Album Information:
Album ID: 9593
About Rush:
Rush is a Canadian rock band that was formed in 1968 in Toronto. The band consisted of three members, Geddy Lee (vocals, bass guitar, keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitar), and Neil Peart (drums, percussion). Throughout the years, Rush has become widely known for their technical proficiency, complex song structures, and thought-provoking lyrics.
The band's early years were marked by frequent lineup changes, as well as a shift in their musical style from blues rock to progressive rock. In 1974, they released their self-titled debut album, which gained them a cult following in Canada. They continued to release albums throughout the 1970s, including Fly by Night, Caress of Steel, 2112, and A Farewell to Kings, each one marked by increasingly complex songwriting and instrumentals.
In the 1980s, Rush's sound shifted towards a more radio-friendly direction. Albums such as Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, and Signals featured a more polished sound and more accessible song structures. Despite the change in sound, the band retained their reputation for technical proficiency and intelligent lyrics.
Over the course of their career, Rush has released 19 studio albums and 10 live albums. Some of their most popular songs include 'Tom Sawyer', 'The Spirit of Radio', 'Limelight', and 'Subdivisions'. The band has sold over 40 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling rock bands of all time. In addition, they have been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2015, the band announced that they would be retiring from touring, citing health concerns as a key factor. Since then, they have not released any new music. However, their influence on rock music continues to be felt, with many contemporary bands citing Rush as a major influence.
About the album Fly By Night:
Fly By Night is the second studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released in 1975. The album marks a significant shift in the band's sound from their debut album. It showcases a definite influence from progressive rock and features a multitude of musical styles and intricate instrumentation.
The album opens with the title track, 'Fly By Night', which has become one of Rush's most recognizable songs. It features a driving beat and soaring vocals from frontman Geddy Lee. The guitar work of Alex Lifeson is also prominently featured, with his intricate riffs complementing Lee's vocals.
The second song on the album, 'Making Memories', is a slower and more introspective track. It showcases the band's softer side and has a slightly folky vibe to it. The lyrics deal with the nostalgia of remembering past experiences and relationships.
The third track, 'Rivendell', is a fantasy-themed song that showcases the band's progressive rock influences. The song is named after the city in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and features lush harmonies, acoustic guitars, and flutes.
Next up is 'In the End', which is one of the more hard-rocking songs on the album. It features a powerful guitar riff, pounding drums from Neil Peart, and some of Geddy Lee's most emotive vocals.
The fifth track, 'Anthem', is a fast-paced and heavily riff-based song that shows off the band's hard rock roots. It also features a prominent bass solo from Geddy Lee.
The album then shifts to 'Best I Can', a song that balances a catchy melody with some of the album's more complex instrumentation. The lyrics deal with the pressure of living up to expectations and finding one's own path in life.
The seventh track, 'Beneath, Between & Behind', is another hard-rocking song that is often performed live by the band. It features driving guitar and bass riffs and showcases some of Peart's most powerful drumming.
The album then takes a turn into more experimental territory with 'Fly By Night (Part II)', which is a short, instrumental interlude that showcases the band's ability to create complex musical arrangements.
The album closes with 'Lakeside Park', a nostalgic song that harkens back to simpler times. It features some of the album's most intricate harmonies and showcases the band's softer side.
Overall, Fly By Night is a highly diverse and musically impressive album that showcases Rush's ability to combine hard rock with progressive and experimental elements. It is a must-listen for fans of the band and for anyone interested in the history of rock music.
Members:
Neil Peart biography:
Neil Ellwood Peart was born on September 12, 1952, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He was a drummer and lyricist for the band Rush. He joined the group in 1974, replacing the original drummer, John Rutsey, and played with them until their final tour in 2015. Peart was known for his complex drumming style and his poetic lyrics. He was considered one of the greatest drummers of all time.
In addition to his work with Rush, Peart was also a prolific author. He wrote several books about his travels and his experiences as a drummer, including 'Ghost Rider' and 'Roadshow.' Peart passed away on January 7, 2020, after battling brain cancer.
Geddy Lee biography:
Geddy Lee was born Gary Lee Weinrib on July 29, 1953, in Willowdale, Ontario, Canada. He is best known as the bassist, keyboardist, and vocalist for the band Rush. Lee formed the group with guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer John Rutsey in 1968, and they released their debut album in 1974. Over the years, Lee's high-pitched vocals and virtuosic bass playing became a hallmark of the band's sound.
