Retrospective 111 ( 1989-2008 )

Atlantic / Anthem

Canadian progrock trio Rush have sustained a keen following for many years and are currently issuing a series of retrospective anthology albums. Not being a fan of bassist Geddy Lee’s vocal styling, i haven’t gone out of my way to follow Rush’s progress. I do know that in drummer Neil Peart they have a deft player and a real listener and a man who has had his fair share of heartbreak on life’s rocky road. Guitar man Alex Lifeson is easily Top Ten for progrock axemen admirers and much revered for his dexterity and versatility.

Were I not much keener on Kings X, I might be a Rush afficionado.

These compilation records are always a good chance to catch up on artists’ output as well as obvious fanfare and completist’s treasures. This edition does take in Rush’s recent covers/versions release and we have their version of the Who song ‘The Seeker’ on the DVD half of this set.

For the sound CD, opener ‘One Little Victory’ has surf drums murkily shifting into chorused guitar rattling and booming bass and a reedy vocal mix. For me, too much going on ; for the progrock lover, just the job. They do swing, that’s for sure. Some of Lifeson’s tones echo Jimmy Page but his sense of dynamics is quite different. ‘Dreamline’ has a pure Police intro and mystic story lyric ; at the end of every track, you expect late radio DJ Alan Freeman to growl “That’s the one they call…”

To be fair, there probably aren’t many groups that sound as purposeful as Rush, they have a superb grip on tempo changes and a panoramic wraparound sound. But there are others that can use this sound to maintain a personal touch..yes, I’m thinking of Bob Mould and Sugar. If only the lyrics on the likes of ‘Presto’ didn’t make me laugh out loud – “ I am made from the dust of stars and the oceans flow in my veins “..this would make a dog chuckle !

It’s no worse than Jon Anderson, I suppose.

Throughout these cuts, Lifeson is superb, check the start of Bravado’. The choppy ‘Roll the Bones’ is a highlight of this set, great rhythmic interplay here. ‘Leave That Thing Alone’ is a fine Eastern-tinged tune and no crappy lyrics as it’s an instrumental, beautifully engineered.

I can’t see this release converting anyone not already a fan, but a treat for believers

Pete Sargeant    www.fairhearing.co.uk