Ok. So have you heard of these guys? This band out of Toronto, Canada was one of the first, and certainly one of the most influential, progressive metal bands. While there were bands playing something akin with some hard progressive rock earlier, a la King Crimson and Yes, and there were other bands who got around to metal a little bit earlier (ahem... Black Sabbath), Rush may have been the first to put it all together with great musical and commercial success. They had a remarkably consistent string of terrific albums from their more straightforward eponymous debut, featuring the hit "Working Man", in 1974 through eight albums in eight years culminating in 1981's Moving Pictures. Of course there have been many Rush albums since then, and for the most part, they've been adventurous and interesting (at least the bits I've heard), but I think few would argue that those first eight weren't something special.
I'm including "The Trees" from 1978's Hemispheres here, since it's one of my favorites (although they have so many good songs, it's hard to pick one). It's a fair representation of Rush's compositional style in those years, particularly the complex layering of parts, the impressive fullness of only a trio of musicians, and the use of departure from and later return to earlier-established musical themes. It also shows drummer Neil Peart's characteristically and impressively busy drumming (remember this was the 70s) and thoughtful lyric writing. You've heard it before, but enjoy Rush's "The Trees" again for old times sake.
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