I bought the 3CD set and I love it. I don't see it as another edition of Moving Pictures, I bought a great live album and got the studio album as a bonus. The live album is amazing, totally beats Exit Stage Left, which I'd never been a huge fan of. This now is one of their greatest live albums. Essential.
@@rino7789 It never created a concert atmosphere for me. The fade outs between songs and the fact that it didn't closely gave us the setlist of the MP shows didn't really work for me. Of course, nothing is bad in Rush world!
I do like the full live show included in this. I only got the 3 CD disc version. The holy grail of Rush non released stuff for me would be a video showing a full Hemispheres tour show. I heard a rumor of one shot in London in the spring of 1979. Time will tell.
You ‘only’ got the 3-cd version, well that’s cool, man. In general I’m not big on superbloated releases (although I’m still hurting from losing several McCartney Archives sets). Regular deluxe editions give you ‘what matters’ and they’re a lot cheaper!
@@janpoelkamp4229 It was the cheapest option on Amazon at $26 versus the Super Deluxe Vinyl Editon for almost $300. I don't have a record player hooked up to play vinyl LPs, so that option was useless to me, I didn't need any more memorabilia on Rush. I have some and really not the room for what I do have.
It kinda wasn't because they did a lot of work on it in the studio. There's a very persistent myth that all Rush live albums were purely live recordings, which is definitely not true.
What I like about the concert at MLG is it's unfiltered. It's how it was suppose to sound. It's a snapshot of of those 2 nights between Rush and the audience. This is how a concert is suppose to be. Containing a beginning, a middle and an ending.
most people discuss the live show/extras but I'm more interested in the remastering of the album. We're all familiar with the songs, but how do they sound compared to the previous remasters?
YYZ Live is the great live Rush album ever. What's cool is that it's a raw live recording, beautifully produced, with all the fun mistakes and other good stuff. What caught my attention was the sound of Neil clearly counting down into The Trees (4,5,6...) and the big finish for Xanadu, Neil yelling out "YEAH!" for the finish. He's surrounded by mics on his kit, so we should hear him. The OB-X synth washes are pronounced and gorgeous and the synth growl for Tom Sawyer hits deep, deep ... DEEP bass. And the intro to La Villa ... features Alex adding a bit of "Never on a Sunday" into the intro. Nice. Why adding the late John Rutsey? I think it maybe because he was left off the RRHoF induction.
This is a definite must-have compilation of one of the most extraordinary bands of all time. I find it passing strange though how the guest is unhappy there isn't more crowd noise on the live recordings. Sounds pretty silly to me for that to be a source of contention. To each his own I guess.
My copy should be arriving on Friday as this isn't released yet in the UK.I'm looking forward to it. That tour was the first tour that I saw Rush on so it's great to get a full set to listen to.
Excellent review, thanks guys!! "Exit Stage Left" was my first Rush album. I bought it on cassette because I was hearing "Tom Sawyer" on the radio, and it had it on there. That cassette blew me away, and Rush have been my #1 favorite band for 40 years now uninterrupted and probably always will be. I play bass because of Geddy. Anyways, I placed an order for the 3 CD set and can't wait to hear the live album. I've owned ESL on cassette twice, on vinyl, and on CD twice. Still love it. From your review, this new live album will be even better. Thanks!!
I really like “Moving Pictures”although my favorite Rush album is “Caress of Steel”. I have not seen an anniversary box for this one and it is a 1975 release…
It's definitely underrated, in large part because it's supposed 'failure' became an important part of Rush lore, even though the claims about how unsuccessful the album and tour were are largely exaggerated. Martin Popoff writes a bit about this in the 70s volume of his Rush autobiography trilogy. It didn't sell as well as Fly By Night but it sold over 100K units, which was still considered good sales, and they did the same number of shows at comparable venues (many of them the same) as the FBN tour. The tour didn't make a profit but none of their tours did until the Hemispheres tour. At the time they weren't really touring to make a profit from the shows but to get their name up. They took a long time to actually make a profit from touring because they spent a lot on the shows. Even when they got huge they didn't make as much as they could have because the live shows were expensive to do (which is why they were so good).
ESL is not from Montreal. It was taken from shows in western Canada and the U.K. Also, Working Man reggae in a shorter version started on the PeW tour.
As a rush freak since age 12 in 1978 I bought the original album the day it came out and certainly saw every tour from Hemispheres on except hold your fire. The new live discs sound absolutely awesome!!! This will be played all the time!
@@vpovince1001 coincidentally, my 14-year-old son just got his Presto shirt in the mail yesterday from The Rush website, lol. It looks fabulous. It's white.
I might get a lot of heat for this but, Exit...Stage Left is my favorite live album of all time, i know it gets a lot of heat because of how it sounds, the audience can't even be heard at times, the guitar is not present a lot in the mix, etc, etc. I was hyped as hell for the live album, and once i got it and put it on my record player, i gotta say i didn't get my head blown by it. Before some people say, ''it's just because you love Exit 2 much to even take a listen to this new live album'', for me, when i listen to a live album, i'm searching for the best live version of each song available. It happens to me that the live versions on ESL are the best (in my opinion) versions available of those songs. I will say that the live version of YYZ from the Show of Hands DVD/VHS is unmatched, as well as the PinkPop version of La Villa Strangiato. Red Barchetta is my fav Rush song of all time, and i totally think that the ESL version is miles better as far as quality, playing, geddy's voice, etc, etc than the new live album. I still love this album and i think that the Vital Signs version of this one kicks the ESL version one. We finally got a proper Camera Eye live version!, Limelight is tied with the ESL video version one. It's just me to be honest, this live album kicks ass and i'm diggin it the more i listen to it, but it just happens to me that, some of the songs in ESL are far better live versions than the brand new we got. Sorry for letting myself go on, thanks for the review Pete! your section of albums that are 30 was very fun, and im loving the Feel Good Songs videos!
