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CD Review: Rush, "Feedback" (Atlantic)
During Rush 's three-decade career--which has seen them sell more than 35 million albums worldwide--the band's fans no doubt have become accustomed to one thing: originality.
Praised or vilified, the rocking Canadians have done it on their own terms, weaving rock, progressive, funk and even reggae sounds into their own signature. So, of course it makes sense for them to release an EP of covers for their 30th birthday.
"Feedback" is a tribute to the '60s rock that influenced the band in its youth, but that's evident with just a quick glance at Hugh Syme's cover art, a loving nod to the Fillmore's concert posters.
"Summertime Blues" toes a nice line between previous treatments of the song by The Who and Blue Cheer, while you can probably feel the lava-lamp aura from "Heart Full of Soul," "Seven and Seven Is" and "For What It's Worth."
Whatever guitar is needed--from the twang of "Mr. Soul" and "Shapes of Things," to the Clapton blues of "Crossroads"--Alex Lifeson delivers like he was auditioning for his first band. And no doubt Neil Peart was channeling Keith Moon as he flailed about the drum kit on The Who's signature "The Seeker"--very unlike his usual perfectionist self.
A fitting tribute. Worth a listen to anyone interested in where Rush came from.