A FAREWELL TO KINGS

The most magnificent offering from the Canadian trio. "Xanadu" and "Cygnus X-1" alone make this a classic, but the other songs do not fall short, if only in length. I have to admit, when I first purchased this album, the immediate effect was not there, but like a fine wine, with age it gets that much better. Where they had fallen just short on Caress, and 2112, it all came together musically here. This is where Geddy's bass shines (ok, as a bass player I'm prejudiced!), and really drives the songs to new heights. But Alex has some great moments as well, especially on the title track. This would be the first album that critics would harp on their "over active rhythm section", as if that were a bad thing. The band would continue in this vein, and we can thank the stars it all started here. BRILLIANT!