Great video guys! Doesn't Ged use a pick on Xanadu when he's playing the double neck Rick? Pretty sure he does. You can't see him doing it in the live Montreal gig on Exit Stage Left, however.
Saw the Moving Pictures live tour in '81, Anaheim Convention Center, CA. Demand to see Rush in Southern Ca. was so high, you could only get tickets through a lottery, if you won, you got in the venue, seating was random, we (4 tickets) got great seats. One of the most magical concerts I've ever attended, every one felt so lucky to be there because of the lottery. I believe Alex played the greatest solo he ever played on 'La Villa' that night, the audio recording of it is on RUclips, wish they filmed the concert.
It was actually June 12 81’ . I have some great pics from that night if you would like me to email them to you, on Alex’s side. Great recording as well 🤘
jorn had opposite experience 81 show roanoke va. friends and i went early hoping to get up front was very sparse crowd we thought would be packed like hank jr. so were able to stand below geddy on the floor in front friend of mine years later recalled how lucky we were to see geddy and hear neils drums that close alex came over to jam a few times only big time band in fact ever front row we could see geddy work his foot pedals playing bass and keyboards at the same time never seen anyone other than him singing also ironically only time ever saw them highlight was encore 2112 cant believe the came roanoke must have on there way to dc for bigger show ooh yeah geddy was gracious shook hanks with us and other fans thanked us for coming hope you enjoyed the show something like that how many rock stars would do that back then walked back to his keyboards pedals and hit the intro notes to 2112 we were teens blown away of course
Mine's due to be delivered next Wednesday - I've bought it purely for the live discs - if they'd been released by themselves without the remastered album I'd still have bought it. Cant wait to hear it based on the review. >Edit - just saw that its available on Spotify, so have been able to stream it and can now see why Pete and Chad made such a play on calling it YY ZED rather than the usual American YY ZEE. So now that I can stream it will I cancel my order from Amazon - absolutely NOT, this is one I have to have a physical copy of < Its just a shame that the Hemispheres 40th anniversary didnt have a full Hemispheres show on it - but with this new one and the live shows on he Farewell to Kings and Permenanet Waves anniversary releases there's an absolutely fantastic selection of my favourite period of Rush live.
I’ll get it for sure. I think what would have made it truly complete would be an extra DVD with the videos recorded at Le Studio, and maybe even an upgrade of Exit Stage Left. Maybe they will give the latter a proper anniversary release of its own, but at least those videos all in one place would be nice.
I bought it specifically for the live show, which is worth the price of the CD(s) alone and that show does not disappoint in the least. I was a little teary eyed at the sheer energy and near perfect performance. And that setlist is just killer. Great to hear Vital Signs and Camera Eye live and fresh pitta the stockpile of songs. As for the remastered Mivung Pictures, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the mix is really, really clear. I didn't think I was going to notice any difference, but when compared to the original studio release, its just so clear. You can hear so many little nuances and details as well as a cohesive whole. I'm glad I bought it and will probably go back and buy the other 40th Anniversary releases.
Moving pictures was my first CD back in the mid 80's! I still have that original issue. Of course I picked up this latest for the live show. One of my all time favorite albums!
I told my wife that I don't care if she treats this as my Father's Day, Birthday & Christmas gift for this year, but I want that Super Deluxe LP package!! It's a pricey one, but indeed, what a fine collection of goodies! The concert is indeed what ESL should've been (and ESL is still amazing, but this is better). It's raw, it's rocking - it's RUSH!! Vinyl pressings are beautiful. If you're a fan, get it!! Cheers!
Have always been disappointed with Exit Stage Left, so this is a must have for the live show. Saw them on this tour just a few weeks earlier than the MLG show.
@@rino7789 the fadeouts and sterile sound mostly. Always thought the songs were great but they were too worried about not repeating what was on All the Worlds a Stage .
Dont know wats happening with Amzon, however while they said it was due next Wednesday then changed to tomorrow (saturday 30th) it dropped though the letterbox this morning (fri 29th). All I can say is the live show is just fantastic, and sounds much better on CD than the streamed version on Spotify. They'll have to pull out something really special if they do an Exit Stage Left 40th package. Maybe of interest, or maybe (most probably) not, when added into my CD storage shelf its noticeable that the width of the spine on each 40th anniversary release from 2112 to Moving Pictures gets a bit smaller each time, apart for Farewell to Kings which is just about the same as 2112 . So those are 2cm, Hemispheres is 1.3 cm, Permanent Waves is 1.2 cm and Moving Pictures 0.9 cm - interesting seeing MP is 3 discs where the previous two were just 2 disc and the first 2 were also 3 discs. Mind you if they can keep the size to the same for Exit Stage Left (if they do that) and Signals it means that they'll all fit on the same shelf in line - am I just too sad or what? :)
Just coming back to this a few days later to say you really weren’t kidding about that live show. I finally got to listen to it all in one go, and holy crap. That show is absolutely phenomenal. I’ll be listening to Rush a lot more than expected this year, and definitely will be buying that 3 disc. (Still not going without food for a week to buy the box, as beautiful as it is.🤑)
I bought the huge box. It's easily the best 40th box to date. An overwhelming amount of material. It will be difficult for the band to top this for the upcoming "Signals" box set. I think as long as they include another complete live recording from the corresponding tour it will be great.
