A Farewell to Kings Music

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by: Rush

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Customer Reviews
Average Rating: Rating: - REGAL RUSH It's as if Rush came up with the name of this album before they began writing the songs. Though bathed in the afterglow of the explosive might and success of "2112," "A Farewell to Kings" stands among Rush's acheivements with a regal dignity unlike any of their other albums. The legend goes that Rush had been issued an ultimatum by the record company, 'produce a commercial hit or be dropped.' The trio chose instead to take a chance and produced a concept album that thundered their definace and sold many units. So here on AFTK is Rush vindicated, a band enjoying its victory over the Machine which attempted to quell its creative powers in the name of Commerce. The title track touts this victory, opening the album on a powerful, positive note. Lifeson shreds frets. "Xanadu" then proves that Rush deserved to survive, matching Coleridge's "Kubla Kahn" with an art rock 12-string-bass-drum fest. Simply amazing. While "Closer to the Heart" is the radio track known by all, "Cinderella Man" is one of their most clever tunes, a clean blend of heavy and soft. "Madrigal" is one of their prettiest, while the final track, "Cygnus X-1" is a mini-concept piece, playing like a movie soundtrack with a climactic ending. This concept piece is carried over to "Hemispheres," their next album, becoming much more of an art rock piece, but enjoyable nevertheless. Definitely one of the Rush albums in which we see all three of these amazing Canadians jamming with equal fervor. Rating: - You gotta love this...... This album is classic Rush. Yes, "2112" is as well, but to me nothing Rush has ever done represents what the band should be remembered as as "A Farewell To Kings". Any one who can't get into this one is probably some bubble gum chewing blonde chick who probably can't even say such tough one syllable words as Rush anyway. The title track has my favorite Rush lyrics ever (I know, I'm a geek), and "Closer To The Heart" is up there to. Any musician who doesn't instantly get the desire to learn "Xanadu" on their guitars, basses, or drums is brain dead. Geddy's screams at the end of "Cygnus" were more than likely the reason he was never able to sing that high again after "Hemispheres". That song is worth the price of the album alone, but this is one of those albums you have to listen to from top to bottom in one sitting. I was pleasantly surprised to see "Cinderella Man" on the recent live release "Different Stages" too. This is a must buy for even the casual Rush listener. When you get it, you can thank me later. Enjoy. Rating: - NO FAREWELL TO THESE KINGS! Rush entered a more complex writing phase on this album. It starts off with the title track which is a progressive hard rocker. It starts of with classical guitar. It changes tempo quite a few times. It also has thought-provoking lyrics of a Jethro Tull nature. "Xanadu", was my first favorite Rush extended piece and still remains so. It features poetic lyrics and dare I say it...romantic musicianship featuring chimes ( I think!), synths and Alex Lifesons guitar producing a synth-like effect. Great song at 11 minutes. "Closer To The Heart", the radio favorite featuring complex guitar work. "Cinderella Man", is written by Geddy Lee. It has sougt of a groove to it. "Madrigal", is a slow, absorbing piece that prepares you for the insane rollercoaster known as "Cygnus X-1". This song has to be heard to be believed. Insane musicianship, Insane and abrupt tempo and time changes. If you want to hear Neil Peart at his most complex and mad, you have to hear this epic. It's pieces like these that have earned Rush the respect of many fans and musicians alike. Geddy Lee has even upped the ante on his vocals at the end of the epic. Yikes!, but it's worth it. To me this is a more evolved "Caress Of Steel", because it has that victorian feel to it. A great album, not to be missed.

A Farewell to Kings Music

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