CD Review: Rush - Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland

Artist: Rush
Title: Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland
Genre: Hard/Progressive Rock
Release Date: 4th November 2011
Label: Roadrunner Records

Album Review

RUSH had been around since 1968, from 1974 they’ve played in the present line-up, which on its own is pretty impressive. They are cited as influence for bands such as METALLICA, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, and DREAM THEATHER, not to mention many other well and less known bands alike. They aren’t a band whose sound remained the same throughout the years - from bluesy Heavy Metal to Prog Rock, they were not afraid to piss off the change resistant fans with heavier use of synths either. RUSH are here with a release of a Live in Cleveland, Ohio, played on 15th April this year in Quicken Loans Arena, to commemorate their ‘Time Machine’ Tour following their 20th album ‘Clockwork Angels’.

The quality in terms of the sound is that in itself it’s quite clean and without obvious hitches as hiss and interferences, though in many places it also comes out as a bit flat and lacking in oomph, cutting bass and rushing away from riffs too fast. What is a downside of the recording is that the editing should have left some more of at least the interaction of the band and reactions of the fans to show and evoke more of an atmosphere to those who could not be present. The reactions are far too suppressed, which is a shame particularly when it comes to the singing of fans with RUSH, which was particularly great - you could really hear how they loved the songs. Sure, maybe it was due to the fact that as it is, it’s already a very long affair - over 2 and a half hours of listening, which would have gone to three and if some songs weren’t included there’d have been complains too. So this point comes under “can’t please everyone”. After all, there will be those who will complain about the noise from the audience being far too present and audible. The inclusion of DVD would have probably negate my point as the vignettes the band might have thrown in at the crowd are much more likely to be put in there, but as it is, the record company / promoter forwarded only the CD side of the release so I can only share my impressions on that part.

One obvious downside of the concert itself is that Geddy Lee’s voice doesn’t reach its pitch and range and comes out as tired out. On the “goodside” there are also some “fan treats” as for example the seldom performed ‘The Camera Eye’ and previously non-album finders such as ‘BU2B’ and ‘Caravan’. There are many rock out classics included together with the tracks where the musicians were able to show their craft (‘Leave That Thing Alone’, ‘YYZ’ to name a few). As with most ‘live’ releases it’s mostly to be coveted by the hard core fan-base. Although with the band as RUSH, it’s good also in terms of learning about musical history and realising why they are & were so influential and to see this as a cut through their career with the benefit of a concert atmosphere. So in short, even if you’re not a RUSH fan, it’s worthy of being checked out.


Tracklist

Line-up

Geddy Lee – bass guitar, lead vocals, keyboards
Alex Lifeson – acoustic and electric guitars, backing vocals
Neil Peart – drums, percussions


Websites

http://www.rush.com / http://www.facebook.com/rushtheband


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 8
Sound: 7
Total: 8.5 / 10