You'll look at the material once, and put it away. Pointless. Just for a vinyl remaster, a couple of live LPs, a few CDs, the price is ridiculous. It should've been split up.
Awesome! Gonna have to pick this up. I hear ya on ticket prices- my first show was AC/DC For Those About To Rock tour- ,81 ? I think? Tickets were $17 and included an upgrade for a round trip bus ticket to show ( Pensacola FL to Mobile AL) sponsored by local music store. I wanna say Zonkers Records and Tapes
Tremendous. Like many, Moving Pictures (on cassette) was my first Rush purchase, Exit Stage Left was Second and really opened the door for me. The live show in this package is amazing: You can hear all the drums and all the guitars clearly. I always felt that ESL had this weird low frequency "rumble" going through it, probably some type of processing on the guitar sound to try to make everything sound full? I don't know. As this new live set shows, just feature the instruments and let the music breath. Bravo!
Damn Got to get this ! That big box is sweet with that lyric book and Red Barchetta. One of the greatest songs period. The Camera Eye is another classic !
I will try to get the big box and as well I hate those type of cd packages where the discs get scuffed and scratched surely they could spend a few more dollars on a better package
November 1981 I was at the Rotterdam Ahoy and saw Rush. The setlist was the same as on the new CDs from Toronto. I believe the only change was they played Subdivisions instead of Natural Science. I was hoping SOT was going to review the "new" MP releases. The Toronto show is awesome and way better than ESL. It's not only that the setlist is very close to perfect but also the fact that it sounds much more like the band did on All the World's a Stage. Also I'm glad to be finally able to hear exactly what they play during the final medley. The Ahoy was notorious for its often awful sound reproduction. The reggae start of Working Man is just their way of having a bit of fun. Didn't they do this again on the Time Machine tour in 2011? As Pete said: compared to the previous 3 or 4 anniversary editions the packing of the CDs now is a bit flimsy and the complete absence of the iconic original sleeve design is silly. But that applies to all Rush anniversary editions.
I will say this about the 2011 Deluxe DVD Edition. The Audiophile 5.1 Surround Sound Mix is, IMO, the best sounding of all the Moving Pictures releases. I am enjoying the Live in YYZ 1981 since it isn't as "refined" as many of their later live albums. This is the reason why I purchased the 40th Anniversary Edition.
Good to hear, as I was not about fork over all that cash for the vinyls just to get another 5.1 version. Curious why you prefer the 2011 over this latest version.
Let me preface this by saying that I'm not the biggest Rush fan. In fact, I would've considered myself a "casual" fan until a couple of years ago (and I'm old enough to have heard "Tom Sawyer" debut on the radio). I have grown in my respect for them, but my favorite album is still the debut, and they begin to drift with me starting with "Hemispheres" (not saying it's bad, as I still like everything through "Signals"). I bought the "Moving Pictures" 3CD 40th Anniversary edition after hearing many rave reviews; with more than one person declaring the live CDs the "definitive Rush live album". The Rolling Stones "El Macambo 1977" blows it out of the water. Yes, two different musical approaches, for sure. But the Stones are on absolute fire on this CD. Granted, the Stones are probably a top 5 band for me and Rush probably wouldn't make the top 20, but I would tell you if the Rush was better. Just like I can easily say that Macambo easily blows "Love You Live" away (same tour). If you can afford both, get both. If you can only afford one, get the Stones.
I splurged with the big box love it.Talk about price of admission I remember like it was yesterday I saw Zeppelin in '73 and was upset that I had to pay $6.50 for a ticket just after I payed $4.50 to see Purple with ZZ Top
As life long Toronto native I was fortunate enough to attend that concert at Maple Leaf Gardens, not a venue known for good acoustics so I am curious to listen to the show all these years later. Nice review video, although Chad I thought I heard you say Lake Erie which I am sure you know that is not correct. Toronto sits on the shores of Lake Ontario. I did appreciate the YYZed pronunciation of our Airport Terminal Eh.
I got the 3 CD set and while at the record store picked up the 2 CD R40 set plus DVD's of Rush in Rio, R30, and Time Machine 2011 too at freaking bargain prices! For example, the Rush in Rio DVD was 6 dollars!
I have the 1997 Rush Remaster as well as the 30th Anniversary Deluxe (which I knew never knew they did that 10/11 years ago ps I was late comer to Rush since 2018). I might have to buy it now because it’s my favorite Rush album.
I invested in a nice turntable in 2020 (and a killer integrated amp with a very nice phono preamp section) and I have never been happier. Best decision I ever made!
I still have a deep affection for Exit Stage Left, and I understand the critiques about it. I played that album over and over again. But, I have to say that I really want to hear the live set off of this 40th anniversary edition. Lots of positive reviews here in the comments.
Awesome box set. The vinyls sound so much better than the CDs, and even the BluRay. The dynamics are not compressed. I love this album, this was my first Rush album, and my favorite to this day.
Err they are absolutely still compressed. The recording itself is compressed, by design. I’ve never much liked how it sounds, but every mix available on that Blu-Ray trumps every other version I’ve heard (although I’ve never heard the 03 Atomic).
Question for those who have bought it: If one owns the 30th anniversary edition and doesn't feel the need for the live album (I own so many live Rush albums/DVDs already), do you think the new remaster on it's own warrants buying again?
Big mistake thinking you don't need this live album. As with many others posting online, this is now the best live Rush album. It makes the very incomplete and muddy ESL obsolete. The energy level in Geddy's voice is awesome as well.
