Chronicles

by

Rush

Edit

The 2-disk set "Chronicles" by Rush covers the years 1974-1989. True to the title, the disks are arranged in chronological order with about two cuts from the Rush debut through Presto. Personally, I like the order, because you get to trace the development from album to album, and you get the cream from each release.

For the casual Rush fan, all the essential tracks are here, such as "Working Man," "Closer to the Heart," "The Spirit of Radio," "Tom Sawyer," "Limelight" and "Subdivisions." Some of the longer pieces have been left off, such as "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" and "Xanadu" and "2112" is only an excerpt, but with each disk clocking in around 74 minutes, there's still nearly 2.5 hours of music!

In trying to include at least one track from each release, there will inevitably be favorite tracks left out, but this collection is still very strong.

There are also two separate "Retrospectives" releases from the 1990s that include some key tracks left off this compilation.

I recommend this set for new Rush fans who want a taste of the back catalog, those not ready to purchase all the older disks, or those who just want a "hits" set for road trips, etc.

Chronicles is a very good way for non-fans to learn more about this fantastic progressive hard rock band. All of their radio staples are here (Tom Sawyer, The Spirit Of Radio, Closer To The Heart, etc.), plus some other good (if lesser known) material.

There are some true Rush classics that are missing from this album. I wish they could've stuck By-Tor And The Snow Dog on this somewhere, and maybe even Hemispheres: Prelude. Also, does Manhattan Project really need to be on here? Mystic Rhythms is so much better than that, and the live version included here doesn't do it justice.

$ is waaaaay to much to spend on this double CD set. Either buy both Retrospectives compilations for the same price or buy Chronicles used. Retrospectives does a much better job of focusing on the BEST of Rush, not just the singles. Retrospectives has By-Tor, Xanadu, Mystic Rhythms, The Body Electric, Mission and The Analog Kid, all of which need to be on a "best of Rush" collection.

Also, Chronicles isn't remastered, so the sound quality suffers. Retrospectives has been remastered.

Still, though, Chronicles introduced me to what is now my favorite band. And I guess it has the potential to do the same for anyone.