There isn't much to look forward to here. Not only are the songs either too long ("Marathon", "Mystic Rhythms", "Mission") mostly UN-catchy ("Turn the Page", "Manhattan Project"), the ones that are - the few FM classics "Subdivisions", "Distant Early Warning" and "Closer to the Heart" here are inferior versions. The guitar work by Alex Lifeson at this 1988 British performance is sloppy, his wiry, wurbly sound exactly what you'd hear if he played it underwater. There is no crunch to be found as on the later "Different Stages" live album. Geddy Lee's voice is clearly tired, yelping lines instead of singing them (like on lead off track "The Big Money"). His Wal bass sound lacks any bottom as on earlier Rush albums, rather it's a trebly top end sound. The synthesizers are now digital and sound brighter and "choral", and cannot reproduce the old ominous, analog volume that cut through the wall of sound. Neil Peart's playing reigns, ignore the cheese caused by excessive big band samples). Steer clear of the video companion too. Besides the disappointing sound, the band simply look and behave too silly (Geddy's got the racoon hair cut, Alex forgets his cues), songs are backed up by corny cartoons and pastel pools of light make it painful even to the most ardent fans. Three words for you: EXIT STAGE LEFT.Read full review
This is one of my prized Rush CD's and the only better live CD by Rush is Different Stages (which has my favorite live version of "Natural Science" and the entire "2112"). If you really are into Rush's synth sound and don't care as much about the older guitar-driven songs, you will love "Time Stands Still", "Manhattan Project", "Subdivisions" and other live versions here. "Mission" is great! Also "Witch Hunt" from Moving Pictures is great, and "Closer to the Heart" is on there to represent the old stuff. Really good extended version of that song too. I got this a long time ago, it somehow got scratched, so I found a nice used unscratched one to replace it. That's how important it was to have in my car CD player! A must have for any Rush fan.Read full review
I saw the band on this tour and they really sounded great. This release captures the energy of the crowd and the band, but the songs that were chosen here are a little to over-representative of this time period instead of a balance of the entire catalog (thats why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars). The sound quality is great, and the band sounds great on this cd, just wish they woulda put some more of the classics that they actually played live that year on this release.
It's RUSH: how could it not be 5 stars. These guys play at a level very few bands can reach. The sound is great the song selection is great and Geddy, Alex and the late great Neil Peart is awesome. I love this cd and would recommend it to all rush fans and people who just don't know Rush.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
sounds better than the cassette
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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