Different Stages [ECD] - Rush (CD 1998)

The funny thing if you're an older Rush fan like myself is that you think all their good stuff is from 20 or more years ago. While those are the Rush tunes I enjoy most, it neglects the fact that they have become MUCH better players with age. That's the beauty of "Different Stages". It's a more recent collection ("only" 10 years old) but with a lot of older material. And the newer songs included are probably the best of their 90's stuff. Plus the inclusion of an old "Farewell to Kings" era show on the 3rd disc lets you see for yourself how they've improved. Although I love the intensity (and "small club" feel) of this disc, it does get a little sloppy (comparatively) at times. The perfect example of this dichotomy is "2112" on the first disc. Awesome Awesome Awesome old Rush song - but a waaaaay tighter performance here than on "All the World's a Stage".

The only reason I gave this collection a "good" vs an "excellent" rating is, like I said, I'm an old-school Rush fan (like probably anyone reading this) and I guess I can't bring myself to claim it's the best live offering they have ... even though it probably is.