Agree that the live content is phenomenal. You really need to investigate the new Brad Mehldau album. The version of Tom Sawyer really is something else.
I have a good '81 vinyl pressing in excellent conditions that I have washed and ripped to digital. One of the best recorded albums ever even as it is, from the technically imperfect analog medium. Not sure I need any remaster. But still, it's one of my favourite albums ever and the live album sounds fantastic from the snippets I've heard. Maybe I'll get the 3CD version. Price for the full box set is outrageous. An item for truly avid collectors....
Yeah, the price is high, but you DO get a lot. 6 LPs, 3 CDs and a Blu-Ray which includes an Atmos and hi-res stereo, and ALL of the content is newly mastered. Hardback book, tour book, other printed memorabilia, drumsticks, metal picks, a pin badge and a model car. Frankly I think it’s great value.
The live material on this and the Permanent Waves 40th Annv. Editions for the most part beats the crap out of Exit Stage Left. Makes me wonder why they crapped the bed with the Hemispheres 40th Ed.
This could be my top 5: 1. Geddy Lee 2. Allan Holdsworth 3. Roye Albrighton of Nektar 4. Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash 5. Jeff Beck Honorable mention: Derek and Ray Shulman of Gentle Giant.
Actually I think he used his fingers. I was watching ESL last night and I didn’t see him use a pick. He also used to play rhythm guitar on “A Farewell to Kings.”
@@chutch15 Yeah, it's hard to see on the ESL footage. If you look closely at the Xanadu video (lipsync, but still cool), you can see him play the guitar at the end (he's playing the little melody with Neil's xylophone while Alex does the arpeggiated thing). It's A Passage To Bangkok (I'm sure that's what you were thinking) the other track he was using the double neck live playing bass pedal and rythm guitar during Alex' solo :-). God do we love to nitpick Rush, right? :-D
I got the 3CD set. Count me as someone who questioned buying this one. Everyone was raving about the live show, and they were right!
@@azdh85224 👍
@@azdh85224 Agreed!
Wow!! This is definitely worth buying. I highly recommend it.
Rush rocks !!
🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁
Life is better with music.
Now for the 40th anniversary edition of Exit Stage ...Left , we need the entire show of Montreal on DVD !!! ;-)
I bought the 3CD set and I love it. I don't see it as another edition of Moving Pictures, I bought a great live album and got the studio album as a bonus.
The live album is amazing, totally beats Exit Stage Left, which I'd never been a huge fan of. This now is one of their greatest live albums. Essential.
What was it about ESL that you did not like?
@@rino7789 It never created a concert atmosphere for me. The fade outs between songs and the fact that it didn't closely gave us the setlist of the MP shows didn't really work for me.
Of course, nothing is bad in Rush world!
Never been a fan of the mix on ESL. Always preferred All The World’s A Stage and A Show Of Hands.
@@janpoelkamp4229 What was wrong with the mix?
@@janpoelkamp4229 All The World's A Stage is so fantastic. One of my faves, I like the raw sound!
I do like the full live show included in this. I only got the 3 CD disc version. The holy grail of Rush non released stuff for me would be a video showing a full Hemispheres tour show. I heard a rumor of one shot in London in the spring of 1979. Time will tell.
You ‘only’ got the 3-cd version, well that’s cool, man. In general I’m not big on superbloated releases (although I’m still hurting from losing several McCartney Archives sets).
Regular deluxe editions give you ‘what matters’ and they’re a lot cheaper!
@@janpoelkamp4229 It was the cheapest option on Amazon at $26 versus the Super Deluxe Vinyl Editon for almost $300. I don't have a record player hooked up to play vinyl LPs, so that option was useless to me, I didn't need any more memorabilia on Rush. I have some and really not the room for what I do have.
Exit stage left served as a greatest hits album for me as a kid. Almost couldn’t tell it was a live album
It kinda wasn't because they did a lot of work on it in the studio.
There's a very persistent myth that all Rush live albums were purely live recordings, which is definitely not true.
Overdubs, piped in crowd. All The Worlds A Stage is a real live album.
This album is definitely a timeless masterpiece and one of my favourite album ever.
What I like about the concert at MLG is it's unfiltered. It's how it was suppose to sound. It's a snapshot of of those 2 nights between Rush and the audience. This is how a concert is suppose to be. Containing a beginning, a middle and an ending.
Chad, you are definitely covered with everything Moving pictures. And I wouldn't mind having that jigsaw puzzle.
Have had this since it was released on vinyl in the 80"s and every re-release and I'm still looking forward to this, like I was 14 again.
Love the 2 CD live concert! Magnificent!
most people discuss the live show/extras but I'm more interested in the remastering of the album. We're all familiar with the songs, but how do they sound compared to the previous remasters?
This set has been delayed in the UK for two weeks 😳 this is wheting my appetite! Looking forward to the live stuff!
I just got this yesterday and the live set is well worth the cost. A perfect document of the band. The drum solo during YYZ is mind-blowing.
Live set is amazing saw them in Ottawa the night after Montreal and a few days after Toronto great memories
YYZ Live is the great live Rush album ever. What's cool is that it's a raw live recording, beautifully produced, with all the fun mistakes and other good stuff. What caught my attention was the sound of Neil clearly counting down into The Trees (4,5,6...) and the big finish for Xanadu, Neil yelling out "YEAH!" for the finish. He's surrounded by mics on his kit, so we should hear him. The OB-X synth washes are pronounced and gorgeous and the synth growl for Tom Sawyer hits deep, deep ... DEEP bass. And the intro to La Villa ... features Alex adding a bit of "Never on a Sunday" into the intro. Nice. Why adding the late John Rutsey? I think it maybe because he was left off the RRHoF induction.
