Rush

A Farewell To Kings

Hyper-progressive

Review Score:

(8/10)
"2112" was a validation of sorts for Rush. The popularity of that album affirmed that long pieces like the 22 minute title track could be commericially viable. So it comes as no surprise that Rush took a turn towards a more complex, involved style with "A Farwell To Kings".

This album is an earful. "Closer to the Heart", Rush's "Stairway to Heaven", resides on this album, and is one of the shortest songs on the album. This piece has continued to be a live favorite since its release. "Madrigal" is another short, reflective piece with some mellow guitar work from Alex Lifeson and almost tender lyrics from percussionist Neil Peart.

The bulk of the album, though, is contained in two marathons. "Xanadu" is the jewel on this album. It is an 11 minute monster based on the poem "Kubla Khan" and instrumentally is astounding. The moment Peart and Geddy Lee kick in with Lifeson while the guitarist is doing a 7/4 time E major lick and the wind effects are increasing is high drama. The songs goes through several mood changes, slowing down in spots to allow Lifeson some electric 12 string serenity. Lee is very subdued on this piece vocally, but his bass playing is phenomenal. "Cygnus X-1" is a 10 minute epic which surpasses "Xanadu" in terms of instrumental insanity. The band shifts flawlessly through the time changes (like 6/4, 7/4, and later 11/8 and 12/8) with ease. It is important to note that this piece is the first part of a two part epic which continues on their next release, "Hemispheres". Peart is especially out of control on "Cygnus", but if you are not a fan of Lee's vocal style, this piece will drive you nuts because Lee has somehow added an octave to his range on this song.

That leaves two other pieces. The title track opens the album with Lifeson on classical guitar before the band kicks in. However, it seems the band was trying *too* hard to be progressive here during the breakdown prior to the guitar solo. The rhythm seems a little too forced here, like they threw in this odd time signature for the sake of doing it. "Cinderella Man" is the remaining song, and it fares better than the title track. It is more Zeppelin-esque in the way Lifeson integrates electric and acoustic timbres. It is a pleasing, melodic song which is easy listening compared to most of the album.

Overall, "Farewell" is an album which may be more appealing to musicians than the casual rock fan. The casual fan will enjoy "Closer to the Heart", while have a difficult time following the sprawling "Xanadu". This is a wonderful album, but it may be best to purchase "2112" prior to this album to hear and understand the development Rush was undergoing. However, if you are a musician, the arrangements and complexity of the playing will give you something to shoot for in your own playing.

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