Caress of Steel by Rush, from 1975
We have talked at length about Rush and I have published a Profile that retraces their deeds and greatness, Rush: the Masters of Heavy Prog
Caress of Steel is a further step compared to their previous album, Fly by Night released in the same year, from hard rock to their progressive rock sound which would see its first masterpiece the following year, 2112, to begin a series of masterpieces some of which have since been universally considered masterpieces of progressive rock.
Epic and complex suites begin to appear, such as The Necromancer with over 12 minutes divided into three parts and especially The Fountain of Lamneth with its duration of about 20 minutes divided into 6 parts, a real springboard towards the masterpiece that was 2112.
And in this Heavy prog territory, the band's musical ability shines, with great virtuosity in the exceptional performances of Alex Lifeson on guitar and the immense Neil Peart on drums.
Other standout tracks in my opinion are the album opener "Bastille Day" and the atmospheric "Lakeside Park"
The album was not very successful at the time but has rightly been re-evaluated over time, the long very technical solos, the extended instrumental parts have not gone unnoticed by fans of the genre
It is the first Rush album in which the artwork is curated by Hugh Syme, as for all subsequent albums: due to a printing error, it was made copper-colored, but it was originally supposed to be steel-colored, as per the album title.
An album to have for those who love Rush, like me.
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page
Tracklist
1. Bastille Day (4:36)
2. I Think I'm Going Bald (3:35)
3. Lakeside Park (4:07)
4. The Necromancer (12:30) :
- i. Into the Darkness (4:20)
- ii. Under the Shadow (4:25)
- iii. Return of the Prince (3:51)
5. The Fountain of Lamneth (19:50) :
- i. In the Valley (4:17)
- ii. Didacts and Narpets (1:00)
- iii. No One at the Bridge (4:15)
- iv. Panacea (3:12)
- v. Bacchus Plateau (3:12)
- vi. The Fountain (3:48)
Duration 44:38
LineUp
- Alex Lifeson - electric and acoustic guitar
- Geddy Lee - bass, synthesizers, vocals
- Neil Peart - drums
