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Released on September 1st 1977 A Farewell to Kings is the fifth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush. The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, and mixed at Advision Studios in London. A Farewell to Kings would become Rush’s first US Gold-selling album, receiving the certification within two months of its release, and was eventually certified Platinum. Geddy Lee originally wrote his bass lines on his acoustic bass. The birds heard on “A Farewell to Kings” and “Xanadu” were recorded outside near Rockfield Studios.
1.”A Farewell to Kings”
2.”Xanadu”
3.”Closer to the Heart”
4.”Cinderella Man”
5.”Madrigal” 2:35
6.”Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage”
I used to put on my headphones and escape into this album when things got to be too much. It took me on a journey to a magical place of wonder where there was no suffering and no pain. “A Farewell To Kings” set the pace with its march like beat and strong lyrics. “Xanadu” with its ethereal opening and grandiose build to filled my mind with the wonderment of finding such a place and it became a welcome daydream escape for me many times. “Closer To The Heart” holds a beautiful melody and I imagined being on a ship in a distant land and time with the sea and wind in my hair. “Cinderella Man” reminds me of a traveling minstrel long ago traveling to many places seeking understanding. “Madrigal” had me lying in a grassy meadow dreaming as the clouds rolled by, hoping to find a the love of my life someday (which I did in 1985 and am still with in 2012). “Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage” snatched me to the stars on an epic journey. This track filled me with awe in 1977 and still does to this day. The structuring of it back then gives modern tracks a run for their money. This entire album remains in my heart now and forever as a journey to places safe and warm during my chaotic youth. Thank you RUSH for the escape.
Here’s a taste:
the Hellion Rocks 