Rush Chronicles [Import] (2 Cd's)

Rush: Geddy Lee (vocals, bass, keyboards); Alex Lifeson (acoustic & electric guitars, keyboards); Neil Peart (drums, percussion); John Rutsey (drums).
Additional personnel: Aimee Mann (vocals).
Producers include: Rush, Terry Brown, Peter Henderson, Peter Collins, Rupert Hine.
Compilation producer: Bill Levenson.
Includes liner notes by John Swenson.
This 2 disc set contains a 10 page booklet, historical annotations and photographs. Also contains live versions of "What You're Doing" and "A Passage To Bangkok," both appearing on CD for the first time.
Personnel: Geddy Lee (vocals, synthesizer, bass guitar); Aimee Mann (vocals); Alex Lifeson (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, synthesizer); Neil Peart (drums, percussion, electronic percussion); John Rutsey (drums).
Liner Note Author: John Swenson.
Photographers: John Acarpati; Andrew MacNaughtan.
Released in 1990, the two-CD set CHRONICLES was the first "best of" compilation from Rush, spanning their recording career from 1974's self-titled debut until 1990's PRESTO. Although the RETROSPECTIVE VOL.1 & 2 discs from 1997 contained a lengthier and slightly different track listing (and boasted better sound due to remastering), CHRONICLES is still a superb collection of Rush's hits. Rush is primarily known as a progressive band with a leaning towards science fiction themes, but many forget that their roots lay in the bluesy riff-rock of Led Zeppelin and Cream. Look no further than the early cuts "Finding My Way," "Working Man," and a live take of "What You're Doing" for the proof.
Drummer/lyricist Neil Peart replaced original member John Rutsey after the debut RUSH, and the band immediately shifted direction, developing their trademark sound, with an emphasis on more technically and lyrically challenging material. Some of the finest hard rock ever recorded can be found on CHRONICLES--"Closer To The Heart," "Tom Sawyer," "The Spirit Of Radio," "New World Man," "A Passage To Bangkok (live)," and "Distant Early Warning," to name a few. There's simply not a weak track included on CHRONICLES, which makes it a fine collection of Rush classics.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop