Rush, at their peak in the 70s?

[Bassdude15]

Now dont get me wrong, I absolutely think they still are an incredible band (despite not being able o find tickets any of the 3 times they came to town); nor do I confess to be one of those 'hard-core' Rush fan who owns all their records and knows each one inside and out. But is it just me, or do A Farewell to Kings and Hemisphere''s have a certain extra "wow"-factor that many of their later and more famous albums are missing?

 

[toddsterbassist]

For me they hit their peak from presto-counterparts. The songs were just great, IMO. The playing became less in your face...more subtle virtuosity. I tend to get excited by songs and not super individual performances though.

 

[xUptheIronsx]

Hmm...I would say that I AM one of those fans who believes that Rush could do no wrong....they could come out and poop on stage, and it would be the best, well formed, rosiest smelling poop ever created! I don't think they have ever put out a bad album...at least from a writing standpoint. there ar some with questionable production....

That being said, I feel like their "high point" would be Permanent Waves to Grace Under Pressure. For me, this is the era that "locked in" their vibe, and that became the springboard for them being able to do what they wanted to from an artistic standpoint. I feel like up until Permanent Waves, they were trying to "be like" their hero's...they were emulating in a way. By PW, they were now living in their own "world" stylistically, and then were trying to expand that. They were now trying to emulate themselves...

This is a very subjective question, and you are going to get the whole gamut of responses. The above statement is absolute truth only in my world, no matter what everyone else thinks...and they will all think the same about their "truths" in their worlds.

 

[portpc]

Terry Brown produced those albums you mention, He also produced 2112, Caress of Steel & Fly by Night, Permanent Waves & Signals.
Chances are that has a lot to do with it. To me that's the classic Rush sound.

 

[Lee Moses]

I would put all Rush albums from 2112 to Moving Pictures in that category. After that, they started a slow decline, IMO. I personally don't find Permanent Waves or Moving Pictures missing much, although they are at times more song-oriented than the epics found on your favorite albums. Although I don't think they ever had a more radio-friendly song than "Closer to the Heart."

 

[portpc]

I would put all Rush albums from Farewell to Kings to Moving Pictures in that category. After that, they started a slow decline, IMO. I personally don't find Permanent Waves or Moving Pictures missing much, although they are at times more song-oriented than the epics found on your favorite albums. Although I don't think they ever had a more radio-friendly song than "Closer to the Heart."

Terry Brown produced Moving Pictures as well, He supposedly severed ties when the band insisted on the digital instrumentation while recording Digital Man during the Signals recording sessions.
He preferred the more Prog Rock sound..

 

[TBird1958]

Seeing them perform all of 2112 when it was new in 1976 at Seattle's Paramount Theater (3000 seats) was, and still is a musical highpoint for me. I probably paid $7.50 for the ticket........

 

[portpc]

Seeing them perform all of 2112 when it was new in 1976 at Seattle's Paramount Theater (3000 seats) was, and still is a musical highpoint for me. I probably paid $7.50 for the ticket........

I saw that tour as well! At the Palladium NYC, They were on the bill with UFO & Cheap Trick.
Might be nostalgia (though probably the room) but it was the best sounding RUSH show that I've ever attended (20X)

I stopped going to see them a few years back as the mix was always terrible.. it was just sonic mush..

 

[Lo-E]

I feel like their "high point" would be Permanent Waves to Grace Under Pressure.

I whole-heartedly agree.

 

[Odinbass]

Speaking as someone only born in 1984....

I say the 'good' Rush material started with 2112, peaked with Moving Pictures, and declined throughout the 80s. If you're in the mood for synth heavy material you can go as far as Hold Your Fire. The songs aren't bad, just very '80s'

The 90s were kind of poopy, Test For Echo is my least favorite album.

Post 2000, I really like Vapor Trails. Snakes and Arrows sucked. The covers album was cool and Clockwork was okay.

All my opinions of course. I love a good Rush discussion!

 

[JLY]

Incredible band
They lost me after Signals

 

[eriky4003]

I'll go out on a big limb with 2112 to Counterparts. The B cd's during this time, imho - Signals, Grace Under Pressure and Presto. Loved the Peter Collins produced CDs during this time although I know I won't get a lot of support. Kings & Hemispheres are definitely standouts.

 

[Lee Moses]

I would put all Rush albums from 2112 to Moving Pictures in that category. After that, they started a slow decline, IMO. I personally don't find Permanent Waves or Moving Pictures missing much, although they are at times more song-oriented than the epics found on your favorite albums. Although I don't think they ever had a more radio-friendly song than "Closer to the Heart."

Terry Brown produced Moving Pictures as well, He supposedly severed ties when the band insisted on the digital instrumentation while recording Digital Man during the Signals recording sessions.
He preferred the more Prog Rock sound..

Just to clarify, I was responding to the O.P.

 

[Mildew Jones]

First heard All The Worlds A Stage, incredible album, saw the Farewell To Kings tour Winterland/SF, Max Webster (! LOVED THEM !), Rush and UFO headlining. Pretty good show for 6 bucks.
My classic Rush period would be A Farewell To Kings to Signals. Hemispheres and Moving Pictures my faves. LOL, when I first read the subject title, I saw "Rush, at their peak in their 70's".
MJ

 

[Off-Beat]

I still think Xanadu on Exit... is their masterpiece, most people think otherwise, but that's the performance/song I enjoy most by them.

 

[Thundar]

I loved every album up thru Counterparts....especially Moving Pictures, Grace Under Pressure, and Signals

 

[eligilam]

Best Rush album: Hemispheres
Best single Rush track: Jacob's Ladder

 

[Big Hoss]

Since their first album, Rush has grown, progressed, and pushed the limits of just what prog rock is. While some albums took longer to grow on me (Hold Your Fire) I would have to say that they have held on to a consistency of awesomeness since the beginning.

 

[JaseyT]

I'm one of those fans who thinks they've been fantastic from the beginning to now. Of course, there are some albums I enjoy less than others, but given a time machine (ha-ha!), I'd gladly go attend a show from any of their tours. After all, they've always said their live shows are really the true representation of who they are as a band.

 

[Pre-Road Blues]

I agree that the '70s was their peak. Really love Cygnus X-1, By-tor and the Snow Dog and The Necromancer