SNAKES & ARROWS LIVE

There was a time when Rush released a relevant live album after each batch of 4 compelling studio albums. That has been turned around now to 4 live albums after each studio release. Am I exaggerating? Sure, but so is Rush!

This is a live registration of the concerts Rush did in Rotterdam Ahoy, Oct 16 and Oct 17,2007. I was there on the first night and it was my first Rush concert after being a fan for 24 years at that point. Can you believe that? Well, they never hung around in this part of the world all that much. Anyway, the experience was magical, so was the setlist.

Unfortunately, the sound was awful. (never again will I visit this venue). On the album, they managed to make it sound ok. You can even make out the bass, which was impossible in that reverby hall. The good production also reveals a major flaw though, Geddy's voice. He sounds strained on this recording, having real trouble to deliver the dynamic vocal lines of some of the songs. It's not painful yet, but it's a certain decrease since the R30 album. It is even noticeable on newer material like Secret Touch but the classics sure suffer the most.

Highlights of the evening were Between the Wheels and Natural Science but they hardly justify a purchase. I have very happy memories of this concert but the live registration didn't bring them back. I can't see any relevance of this album for anybody but Rush collectors.