R30 - 30TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR

Not without flaws, but a very solid live performance. Comparisons to Rush in Rio are inevitable. R30 doesn't quite have the same raw energy as Rio (due largely to muting the audience and a "b" setlist), but it more than makes up for it with excellent sound and video production, both of which far excel the Rio disc. There may not be 20,000 Brazilians jumping up and down to YYZ on this disc, but Rush does their best to deliver a proper rock show, and Geddy isn't afraid to do a rock star jump or two. Performances are very tight, but not without flaws - "Roll the Bones" has a noticeable glitch that the band plays through, and Animate sees them struggle a little to find the right tempi; but otherwise the songs are tight and rocking. Certains songs really stood out for me - particularly "Subdivisions", which sounds great and is accompanied by a brilliant light/video show, as well as "Red Barchetta" and "Mystic Rhythms" which both sound really crisp. "Between the Wheels", a track for hardcore Rush fans was a nice treat and sounds good (although the arrangement lacks some of the power of the original). The drum solo is, as always, impressive; and is followed by a nice 2-song acoustic set "Resist" & the Yardbird's "Heart Full of Soul" which showcases a softer, more melodic side of the band. "Xanadu" sounds great, as expected, and who knew what was coming when Geddy Lee comes out on stage for "2112" with a fake parrot on his shoulder? The cover tunes from Feedback also sound great - particularly "Summertime Blues" and "Crossroads" which are just Rush having a lot of fun rocking out. The intro video with Jerry Stiller and the "Darn That Dragon" video intro to Tom Sawyer are a lot of fun but so full of inside jokes that they may leave some bewildered. The bonus disc is a fairly random collection of interviews and videos throughout their career that's entertaining for a fan, but by no means necessary. My favorites of the bonus materials are actually 2 low quality mpegs of early Rush performances which show a very earnest and very young Rush rocking out (and a young Alex Lifeson reminiscent (at least to me) of Angus Young). My favorite from the "interview" disc is the Juno Awards induction ceremony where you get to see what a Rush Grammy acceptance speech would look like - very polished yet funny remarks from Neil, a unprepared yet sincere remark from Geddy, and, well - a shopping list from Alex. Overall - great dvd from a fun band. Only complaint: they should have played more songs from Vapor Trails - How It Is, Stars Look Down, Out of the Cradle, Freeze, Nocturne, give us some more!