ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE

It's a logical thing that after releasing four studio albums namely Rush, Fly By Night, Caress of Steel and 2112 the band made a live recording. This album was recorded from the band performance at Massey Hall, Toronto at 11,12 and 13 June 1976. All tracks performed represent the band's best tracks and all of them are performed excellently with good live vibes. After a rocking introduction by the Host the band blast off the crowd with excellent riffs commencing "Bastille Day" (4:59) from Caress of Steel album in a more dynamic style than the studio version. Alex Lifeson's guitar solo is really great. It continues with another rocking track from second album Fly By Night: "Anthem" (4:57). The next is a medley between "Fly by Night" and "In the Mood" which is performed flawlessly even though there is a bit of technical glitches. The guitar intro of "Something for Nothing" (4:03) provides a musical break after all rocking tracks previously performed. But the music moves on with a faster tempo with syncopated drum work. Lifeson' guitar solo is awesome and it reminds us to the glory days of seventies. Preceded by a conversation by Geddy Lee "Lakeside Park" (5:05) is continued being performed.

Probably, twenty-one-twelve (2112) is the central of this live recording as this epic has been a legendary Rush track for many rockers. Even though the epic has been cut to feature only five parts with "Oracle" and "Discovery" were omitted, this is stil an interesting track to enjoy as a whole. When "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" (12:01) is performed, the crowd give a big applaud to the band. Lifeson's guitar solo and Lee's bass work are awesome. The other interesting track is the medley "Working Man" and "Finding My Way" where there is an excellent drum solo in between these two tracks.

For those of you who love rock concert album, this one is one that you should have as the record gives you a great performance and live vibes. This album gives good memories for me and my teenage friends when we were all so crazy about rock music. My cassette of this album was exchanged to friends frequently as this was one of our favorite rock concert album in addition to Led Zeppelin's "The Songs Remain The Same" - live at Madison Square Garden Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW