Rush

Item: Feedback
Author: Barry Nothstine

Feedback

(2004)

Reviewed by Barry Nothstine

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Label Atlantic RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2004

classic rock psychedelic rock

Rush (yes, THAT Rush--the prog-rock prototype power trio) has been around for 30 years and celebrated the milestone not by releasing a multi-disc box set, but by releasing an EP of cover tunes that just might be my favorite goodtime summer disc of tunes! This CD is pure blast from the colorful, tie-dye retro cover to the classic 60's rock tunes the band once practiced in the garage as youthful rock wannabes. Feedback pays homage to the great bands and songs of Lifeson, Lee, and Peart's youth. Some of these songs may not be familiar to the younger folks, but don't let that stop you from savoring these tasty psychedelic delights.

Rush is a band that excels with tight, precise studio magic, but the enchantment on this CD is the free, fun feel of the songs presented. On Feedback it seems the band just felt the need to cut loose and let it rock. "Summertime Blues" is a welcome bit of sunshine that sticks fairly close to the original with the addition of a trippy psychedelic intro and outro. My favorite cover on the CD is song two "Heart Full of Soul," a Yardbirds classic love song (is this the ONLY love song Rush has ever done?). Buffalo Springfield gets covered in the classic "For What It's Worth," and with the lesser-known but powerful "Mr. Soul" (featuring a nice Byrd-like bit of 12 string guitar delights and some tasty Peart cymbal technique). The Who's classic "The Seeker" gets a nice rocking workout. A rousing rendition of Love's "Seven and Seven" features some odd chord changes and a Neil Peart snare roll that lasts the entire song. And the album closer "Crossroads" showcases the able guitar prowess of Alex Lifeson and the vocal/bass chops of Geddy Lee.

Feedback, and the previous Rush release Rush in Rio showcase a band that continues to press on despite difficulties, have fun, and do things musically the way they want to. Rush was one of my favorite bands in high school (errr...MANY years ago), and it is nice to see that they are still capable of entertaining in fine fashion. This CD will get a lot of time in my CD player during the hot days of summer (and in the seasons to come).