All 3 disc sound fantastic!! Those live tracks are amazing!!🎸🎸🔥🔥
This is a definite must-have compilation of one of the most extraordinary bands of all time. I find it passing strange though how the guest is unhappy there isn't more crowd noise on the live recordings. Sounds pretty silly to me for that to be a source of contention. To each his own I guess.
It’s such a treat, Terry Brown is a genius.
My copy should be arriving on Friday as this isn't released yet in the UK.I'm looking forward to it. That tour was the first tour that I saw Rush on so it's great to get a full set to listen to.
Excellent review, thanks guys!! "Exit Stage Left" was my first Rush album. I bought it on cassette because I was hearing "Tom Sawyer" on the radio, and it had it on there. That cassette blew me away, and Rush have been my #1 favorite band for 40 years now uninterrupted and probably always will be. I play bass because of Geddy. Anyways, I placed an order for the 3 CD set and can't wait to hear the live album. I've owned ESL on cassette twice, on vinyl, and on CD twice. Still love it. From your review, this new live album will be even better. Thanks!!
I really like “Moving Pictures”although my favorite Rush album is “Caress of Steel”. I have not seen an anniversary box for this one and it is a 1975 release…
Caress of Steel is underrated. I like it better than 2112.
@@RAPTRx-xm7zb Agree ‘Caress’ is very underrated.
It's definitely underrated, in large part because it's supposed 'failure' became an important part of Rush lore, even though the claims about how unsuccessful the album and tour were are largely exaggerated.
Martin Popoff writes a bit about this in the 70s volume of his Rush autobiography trilogy.
It didn't sell as well as Fly By Night but it sold over 100K units, which was still considered good sales, and they did the same number of shows at comparable venues (many of them the same) as the FBN tour.
The tour didn't make a profit but none of their tours did until the Hemispheres tour. At the time they weren't really touring to make a profit from the shows but to get their name up.
They took a long time to actually make a profit from touring because they spent a lot on the shows. Even when they got huge they didn't make as much as they could have because the live shows were expensive to do (which is why they were so good).
@@b.g.5869 Good point. People forget that even big bands often lost money on tours for many of those same reasons. Pink Floyd often did for example.
yeah they started the anniversary releases with 2112... not sure why they skipped the first three albums
ESL is not from Montreal. It was taken from shows in western Canada and the U.K. Also, Working Man reggae in a shorter version started on the PeW tour.
As a rush freak since age 12 in 1978 I bought the original album the day it came out and certainly saw every tour from Hemispheres on except hold your fire. The new live discs sound absolutely awesome!!! This will be played all the time!
PLEASE UNFRIEND ME NOW THAT YOU MISSED THE HOLD YOUR FIRE TOUR!! 😅😅
@@TheBeeRescuer lol I was not into Presto or HYF. I am a guitarist and there just was not enough Alex for me.
@@vpovince1001 coincidentally, my 14-year-old son just got his Presto shirt in the mail yesterday from The Rush website, lol. It looks fabulous. It's white.
@@TheBeeRescuer I got lucky enough one of my kids is into great music and loves rush ! She is always wearing my old Rush shirts!
I went to the hold your fire concert by myself cuz my friends wouldn't go! It's the one album I can't stand, still!
I might get a lot of heat for this but, Exit...Stage Left is my favorite live album of all time, i know it gets a lot of heat because of how it sounds, the audience can't even be heard at times, the guitar is not present a lot in the mix, etc, etc. I was hyped as hell for the live album, and once i got it and put it on my record player, i gotta say i didn't get my head blown by it. Before some people say, ''it's just because you love Exit 2 much to even take a listen to this new live album'', for me, when i listen to a live album, i'm searching for the best live version of each song available. It happens to me that the live versions on ESL are the best (in my opinion) versions available of those songs. I will say that the live version of YYZ from the Show of Hands DVD/VHS is unmatched, as well as the PinkPop version of La Villa Strangiato. Red Barchetta is my fav Rush song of all time, and i totally think that the ESL version is miles better as far as quality, playing, geddy's voice, etc, etc than the new live album. I still love this album and i think that the Vital Signs version of this one kicks the ESL version one. We finally got a proper Camera Eye live version!, Limelight is tied with the ESL video version one. It's just me to be honest, this live album kicks ass and i'm diggin it the more i listen to it, but it just happens to me that, some of the songs in ESL are far better live versions than the brand new we got. Sorry for letting myself go on, thanks for the review Pete! your section of albums that are 30 was very fun, and im loving the Feel Good Songs videos!
Looking forward to Signals and G/P box sets!
Great video guys! Doesn't Ged use a pick on Xanadu when he's playing the double neck Rick? Pretty sure he does. You can't see him doing it in the live Montreal gig on Exit Stage Left, however.
That live set list is incredible! Can’t wait to hear it when my super box arrives.
Saw the Moving Pictures live tour in '81, Anaheim Convention Center, CA. Demand to see Rush in Southern Ca. was so high, you could only get tickets through a lottery, if you won, you got in the venue, seating was random, we (4 tickets) got great seats. One of the most magical concerts I've ever attended, every one felt so lucky to be there because of the lottery. I believe Alex played the greatest solo he ever played on 'La Villa' that night, the audio recording of it is on RUclips, wish they filmed the concert.
