This study develops analytic methods that provide an informed explanation of the musical aspects of Rush's song cycles and extended songs composed "by committee" during the period from 1974 to 1976. This period contains Rush's first four studio recordings: Rush (1974), Fly By Night (1975), Caress Of Steel (1975), and 2112 (1976).
This analytic approach takes advantage of the wealth of information available in the traditional parameters of investigation (pitches, rhythms, form), but also attends to details commonly overlooked. Rather than abandon existing systems, analytic techniques commonly reserved for art music are modified by adopting an insider's perspective on the process of rock music composition, with the goal of establishing the norms of rock form, harmony, and compositional process—an approach that is lacking in the current literature. In certain cases new techniques are developed to address aspects of rock music that are not well served by traditional analytic methods. The desired result is an informed analysis that does not misrepresent the musical aspects of this important genre.
Chapter 1 presents a brief discussion of Rush, a literature review, and a statement of goals. To establish a foundation for discussing the music of Rush, Chapter 2 investigates the norms of structure, function, and process in rock music and proposes the application of a range of analytic techniques that explore select aspects of the "musical text." The second part of the study (Chapters 3-6) discusses songs on each of the four studio recordings. In this context, Rush's statement that 2112 represents the first real synthesis of their diverse influences is measured. The concluding chapter explores the larger issues raised by this study, both for the future study of Rush's music and for the analysis of popular music in general.