A SHOW OF HANDS

Recorded during the "Power Windows" tour '86 and the "Hold Your Fire" tour '88, "A show of hands" is definitely one of the most boring live recordings I've ever listened to. Many RUSH devoted fans actually recognize how Geddy struggles to get the "perfect" pitch when he "sings", or at least, when he tries to do so. but to be fair, the album's got brilliant passages as well, such as "The Rhythm Method" where Neil PEART executes for over 4 and a half minutes, beautiful, compassed and improved drum solo music. The live versions of "Subdivisions" and "Closer to the Heart" are the most revealing pieces out of the entire album, making the whole production worthwhile to listen to. The intro resembling the "Three Stooges" opening theme is quite funny as well, but despite how poor and awfully produced this album is, no matter what kind of music genre you play, you have to give a hi-fi sound quality when releasing a live album, and "A Show of hands" doesn't have it.

You might as well reconsider purchasing this album because it ain't nothing out of this world, but if you still won't believe me and go for it, you might as well go and purchase the live DVD of this tour too, "A Show of hands - The Video Concert" to look at it with your own eyes.