A SHOW OF HANDS

Rush is my favorite band since 1982. Even though I prefer the 1977-1981 period, I'm a big fan of the so-called synthesizer era. Signals is on my top 5 and I really liked GUP and PWi (but not much HYF). That being said, A Show of Hand is the this live album from Rush was recorded mostly during the Hold you Fire tour in 1987 and 1988. We can hear it quickly and unfortunately it's not for the best in my opinion.

Everything sounds very cold. Instruments and gears used by the band during that time have a lot to do with it. Alex was using Signature Guitars with active pickups and Gallien-Kruger solid state amp. He plays very well but his sound is unpleasant with too much high frequency and not enough warm (not to mention too much reverb and digital delay ).

Same thing with Geddy. His Steinberger bass with active pickups lacks the crunch of his old Rickenbacker 4001 or the bottom of his Fender Jazz bass. Many synthesizers sounds are not the same as on the albums. In Subdivision and Wich Hunt, it's obvious Geddy no longer uses his Oberheim and Mini moog analog synth, but rather a bunch of digital synthesizer and sampler that takes away the special mood of these two classics.

Songs list could have been better too. Closer to the Heart brings nothing new appart an semi-improvised jam at the end of the song. I regrets that several good songs from this era are missing : Prime Mover, Middletown Dreams, The Analog Kid, The Weapons, Kid Glove, Between the wheels, etc.

Of course, there are great moments. Marathon, The Mission, Distant Early Warning are greats. Unlike the 2 previous live albums, the drum solo have his own song call The Rhythm Method, rather than being integrated into an existing song. It's phenomenal!

Of all Rush live albums, this is the least interesting and the most forgettable. Many fans will not agree with me, sorry. If you're looking for your first Rush live album, I recommend rather Exit Stage left, Different stages, or more recently R30

Score : 2,7 / 5