By: Michael D. Vogel

© February 7, 2012. Michael D. Vogel. All Rights Reserved

Published in: Examiner.com – May 2, 2012 

Rush – “Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland” (Roadrunner)

What you should know: – Fresh off their Time Machine tour, rock stalwart Rush are already back in the studio working on their 20^th studio album, Clockwork Angels slated for release June 12^th. Two tracks have already made their way to radio over the past year, but not wanting to keep the fans waiting; the trio brought mic’s along for the Time Machine tour, capturing the Cleveland shows in the spring of 2011. The result is an extensive 2-disc set; a massive 26 live track masterpiece, featuring, start to finish, one of the bands biggest albums. With the 30th anniversary of the release of the Rush’s four million plus (in the US alone) selling album Moving Pictures, the band decided to play the entire 1981 release during each night’s concert along the tour.

(Rush – Time Machine Trailer – Roadrunner Records)

 Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland captures Rush‘s sold-out concert on April 15, 2011, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The band felt it was important to honor the city that first supported them outside of their hometown of Toronto. That mark of distinction belongs to Cleveland’s rock station, WMMS-FM – The Buzzard, and specifically disc-jockey/music director Donna Halper, who put “Working Man” into the station’s music rotation. (The band even included her in the liner notes to their 1974 self-titled debut album as a thank you.) Accordingly, since past live albums have always seen the band record outside of the United States, it was decided that this live recording would therefore be done in Cleveland.

From the first note of “The Spirit of Radio” one can’t help but be amazed by the awe-inspiring aural quality of Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland. As is standard practice for the Toronto trio, Geddy Lee (vocals/bass), Alex Lifeson (guitar) and Neil Peart (drums) create sound perfection –and make it look easy!

 The double live CD features all the requisite hits, several deeper album cuts, like the title track from “Presto” plus “Workin’ Them Angles” and “Faithless” from the bands last studio album Snake & Arrows, as well as a taste of music from the forth-coming “Clockwork Angels” album with two new songs “Caravan” and “UBU2.” In addition, to commemorate the 30^th anniversary of its release, the band performed the Moving Pictures album in its entirety, which was an easy addition considering songs like “Tom Sawyer,” “Red Barchetta,” “YYZ,” and “Limelight,” have been concert staples for the band for many years already.

(Rush – “Tom Sawyer” Time Machine Tour 2011: Live In Cleveland [Official] – Rounder Records)

For the encore, the concert wraps up with a performance of “La Villa Strangiato.” But Rush was far from over! The shows final number see’s the band crank-up one of their workhorse songs and ultimate crowd favorites, helping to make the whole musical extravaganza complete. “Working Man,” starts with an unassuming lighthearted reggae beat before launching into an all-out auditory assault with all its fist-pumping, foot stomping and crowd-singing rock & roll glory!

(Rush “Working Man” – Time Machine Tour: Live In Cleveland [Official] –  Rounder Records)

To truly appreciate the musical proficiencies of the band though, one must really see Rush live in concert. But for those who aren’t able to, Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland is the next best thing. After all, a Rush concert is designed as a complete audio and visual experience where each element of the show is meticulously crafted; from the lights and sounds to the images you see while the band plays, to help maximize the live concert experience. Compliment your Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland CD with the DVD of the concert as well in order to get the most out of your listening and viewing experience. ^m^

(Rush “Limelight” – Time Machine Tour: Live In Cleveland [Official] –  Rounder Records)

Favorite Tracks: – “Faithless,” “Workin’ Them Angels,” “Caravan,” “The Spirit of Radio,” “Free Will,” “Working Man,” “Closer To The Heart,” “2112 Overture/The Temples of Syrinx,” “Far Cry” and “La Villa Strangiato.” ^m^

Members: Alex Lifeson – guitar, Geddy Lee – bass, keyboards, vocals, Neil Peart – drums, percussion

Producer: Pegi Cecconi

Origin: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Website: rush.com

Facebook: /rushtheband

YouTube: /RushVEVO

Discography: (source: Wikipedia)

– For a comprehensive list, see Rush discography Studio albums

• Rush (1974)
• Fly by Night (1975)
• Caress of Steel (1975)
• 2112 (1976)
• A Farewell to Kings (1977)
• Hemispheres (1978)
• Permanent Waves (1980)
• Moving Pictures (1981)
• Signals (1982)
• Grace Under Pressure (1984)
• Power Windows (1985)
• Hold Your Fire (1987)
• Presto (1989)
• Roll the Bones (1991)
• Counterparts (1993)
• Test for Echo (1996)
• Vapor Trails (2002)
• Feedback (2004)
• Snakes & Arrows (2007)
• Clockwork Angels (2012)

You may also like:- Asia, Queen, Blue Öyster Cult, Electric Light Orchestra, Peter Gabriel, Galactic Cowboys, Kansas, The Police, Queensrÿche, Thin Lizzy, Voivod, Zebra, Watchtower, Dream Theater, GTR, U.K., Dire Straits, Marillion, Boston, It Bites

© February 7, 2012. Michael D. Vogel. All Rights Reserved. This originally appeared n the Vogelism blog at https://www.vogelism.com authored by Michael D. Vogel. This article may be shared or reprinted as long as the entire copyright message, including the source location of this article, accompanies it.