It was actually June 12 81’ . I have some great pics from that night if you would like me to email them to you, on Alex’s side. Great recording as well 🤘
jorn had opposite experience 81 show roanoke va. friends and i went early hoping to get up front was very sparse crowd we thought would be packed like hank jr. so were able to stand below geddy on the floor in front friend of mine years later recalled how lucky we were to see geddy and hear neils drums that close alex came over to jam a few times only big time band in fact ever front row we could see geddy work his foot pedals playing bass and keyboards at the same time never seen anyone other than him singing also ironically only time ever saw them highlight was encore 2112 cant believe the came roanoke must have on there way to dc for bigger show ooh yeah geddy was gracious shook hanks with us and other fans thanked us for coming hope you enjoyed the show something like that how many rock stars would do that back then walked back to his keyboards pedals and hit the intro notes to 2112 we were teens blown away of course
Mine's due to be delivered next Wednesday - I've bought it purely for the live discs - if they'd been released by themselves without the remastered album I'd still have bought it. Cant wait to hear it based on the review.
>Edit - just saw that its available on Spotify, so have been able to stream it and can now see why Pete and Chad made such a play on calling it YY ZED rather than the usual American YY ZEE.
So now that I can stream it will I cancel my order from Amazon - absolutely NOT, this is one I have to have a physical copy of <
Its just a shame that the Hemispheres 40th anniversary didnt have a full Hemispheres show on it - but with this new one and the live shows on he Farewell to Kings and Permenanet Waves anniversary releases there's an absolutely fantastic selection of my favourite period of Rush live.
They were at their pinnacle from 77 to 81
A 320 stream from Spotify is pale compared to a well mastered CD or high resolution digital. Good choice not to cancel.
I’ll get it for sure. I think what would have made it truly complete would be an extra DVD with the videos recorded at Le Studio, and maybe even an upgrade of Exit Stage Left. Maybe they will give the latter a proper anniversary release of its own, but at least those videos all in one place would be nice.
I bought it specifically for the live show, which is worth the price of the CD(s) alone and that show does not disappoint in the least. I was a little teary eyed at the sheer energy and near perfect performance. And that setlist is just killer. Great to hear Vital Signs and Camera Eye live and fresh pitta the stockpile of songs. As for the remastered Mivung Pictures, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the mix is really, really clear. I didn't think I was going to notice any difference, but when compared to the original studio release, its just so clear. You can hear so many little nuances and details as well as a cohesive whole. I'm glad I bought it and will probably go back and buy the other 40th Anniversary releases.
When I get my copy I'm going to put my cd's into jewel cases. Can't wait. Great review.
Moving pictures was my first CD back in the mid 80's! I still have that original issue. Of course I picked up this latest for the live show. One of my all time favorite albums!
The live show is worth the price of admission. That Toronto show is gorgeous. Rush at the height of their powers!
It’s so good. FYI. It’s Lake Ontario in the Tom Sawyer pic. Not Lake Erie. Keep up the great work!!
I told my wife that I don't care if she treats this as my Father's Day, Birthday & Christmas gift for this year, but I want that Super Deluxe LP package!! It's a pricey one, but indeed, what a fine collection of goodies! The concert is indeed what ESL should've been (and ESL is still amazing, but this is better). It's raw, it's rocking - it's RUSH!! Vinyl pressings are beautiful. If you're a fan, get it!! Cheers!
I got the vinyl set and glad I picked it up and imo it is excellent in every aspect !
Have always been disappointed with Exit Stage Left, so this is a must have for the live show. Saw them on this tour just a few weeks earlier than the MLG show.
What was it about ESL that disappointed you? Details please.
@@rino7789 the fadeouts and sterile sound mostly. Always thought the songs were great but they were too worried about not repeating what was on All the Worlds a Stage .
Exit Stage Left sounds very good in hi-res 24/96 files downloads
The live show is amazing! Worth every penny!
I was at that show in MLG. In those days we would go to every night they played in Toronto. You could afford to at that time.
I remember watching the video for Tom Sawyer on MTV in 81-82 and being amazed. Moving Pictures is an absolute rock classic.
Dont know wats happening with Amzon, however while they said it was due next Wednesday then changed to tomorrow (saturday 30th) it dropped though the letterbox this morning (fri 29th). All I can say is the live show is just fantastic, and sounds much better on CD than the streamed version on Spotify. They'll have to pull out something really special if they do an Exit Stage Left 40th package.
Maybe of interest, or maybe (most probably) not, when added into my CD storage shelf its noticeable that the width of the spine on each 40th anniversary release from 2112 to Moving Pictures gets a bit smaller each time, apart for Farewell to Kings which is just about the same as 2112 . So those are 2cm, Hemispheres is 1.3 cm, Permanent Waves is 1.2 cm and Moving Pictures 0.9 cm - interesting seeing MP is 3 discs where the previous two were just 2 disc and the first 2 were also 3 discs. Mind you if they can keep the size to the same for Exit Stage Left (if they do that) and Signals it means that they'll all fit on the same shelf in line - am I just too sad or what? :)
Just coming back to this a few days later to say you really weren’t kidding about that live show. I finally got to listen to it all in one go, and holy crap. That show is absolutely phenomenal. I’ll be listening to Rush a lot more than expected this year, and definitely will be buying that 3 disc. (Still not going without food for a week to buy the box, as beautiful as it is.🤑)
I bought the huge box. It's easily the best 40th box to date. An overwhelming amount of material. It will be difficult for the band to top this for the upcoming "Signals" box set. I think as long as they include another complete live recording from the corresponding tour it will be great.
Hey! I wish that I could pick one up as well! Are you saying that this is the 40th boxed set for Rush? Or that it is the 40th set for your collection?
