Rio grand

At first, you wonder what Rush were thinking when they decided to put out the audio version of Rush in Rio.

After all, these days DVD has all but superceded CD as the medium for documenting live shows -- as evinced by the fact that this set is also available in a superb two-DVD package. Plus, it's not as if the world was clamouring for a fifth live outing from this prog-rock power trio.

Having said that though, the three-CD Rush in Rio -- taped during the last show of last year's comeback tour for Vapor Trails -- is still impressive for several reasons.

First and foremost, there's the performance itself, an energized and dynamic 170-minute set from helium-voiced bassist Geddy Lee, hyperkinetic drum god Neil Peart and under-rated guitarist Alex Lifeson, who sweeten their imposing technical virtuosity with some endearing playfulness. Then there's the set list, which balances the strongest of their newer material with a wealth of radio hits (Tom Sawyer, Limelight), old favourites (Working Man, 2112) and seldom-played chestnuts (By-Tor and the Snow Dog, anyone?).

Last but not least, there's the crowd of 40,000 Rush fanatics who get in on the act, incessantly cheering, chanting and singing along with nearly every song -- including instrumentals like YYZ and La Villa Strangiato.

With a gig this incredible on the record, the real wonder is that Rush aren't putting it out on LP, cassette and 8-track too. (More on Rush)

Disc 1:
1. Tom Sawyer
2. Distant Early Warning
3. New World Man
4. Roll the Bones
5. Earthshine
6. YYZ
7. The Pass
8. Bravado
9. The Big Money
10. Trees
11. Freewill
12. Closer to the Heart
13. Natural Science

Disc 2:
1. One Little Victory
2. Driven
3. Ghost Rider
4. Secret Touch
5. Dreamline
6. Red Sector 'A'
7. Leave That Thing Alone
8. O Baterista
9. Resist
10. 2112

Disc 3:
1. Limelight
2. La Villa Strangiato
3. The Spirit of Radio
4. By-Tor & The Snow Dog/Cygnus X-1
5. Working Man
6. Between Sun & Moon
7. Vital Signs