RETROSPECTIVE I (1974-1980)

Retrospective I (1974-1980), which was released on May 6, 1997, is a great anthology of Rush's early years, covering - even if not chronologically - the band's evolution from hard rock à la Led Zeppelin ("Finding My Way") for progressive rock (whose apex are the tracks "2112 Overture / The Temples of Syrinx", "Xanadu" and "La Villa Strangiato") and finally for a stylistic opening to new wave and reggae ("The Spirit of Radio"). The track selection is worthy of praise. All 14 songs that were compiled are among the best that the band composed during the 1970s; it can be said that three great tracks ("Working Man", "A Farewell to Kings" and "Circumstances") were left out, but I don't know which ones I would take out to put them on. Two of these were included on CD 1 of Chronicles, a compilation released in 1990, but in compensation it lacked three essential songs: "Xanadu", "Something For Nothing" and "By-Tor and the Snow Dog". Both The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974?1987 (2003) and Icon (2010) have only 7 tracks released until 1980. In other words, Retrospective I still is the best compilation of the Canadian trio's first phase.