Making Memories (Rush song)

Rush's second album Fly By Night (1975) was produced by the band and audio engineer Terry Brown. New drummer Neil Peart's lyrical writing directed the group towards more philosophical and fantastical themes reflective of his interest in literature. However, the self-titled debut's Led Zeppelin style and straightforward song structures persisted alongside the progressive rock. "Making Memories" was the only song from the album entirely written before its December 1974 recording at Toronto Sound. "Making Memories" is its sixth track, the second on side two. On the set list of the LP's promotional tour, "Making Memories" was one of two songs not present. It was the A-side to a 1977 Canadian single, on which "The Temples of Syrinx" was the B-side, in what was the first-ever single release from Anthem Records. == Music ==

"Making Memories" (2:57) is a Southern rock, folk rock and country song driven by a jangly acoustic guitar. The song specifically invokes American folk, originating from its rhythm and slide guitar solo. It fades out with an improvisational jam, in which Lifeson plays several fills as Lee is "riffing his way around the words". == Lyrics ==

"Making Memories" is about the positives and challenges of being on the road touring, "diggin' every show". It is similar to Fly By Nights title track, as both are a whimsical take on traveling. The fondness expressed in the song for being on the road contradicted Peart's unfavorable real-life attitude, upon release of Fly By Night and afterward. Alex Body, in a book on all of Rush's songs, perceived "some impression of the relentlessness of the band's workload" above the joyous surface. == Critical reception and analysis ==

Chris Schneberger observed in 2017 that "Making Memories" was not a favorite with Rush fans. It ranked 119 on a list of 167 Rush songs by Ultimate Classic Rock and 97 of 180 entries of the same by Thrillist. In the Ultimate Classic Rock list, Reed called it a "fairly pedestrian track elevated by sheer energy and virtuoso technique". The overall song was compared to the Allman Brothers Band by Hoffman, its guitar solo to Lynyrd Skynyrd by Reed. "Making Memories" was a favorite of Schneberger's. He enjoyed the "very strummy intro", syncopated drum rhythm, and the "fantastic", Jimmy Page–influenced slide-heavy guitar solo. Alex Body was another writer to highlight the "energetic" solo. == Personnel ==

Credits from liner notes. Rush • Geddy Lee – bass guitars, vocals • Alex Lifeson – electric guitars, 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars • Neil Peart – drums, percussion Production • Rush – production, arrangement, cover concept • Terry Brown – producer, engineer, arrangement • John Woloschuk – assistant engineer • Gilbert Kong – mastering == References ==