Rush, the three-decades-strong Canadian power rock trio comprised of bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and songwriter/drummer/percussionist Neil Peart are featured in this triple-disc compilation of three concerts from their “Exit Stage Left” (1980), “Grace Under Pressure” (1984), and “A Show of Hands” (1988) tours in edited-for-TV sets running 60-90 minutes. A few songs appear in all three sets (“Tom Sawyer,” “Closer to the Heart,” “In the Mood”) and others twice (“The Spirit of Radio,” “Red Sector A,” and “The Temples of Syrinx”), but there are one-of-a-kind treats sprinkled over all three discs. In addition to the hit “Freewill,” the “Exit Stage Left” disc includes the band's philosophically playful “The Trees” (chronicling an argument between the oaks and maples), while the “Grace Under Pressure” concert serves up the entire “Fear Trilogy” (“The Enemy Within,” “The Weapon,” “Witch Hunt”)—a timely warning about the perils of modern McCarthyism—as well as the hit “New World Man.” Finally, “A Show of Hands”—which draws heavily off the band's Power Windows (1985) and Hold Your Fire (1987) albums, with songs such as “The Big Money,” “Turn the Page,” and “Manhattan Project”—features the blistering drum solo “The Rhythm Method” by Peart. Visually, the transfers are so-so, with the newer material (which also features the big video wall presentations the band adopted starting in the mid-‘80s) looking better, but the sound—presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo—is solid. Unlike the recent Rush: R30 (VL-1/06), Rush: Replay X 3 is light on extras, but it does include a bonus audio CD of the “Grace Under Pressure” concert, as well as color booklets for all three shows. Although the 30th anniversary concert is better in nearly all respects, this archival compilation captures Rush in their ‘80s heyday and will be manna to fans. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)
Rush: Replay X 3
(2006) 3 discs. 212 min. DVD: $39.98 (bonus audio CD and booklets included). Universal Music (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 21, Issue 5
Rush: Replay X 3
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