Album Information:

About Rush:

Rush is a Canadian rock band that formed in 1968 in Toronto, consisting of three members - Geddy Lee (vocals, bass guitar, keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitars) and Neil Peart (drums, percussion). They are considered to be one of the most influential and iconic bands of the progressive rock genre.

The band's early years saw them experimenting with various musical styles, such as blues rock, hard rock and even elements of jazz fusion. It wasn't until the release of their fourth studio album, '2112' in 1976, that their signature sound began to take shape. The album's sci-fi themed concept and epic musical arrangements showcased the band's prog-rock chops and cemented their place as a major force in the genre.

Over the course of their career, Rush continued to push boundaries with their music, incorporating elements of reggae, new wave and synth-pop into their sound. They released a string of successful albums throughout the 80s and 90s, including 'Moving Pictures' (1981), 'Signals' (1982), 'Grace Under Pressure' (1984) and 'Counterparts' (1993), all of which featured the band's signature complex rhythms, intricate guitar work and Geddy Lee's distinctive vocals.

In addition to their musical achievements, Rush was also known for their elaborate live shows, which often featured intricate lighting and stage setups. The band has won multiple Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards) and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

Sadly, in 2020, it was announced that Neil Peart had passed away after a private, three-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer. The loss of Peart was a tremendous blow to the music world and to Rush's fans, and has left a lasting impact on the legacy of this iconic band.

About the album Hemispheres:

Hemispheres is the sixth studio album released by the Canadian rock band Rush in 1978. The album was produced by the band themselves along with Terry Brown. It contains six tracks in total, divided into two sides: 'Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres' on side A and four individual songs on side B.

The overall theme of Hemispheres is inspired by Greek mythology, with the album exploring different philosophical concepts. The album's title itself refers to the concept of two hemispheres of the brain, representing logic and creativity.

Side A consists of the epic 18-minute track 'Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres,' which is a continuation of the story that began on the band's previous album, A Farewell to Kings. It tells the story of a man who ventures into a black hole and encounters a mystical realm where the gods Apollo and Dionysus are engaged in a battle between logic and emotion. The track contains complex musical structures, featuring intricate guitar and keyboard solos, intricate bass lines, and bombastic drumming.

Side B opens with the radio-friendly track 'Circumstances,' which has more traditional song structure and catchy hooks. The next song, 'The Trees,' tells the story of a forest where the maple trees are discriminated against by the oaks and explores themes of equality and fairness. The song features lush harmonies and melodic guitar work. 'La Villa Strangiato' is a virtuosic instrumental that showcases the band's musical prowess, featuring a variety of musical styles and time signatures. The album closes with 'Necromancer,' which continues the story of 'By-Tor and the Snow Dog' from the album Fly by Night and showcases the band's heavier and more aggressive side.

Overall, Hemispheres is considered one of Rush's most complex and ambitious albums, featuring elaborate musical arrangements, intricate lyrics, and epic storytelling. It is widely regarded as a classic in the progressive rock genre, and a must-listen for any fans of the band or the genre.

Members:

Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in 1968, consisting of three key members - Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart.

Geddy Lee (Gary Lee Weinrib):
Born on July 29, 1953, in Toronto, Canada. Geddy Lee is a singer, bassist, and keyboardist for Rush who has been with the band since its inception. He was born into a musical family and began playing music at a young age. Lee's distinctive high-pitched vocals and his advanced bass and keyboard techniques are a defining feature of the band's sound. Lee has also released a solo album titled 'My Favourite Headache' in 2000.

Alex Lifeson (Alexander Zivojinovich):
Born on August 27, 1953, in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. Alex Lifeson is a guitarist for Rush and has been with the band since 1968. Lifeson's guitar playing is characterized by his use of a wide range of styles and techniques, which has contributed heavily to the band's sound. He has also contributed to many Rush songs as a songwriter.

Neil Peart:
Born on September 12, 1952, in Hamilton, Canada, Neil Peart was the drummer and lyricist for Rush. Peart originally joined the band in 1974 and quickly established himself as a highly skilled and technical drummer. He also contributed to the band's lyrics, frequently drawing on literature, science fiction, and philosophy. Peart passed away on January 7, 2020, at the age of 67.

Together, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart formed one of the most successful and influential rock bands in history. Their unique sound, technical prowess, and thoughtful lyrics have made them a beloved and enduring part of the rock canon.

