The Contrarians Panel: Dark Horse Album #33 - Rush Caress of Steel

[@thecontrarians2438]

What are your thoughts on Rush Caress of Steel? Let us know your rating out of ten!

[@dannyholloway2007]

I really love how they pulled lakeside Park out and played I in Houston on the R40 tour, the song is a hidden gem I their catalog.

[@DavysFlicks]

I'd land on it as a 7ish. - it's the blueprint for things ahead that would develop the sound, the interplay and the ideas massively where they truly become originals. So I can't put it up there with top tier Rush as some room has to be left for the best of the best. Some of the songs came into their own live also so I find it hard to take a step back with the tracks after some wonderful bootlegs.

[@garyjoyce2160]

Own every single album by RUSH / saw them 6x in the NJ/ NYC area over the years , I like this album. Probably it is my 9 th or 10 th choice in their discography. I’ll go 7.5 out of 10. Thx gang for the show 👍💯

[@jonrhythm3686]

I do like this album though it isn't near the top of my list. As far as Fountain and Necromancer goes, I like the individual passages but as a whole they just come off as contrived and didn't flow well for my taste. I strongly agree that the guys showed a lot of courage to make this album and there certainly would've never been a 2112 without Caress. I give it a solid 7.

[@monte.olson58]

Great episode! got this when it was released. It's still my favorite Rush album. Love the Tolkien references and the darkness. A 10/10 for me.

[@Michael_Birk]

I listened to this again today for the first time in 45 years. I never considered myself a hardcore Rush fan, but at the same time I'm not sure why. Anyway, I don't see why any Rush fan wouldn't give this at least an 8/10. Even though it is definitely hard, to very hard rock, the record has a creamy, silky production (which I like), but some people might feel like it's too subdued (???). I think many Rush fans think their music should always be almost brash in tone and more in the metal realm than just hard rock. I give it 8/10... only because I don't care much for the mellow parts of 'Fountains'. Though objectively, the mellow parts do fit the lyrics.

[@reloadnorth7722]

9. I listen to COS on a regular basis when working in my garage, and think it is a great album. I have all their albums on a memory stick and let them all play all day.

[@dangaucher2245]

You guys hit on a great concept with what if Rush Caress of Steel was the only Record they Made!!!That is an insane conversation to think about!

[@drmidnight680-kz2le]

It is the only album they ever made. Unless you like poor man's Synth-pop with Depeche mode haircuts Rush of the 80s

[@lance98541]

Along with Hemispheres, it is their best album in my opinion. I give it 9.5/10. Masterpiece.

[@billschuster6680]

That epic speech from David Botas was even better than I remembered.

[@DBTdad]

Thanks Bill for taking the time to explain the depth of this album. Especially for I think I'm going bald. Old souls understand.

[@billschuster6680]

@@DBTdad Thank you for listening and commenting. And for understanding.

[@rjm2112]

When I did the “worst Rush album” show with Martin two years ago, I had CoS third worst for Rush. That being said, I don’t think it’s bad at all, and think it’s a very good record. Without CoS, there would be no 2112, AFTK or Hemispheres. I just listened to Fountain today and it’s great. 8.0 record for me

[@thecontrarians2438]

Thanks for the comment Ryan!!

[@LuciensMusic]

Always my fave from them!

[@Fred-vy1hm]

People weren't ready for COS, they didn't get the concept when it came out but in retrospect it was a needed stepping stone to get to 2112, Fairwell to Kings and Hemispheres and it's certainly not the worst record they ever put out and imo it's in their top ten for sure with Fountains of Lamneth being my second favorite among the long epic concept songs.

[@DBTdad]

Some of these reviewers still are not ready for Caress of Steel

[@gabriellarrubia1006]

I have no idea what people are talking about when they say this album has bad production... Lifeson is even more of a powerhouse here, you get a great opener in Bastille Day and your standard long suite plus a shorter one... Even though Xanadu is sonically different I'd say they just tried to rewrite Fountain of Lamenth later- which is actually beautifully composed and one of the stronger numbers. I like the changing ecosystem of vibes in the Necromancer and it rocks hard when it wants to. Rush seemed to have already perfected their little method for dividing songs into neat, well organized chapters by this point and I'd say this record is actually more consistent than several others. Some of the shorter songs lose me a bit on 2112 and Hemispheres, even though the whole 70's run is majestic overall. But I find that Caress of Steel is even more balanced. Lakeside Park and I Think I'm Going Bald are better supporting songs than some on later albums. If I had to rank songs individually there'd be 10/10's on each record, but this one has at least three.

