FLY BY NIGHT

Wow. That was my first impression when I turned on this classic and heard the amazing drumming that didn't exist on the first album. Well for numerous reasons Geddy and Alex decided to drop their first drummer, John Rutsey, and found a replacement in drummer/lyricist Neil Peart and they really did. Not only did they get arguably the best rock drummer in the world but also a fantastic lyricist. The opener, Anthem, really demonstrates how great Neil is on the drum kit and behind the writer's desk as well. The whole album takes a sudden shift with their first try on the mini-epic with "By-Tor and the Snow Dog". This song was an instant classic in 1974 and still is today. To me, this song really showed how well they would be as full on prog rock artists in the next few years. There still is Zeppelin esque songs on here like Best I Can on here but they go with the whole flow of this album. Great stuff 4 stars. Highlights: Anthem, Best I Can, By-Tor and the Snow Dog, Fly By Night and In the End.