RUSH - Cygnus-X1.Net

Dear Ed,This video will, in time be regarded as THE live Rush video.After 2 previous attempts they have finally managed to rlease a rroductwhich captures nearly all of what is Rush live. I stress nearly, it'sabout 85/90~ accurate, but there is always a different feel about beingthere, in the same hall as them, and I doubt if tl1ey will ever car;turethe full feeling.Stylistically, the video has the presentation of 'Exit••• ' ( soft focus,cinema type film), and the dramati.cs of 'Grace' (good atmosphereand fast 'ahem' moving pictures). The opening sequence with the 'rockingconstructivists' is very well thought out and blends cleverly into'The Big Money', which is played with supreme) force and brin~s back allthe memories of being at both of these two Birmingham shows (on thefront row - both nights) and being hit for six by the raw power of thissophisticated yet direct opening song.'Marathon' and 'Turn The Page' are precise and- well performed, andfeature outstanding guitar solo's from Alex (why this guy dosesn't featurein more polls is a complete mystery). 'Prime Mover' is the first bigsuprise, it seems 10 times better than it ever did at the shows, 'ManhattanProject' is good in it's combination of back projections and bandshots, (plus a brief appearance by 'yours truly' punching the air andsinging along).'Closer '110 'fhe Heart' is good fun and 'Red Sector A' :rroduces one ofGeddy's best ever live vocals (he really puts his all into it). 'ForceTen' a r.d 'Mission t are totally captivating in presentation and :rerformance,the latter sounding much better than it's studio counterpart."ferri tories' is restless and keeps the viewer awake and alert by neverresting for more than 10 secDnds on one subject.Desrite cutting the drum solo in half, the showstopping 'Sr irit OfRadio' is delivered with the stunning effect that I recall, and .you seethe band really beginning to enjoy themselves, even Neil is laughing.'Tom Sawyer' is the best way to close any show, and is performed to perfectionand with good humour (catch the fish?). I make another a:rpearanceafter 'Tom Sawyer', jumping up to wave at the camera right afterGeddy said "Thankyoouuu very much".The encore is phenomenal; the band loosen up and flex their musicalmuscles through '2112', the oh-so brilliant '1a Villa Strangiato' and'In The Mood' (rehearsing some dance steps too;). Taking out Alex'svocals is brilliantly done, who said Rush never had a sense of humour?All in all, a brilliant video, showing a band better than anyone, playingbetter than anyone •••• Although it's just a memory - some memorieslast forever.DAVE 1YTHGOE (STOKE-ON-TRENT)Dear Ed,The opportunity to relive a certain moment in life rarely occursbut the eventual release of the BEST Rush album yet has allowed this,since I experienced most of this recordings tracks live at the NEC on2jrd A ~ril 88. Since I purchased an expensive vinyl import a week or soago, I have been entranced by the splendid sound quality enhancing aVibrant and involving performance. The familiar 'Three stooges' builds