2112 (pronounced "twenty-one twelve") is the fourth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on 1 April 1976 (or March 1976, according to some sources) by Anthem Records. Rush finished touring for its unsuccessful previous album Caress of Steel, in early 1976. The band was in financial hardship due to the album's disappointing sales, unfavorable critical reception, and a decline in attendance at its shows. The band's international label, Mercury Records, considered dropping Rush but granted the band one more album following negotiations with manager Ray Danniels. Though the label demanded more commercial material, the band decided to continue developing its progressive rock sound. 2112 was recorded in February 1976 in Toronto with longtime producer Terry Brown. Its centerpiece is a 20-minute title track, a futuristic science-fiction song that takes up the entire first side of the album. There are five individual tracks on side two.
2112 has been reissued several times; a 40th Anniversary Edition was released in 2016 with previously unreleased material, including the album performed by artists including Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Steven Wilson, and Alice in Chains.
CD1 - Original Album
01. 2112
I Overture
II The Temples Of Syrinx
III Discovery
IV Presentation
V Oracle: The Dream
VI Soliloquy
VII Grand Finale
02. A Passage To Bangkok
03. The Twilight Zone
04. Lessons
05. Tears
06. Something For Nothing
CD2 - Bonus Tracks
01. Solar Federation
02. Overture (Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, & Nick Raskulinecz)
03. A Passage To Bangkok (Billy Talent)
04. The Twilight Zone (Steven Wilson)
05. Tears (Alice In Chains)
06. Something For Nothing (Jacob Moon)
07. ’2112’ (Live At Massey Hall / 1976 Outtake)
08. Something For Nothing (Live At Massey Hall / 1976 Outtake)
09. The Twilight Zone (Live 1977 Contraband)
10. 2112 (1976 Radio AD)
