Retrospective I (1974-1980) - Rush (CD 1997)

'Best-of' compilations are one of the most controversial elements in pop music today. Some people believe that having a CD that reviews all of a band's most popular songs is a good thing so they can have all their favourites all on one or two discs. While others argue that it is just an excuse to buy what you already own.
Whatever you may believe, the Rush Retrospective series is a prime example of record companies trying to make a quick buck. When most of us buy a greatest hits disc, we want the band's full career on only one or two discs. This need was already fulfilled on the 1991 album Chronicles. In the late 90s Mercury decided they could make a few extra bucks on the band. Essentially this new Retrospective collection is just Chronicles separated by two different eras and each disc is sold separately instead of together. You can find yourself spending an extra $5-10 for these two discs instead of just getting Chronicles.
This isn't a complete waste of money though. There are a few songs that are here that don't appear on Chronicles. But over 90% of what's here is available on Chronicles.
If you already own Chronicles, then don't even think of bothering with this dictionary perfect 'rehash' of a greatest hits compilation. If you don't own Chronicles and want a best-of Rush album... get Chronicles! The only way I can even consider anyone buying this is if they only like a certain era of Rush or if for some reason they want each era on a separate disc instead of mixed together.

-Spirit Of Radio, The
-Trees, The
-Something For Nothing (not on Chronicles)
-Freewill
-Xanadu
-Bastille Day (not on Chronicles)
-By-Tor And The Snow Dog: I. At The Tobes Of Hades / II. Across The Styx / III. Of The Battle / IV. Epilogue (not on Chronicles)
-Anthem
-Closer To The Heart
-2112 Overture
-Temples Of Syrinx, The
-La Villa Strangiato
-Fly By Night
-Finding My Way

PS: I used this review for both parts of the compilation because they are in sense part of the same album, Chronicles (hey, record companies aren't the only ones who can cut corners)!