A Farewell to Kings

Vinyl Version Rush continued to expand their sound with this release. Instead of one long 20 minute opus this time they honed it down to two smaller compositions, the first of which is one of the band's most beloved tunes of all time "Xanadu" and the second the first part of a larger composition that would culminate on the next release Hemispheres. Just about no one was writing in this style at the time especially not with the confidence to record a prequel on one record and the sequel on another. In order to expand their sound, Peart incorporated all kinds of percussion equipment, such as the tubular bells, orchestra bells, chimes and the vibra slap to name a few. Lee and Lifeson also added a few tools to their arsenal as well with the bass pedals, Mini Moog and those ridiculous 12 string guitars. Of course while the epic songs here showcased the band's penchant for prog extravagance, the melodic and moving "Closer To The Heart" - as well as the simple, yet entertaining "Cinderella Man" - nicely balanced the "heady" works to provide the band's best and most diverse recording up to that point in time. "Cygnus X-1" is the highlight and remains one of my favorite Rush songs ever. From the very sci-fi sound effects in the intro to the throbbing bass riffing and stellar guitar leads, this song just is just so cool. Overall, this album - while not as groundbreaking as 2112 - was a refinement in the Rush sound and a definite improvement in song-writing quality compared to its predecessor. My vinyl version arrived in excellent condition and sounds perfect. In addition to the double gate-fold replica (with lyrics printed inside the gate-fold)and the FLAC download card there is a photo sheet reproduction from the original album sleeve. Really, for those that have never heard these Rush albums on vinyl you are in for a treat, and for those of us that grew up on a steady diet listening to these records over and over again, this is not only a great trip down memory but this release has never sounded better.

Great cd case came broke

This is not only one of Rush's best albums, but one of the greatest progressive rock albums of all time. The mix & mastering are great, and the songwriting is incredibly creative. You can tell that these guys were really having fun and enjoying their creative work. This album also set the bar high for future works, some of which equal this album, but none surpass it. Now for the songs: FAREWELL: Intriguing opening with the classical guitar, great riffs into the verses, and a driving yet catchy chorus. Glad they included this on Chronicles and Different Stages. XANADU: What can you say? This is the best song on the album, and perhaps their best song, period. It's certainly the best progressive rock song of all time, building from the soft nature setting to some of the best riffs and counter-melodies they've composed. Sparing use of keyboards accents the chorus parts perfectly. You really can't put it into words. It's an essential track for any prog-rock lover. CLOSER TO THE HEART: Fun little song. Yes, overplayed, but for a reason -- it's great! CINDERELLA MAN: A really driving song with a neat tempo-change in the chorus, and a really fun instrumental section before the second chorus. Rather experimental for Rush at the time, and they nailed it. Great song. MADRIGAL: A love-ballad. Hard to tell if it was written to a woman, a homestead, or simply to a previous way of life (or all three!). Great change of pace. CYGNUS X-1: The most incredible, not-to-be-believed song ever written by these guys. A space fantasy that really works musically (only these guys could have pulled this off so masterfully). The final vocals are so over-the-top, they actually work. Incredibly creative, fun, and never tiring to listen to again. Progressive rock at its best -- easily 5+ stars.

Studio version of what I think is one of the greatest works of 20th century music in any genre. Xanadu is a thrilling 12 minute journey led by a haunting percussion intro from the genius Peart who also wrote the lyrics after Coleridge’s poem. This is one of the great albums of the prog-rock era.

Długo oczekiwane wznowienie płyt RUSH. Brdzo dobre wydanie . Porządna oprawa graficzna i super tłoczenie.

Have been wanting this album for a while. Not disappointed.

This is not my favorite RUSH-album, but it is still a good RUSH-album with a few classics on it. It is well worth a buy if you are a dedicated RUSH-fan - if you are not - then you should probably go for something like "Permanent Waves" or "2112" instead, before this one.

ちゃんと届いてよかった。

Rush mögen mit 2112 einen ersten kommerziellen Durchbruch gehabt haben, mit Farewell to Kings fanden sie zu sich selbst: der transparente, bissige, durch Percussion und Synthesizer angereicherte Sound, das magische Zusammenspiel, und Arrangements mit unzähligen, auch schrägen Ideen. Auf dem gerade mal 37 Minuten langen Album ist jeder Song ein Meisterwerk, allen voran die Epen Xanadu und Cygnus X-1, das dann auf dem nächsten Album (ein klein bißchen langatmig) fortgesetzt wurde. In den frühen 80ern, als ich die Band für mich entdeckte, haben mich vor allem die kopfkinohaften, ambienthaften Passagen begeistert, egal, ob sie von Percussion-Instrumenten, Synthesizern oder Gitarreneffekten erzeugt werden. Auf späteren Alben sind es dann Songs wie Villa Strangiato, Jacob's Ladder, Camera Eye, Witch Hunt, Weapon, Countdown u.a., die diesen besonderen erzählenden und atmosphärischen Charakter haben. Interessanterweise wird der schwächer, sobald das Trio keine Synthesizer mehr benutzt und sich aufs geradlinige Rocken besinnt. Schade. Ich fand die Synthies immer sehr gekonnt eingesetzt, allenfalls auf Power Windows haben sie es vielleicht etwas übertrieben und sich in den Sounds vergriffen. Kopfkino: im Zusammenhang mit Postrock und elektronischer Musik wurde der Begriff ziemlich strapaziert und abgenutzt, trotzdem erfüllt er, denke ich, seinen Zweck. Es gibt noch andere Verbindungen von Rush zu Postrock: die Betonung des Instrumentalen, die zenhafte Versenkung in ein Riff, einen Basslauf, einen Drumbeat. Deswegen waren Rush auch nie so frickelig, wirr, wie Yes, sondern brachten es immer stärker auf den Punkt. Ich freue mich drauf, wenn sie 2010 Moving Pictures endlich komplett live spielen (Camera Eye!), und hoffentlich wird das nächste Studio-Album besser als die letzten: soundmäßig, songmäßig, strukturell. Lieber 37 geniale statt 65 mittelmäßige Minuten.