EXIT... STAGE LEFT

After a next batch of 4 studio albums, Rush released another live album. They would follow that scheme one more time after the next 4 albums but then it watered down a bit. These days they rather release one studio album followed by 4 live clones...

Exit couldn't be more different from the previous stage album, fury is replaced by control, energy by tight musicianship, wild hard rock by thoughtful progressive rock compositions. One thing remained though and that would be the imperfect sound, this time the guitars lack punch and edge, and they are smothered by too much effects.

The bulk of this album is made up out of tracks from Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures that stay very true to their studio originals. Jacob's Ladder hast got a short playful waltz for an intro and YYZ is extended with a spectacular drum solo from Neil Peart that is probably my favourite on all their live albums. I prefer the songs from this era in their studio versions though. The sound here lacks bite and precision.

The most interesting moments on the album come from the older material though, A Passage To Bangkok is superb here, the guitars are a lot bigger and the song has a much larger feel then it's original. The Trees has been extended by a nice intro and is faded into a great rendition of Xanadu. Geddy's improved singing voice makes this version the one to have. On BB&B however, his powerful screetch is really missed. Also the goofy vocals on La Villa Strangiato are no improvement, even though the electrified take on the Spanish flavoured intro is spectacular.

Overal this is a great live album that a fan shouldn't miss, but this time I would rather recommend each of the 4 preceding studio albums over it. 3.5 stars.