RUSH

With this, their first album, Rush introduced themselves to the world as a Canadian threesome who made hard rockin music. The drum stool on this album was occupied by John Rutsey who would soon be replaced (health reasons) by one of the, arguably, best drummers in the prog rock world (Peart). The Led Zeppelin influence is easily heard however I pick up very strongly on a Who sound as well on this album. Although there are indications of what would come later this is not a prog album. 1. Finding my way - I pick up a strong Who influence on this track - kind of a cross between the Who and Led Zeppelin. I hear "Won't get fooled again" very clearly here. 2, Need some love - straight forward straight ahead rocker which doesn't do much for me. 3. Take a friend - In 1973 Budgie released "Never turn your back on a friend" and I pick up a Budgie influence through this track. 4, Here again - Bluesy kind of track which I find pretty standard. 5. What you're doing - Standard Rock fare for back in the 70's 6. In the mood - Again a standard rocker. 7. Before and after - I like the way this track starts, very toned down in comparrison to the rest of the album before it rocks out in a very Budgie-esq fashion. 8. Working Man - My favorite track from the album with a nice rock jam in the middle between the instruments.

Looking at the early 70's I can't rate this album highly when I compare it for what it is to what Deep Purple, Budgie, Zep etc were doing at the time and I have to vector in on a 2 star rating. This album was pleasant to listen to but doesn't and won't get much play time from me.