2112 - Rush

Canadian three-piece Rush relent and enter the realm of progressive rock with their weirdly titled semi-concept album ‘2112.’ Still firmly entrenched in the band’s hard rock roots, the grand scope of the side-long title track and occasional, fleeting moments of contemporary influence make this Rush’s first truly impressive and successful release, and the start of their most creative period. The first half (that’s side one for vinyl owners) comprises the epic ‘2112’ suite, Rush’s sci-fi rock opera spectacular. Set in a bleak 22nd century dystopia where priests control the masses from their ‘temples,’ Neil Peart’s lyrics tell the brief but entertaining story of ...

Bands would never get away with releasing an album like this these days which is lucky because I don't know of any bands who would be capable of making such a masterpiece as this. Yes, it's weird and it was probably weird in 1976 when it was first released. The fact that the whole of the first side of the original LP was taken up with one song is something that would make me wonder what the heck it's all about. It's a story set in, believe it or not, in 2112. Quite simply, a man living in a controlled state finds a guitar, is amazed by it's wonders and presents it to his superiors, only to be ridiculed. That's basically it and ...

This was Rush's breakthrough album and it came out in that most derided of years, 1976. Oh yes, the year of huge flares, swervy haircuts and hyper inflation. The group photo herein, with silver kaftans and at least one cape thrown over a shoulder, only adds to the general feel of the time. Bands were moving away from prog to a smoother technical sound in the studio in those days, and here we have a record that falls between both stools of prog and hairspray metal; don't let it put you off, it's still pretty good and every 14 year old boy should be made to listen to this. The centrepiece of the whole album is its 20 minute title track, the 2112 ...