Track List for Hemispheres:

Sure, here is the tracklist of Hemispheres by Rush with the playtime of each track, along with a detailed description of each:

1. 'Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres' - (18:08)

This is the first track and the concept behind the entire album. The song is divided into two parts - Cygnus X-1 Book II and Hemispheres. The first part is an instrumental intro with a thundering drum sound. The second part is more lyrical and talks about finding balance and unity in the world. It has an almost epic feel with soaring vocals and a powerful finish.

2. 'Circumstances' - (3:45)

'Circumstances' is the second track and one of the shortest ones on the album. It's a faster-paced, upbeat rock song featuring complex guitar work and driving drumming. The lyrics can be interpreted in different ways, but they seem to be about taking control of your life and making your own decisions.

3. 'The Trees' - (4:44)

'The Trees' is the third track and one of the most popular songs from the album. It's a more lighthearted song with catchy guitar riffs and a memorable melody. The lyrics use the metaphor of different types of trees to discuss social inequality and the dangers of conforming to society's expectations.

4. 'La Villa Strangiato' - (9:34)

'La Villa Strangiato' is the final track and the longest one on the album. It's an instrumental track that showcases the band's virtuosity and technical abilities. It's broken up into different sections, each with its own distinct sound and feeling. Despite being almost 10 minutes long, it's an exciting and engaging track that never gets boring.

Discography for Rush:

Sure! Here's a complete discography for the artist Rush in chronological order with all the albums, singles and other releases and their respective release dates:

- Rush (1974), March 1, 1974
- Fly by Night (1975), February 15, 1975
- Caress of Steel (1975), September 24, 1975
- 2112 (1976), April 1, 1976
- A Farewell to Kings (1977), September 1, 1977
- Hemispheres (1978), October 29, 1978
- Permanent Waves (1980), January 14, 1980
- Moving Pictures (1981), February 12, 1981
- Signals (1982), September 9, 1982
- Grace Under Pressure (1984), April 12, 1984
- Power Windows (1985), October 29, 1985
- Hold Your Fire (1987), September 8, 1987
- Presto (1989), November 21, 1989
- Roll the Bones (1991), September 3, 1991
- Counterparts (1993), October 19, 1993
- Test for Echo (1996), September 10, 1996
- Vapor Trails (2002), May 14, 2002
- Feedback (2004), June 29, 2004
- Snakes & Arrows (2007), May 1, 2007
- Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland (2011), November 8, 2011
- Clockwork Angels (2012), June 12, 2012

Singles:

- 'Not Fade Away'/'You Can't Fight It', 1973
- 'In the Mood'/'Take a Friend', 1974
- 'Fly by Night'/'Anthem', 1975
- 'Making Memories'/'Rivendell', 1975
- '2112 Overture'/'The Temples of Syrinx', 1976
- 'Closer to the Heart'/'Madrigal', 1977
- 'Cinderella Man'/'Madrigal', 1977
- 'The Trees'/'Circumstances', 1978
- 'Freewill'/'Jacob's Ladder', 1980
- 'The Spirit of Radio'/'Circumstances', 1980
- 'Limelight'/'YYZ', 1981
- 'Tom Sawyer'/'Witch Hunt', 1981
- 'Red Barchetta'/'Red Lenses', 1981
- 'New World Man'/'Vital Signs (live)', 1982
- 'Countdown'/'New World Man (live)', 1982
- 'Distant Early Warning'/'Between the Wheels', 1984
- 'The Body Electric'/'The Analog Kid (live)', 1984
- 'Mystic Rhythms'/'The Big Money (live)', 1985
- 'Time Stand Still'/'High Water', 1987
- 'Force Ten'/'Time Stand Still', 1987
- 'Show Don't Tell'/'Chain Lightning', 1989
- 'The Pass'/'Superconductor (remix)', 1989
- 'Dreamline'/'Bravado', 1991
- 'Roll the Bones'/'Neurotica (remix)', 1991
- 'Stick It Out'/'Cut to the Chase', 1993
- 'Nobody's Hero'/'Half the World', 1994
- 'Test for Echo'/'Time and Motion', 1996
- 'One Little Victory'/'Earthshine', 2002

Other releases:

- Rush Through Time (1978)
- Archives (1978)
- The Trees and Another Thing... (1983)
- Chronicles (1990)
- Rush: A Show of Hands (1989) - live album
- Different Stages (1998) - live album
- Rush in Rio (2003) - live album
- R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour (2005) - live album
- Snakes & Arrows Live (2008) - live album/DVD
- Time Stand Still (2016) - documentary/DVD

Hope that helps!