aglasshouse
Chronicles is one of the few compilations by Rush that is not a Retrospective. Being released right before the album "Counterparts", it wasn't able to include many more recent hits, from albums like "Test For Echo" or "Clockwork Angels".
The compilation includes all necessary hits from albums, from "Rush" to "Presto". There are usually two hits per album on the compilation, with the exceptions of the hits from "Moving Pictures", which includes 3, probably due to the fact that "Moving Pictures" was made up entirely of hits, and it wasn't enough to only add two to the compilation. Also, "Presto" only gets one song, most likely due to the album not being as popular as the others. Also, "Rush", their self titled, also includes three tracks, two of which are studio, the other being a live performance. Another 3 track inclusion was "Power Windows", which again included two studio songs and one live song.
Live songs are also included in the place of studio recorded songs, for instance on disk two, 'Mystic Rhythms' from ", which is performed live on the track. Other live tracks include 'A Passage to Bangkok, from "2112", and 'What You're Doing', from "Rush".
This compilation is definitely a great introduction to Rush, from 70's to 80's. I suggest to any person wanting to get involved with Rush to buy this compilation as their first purchase. If it appeals, you have the freedom to get the full albums. Overall, an amazing compilation for any fan of musicianship mastery by Rush.