Rush-A Show Of Hands (1989)

Rush's third stylistic phase concluded with the release of the double live album "A Show of Hands" near the end of the 1980s, featuring a repertoire based primarily on this synthesizer-driven era, spanning from the albums "Signals" (1982) to "Hold Your Fire" (1989). This third period was marked by rejection from many of their more purist fans, due to the aforementioned shift towards digitized and cold sounds, in contrast to the raw hard rock of their early work and the expansive and intricate progressive instrumental arrangements of their second phase. This live recording reflects the virtuosity of the Canadian trio and their gradual transformation, influenced by the widespread trends of new wave music that became fashionable in the 80s. With impeccable production, a hallmark of all Rush's work, Lifeson, Lee, and Peart deliver some of the most impactful tracks from those years, such as "Big Money" and its infectious energy, "Subdivisions" with its extraordinary execution, the epic feel of the emotive "Marathon" and "Mission", Neil Peart's always amazing drum solo in "The Rhythm Method", Alex Lifeson's dazzling guitars in "Time Stand Still", and Geddy Lee's bass in the powerful "Closer to the Heart" the latter being the band's only concession to the past in this formidable live performance.