Search - Various Artists :: Working Man: Rush Tribute

It is what it is

VolinFranklin | Nashville, TN | 04/23/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After reading 45 reviews that are all over the place like a schizophrenic in active hallucination, I'll add my .02. I'll preface with...I am not one of the 30-years-and-counting Rush purists (those who can sit for hours and ponder Peart's philosophical lyrics and how well he puts his interpretation of Ayn Rand's Objectivism to kick-butt music). I like them a good bit and am completely on board with the whole "Rush is technically almost perfect and nobody would be able to duplicate them bandwagon". However, I don't see this as the purpose of this recording. A tribute is a tribute, the artists most likely had a blast doing it, and that's how this should be taken. If you expect a track listing of perfectly crafted imitations, you don't need to bother even listening to the sample clips.



Since Jacob's Ladder, Mission and Anthem are the three most discussed in the rest of the reviews, I'll take them on.



Jacob's Ladder...didn't like the vocals at all, so didn't really enjoy the song. Something about overdone breathy intakes in songs makes me jumpy. Bach sounds like he needs the heimlich. Unfortunately, it's one of the longest songs. I'm not a fan of Bach's, so I admit that may have colored my view.



Mission...I wouldn't even compare this to Rush, but would call it a very well done cover by a great vocalist. If Eric Martin had recorded this outside the context of a tribute, his fans most likely would have loved it.



Anthem...I didn't hear the same song as a couple of you. My take is that the vocals blew me away. This song was Getty Lee in his higher-range element. There are a handful of singers on this planet that could have pulled that off and they picked the right one. As with Martin, I think Mark Slaughter's fans would love this."

If anything, a lot of fun.

Matt Becker | Orange County, USA | 09/16/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am one of those Rush purist guys. That said, this is probably the best a Rush tribute will ever get. Yes, the songs aren't performed quite to the level of the originals, but duplication really wasn't the point of the album (if you want the originals, buy the original albums). To me, the point is obvious: this is a bunch of huge Rush fans who wanted to have a lot of fun playing Rush tunes, and it shows. If anything, Steve Morse's playing on La Villa Strangiato is worth the $15 on its own. Well done all around."