1976 Albums

2112 > Rush

Artist: Rush

Label: Mercury

Catalog#: SRM-1-1079

Format: Vinyl

Country: United States

Released: 1976-03

Strawberry Bricks Entry:

Rush were a Canadian trio who in just a few short years went from riff-laden heavy metal (read Led Zeppelin-style) to British progressive rock (read Yes- style). The band had an excellent and versatile guitarist in Alex Lifeson, while bassist Geddy Lee was known for not only his trebly bass, but also his high-pitched vocals. Drummer par excellence Neil Peart, who joined for their second album, also provided lyrics for the band's music. Their music had steadily "progressed" both artistically and commercially over a few albums, culminating here on 2112.

801 Live > Manzanera, Phil

Artist: 801 / Phil Manzanera

Label: Island Records

Catalog#: ILPS 9444

Format: Vinyl

Country: US

Released: 1976

A Dream Without Reason > Heldon

Artist: Heldon

Label: Inner City Records

Catalog#: IC 1021

Format: Vinyl

Country: United States

Released: 1976

Strawberry Bricks Entry:

Heldon’s fourth album (also carrying the subtitle of Richard Pinhas’ then-girlfriend, Agneta Nilsson), released in early 1976, offered more polished production than previous efforts. The big change was the middle section of the album-side long piece, “Perspective IV”. Aided by Coco Roussel on drums, Alain Bellaiche on bass guitar and Patrick Gauthier on Mini-Moog synthesizer, Heldon offers very aggressive rock-n-roll.

A Trick Of The Tail > Genesis

Artist: Genesis

Label: ATCO Records

Catalog#: SD 38-101

Format: Vinyl

Country: United States

Released: 1976-02

Strawberry Bricks Entry:

Following Peter Gabriel's departure from Genesis, the band searched for a new vocalist (short-listed were Mick Jones, Steve Gould and Bernie Frost), ultimately realizing that they already had their man right behind the drum seat - Phil Collins. Of course, his voice, not that dissimilar from Gabriel's, had been heard plenty by now. That settled, Genesis entered the studio with the task of proving whether or not they could survive without Gabriel.