DIFFERENT STAGES - LIVE

Wow! What an excellent live set album containing three discs. From the album title itself it's self explanatory that this concert must have been done at three different stages. Discs one and two were recorded on the 1997 Test for Echo tour (and mostly from the same date), with a few Counterparts period shows added in. Disc three is the 1978 show.

As I always mention in my previous reviews I love live records, so this review must be biased towards my personal taste. In addition, I love the music of Rush which to me meaning "energy" which typically sparks the light to start the day. I remember the time when I always play "The Spirit of Radio" before starting the day. Yeah . "Begin the day with a friendly voice .." is not just applicable for radio broadcaster but it also applies to all other profession. After that I play "Without Hope You Can Not Start The Day" of Yes "Union" album. Wow! What a great thing to start the day with prog spirit!

This live set is also a favorite of mine not only the music but also I really enjoy to see the package which is designed like a three-LP set - really nice; with cover artwork that is so simple but brings with it a clear message. Sometime I bring this package to the office and opened it, unfolded, and make it stood out on top of my desk so people who pass around my office will see the message: "This is the desk of prog rocker who loves RUSH! - Stay away if you don't like this Canadian band!". So if you want my address is number one at the end corner of the office with "Three Different Stages" cardboard package on top of the desk . and it's the only desk having this sort of great artifacts!

Let's talk about the music. The live set opener is "Dreamline" from Roll The Bones album that begins this is raw Rush. On studio version this is not exactly my fave track but this version is kicking. "Animate" from Counterparts album is truly my favorite stuff. I like the flow as well as textures that move along with the music. I love both versions: studio as well as this live set. But the live version is much powerful as it casts higher energy. Rush shows his muscular sound beautifully.

The band also shows different eras with " The Trees" - "Nobody's Hero" - "Closer To The Heart" and well known "2112" at Disc one. This reminds us on the various music approaches the band had made in its history which evolved over time. What I also love is the "Natural Science" which has been my favorite and also "Live That Thing Alone". I don't need to tell you track by track about this live set but it's definitely an excellent live set that satisfies the musical taste of those who like heavier part of prog rock. Oh yeah, there are also "Working Man" and "Cygnus X-1" which are performed wonderfully.

My dear prog friends, please buy this CD as this is an excellent one. I have no financial interest with the label but I want people know that spending their dollars with this album is a wise decision. But . "Leave That Thing Alone" . oops . sorry I mean . I leave it up to you to decide and please .Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW