AtomicCrimsonRush
The best way to revisit "Snakes and Arrows".
This "Snakes and Arrows Live" concert is a great experience showcasing the best of the studio album and also incorporating tons of classic rush songs. The excellent sound quality captures the power trio crunching out some amazing compositions to an appreciative crowd.
Neil Peart is sizzling on drums and his solo features effects and is well above the norm for a drum solo. He uses gamelon style blocks and sound effect drums to enhance the solo. I love when the jazz band kicks in and he plays full blown jazz metrical patterns. There are no lengthy lead solo sections where Lifeson plays by himself but there is a nice acoustic piece following the drum solo. Lifeson effortlessly plays all the songs with precision and finesse, surely one of the greatest guitarists in the world.
Lee's vocals are excellent and as clear as ever and his bass pounds on every track. I noted its all mostly hard rock on this live show. The band play old favourites that every Rush fan adores such as 'Spirit of Radio' and 'Tom Sawyer' but they focus on "Snakes and Arrows" album, virtually playing every song. This could have been problematic but I find these live versions even better than the studio versions. I was never a huge fan of S&A but this live concert really brings something special to these tracks.
I recommend this live album but it is far more beneficial to get hold of the superior 'Live In Rio' and 'Different Stages'. It is, however, the best way to revisit the "Snakes and Arrows" songs as each are played with more depth and passion in this live set. Having said that, it is well advised to opt for the DVD version as it is identical music and a better way to experience the live Rush concert.
