First off, today's entry is a bit auspicious in timing. It was on July 29, 1974 that Neil Peart joined the band as drummer/lyricist. It's also Geddy Lee's birthday. Happy birthday!
Of course, no discussion of Rush's second album can be undertaken without taking notice of a switch in the drummer's seat. And as I mentioned in the previous paragraph, it's been four decades since Neil Peart took over for John Rutsey. The impact of that change was immediate, obvious, and long-lasting.
When Peart joined the band, they were ready to embark upon their first major tour. And by the next February, they had an album ready for release.
What to make of Fly by Night? It is at times a continuation of their debut and others a dramatic departure. That said, this was the last one, I think, to have any noticeable comparison to Led Zeppelin, stylistically.
Fly by Night is also a tale of two sides. Until the release of Presto (1989), the format of initial release for Rush's music was long play vinyl. In this case, the first four tracks make up Side A; the rest make up Side B. On Fly by Night, Side B is the weaker one, which ultimately prevents me from holding it in higher esteem.
Perhaps it comes down to preference. But I've never thought much of "Rivendell", and in spite of an interesting twist in the solo (the first, and thus far only, inclusion of slide guitar) on "Making Memories", that one's not particularly compelling either. The title track sounds tailor-made to be a hit on radio (it wasn't). And the closer doesn't quite hit its intended target.
And yet, when compared to the non-essential tracks on the debut, I'd probably go with the ones here.
Side A is where the band began to build their formidable reputation. "Anthem" is the perfect opener, with some smashing riffs and drumwork bolstering the lyrical praise of selfishness. The guitar lays back in the verses playing quiet arpeggios that end with a noticeable 2p0 (a pull-off from the second fret to the open note) on the fourth string. The note is accented to draw the listener's intention as it moves into the chorus.
"By-Tor & the Snow Dog" is lauded as the band's first "epic" track. It proceeds through distinct movements, highlighted by a fun chord progression in the opening/closing, a melodic lead that practically punches the listener in the face, and an octave riff that changes time signatures.
I know, that description probably doesn't make it sound like the most fun to listen to, but then again, not many people describe Rush as "fun". When this album was released, though, they were three kids living a dream (as described in the lyrics to "Best I Can"). So there was plenty of energy and conviction to go around, thus making "By-Tor" an early high-water mark.
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Next time: Caress of Steel; exploring side-long tracks and going "Down the Tubes".
