CARESS OF STEEL

A great move by a future legend. This is perhaps one of the most overlooked albums of the entire Rush catalog. The first three tracks are okay. Nothing to write home about. However, The Necromancer (track 4) and The Fountain of Lamneth (track 5) are what really stand out. The Necromancer- I used to drive 3 hours home from college very late at night through the middle of nowhere. I would put this on and it would scare the hell out of me. The atmosphere on this track is wonderfully spooky. Very heavy Sabbath-like riffs, catchy melodies, and phenomenal musicianship. Just plain great. The Fountain- One of Rush's early masterpieces. I really think this track deserves a look by everyone, wheter you're into Rush or not. Moody, brooding, and brilliant. It almost succeeds in creating a texture in your mind. I actually feel the emotions Geddy describes as he sings. Later they would go on to create some of the most inspired music ever. Yes 2112, Hemispheres, and Farewell to Kings would come along to much fanfare and deserved praise, but for me, Rush starts right here.