60. Rush: “Cygnus X-1 Book One: The Voyage” (A Farewell to Kings)
Rush is now, rightly, in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (not that this dubious honor from a very polemic institution signifies all that much, but in terms of street cred from the so-called establishment, it’s noteworthy, and warranted enshrinement), so the battles waged over their merit aren’t waged with quite the rage they once were. That’s mostly a good thing. But whether you think they are Ayn Rand worshippers (wrong) or Neil Peart is an overrated drummer (wrong again) or his lyrics are rubbish (wrong again), and especially if you care to debate the merits of their musicianship (give it up), one thing is overlooked, and requires pointing out: Geddy Lee, for a skinny, nerdy white man, is not only a brilliant bass player, but when the situation required it, he could flat out groove. His work alone on “Cygnus X-1 Book One” makes an eloquent case for his expertise, but of all Rush songs, this one features the most frequently cited reason so many people can’t deal with his voice.
Over time, and of necessity, his high-pitched histrionics were relegated to time capsules of the 1970s. But by the time the intensity is ratcheted up to the point of explosion, his wail is progressive rock’s version of Whitman’s barbaric yawp. The deal breaker for some; addictive for others. This song, were it an instrumental, would be capable of converting many naysayers, but of course, it needs the singular paroxysms Geddy delivered, as a matter of course, circa 1977.