[@pjones8404]

The real issue for me, directly as it relates to David's wonderful statements, is to eliminate the word "best" or "better" from our vocabulary. Especially, as it relates to subjective discussions like art. And let's remember folks, music IS art!! I suggest that if we live in the world of "preferences" instead, we instantly remove any possible herd mentality or worry about stereotypes and stepping on people's toes. There is no debating someone's personal preferences. I prefer album "X". What?? You're wrong! HUH????? But if you say, album "X" is the best album, now you open yourself up to outside influences. It's a small distinction but can make a huge difference. Great show!!! Well done everyone !!

[@davidbotasII]

Good suggestion, Pete! It's semantics, and what can we do, right? Unnecessary detours in these types of discussions seem to be rooted in how one reacts to not being agreed with. I cringe when I see someone attempt to alter an opinion via peer pressure, as if that has any real efficacy. You were missed on this one, but glad to see your thoughts.

[@pjones8404]

@@davidbotasII thank you but you all did a wonderful job!

[@billschuster6680]

Well stated, Peter. I like the idea of preferences, rather than best and worst. I fully agree that music is subjective, which is why I get a bit irritated at people insisting that everyone must agree that their favorites are the best. That said, we both know that the latter day Rush albums are objectively better than any of these 70s albums, right? 😜

[@pjones8404]

@@billschuster6680 ..."bleech". sorry. 🤮 Sure, everyone feels that way. "Wink, Wink, nudge, nudge, say no more".

[@johnbraun511]

They crushed it - One of my favorite albums - clearly 9.x

[@irishflink7324]

This was my first album with Rush Still my favorite album with Rush

[@JIF882]

Thanks to this video, I listened to the cd. I either love an album, or I hate it. There is no middle ground. I love COS. So, I give it a 10/10. I dig all the songs, including I Think I'm Going Bald. Nice to see Armando from In The Prog Seat here, and Tim Durling as well. I hear no Lou Reed, but I do hear Yes's Steve Howe via Alex's use of steel guitar on the Panacea section of The Fountain Of Lamneth. I read on Rush's website via the Frequently Asked Questions section that the No One At The Bridge solo was influenced by Steve Hackett from Genesis. I don't hear that. I hear the influence of Hackett on the Bacchus Plateau solo. It sounds like Alex is tapping. Steve Hackett did that on two Genesis songs. Also, thanks to the episode, I hear the gaps. I didn't notice the gaps in Fountain before

[@reckia]

I love this album. It’s my fifth favorite Rush album. I even like it better than 2112. The whole album is really a big showcase for Alex Lifeson. I like every song but Bastille Day is my favorite song. I think No One At The Bridge is fantastic, an underrated song.

[@dangaucher2245]

Anybody mention Bastille Day's riff was used by Ritchie Blackmore on Kill the King!!!

[@erics5846]

A show from March 1976 recently made its way into circulation. It's not CoS tour proper, therefore no Necromancer unfortunately, but it's got the only known recording of I Think I'm Going Bald. It's on YT for anyone interested "Rush Live Concert March 5th, 1976"

[@DM-he1ug]

Thanks for the tip-off. Who needs Necromancer when you can have I think I'm going bald instead?😅

[@DM-he1ug]

They played Fountain on their Hemispheres tour in the UK. I'd never heard COS, so when they got to 'Panacea', I remember thinking "what the h**l is this?" But it proved to be the stepping- stone to the magnificent 2112, so...R40 Lakeside Park was pretty cool.

[@kirkkelley1899]

That Lameneth main riff, again, is Watcher of the Sky’s cranked up!

[@aidenswords5809]

Good album, terrific blend of hesvy metal and prog, about half way in the rush ratings, not bad but not their best

[@scottjenkins508]

My favorite RUSH album of all time. The Necromancer has the very first "mosh" part. Beginning with distorted bass, at time marker 7:04. I am a guitarist of 41 years, when I graduated high school, 1986, thrash was hitting its peak. I started my first band Maniacal Genocide then. These are my credentials behind my claim for the "mosh" part. When you hear it, you can envision the pit breaking out. I am confident enough in that I would start a petition, for them getting the recognition of the creators of the "mosh" part. But, you know, whatever. I have a suggestion for a dark horse album. KANSAS "Somewhere To Elsewhere".

