I'm quite embarrassed that I still don't know Rush or own any of their releases. I guess I've always been daunted because they are such a long-running band I just don't know where to start (rather like Yes). The obvious answer is their first album, as I do like to begin with the debut whenever possible. Should I go for their first album? Which is their best?

I started with 2112, which is amazing. Then I got A Farewell To Kings, which is also amazing, but not quite as amazing. And that's as far as I've gotten... so I think I also need to some more Rush recommendations. I've heard Moving Pictures and Permanent Waves are also the best ones.

Oh yeah, and for Yes start with Close To The Edge, if you haven't already, Mr James. It's incredible.

Don't get any YES stuff after the 70s, it's terrible. I'd echo jonnyboy and say start with 2112.

Yeah, start with 2112, then listen to the S/T. Then you can enjoy all lovely rush.

The debut is the most basic and probably heaviest, with loads of nods to the likes of Zeppelin, etc.

"Fly by Night" was the first with Neil Peart and is great, and the more epic songs started to creep in. "Caress of Steel" followed that trend, as the music became more varied and dynamic. "2112" was the pinnacle of this era of Rush, which incorporated all those styles. Still, it is really only the 1st concept side that is totally great. Some good numbers on the b side, but some weak ones too.

By "Farewell to Kings" they had started to bring in more Prog elements to their sound. The keyboards became a prominent element in the sound, and the focus on epic numbers took hold more. "Hemisphere" followed up in the same vein.

"Permanent Waves" & "Moving Pictures" followed and are the last really great Rush with the old sound.

By "Signals", it was all change and I lost interest in their 80s output (though I own most of them). I quite like their last 4-5 albums, but I view them totally differently than their earlier material.

Don't listen to ANY Yes material.

Bestial Bill wrote:Don't listen to ANY Yes material.

In other words, "So NO to Yes".

dont forget Caress of Steel, Lakeside park is my favourite track, so feel good man!

I have Farewell to Kings, Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures. They are all very good. Moving Pictures is just brilliant all the way through, my favourite for sure. Farewell to Kings was my first and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Catchy while proggy stuff and great instrumentation all the way round. Definitely a band to be listened to.

The first Rush album is the best. Balls out rock and roll.

Start with the debut and just go all the way through (including the live albums). They're all class in different ways.

Rush in Rio is a pretty solid release, three-disc live album, all the classics

Rush rules, love their music, currently loving the song Farcry!

As with James, I too have never indulged in Rush. I've heard the odd track but nothing more.

I was suggested I start with A Farewell to Kings, thoughts??

"A Farewell to Kings"? Do you like long & involved Prog-influenced Hard Rock, with plenty of mood changes?

It's a great album, but not for everyone.