Rush
"A Farewell To King"
© Mercury
July 06 - 12, 2025
Year of Release: 1977
Rating:
A Farewell To Kings
Xandadu
Closer To The Heart
Cinderella Man
Madrigal
Cugnus X-1
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Rush returns this week, with their 1977 release, A Farwell To Kings. It's still hard to believe that Rush
drummer is no longer with us. There are rumours that Rush may continue, but it is highly unlikely. Neil Peart was truly
one of the best drummers in Rock. A hard replacement to find, just as trying to replace Keith Moon of The Who, when
the surviving members continued. Kenny Jones replaced Moon on two studio albums after Moon's death. But afterwards,
it was a series of replacement drummers (Ringo Starr's son, Zak, was the latest). It was the same for Led Zeppelin.
After drummer John Bonham's death, Phil Collins and Jason Bonham (John Bonham's son) were replacements, but Led Zeppelin
never continued with either recording or touring, which would be temporary. Like Rush, there are rumours that the
surviving members of Led Zeppelin maybe releasing a new studio and/or tour. But, that is highly unlikely also.
A Farewell To Kings was Rush's fifth studio (and seventh on WSVNRadio.net). As much as a fan I was during
their prime years, I vaugely remember this album. In looking at the track titles, "Closer To The Heart" was really
the only standout track, heard on FM radio. For any Rush fan, that song was a must-have, and therefore, a contiunation
of the Rush fan's album collection.
The title track leads off the album, with a very pleasant sounding intro. It then kicks into Rock Rush gear, as
expected. "Xanadu" is an 11:08 track, and another conceptual piece in length. "Closer To The Heart"is
next, the FM radio favorite. "Cinderella Man" was another hit single (the other was "Closer To The Heart",
and I could see how "Cinderella Man" could have been more popular. It's another good Rush track. "Madrigal"
is a good Rush Deep Cut from the album. Ending the album is another long concept track (10:25), "Cygnus X-1" --
a song sounding space-like, a movie soundtrack concept; the title itself could be a title of a science fiction movie.
Rush's A Farewell To Kings is more of a concept (and/or theatrical) album, especially with the long tracks
"Xanadu" and "Cygnus X-1." The music of Rush has always been "conceptual." Rich in sound, unique in their
Rock sound style. Rush has always created great music for the common Rock fans. It was sad to learn of Neil Peart's
passing, but we still can enjoy their music he and Geddy and Alex had created throughout their career. I'd be curious if
Geddy and Alex do return as "Rush," or maybe create a new name and continue onwards. High unlikely, but you never know...
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