You'll look at the material once, and put it away. Pointless. Just for a vinyl remaster, a couple of live LPs, a few CDs, the price is ridiculous. It should've been split up.
Agreed!!..This is a must have..I'm going to frame my lyric sheets. High quality card stock. I feel very lucky, mine did include a fingernail..haha
Awesome! Gonna have to pick this up.
I hear ya on ticket prices- my first show was AC/DC For Those About To Rock tour- ,81 ? I think?
Tickets were $17 and included an upgrade for a round trip bus ticket to show ( Pensacola FL to Mobile AL) sponsored by local music store. I wanna say Zonkers Records and Tapes
Tremendous. Like many, Moving Pictures (on cassette) was my first Rush purchase, Exit Stage Left was Second and really opened the door for me. The live show in this package is amazing: You can hear all the drums and all the guitars clearly. I always felt that ESL had this weird low frequency "rumble" going through it, probably some type of processing on the guitar sound to try to make everything sound full? I don't know. As this new live set shows, just feature the instruments and let the music breath. Bravo!
Damn Got to get this ! That big box is sweet with that lyric book and Red Barchetta. One of the greatest songs period. The Camera Eye is another classic !
The best record of the best band🎸
I will try to get the big box and as well I hate those type of cd packages where the discs get scuffed and scratched surely they could spend a few more dollars on a better package
November 1981 I was at the Rotterdam Ahoy and saw Rush. The setlist was the same as on the new CDs from Toronto. I believe the only change was they played Subdivisions instead of Natural Science. I was hoping SOT was going to review the "new" MP releases. The Toronto show is awesome and way better than ESL. It's not only that the setlist is very close to perfect but also the fact that it sounds much more like the band did on All the World's a Stage. Also I'm glad to be finally able to hear exactly what they play during the final medley. The Ahoy was notorious for its often awful sound reproduction. The reggae start of Working Man is just their way of having a bit of fun. Didn't they do this again on the Time Machine tour in 2011? As Pete said: compared to the previous 3 or 4 anniversary editions the packing of the CDs now is a bit flimsy and the complete absence of the iconic original sleeve design is silly. But that applies to all Rush anniversary editions.
Mooi man
Great idea. New Product Review. Love it!
👀
I will say this about the 2011 Deluxe DVD Edition. The Audiophile 5.1 Surround Sound Mix is, IMO, the best sounding of all the Moving Pictures releases. I am enjoying the Live in YYZ 1981 since it isn't as "refined" as many of their later live albums. This is the reason why I purchased the 40th Anniversary Edition.
Good to hear, as I was not about fork over all that cash for the vinyls just to get another 5.1 version. Curious why you prefer the 2011 over this latest version.
@@flavormod the 2011 5.1 seems to be more vibrant with nice channel separation.
Let me preface this by saying that I'm not the biggest Rush fan. In fact, I would've considered myself a "casual" fan until a couple of years ago (and I'm old enough to have heard "Tom Sawyer" debut on the radio). I have grown in my respect for them, but my favorite album is still the debut, and they begin to drift with me starting with "Hemispheres" (not saying it's bad, as I still like everything through "Signals"). I bought the "Moving Pictures" 3CD 40th Anniversary edition after hearing many rave reviews; with more than one person declaring the live CDs the "definitive Rush live album". The Rolling Stones "El Macambo 1977" blows it out of the water.
Yes, two different musical approaches, for sure. But the Stones are on absolute fire on this CD. Granted, the Stones are probably a top 5 band for me and Rush probably wouldn't make the top 20, but I would tell you if the Rush was better. Just like I can easily say that Macambo easily blows "Love You Live" away (same tour).
If you can afford both, get both. If you can only afford one, get the Stones.
Great review as always thanks guys
There's also a smaller (cheaper) box set that only includes the 5 vinyl records + program. The meat of the stuff IMO!
I can't wait for Power Windows 40th. That was Rush's next peak after Moving Pictures. Actually, Signals and GuP should be great too..
Probably has already been said, but Geddy does use a pick on Xanadu when he plays the outro...
Geddy calls it “Living In The Limelight” but noted simply as “Limelight” on album. I wonder why?
Thank you for this review . I will have to pick up that 3 CD version . Cheers !
Theres is also a 5 lp set, with the album and the 2 double live albums if you dont want the super deluxe.
I splurged with the big box love it.Talk about price of admission I remember like it was yesterday I saw Zeppelin in '73 and was upset that I had to pay $6.50 for a ticket just after I payed $4.50 to see Purple with ZZ Top
My deluxe box set turned up today. I'll have to put my original tour programme in the box. Is this a limited edition?
Geddy probably used a pick when he played the guitar at the end of Xanadu, and played rhythm guitar during the solo for Bangkok.
I wish they had done a 40th for Caress of Steel. Maybe a 50th will show up for that.
Excited! Still waiting for my super box set. Been delayed in UK till 6 May.
Bummer…Further delayed!
This set rocks! And...it rocks! Deep cut for hardcore fans.
🎵”The focus is sharp in the ci-ty!”🎵
As life long Toronto native I was fortunate enough to attend that concert at Maple Leaf Gardens, not a venue known for good acoustics so I am curious to listen to the show all these years later. Nice review video, although Chad I thought I heard you say Lake Erie which I am sure you know that is not correct. Toronto sits on the shores of Lake Ontario. I did appreciate the YYZed pronunciation of our Airport Terminal Eh.
Yes. I meant Lake Ontario. Doh.
