FEEDBACK

I think no one would dare suggest that "Feedback" is anything more than a 'divertissement' for Rush, a way to pay homage to those great bands of the late '60s that provided the primary inspiration for the fledgling prog legends. Some fans, however, were almost horrified by their favourite band playing shorter, simpler, less 'progressive' songs than the ones who had made them famous. Anyway, on this EP, released during their massive R30 world tour, Rush display the same energy and enthusiasm that those (like myself) who were so lucky to see them live in 2004 were able to witness on stage.

Without a doubt, the real protagonist of this record is Alex Lifeson with his gutsy, powerful guitar playing - this is guitar-based, classic rock, after all, and what better opportunity for one of rock's most underrated guitarists to show his chops? The songs are all strong and memorable, with the possible exception of Love's muddled, noisy "Seven and Seven Is". Outstanding tracks include Blue Cheer's "Summertime Blues" (originally by Eddie Cochran, but made famous by the seminal American heavy metallers), fellow Canadian Neil Young's "Mr Soul", The Who's "The Seeker" and Robert Johnson's celebrated blues "Crossroads". My personal favourite, however, is the politically-charged "For What It's Worth", with its rousing final chorus and great vocals by the increasingly excellent Geddy Lee.

The colourful, hippie-style cover artwork and the freshness of the band's approach to these classics make this a quite endearing record . It shows quite clearly (in spite of anything the cynics can say) that the band had a lot of fun playing and recording "Feedback". Not essential, perhaps, but very entertaining indeed.