[@leddygee1896]

"Fountain" Is a journey of birth to death... If you actually listen to the lyrics, It's blatantly obvious. 9/10

[@frankstanovic4401]

Underrated Rush lp. I love the album. I would put it ahead of anything they did after 81. But, hemispheres , fairwell to kings, 2112 and perminant waves are alittle better. Im a 70s early 80s huge Rush fan. I dont like alot of the mid 80s , 90s stuff

[@63mckenzie]

God, I love this album. The gate sleeve with lyrics and pics of the guys. This and Genesis' Nursery Cryme instantly takes me back to when I was a little kid in the 70s. The Fountain Of Lamneth is a prog classic. Bastille Day has one of the all time classic guitar riffs. The Necromancer is a little prog gem. I can't understand why people loved 2112 and not this. People are idiots.

[@63mckenzie]

@@JamesTurner-bd2yk Why do people like you take everything so fucking seriously?

[@crucify40]

@@JamesTurner-bd2yk hey man he's a pirate! You expect a pirate to have manners?

[@damienfoyer3293]

Great discussion gents. One of the last Rush albums I got, and it really won me over on the first listen.

[@jimekberg]

1. Moving Pictures 2. Signals 3. Rush 4. Permanent Waves 5. Grace Under Pressure 6. 2112 7. Farewell to Kings 8. Fly by Night 9. Caress of Steel 10. Hemispheres

[@Matt-fs1yy]

Test for Echo belongs in there. Yes, I just said that.

[@DM-he1ug]

Dude! Hemispheres at 10!...

[@jimekberg]

@@DM-he1ug Yes, i think it´s overrated, 10 is the right place.

[@joepesch240]

There's a recently surfaced "live" version of "I think I'm going bald" here on YT. =)

[@kirkkelley1899]

Return of the Prince is Baba O’Riely sped up.

[@pjones8404]

Timing matters. It's really does impact how things are perceived and internalized. Butch, as someone who got this in real time, and not knowing that 2112 even existed, this was extremely cool, and it did feel like an advancement over "Fly By Night". When we discovered what had happened in three short albums, me and my listening buddy Joe, were exceptionally excited about where this band had gone in such a short time! This is a great album. Plain and simple. No issues with the production. No issues with the songs. No issues with the lyrics. (kinda) It's a dark and brooding album. Alex Lifeson is amazing, and the tone of his guitar is thick and rich!! Geddy and Neil are brilliant and sound very present. I love how it middle fingers everything around it and the same with 2112. THIS is who we are. Love it or not. We are going to be US! It was a steppingstone into 2112 which makes it essentially important! "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" started it, "The Necromancer" and "The Fountain of Lamneth" go even further and finally we get 2112! While the lyrics of "I Think I'm Going Bald" are cornball, the backing track is very strong so I can allow one journey into goofsville. Geddy mentioned that they were high for most of the making of this. Take that any way you want! Also, the cassette version should be banned! The tracks are out of order and should have never been released that way!!!!!! 8.75/10

[@pjones8404]

@@JamesTurner-bd2yk I appreciate your comments, but nowhere in mine did I use the word "perfect" or suggest it didn't have any "faults". I said it was a "great" album and that I didn't have any issues with the "production", "songs" or "lyrics (for the most part). Three elements that many sight when they are dogging this album. So, I am not sure how that translates to "perfect". It's a "great" album and my ranking reflects that. (In my personal ratings scale)

[@pjones8404]

@@JamesTurner-bd2yk oh I don't think it is antagonistic on any level. I am more than happy to engage in these follow up discussions. For me personally, when I rank a band's catalog, I never give two albums the same ranking. For me, a 10 is a 10 and therefore stands alone. Many of my fellow Contrarians laugh because I use .25 increments to distinguish between my albums. For example, in this case I rank "Hemispheres" at 10. That is my favorite Rush album and as a result, must stand alone. Now, my 2nd favorite "A Farewell to Kings", while an amazing album in every way, isn't my favorite even though it might be an album without any flaws except for the fact that it isn't "Hemispheres"! So, I rank it at 9.75. Hence, down the line. I personally don't like throwing 10's around. It tends to water down after being used to liberally. To your question, I have other Rush albums that I "prefer" over "Caress of Steel" but that doesn't diminish the quality of it, or my love for it. I don't expect others to understand or even approve of how I ultimately rank these as it is my own personal take and how I personally choose to give them some kind of measurable value. I have no idea if that answers your question, but there you have it. Thank you again for supporting my friends and our page!!

[@boboquisp]

It's a 10 for me, loaded with goodness.

[@ghj290]

I quite like Caress of Steel; due to the length of music of it, the volume is a bit low and the production is a bit "muddy". It's crying out for a remix.

