CARESS OF STEEL

It ain't one of Rush's 5-star albums, but it holds its own against any of the overproduced dreck of the 70's. The epics are Rush's way of putting Neil's toes in the water. In that respect, they succeeded masterfully. "The Fountian Of Lamneth" is, IMO, brilliant. Well written, highly melodic with a good solid production. Geddy hadn't touched a keyboard yet and that's what "Jorg" brought up. His words exactly: "Wich idiot's idie was that, not to play synthesizers anymore??" People, READ THE LINER NOTES!!!!! Geddy didn't freakin' play a single keyboard til 1977, when they released AFTK! Everyone with half a brain knows that. But, enough of my prattle. This is a great album, with great songs."Bastille Day" and "Lakeside Park" are wonderfully written. " The Necromancer" is somewhat hobbled by clunky narration, but ultimately spreads its wings and flies on your imagination. The only song I don't like is "I Think I'm Going Bald". It might have been wriiten purely for comic relief, but to me it's dreck. And 3:37 is an awful long time for dreck. But, damn...that's a great guitar solo. Try as it might, it can't save the song. That's why I only give it four stars.