This R30 review in the Wilkes Barre Times-leader brings up an issue that I haven't heard much about in any review yet:
... The problem is that the CD version is ONLY available as a companion to the limited edition DVD and not in the racks at your local retailer. ...
As far as I'm concerned, I could care less about the CD version being available at all - I'm not a big fan of live recordings (that's why you see a band in concert), so this didn't occur to me. It's a valid argument though. After this initial beef they go on with nothing but praise:
... Rush fans that caught this monumental tour at Montage Mountain during 2004 should be elated that a document of the evening is now ready for consumption. For anyone who missed the show, the DVD serves as a fine reminder of what a powerful and entertaining unit Rush has become over their three-decade span. ... The 14-cameras show off the band from every angle and swoop across the stage to provide a "better than being there" seat in front of an enthusiastic Frankfurt audience.
Being a celebration of the band's 30 years, the set list is impeccable and serves up a glimpse of every facet of the Lee/Lifeson/Peart musical machine. Tracks from their latest CDs such as "Earthshine" and "Heart Full Of Soul," sit comfortably alongside older gems like "Dreamline" and "2112." And of course, "Tom Sawyer" is thrown in for good measure.
Diehard Rush fans may quibble over missed opportunities ("In The End?" "Hemispheres?"), but the snapshot here is as complete as it gets. This IS the sound of a hard-working, hard-rocking band that has survived the slings and arrows of the musical press and still moved 50 million albums and sold out countless venues.
Rush is one band that deserves another 30 years and "R30" is all the proof you'll need.
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