DIFFERENT STAGES - LIVE

Rarely does a live recording manage to capture the very essence of a band like Different Stages does for RUSH. This three disc set, containing over three hours of music, documents nearly the entire history of the band with tracks throughout their entire career from Test For Echo back to their self-titled debut.

The errors of their previous live releases are remedied here. Previously, their live releases have been too polished as to not capture the energy and atmosphere of a live performance, or they have been to raw and thus interfering with the quality of the music. RUSH achieves the perfect balance for Different Stages. The crows noise stays at a level where it's able to be heard and felt, but it never overpowers or even threatens to drown out a note that the band plays. Also, the production allows you to hear that it is a live release and feel the frantic energy and adrenalin galvanized air, but the music quality is still crystal clear.

Many of the songs have undergone a rather significant amount of changes. Whether it be a change in tempo, or and added/dropped beat here, it really makes the songs more interesting. I feel many of the songs here should be held as the definitive version of RUSH tracks due to this and the overall spotless performance by the band. "Test For Echo", "Freewill", and "Bravado" are better here than on any release before or after. Also, the two tracks featured from the self-titled release have had a considerate embellishment rhythmically due to Neil Peart that really brings "Working Man" and "In The Mood" to life, these version should also be the only versions you require for your listening.

One of the beautiful things about this live release, rather than others, is Geddy Lee's voice. On more recent live album he sings in his mature voice that many fans prefer, but when performing an older song, such as "2112" for instance, he is unable to recapture the shriek necessary for the aggression of the track. Here has no such problem, his mature voice is in prime condition for the songs that require it, and his high pitched yelp is still at his disposal.

Every song on this release is either as good or better as the original studio version. It suffers from no pitfalls that often plague live releases, and it should be held in as high esteem as definitive live albums such as Made In Japan and Yessongs.