Rush

Artist: Rush

The rock group Rush’s 1974 self-titled debut album is more heavily British-rock inspired than their later work. Initially released only in their native country, the initial pressing was eagerly bought-up by Canadian fans. It wasn’t until a Cleveland, Ohio DJ added the song “Working Man” to her regular play list, that the album broke in the U.S.  Considered to be the band’s signature song by most listeners, radio play of the song would propel this album to just outside the top-100 on Billboard charts.

Initially, the band worked with producer Dave Stock; scheduling cheap, late-night slots at Eastern Sound recording studio in Toronto. However, unhappy with the product of these sessions, Rush decided to record the album themselves at a different studio. This studio featured a primitive 8-channel tape recorder, which forced the band to get creative and make the most of the minimal track-count. Despite the band’s limited knowledge about recording equipment, and the studio’s out-of-date equipment, they managed to achieve results superior to those of their aforementioned producer.

The three-member line-up for the recording sessions consisted of Geddy Lee (bass and lead vocal), Alex Lifeson (guitar), and original drummer John Rutsey. However, Rutsey would leave the band shortly after cutting this record due to diabetic complications and a personal dislike of touring. His replacement, Neil Peart, has been with the band since; and is considered to be one of the greatest rock drummers of all time.

After its initial success in America, Rush’s manager put together nine-thousand dollars to have the album remixed by producer Terry Brown. The higher sound-quality of the remix certainly helped make the record more radio-friendly, and insure its RIAA Gold certification.

Although not the best-selling record in Rush’s catalogue, their debut album undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for the rest of the band’s future success. Today it’s hard to not come across “Working Man,” “Finding My Way,” or “In the Mood” on classic-rock radio.

Rating: 4/5