[@interstellardave]

While I wouldn’t go as high as 9.5 for the album, I completely agree with the glowing analysis of Fountain Of Lamneth. I loved it when I first heard it in the late 70’s and I love it now. I never understood why people think it’s so inferior to their other epics. Hemispheres is still their best, IMO, but Lamneth is no slouch.

[@drmidnight680-kz2le]

On a scale from 1 to 10, this is 11 Permanent waves is 80's Synth-pop with Depeche mode haircuts. And your still on the 2112 stage.

[@livingdeadwax]

This last year or two I have really grown to love CoS. I have played it a ton in recent times, maybe because it isn't as worn out for me as the rest of Rush's catalog...Regardless I really enjoy it, and glad to see it did pretty well here. 8/10 for me.

[@coryreeves2645]

Love this album

[@roccopatrone8843]

first Rush album I ever bought when I was 15...got it for the cover which I think is very cool I saw them when they recorded 'All the Worlds a Stage' at Massey Hall Toronto ..3rd night...and the final encore...'I think I'm going Bald' which didn't make the first live record. there are no bad Rush albums and this early effort holds up real well. i'll rate it a 7.

[@markandersen5187]

Good points on Bald, has a great riff...again 21 -22yrs old writing songs already about life reflection...Ged and Al did play together for 6yrs before the first album

[@thecontrarians2438]

good point! thanks for the comment!

[@purpletemple1]

I feel like it's the blueprint to 2112. It's a bit sketchy and it's much darker. There aren't really any big hooks in the epics and it lacks direction. It's a very daring record in its composition, themes and even sound. Still...what a great record! A very solid 7.5/ 10 considering the subsequent albums all vary between 8 and 10, pretty much until Roll the Bones (as far as I'm concerned). But then again did Rush ever made an album below 7/10...not to me! Caress of Steel is definitely a grower and an album that requires many many takes (at least it did for me). Cheers.

[@luiscardenas930]

I can't believe they almost got dropped because of Caress of Steel. Just the tracks Bastille Day and Lakeside Park were worth buying the album, even the goofy "I think I'm going bald" is a fun song to listen to. Shame on the fans that didn't buy that album.

[@63mckenzie]

Makes no sense when they went crazy for 2112 which is basically a very similar album.

[@mr.timebombman2230]

Lakeside Park is brilliant

[@atlasking6110]

CoS has always been a favorite of mine. It's a deeply weird album and I tend to like when bands go weird, so I dig it.

[@DAGDRUM53]

Grant's right about remastered albums---I've NEVER heard one remaster of Rush or ANY band that improved on the original.

[@neuroisis85]

Here's my hot take: Rush doesn't get good until A Farewell to Kings. There's some good songs on the 4 albums before it, but ultimately those albums don't interest me. Rush 3/10 Fly by Night 6/10 Caress of Steel 4/10 2112 5/10

[@clockworkangel4026]

Love the album. It's a solid 9 in my book! Would be a 10 but 'Goin Bald' is only ok. I like the music and lyrics individually, but somehow they just don't mesh together well for me. 🤷. Other than that, stellar work all around.

[@marhill77]

Armando being incredibly generous with a 9.9 …Yikes! I give it a 7.25 😬

[@chrisbavas6215]

I started listening to Rush in 1993 with this album . Loved it . Got everything else soon . Nothing stands higher than COS for me . 10/10

[@thecontrarians2438]

Chris, you are my idol!

[@vondeckbar72]

8.5 out of 10. A solid release all around. Repeated listens several times a year.

[@fredthompson1279]

Huge early Rush fan , but skipped Caress and Fly by Night.

[@markandersen5187]

Hell they were still 21 when writing this album...at 25 they had just released Hemispheres...this album is around 14-15 in my Rush rankings, although as we all know a very important album

[@thecontrarians2438]

It's amazing how fast Rush progressed! Brilliant!

[@crucify40]

I like Alex lead guitar tone on COS more than 2112. Got kinda pointy and brittle at times on 2112.

[@dennydriverstudio]

I Love Caress of Steel, infact, it's my favorite from the 70s. I give it a 9.5 rating. Your Contrarians shows are GREAT!

[@chriswilde8565]

Yeah brilliant David

[@dangaucher2245]

I like it plenty for the Mood it has and it seems to flow right out of that album cover lol!7.5 for me

[@stephanechamberland8486]

Mike Portnoy said this was the first prog metal album !

[@DuncanTheWreckerScott]

For me it's Rush at there best, doing what they do best Guitar Drums Bass... 11/10 5*****

[@kirkkelley1899]

They get 8 for this. Great Genesis sounding cuts, turned up a notch. Especially side 2 and all the 12 string parts.