In addition to his work with Rush, Lee has released several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians. He is also an avid collector of bass guitars and has written articles for Bass Player Magazine. Lee currently lives in Toronto with his wife and children.
Alex Lifeson biography:
Alex Lifeson was born Aleksandar Zivojinovic on August 27, 1953, in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. He is best known as the guitarist for the band Rush. Lifeson co-founded the group with Geddy Lee and John Rutsey in 1968, and they released their first album in 1974. Over the years, Lifeson's guitar playing became a defining element of Rush's sound.
In addition to his work with Rush, Lifeson has also released solo material and collaborated with other musicians. He is an avid golfer and has been involved in several charitable causes over the years. Lifeson currently lives in Toronto with his wife and children.
Track List for Fly By Night:
1. Anthem (4:21) - 'Anthem' opens with a powerful drum solo by Neil Peart and explodes into a hard-hitting guitar riff. The lyrics reflect the band's anti-establishment stance, with the chorus declaring 'We are the priests of the temples of Syrinx' as a sarcastic jab at authority figures.
2. Best I Can (3:24) - This upbeat track has a catchy guitar riff and infectious chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a young man trying to make the best of his life despite the challenges and setbacks he faces.
3. Beneath, Between & Behind (3:00) - With its driving bassline and intricate guitar work, 'Beneath, Between & Behind' showcases the technical proficiency of all three members of Rush. The lyrics describe a world of political intrigue and hidden agendas.
4. By-Tor and the Snow Dog (8:37) - This epic track is a fan favorite, featuring a complex storyline about a battle between two mythical characters. The music shifts between different time signatures and tempos, showcasing the band's progressive rock influences.
5. Fly by Night (3:20) - The title track of the album is a catchy, melodic song with a memorable guitar riff. The lyrics tell the story of someone feeling restless and looking for a new start in life.
6. Making Memories (3:00) - This song has a more laid-back, nostalgic feel compared to the rest of the album. The lyrics describe the bittersweet feeling of looking back on happy times that are now gone.
7. Rivendell (5:01) - 'Rivendell' is a slower, acoustic-based song that showcases Geddy Lee's vocal range. The lyrics describe a mystical land inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' books.
8. In the End (6:50) - The final track on the album is a powerful, emotional song that builds to a climactic finish. The lyrics reflect on the importance of staying true to oneself and never giving up, even in the face of adversity.
Discography for Rush:
Here's a complete discography for the artist Rush in chronological order:
1. Rush (1974) - album - March 1, 1974
2. Fly by Night (1975) - album - February 15, 1975
3. Caress of Steel (1975) - album - September 24, 1975
4. 2112 (1976) - album - April 1, 1976
5. A Farewell to Kings (1977) - album - September 1, 1977
6. Hemispheres (1978) - album - October 29, 1978
7. Permanent Waves (1980) - album - January 1, 1980
8. Moving Pictures (1981) - album - February 12, 1981
9. Signals (1982) - album - September 9, 1982
10. Grace Under Pressure (1984) - album - April 12, 1984
11. Power Windows (1985) - album - October 14, 1985
12. Hold Your Fire (1987) - album - September 8, 1987
13. Presto (1989) - album - November 21, 1989
14. Roll the Bones (1991) - album - September 3, 1991
15. Counterparts (1993) - album - October 19, 1993
16. Test for Echo (1996) - album - September 10, 1996
17. Vapor Trails (2002) - album - May 14, 2002
18. Feedback (2004) - EP - June 29, 2004
19. Snakes & Arrows (2007) - album - May 1, 2007
20. Clockwork Angels (2012) - album - June 12, 2012
Singles: Rush's singles include 'Working Man,' 'Fly by Night,' 'Closer to the Heart,' 'The Spirit of Radio,' 'Tom Sawyer,' 'New World Man,' 'The Big Money,' 'Time Stand Still,' and 'Show Don't Tell,' among others.
Other releases: Rush has also released live albums, compilations, and a number of DVDs and videos. These include Exit... Stage Left (1981), A Show of Hands (1989), Chronicles (1990), Different Stages (1998), Rush in Rio (2003), R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour (2005), Snakes & Arrows Live (2008), and Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland (2011), among others.