APRIL of 1976 “2112” by Rush
Bruce brings us one of his all-time-favorites. This album is the one where Rush became RUSH. In the wake of "Caress of Steel" their third album which was neither a commercial nor a critical success, Mercury Records considered dropping the band. Ray Daniels, manager for Rush, negotiated to have the group make one more album. The label wanted them to make more accessible songs — shorter— with more singles. NOPE. Instead, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart created an album in which the entire first side was an Ayn Rand-influenced distopian sci-fi epic!
Join us as we take a journey past the Temples of Syrinx where creativity and individualism have been banned in the year 2112.
“2112 part 1 - Overture”
This was the last song recorded of the 2112 epic. It is an instrumental summary of the entire piece, similar to classical symphonies of the past, and has a brief nod to the 1812 Overture.
“2112 part 2 - The Temples of Syrinx”
Geddy Lee's lyrics are very high and sometimes unintelligible. This portion introduces the powers that rule the world - the priests of the temples of Syrinx, who ban creativity and individualism.
“2112 part 3 - Discovery”
We are introduced to the protagonist, who finds a guitar and learns how to play it. What can this strange device be? Rush received a lot of criticism for writing an Ayn Rand - inspired piece.
“2112 part 4 - Presentation”
The priests are not as excited about the discovery as the protagonist expects. They destroy the guitar.
“2112 part 5 - Oracle: The Dream”
Alex Lifeson rips off a great guitar solo to start this section. Lifeson and Lee have been friends since the 8th grade. This section tells of a dream of another planet outside the Solar Federation where creative people still live.
“2112 part 6 - Soliloquy”
It was all a dream, and the protagonist takes his life rather than live in captivity.
“2112 part 7 - Grand Finale”
But was it all a dream?
“Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow” from the TV Show, Baretta
Robert Blake's hard knock cop show.
“Elliptical Seasons” by Star Castle
Wayne was excited that this progressive rock group from Illinois has a similar feel to Yes. Terry Luttrell, frontman for Starcastle, was also the frontman for REO Speedwagon
“Golden Years” by David Bowie
Rob shares that this was written and recorded for (and ultimately rejected by) Elvis Presley by the ever-changing and terribly creative David Bowie. This song reached number 10 on the charts.
“Union Man” by the Cate Brothers
Brian likes this track because in the mid 60's the Cate Brothers were a "country soul" act from Arkansas, but had their "one hit wonder" with this funk rock fusion song in 1976.
“Sara Smile” by Hall & Oates
Bruce is bringing this top 10 hit, written about Hall's then-girlfriend, Sara Allen, who contributed to a number of songs including “Private Eyes” and “Maneater.”
“Lumberjack Song” by Monty Python
I'm a lumberjack and I don't care....Monty Python received a big boost in 1976 when PBS began replaying their "Flying Circus" show from the BBC
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