Rush 50: A Comprehensive Anthology of an Iconic Rock Journey
Rush 50 is a captivating anthology that celebrates the legendary career of the Canadian rock trio Rush, providing listeners with a rich collection of 50 tracks spanning nearly five hours. This compilation highlights the band’s evolutionary journey and showcases the intricacies of their musical narrative over four decades.
The Anthology’s Structure and Significance
Unlike typical greatest-hits collections, Rush 50 serves as a thematic musical memoir. It presents a chronological assemblage of material sourced from each studio album and features select live performances. The anthology not only includes popular tracks but also incorporates previously unreleased content, creating a comprehensive listening experience for both newcomers and long-time fans. This project marks the first collection released after the band’s conclusion and the passing of drummer Neil Peart in 2020, serving as a fitting tribute to their legacy.
Historical Context and Unreleased Tracks
One of the standout features of Rush 50 is the inclusion of the band’s debut single, released in 1973. This single, featuring a cover of Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” alongside the original track “You Can’t Fight It,” provides insight into the band’s early sound. Although they themselves have described it as lacking polish—Guitarist Alex Lifeson noted, “My God, we hated it,” in an accompanying liner note—the single effectively sets the stage for understanding the band’s significant growth in the following years.
Celebrating Early Contributions and Lineup Changes
As the anthology progresses, it honors the contributions of original drummer John Rutsey while emphasizing the pivotal transition that occurred with Neil Peart’s joining in 1974. Live recordings from a high school show in Ontario, such as “Need Some Love” and “Before and After,” highlight Rutsey’s energetic drumming style before Peart’s arrival, outlining a critical transformation in the band’s sound. The anthology contrasts these with two unreleased tracks from a Cleveland performance shortly after Peart joined, illustrating his immediate impact and unique musical direction.
A Flourishing Era in the Late 1970s
Rush 50 effectively captures the band’s peak in the late 1970s, featuring iconic compositions like “2112” and “Closer to the Heart,” along with riveting live renditions. A standout performance of “Something for Nothing,” recorded in 1976 at Toronto’s Massey Hall, showcases the trio’s remarkable synergy and technical prowess. Additionally, a previously unreleased “Vault Edition” of “The Trees” offers an alternate guitar solo, adding appeal for dedicated fans while affirming the band’s adventurous compositional spirit.
Representing All Eras of Rush
The anthology also delves into the less-explored chapters of Rush’s discography, specifically the synth-heavy phase of the 1980s. Songs like “The Big Money” and “Time Stand Still” resonate with renewed clarity, challenging the notion that the group strayed from their core identity during these years. Similarly, tracks from the 1990s and 2000s, such as “Stick It Out” and “Workin’ Them Angels,” coexist within the collection, reestablishing the artistic merits of their later works.
The Final Live Performance and Emotional Closure
Ending on a profoundly emotional note, the anthology features a previously unreleased recording of Rush’s final performance together during the R40 tour. This finale includes a poignant medley of early tracks that not only showcases their musical evolution but also captures a unique moment of camaraderie. As Geddy Lee expresses surprise at Neil Peart’s appearance on stage—breaking his usual practice of staying back during encore moments—the recording immortalizes a lasting bond amongst the three musicians and signifies the culmination of their storied journey.
In summary, Rush 50 emerges as a meticulously curated anthology that encapsulates the band’s legacy through rich storytelling, musical evolution, and heartfelt moments, solidifying Rush’s status as one of rock’s most enduring and innovative acts.
