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I started off this morning listening to Rush's "Caress of Steel," but then remembered that there was a version of "Bastille Day" on the "Different Stages" bonus disc that I really liked. So I changed my Zune over to that album.

Different Stages, recorded during the Counterparts and Test for Echo tours, always reminds me of that dark time after the deaths of Neil Peart's daughter and wife, and how we didn't know if the Rush would ever record and tour again. Another interesting note about this album is that Rush recorded every single show on the Test for Echo tour to see if they could get the perfect concert on tape. Interestingly, most of the tracks on this album come from the Chicago show.

Even though Geddy Lee said this was the last live Rush album, since he didn't think they could make one that sounded any better, Rush has subsequently released Rush in Rio and R30, and has recorded material during the "Snakes & Arrows" tour for another possible DVD and live CD. Rush fans just can't get enough.

I might go as far as to say that this is probably John Williams' second-best soundtrack--next to "Star Wars."

I've been watching this film with my two sons recently, and they seem as affected by the music as I was when I was a kid. The main title is probably the best superhero theme ever written. (And when you add those flying credits in the movie, it's even more incredible.) Now I can see why Brian Singer wanted to keep John Williams' theme for "Superman Returns" -- as it's permanently connected to the character of Superman. 

Labels: music

I hadn't listened to this album in a while, so I was surprised at how relevant (and creative) it sounded. There are moments of "80s keyboards" and some backup arrangements that show this album's age, but Plant sounds as good as he did with Led Zep. It's also interesting to note that Phil Collins played drums on this album, and most of it is extremely tasteful.

I also liked how this version of the album (2006 remastered) included live tracks of "In the Mood," and a few others, as well as a previously unissued studio version of "Turnaround."