@@chutch15 No problem Chad. To once again to quote your great American Philosopher - Homer Simpson "None of us each are perfect". Cheers
Rush...................... Rules
Good stuff. Best RUSH I've got is a live boot from Pheonix with GED yelling at the crowd to stop pushing forward. 1978 . HEMISPHERES tour. Superior.
Will Sydney be picking up a copy?
How does the vinyl on the set compare to past pressings?
When will Rush finally publish a full book of Peart's Lyrics and drawings. Had a paperback of some of them ages ago, but it has disappeared.
I got the 3 CD set and while at the record store picked up the 2 CD R40 set plus DVD's of Rush in Rio, R30, and Time Machine 2011 too at freaking bargain prices! For example, the Rush in Rio DVD was 6 dollars!
I have the 1997 Rush Remaster as well as the 30th Anniversary Deluxe (which I knew never knew they did that 10/11 years ago ps I was late comer to Rush since 2018). I might have to buy it now because it’s my favorite Rush album.
go for it, I like this one better than both the 97 remaster and the 30th
I've still got my original "vinyl" (or LP as we called them back in the day) from when this came out. Nothing to play it on, though.
I invested in a nice turntable in 2020 (and a killer integrated amp with a very nice phono preamp section) and I have never been happier. Best decision I ever made!
Love it❤️❤️ Great show!!!
that deluxe box is definitely a collectors wet dream...
They included a pick for Geddy because he uses one when playing the guitar on his double-neck..
I have this on all editions like this guy. Has he got the 200g vinyl though like I have?
I have the 5.1 version of the studio album. Don't listen to anything else. I'm intrigued by the live stuff. How is the sound quality?
I still have a deep affection for Exit Stage Left, and I understand the critiques about it. I played that album over and over again. But, I have to say that I really want to hear the live set off of this 40th anniversary edition. Lots of positive reviews here in the comments.
it sounds like ESL raw without any editing... plus it's the full show
Smart haircut Pete!
Awesome box set. The vinyls sound so much better than the CDs, and even the BluRay. The dynamics are not compressed. I love this album, this was my first Rush album, and my favorite to this day.
Err they are absolutely still compressed. The recording itself is compressed, by design. I’ve never much liked how it sounds, but every mix available on that Blu-Ray trumps every other version I’ve heard (although I’ve never heard the 03 Atomic).
Seen the MP tour in Edinburgh in ‘81, as they didn’t play Newcastle.
Question for those who have bought it: If one owns the 30th anniversary edition and doesn't feel the need for the live album (I own so many live Rush albums/DVDs already), do you think the new remaster on it's own warrants buying again?
Big mistake thinking you don't need this live album. As with many others posting online, this is now the best live Rush album. It makes the very incomplete and muddy ESL obsolete. The energy level in Geddy's voice is awesome as well.
I don't notice a huge difference tbh. It sounds a lot like the 2013 Sector box set version
A must have for a Rush fan.
Nice Arcteryx vest (except RUSH;))
That book is awesome!
Agree that the live content is phenomenal. You really need to investigate the new Brad Mehldau album. The version of Tom Sawyer really is something else.
Very excited for this want that 180g
Simply the greatest live album ever !
I paid a whopping $5.50 for my first Rush concert at the Capital Centre, 8/22/79.
I have a good '81 vinyl pressing in excellent conditions that I have washed and ripped to digital. One of the best recorded albums ever even as it is, from the technically imperfect analog medium. Not sure I need any remaster. But still, it's one of my favourite albums ever and the live album sounds fantastic from the snippets I've heard. Maybe I'll get the 3CD version. Price for the full box set is outrageous. An item for truly avid collectors....
Yeah, the price is high, but you DO get a lot. 6 LPs, 3 CDs and a Blu-Ray which includes an Atmos and hi-res stereo, and ALL of the content is newly mastered. Hardback book, tour book, other printed memorabilia, drumsticks, metal picks, a pin badge and a model car. Frankly I think it’s great value.
The live material on this and the Permanent Waves 40th Annv. Editions for the most part beats the crap out of Exit Stage Left. Makes me wonder why they crapped the bed with the Hemispheres 40th Ed.
they probably didn't have much in the way of Hemispheres era recordings. The Pinkpop show was cool but the sound quality is terrible
If you all had to name one musician who's the most important ever in your life, would it unanimously be Geddy Lee?
Yes! Although, Alex and Neil are right there too. 😆
No. It would be Frank Zappa.
mine would probably be alex, but david gilmour and fripp have changed how I think about guitar
This could be my top 5:
1. Geddy Lee
2. Allan Holdsworth
3. Roye Albrighton of Nektar
4. Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash
5. Jeff Beck
Honorable mention: Derek and Ray Shulman of Gentle Giant.
@@TheBeeRescuer
Powell can kick some ass.
Really overlooked.
Damn! ...the curse! the curse is real! 😁🍺🤘
Geddy used a pick for the end of Xanadu when he plays the guitar ;-)
Actually I think he used his fingers. I was watching ESL last night and I didn’t see him use a pick. He also used to play rhythm guitar on “A Farewell to Kings.”
@@chutch15 Yeah, it's hard to see on the ESL footage. If you look closely at the Xanadu video (lipsync, but still cool), you can see him play the guitar at the end (he's playing the little melody with Neil's xylophone while Alex does the arpeggiated thing). It's A Passage To Bangkok (I'm sure that's what you were thinking) the other track he was using the double neck live playing bass pedal and rythm guitar during Alex' solo :-). God do we love to nitpick Rush, right? :-D
Yes, Bangkok. That’s what I get for typing during the 5.1 mix.
@@chutch15 Haha, I knew it, you know your Rush.