A SHOW OF HANDS

One of the reviewers had this to say regarding one of Rush's other live discs.. "Live albums are a dicey propsition, and are totally a 70's thing." It's funny to see that, and while (on the whole), I DO agree with his statement, let it be known Rush are one of the few bands to put out consistently good live discs in the 70's, 80's, 90's and up to now.

Regarding THIS long-player, I think it's a very good document of the journey begun with SIGNALS in '82. Rush had come a long way since that monumental (IMO) disc and had had, like any other band, ups and downs (more ups than downs, thank goodness). This live album features synth-era Rush doing a bang-up job onstage. Cuts like "Time Stand Still", "Turn The Page", "The Big Money", and even "Witch Hunt" are given reverential treatment.

While I really enjoy this disc, and I'd recommend it to anyone, some things bother me. 1/I admire their willingness and ability to recreate the original versions in a live format, but I'd have loved to hear some out and out jamming; which leads me to my next point of note: 2/I'd have preferred each member to get their time in the spotlight, with extended solos from not only Peart, but Lee and Lifeson as well. They're ALL masters of their respective instruments, so let's hear it! PLEASE! 3/As much as I love this song, does the world REALLY need another version of "CLOSER TO THE HEART"? Yes, it's a great song, but, MY GOD!...too much of a good thing CAN be a bad thing, IMO. Sadly though, this is the only sut on the disc that features some extended jamming, much like my 1st point of note. Oh well; guess I ought not kvetch too much. It is, after all, Rush...and any reason to keep them in the spotlight is a cause celebree, indeed. Cheers!