FLY BY NIGHT

Rutsey, due to internal conflict, as well as illness, had left the band at the start of Rush's tour for their debut album. This was actually a step in the right direction, as Neil showed up to the audition with his drums stacked away in a garbage can. Immediately the band hit it off, and started writing songs together. Neil, with his lyrical prowress shows off his genius in this brilliant release. Anthem is one of Rush's greates hard rock tunes, with a blend of progressive spontaneity blended in with it. The lyrics are an 'Anthem' to the greatness of man (Hence the title and their record label for that matter,) and Neil demonstrates his love for the genius Ayn Rand for the first time.(Ayn Rand also wrote a novelette called Anthem, although it is more like 2112 than this song.) Beneath, Between, and Behind is an excellent song worth many listens, being one of Rush's best hard rock work. By-Tor and the Snow Dog is Rush's first true progressive epic. By blending the furious attack of the trio and their respective instruments with their classical and literary roots, they have created the magnificent song that continues to define Progressive Metal long before Metallica tried to claim that distinction. Fly by Night is an instant classic, memorable and catchy, yet complex and enjoyable. Another brilliant song is In The End, which is one of Rush's most moving compositions. Overall, upon Neil's arrival on the band, he has shifted them into the prog rock greats that they are, and Fly By Night simply confirms that greatness.