Rush: Chemist (R) y

A very good over view of Rush's history. I would like to know more about the individual members of the band, but I understand they are very private.

Rush's popularity as a rock band hasn't decreased much at all since its birth in the 1970s to its movement around the world: its key musicians have continued to expand their repertoire and abilities and RUSH CHEMISTRY explores the phenomenon of their ongoing growth, from their early struggles and years of work to their ongoing hits and ability to work through personal changes. Sidebars of detail, black and white photos, and plenty of history contribute to a lively documentary of an evolving, still-popular rock group. It's been featured before, but deserves extra, ongoing mention as a 'must' for any Rush fan. Diane C. Donovan, Editor California Bookwatch

"Rush: Chemistry: The Definitive Biography" provides a little further insight into Rush chronologically that "Contents Under Pressure" by Martin Popoff did not. The making of each album is discussed, the major players involved in the Rush crew respectively, and internal/external difficulties that the band faced. Throughout the approximate 200 pages, we see the resilience of Rush develop throughout its 30+ year history, culminating in the R30 tour in 2004. Some color photos might have been nice and would have been worth the extra cost. However, this is a great book and brings back many memories for those of us who have been Rush fans since our youth.

Being a life-long Rush fan, I can't honestly say I can be totally objective! But who cares? I'm a fan. Bottom line is I enjoyed it very much. Besides, how many NON-Rush fans are going to buy this book anyway?! ;-) I particularly liked the comments from the producers and engineers over the years (Terry Brown, Peter Collins, David Leonard, etc). I would have loved to read so much more from that point of view - the recording process. However, getting into more of the technical process of the recordings would put some people to sleep... granted, that's my own personal taste (as a musician). But it did get into details of recording sessions - stuff that I've never read before. For the non-musician, or non-studio-geek, I'm sure the balance presented is just right. No complaints - only a personal wish-list (maybe a future book could be solely devoted to Rush's recordings sessions?!). :-) I've read other Rush books, and I found many of these details new. Granted, you can't change the 'story' - it IS a biography! So, some news is old news to the more 'learned' Rush fan. Yet, I never found myself skimming through pages, or saying to myself "I've read this 100 times before...zzzzz". The book kept my interest throughout. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down! Also of interest is the last chapter - a short bio on a ton of the people involved with Rush over the years... all those names you wondered about in the album credits... well, now you know! From one Rush fan to another, I'd certainly recommend this book. Chemistry indeed - very appropriate. (Now... where's the petition to get "The Camera Eye" back into their live set list?!). :-)

Canadian progmetal band Rush are an extraordinary phenomenon in the world of rock music, having followed their own idiosyncratic path for 30 years while building a massive worldwide underground fan base. Jon Collins has written an excellent, comprehensive, nicely illustrated and often very funny(!) biography that does them justice. It is certainly the best book I have come across on Rush. From early beginnings in Toronto where Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson first met at school, to the end of their thirtieth anniversary tour in 2004, the author takes the reader through the ups and downs of three unusually well-behaved rock stars and their uncompromising approach to the music business. The book is both accessible and intelligent, with the text broken up by black and white photos, short summaries of each album, and various miscellaneous snippets about the band. Collins draws on many interviews with the band and their extensive network of long-term close friends and allies in a business not often noted for its loyalty. Other recurring themes include the strong work ethic and exceptional musicianship that have both served them well throughout their career. Rush fans tend to be more fanatical than most, and many may already be familiar with much of the story here. It is the in-depth, honest "warts and all" approach that makes this book interesting. As a mere part-time fan down the years myself, I found this book a fascinating and inspirational insight into the struggles and behind-the-scenes realities of a great band. They are obviously very nice people too!