DIFFERENT STAGES - LIVE

Prog Arcives warns us, with prudence, about giving sparingly the 5-star rating to the albums we review, considering our enthusiasm could distort our judgement. But there´s rarely an ocassion when that advice is not necessary, as in this case. Simply a superlative live album.

This is the best Rush live album. Some people object some of the works of the 90´s era (not me), and probably they´ve got it right, even more if you compare to the classic masterpieces. But I think there should be less doubts about the musical live form of Rush during this time. The sound of Different Stages is magnificent. All the instruments sound harmonious, in time and clean. Strong when the song deserves it, subtle if necessary, and most of the times with a combination of both aspects as a sintesis of what Rush is. Neil awesome as always (the production allows us to distinguish each of the elements of his drum kit), Geddy´s voice in top form and his bass covering with melodic lines every space of the songs, with no need of extra volume of distortion, and Alex showing an amazing variety of colour sounds, redefining the importance of timbre and tone to enrich a song.

As usually, the sound of the record is nearer the used on their lasts album (Counterparts and Test For Echo here). However, it fits perfect with songs from another eras and is in my opinion the great achievement of the first two discs. If I was asked about some lacks, I would object the absence some songs of the 80´s, but with the incredible version of The Analog Kid I´m done. After all, it´s not a compilation of every records. Natural Science is deeply moving, emotional and intense, a resume of Rush. Bravado is a surprise; shows Alex with a free-form ending that should check anyone who thinks everything´s said in melodic rock arrangements and possibillities. The full 2112, Freewill and Animate shine, and the Roll the Bones songs are redefined and sound much better and rich than the album versions.

Last but not least, an excellent third disc with Hammersmith Concert of 1978. Great sound according to the date, and an interesting link between the raw All the World´s a Stage and Exit... Stage Left to understand the evolution of their sound. The live version of A farewell to Kings mede me think it would be a nice opening to future retrospective concerts.

Masterpiece.