[@akrlykvn]

Totally agree about the building blocks. Without CoS we wouldn't have 2112. In alot of ways this is their sophomore album, not Fly by Night and sophomore ANYTHING is tough, book, movie, album etc.

[@thecontrarians2438]

Kevin, you are spot on! Thanks for the comment!

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

I like this album, but it's just so uneven to me. Good to see Rand again.

[@badtripmoses]

By far my absolute favorite Rush album!!!❤

[@mr.timebombman2230]

Great album. The Fountain of Lamneth is probably one of my favorite tunes they did.

[@thecontrarians2438]

Love this Timebomb! Thanks for the comment!

[@user-kf3vq4bn7y]

Hello from Melbourne.. Great album only spoilt by “ I think I’m going bald “.. silly song in my opinion…

[@davidcottone2700]

According to geddy lee he barely remembers recording this album

[@youtoo2233]

Imo just as good as any of their other albums. The guitar tone and playing on this album is unbelievable

[@chrisdelisle3954]

I once thought it was, without a doubt, the absolute worst album of their career. I have warmed up to it within the last couple of years. There's a great live version of "Bastille Day" that I heard, recently, from a show on the Caress of Steel tour. But I have never liked "Lakeside Park" and I think "I Think I'm Going Bald" belongs on a KISS album, rather than a Rush album. There are parts of "The Fountain of Lamneth" that are pretty cool, but as a side-long prog epic, it pales in comparison to numerous other side-long epics from the 70's. It's the least best side-long song that Rush put out. "The Necromancer" is better than it used to be, but still not my cup of tea. It's still probably my least favorite Rush album. I think it's a huge step BACK from Fly By Night. While I don't love the 2112 album, the track "2112" is a huge step forward for them. And to think that they would record "A Farewell To Kings" within a year or so after this is amazing. Don't tell any Rush fans, though. There's a contingent of Rush fans who will question your manhood if you dare disparage the record.

[@sjwill1956]

MY view as one that was there from the start .. local bar band.. Geddy went to my HS, but 3 years older than me .. the first record reflects their bar band standing at the time ... Fly was a change .. Caress was a disappointment and although I bought it at the time is the only studio LP I no longer own ... Bastille Day and Lakeside were both better live than on this record... but Bastille is no Anthem (one of my fav tracks) ... so at the time we thought they were done for it and when 2112 was released I avoided it when it was released ... but sometime in May 76 my friend was excited about it so I listened and he convinced me to see them live at Massey in June....that show convinced me they were redeemed .. so I am not looking back on Caress.. I was there when it was newly released and it just did not work for me then or now so I'd give it a 5..sorry I find Hold My Fire more listenable .....Hemispheres is my fav RUSH release .. and I love to say that I appear as part of the cheering back ground on All the World's a Stage

[@rudikikkert1728]

What's wrong with Queen II ?!

[@DM-he1ug]

Absolutely nothing! One of the best albums ever imho...

[@thecontrarians2438]

Nothing in my book...

[@frankstanovic4401]

Ill rate it 8.5

[@kirkkelley1899]

The album cover is just a copy of the St Bruno statue.

[@avlisk]

I just heard this record for the first time in January 2024, and I agree with every guy here who rated it 9 and above.

[@thecontrarians2438]

bless you! I love this album!

[@anthonyferraro9854]

8/10

[@Matt-fs1yy]

I'm a fan of Rush, but I have to say that sadly their music is not aging well. It's just one of those things.

[@thecontrarians2438]

Hi Matt, well if you are comparing it to today's top 40 garbage...I would agree...lol. Thanks for the comment!

[@747panos]

Caress of Steel is Rush's best album . . .

[@MetalMan73100]

I don´t think it helps Caress of Steel´s reputation when people have to justify its existence by saying it lead to actual good albums like 2112, A Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres. Like many other Rush fans, I have also done my best to give Rush´s third album a proper chance to prove its qualities. Sorry, but it sucks. It´s an overlong, meandering piece of dross to my ears. I am aware of it being the hipster position to defend Caress of Steel to the death, but I do think the label was justified in beginning to doubt the band´s future when those young Canucks served up this lukewarm dish of juvenile and unfocused epics. They even threw in I Think I´m Going Bald, an unsuccessful attempt at 1970s hard rock comedy that makes me cringe in embarrassment every time I hear it. Not to worry, more worthy efforts from the band were just around the corner.

[@179rich]

The dorky spoken word shit hurts the album.

[@JIF882]

How so?

[@179rich]

@@JIF882 It sounds lame.

[@mitchellbracey5234]

Side two is incredible.

[@thecontrarians2438]

yep