DIFFERENT STAGES - LIVE

This is the ultimate Rush live album. A killer set list and overall incredible musicianship brings this one above all the rest. A great balance between new and old is provided, and this is the only live album to feature 2112 in its entirety (even Discovery is featured). The band has a knack for playing superb renditions of their greatest songs, and they continue that trend as they play through the Test for Echo tour with style and flare. At the time of its release, Neil Peart had lost his wife and daughter, and in the tri-fold inlay, there is a lyric from the GUP song Afterimage.

From the opening riff of Dreamline in 1997 to the closing riff in Cinderella Man in 1978, there is nothing to be disappointed about with this masterpiece of live music. The tuned down 2112 is a treat, and Alex plays superbly during his extended version of Discovery. Great playing is also shown from Peart on his standard drum solo, this one titled The Rhythm Method 1997, and it also revives older sections from solos he did in the past (which he does today, as well). Geddy's voice is at its best and his bass playing is nothing less than superb. The Farewell to Kings tour set is also superb, with old classics being played. My favorite of the tracks there is Xanadu, which is very similar to its Exit... Stage Left counterpart.

I recommend this to any fan of live albums. It is the most varied and most adventurous live album they've done in terms of material played. 5/5.