HEMISPHERES

A Farewell to Kings ends with Cygnus X-1 Book I. It was a tantalizing thought at one point, that there could be even more to this exciting and dynamic song. Unfortunately Rush went the wrong direction on this one. It goes from an up tempo space adventure accompanied a pounding bass intro, to a dull and lifeless march through the land of Neitzsche. The jump in subject matter is pretty profound, but in reality it's only cosmetic. If it had been delivered differently it might not irk me so much. Cygnus X-1 Book II is exceptionally boring and keeps me away from the album.

After the truly dull Book II comes Circumstances. It is quite short. I really like it, but I usually forget about it when you look at it beside the rest of the album. It has two elephants and single. The single by the way, is a terribly over rated song. It does have a few moments, mostly on the drum end, but The Trees however prove to be grating rather than enjoyable for the majority of their thankfully short course.

La Villa Strangiato as the title of the album might suggest is the opposing counterpart (s) to Book II. This song salvages the wreckage of Hemispheres. It's so excellent it drags this one up to a three. It is the essential Rush instrumental. Lifeson saves the day on this one. Hemispheres is worth the price paid because of it.