Caress of Steel (Remastered)

The Necromancer is so good, I can’t believe no one talks about it, or this album often. Die hard Rush fans will tell you it’s great, but sadly it is not not recognized as one of their best (as it should be). Hope they bring some of it out with Anika.

One of my earliest memories is drumming to “Tom Sawyer” on the seats of my mother’s car on the way to daycare. Even as an eight year old, it was apparent to me that Neil’s drumming was something special, powerful. He was the spark that hit a lifelong fire for the drums and music. I’m not alone in this realization. That young boy from Iowa could have never imagined the friendship to come with Neil Peart. He shared his adventures motorcycling, sailing, touring, and drumming. Every day ended with a Macallan and lots of laughter. More than all of this, Bubba was there for me when my dad died of cancer. He brought me In-N-Out after I got creamed on my motorcycle. He’d meet with Make-a-Wish kids in secret, play drums with them, and take them for milkshakes. He was that kind of dude. Extraordinarily kind, even after the universe took everything from him. He left our world a better place then he found it. “The measure of life is a measure of love and respect, So hard to earn so easily burned In the fullness of time, A garden to nurture and protect (It’s a measure of life) The treasure of life is a measure of love and respect, The way you live, the gifts that you give In the fullness of time, It’s the only return that you expect” Neil wrote these lyrics for the last song on the last Rush album. To the last... you measure up, Bubba.

This album didn’t do so good. It wasn’t considered “cool”. It isn’t for everyone, but it is definitely for me. You have 3 short songs and 2 long songs. I think the 2 long songs are the best ones on the album. The Necromancer is about The Lord of the Rings. The Fountain of Lamneth has a drum solo and some acoustic parts.

I've read a lot of reviews of this album and heard it spoken about poorly in various RUSH Documentaries. I don't know what the problem is with this record. For a new band in the seventies, it was a killer record. I love it. I'm really glad their label allowed them to make more records.

Even though this album nearly killed Rush’s career at the time, I think Caress Of Steel is a great album. Alex Lifeson’s guitar playing dominates this album and he is in amazing form here. I like every song, even I Think I’m Going Bald. Bastille Day is a very strong opening cut and one of their heaviest songs ever. An overlooked album by some, which is a shame. I even like it better than 2112!