Strangiato' (1978)
- 'Freewill' / 'Jacob's Ladder' (1980)
- 'The Spirit of Radio' / 'Circumstances' (1980)
- 'Limelight' / 'YYZ' (1981)
- 'Tom Sawyer' / 'Witch Hunt' (1981)
- 'Vital Signs' / 'The Spirit of Radio (Live)' (1981)
- 'New World Man' / 'Vital Signs (Live)' (1982)
- 'Subdivisions' / 'Red Barchetta (Live)' (1982)
- 'Countdown' / 'New World Man (Live)' (1983)
- 'Distant Early Warning' / 'Between the Wheels' (1984)
- 'The Big Money' / 'Red Sector A' (1985)
- 'Mystic Rhythms' / 'The Big Money (Live)' (1986)
- 'Force Ten' / 'Time Stand Still' (1987)
- 'Time Stand Still' / 'High Water' (1987)
- 'Lock and Key' / 'Mission' (1988)
- 'Show Don't Tell' / 'Chain Lightning' (1989)
- 'The Pass' / 'War Paint' (1989)
Rush also had additional releases, such as live albums, compilations, and box sets. Here are some examples:
- All The World's a Stage (1976)
- Exit...Stage Left (1981)
- A Show of Hands (1989)
- Chronicles (1990)
- Different Stages (1998)
- Retrospective I: 1974-1980 (1997)
- Retrospective II: 1981-1987 (1997)
- The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974-1987 (2003)
- R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour (2005)
- Snakes & Arrows Live (2008)
- Time Stand Still (2016) (documentary)
I hope you find this helpful!