Rush - Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland DVD (Eagle Vision Entertainment) By: Justin Donnelly

[9/10] Filmed on April 15th 2011 at the Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena, Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland is conclusive proof that Rush still have what it takes to keep audiences coming back time and time again.

So what separates the DVD from the countless others Rush have released in their time? Well, not a whole lot. I mean there’s only so much you can do onstage different from tour to tour. But what you can do is present it in a different way. And that’s where both Rush and the directors have excelled over 2008’s Snakes & Arrows Live. Everything from the lavish stage set-up (which is an absolute feast for the eyes to say the least), right through to the captured footage of the band in action is unlike anything presented on a Rush DVD.

The directors have beautifully shot all the members of the band at just the right moments, with plenty of up-close shots (including plenty of Neil Peart) to emphasise the dominant and key part of any given song (whether it be a particular riff, a drum fill or a bass run). The editing is has been quite tastefully executed, and compliments the performance from the band perfectly. There are also plenty of visuals on the huge backdrop, and not to mention lights all over the place, and when you combine those with great live shots, awesome sound and plenty of interactive shots of the crowd, flaws are near next to none.

In terms of the set list, Rush have wisely chosen to get their selections a bit of a shuffle, with the first half of the show boasting some classics cuts (“The Spirit of Radio”, “Marathon”, “Freewill” and “Subdivisions”), some recent favorites (“Workin’ Them Angels,” “Leave That Thing Alone” and “Faithless”) and some revisited gems (“Presto” and “Stick It Out”). While Geddy Lee’s vocals show a bit of wear and tear in places (especially on “Time Stand Still) the band still has plenty in the tank – which is evident in their newer track “BU2B” (which is otherwise known as “Brought Up To Believe”).

Of course, the real highlight of the show is the band’s performance of their classic 1981 album Moving Pictures in its entirety. Classics from the album have been performed countless times in the past, and featured on the band’s more recent visual efforts, but the magic in seeing the album performed in its entirety from start to finish, which is nothing short of stunning. In terms of highlights, “The Camera Eye” and “Vital Signs” are real standouts.

Finishing up the DVD is the third part of the concert, which sees the band throw in another new effort in “Caravan” (which, alongside “BU2B”, will appear on their next studio effort Clockwork Angels), as well as highlights such as “O’Malley’s Break” (Lifeson’s acoustic introductory piece to “Closer To the Heart”), Peart’s drum solo (“Moto Perpetuo”/“Love For Sale”), “La Villa Strangiato” (which is given a polka intro) and the reggae-introduced “Working Man.”

In terms of extras, the DVD doesn’t have as much to offer as some of Rush’s more recent offerings, but it does have some great comedy sketches from the trio, which are as hilarious and offbeat as those seen on Snakes & Arrows Live.

Overall, whether you’re a diehard fan or a newcomer, Rush’s Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland is a worthy addition to anyone’s collection.

www.rush.com