Excellent intro into 70s era Rush

In May of 1997, Rush released the first of two best ofs entitled Retrospective I(1974-80) in conjunction with the remasters of the band's first seven studio albums.

There were technically five Rush compilations available and released over the years. In 1978, Mercury reissued the band's first three efforts as Rush Archives(a triple record set). Next was 1990's Chronicles, a double CD set which drummer Neil Peart hated(track list wise(how the songs were listed and some of the choices on that disc and artwork wise and in Rush's tour programs, Chronicles is not part of the discography, believe it or not). Then came Retrospective I then Retrospective II in 1997 and then 2003's The Spirit of Radio greatest hits collection.

Retrospective I is the first of the Retrospective CDs.

This album has artwork by Hugh Syme(Rush's equal to Storm Thorgerson) and the band members helped with the tracklisting in which the tracks came from the following albums Rush(Finding My Way, a song which the band kicked off their 30th Anniversary tour as part of the R30 Overture), Fly by Night(Anthem(also played as part of the R30 Overture), By-Tor and The Snow Dog(the first four minutes of the track is still played live today) and the title cut), Caress of Steel(Bastille Day(was played as part of the R30 Overture)), 2112(the Overture and Temples of Syrinx sections of 2112(a concert staple to this day) and Something for Nothing), A Farewell to Kings(the 11 minute plus Xanadu(which was resurrected for the 30th Anniversary tour) and the classic Closer to the Heart(a song which was retired from the setlist after 1997)), Hemispheres(The Trees and La Villa Strangiato, both still classic concert staples) and lastly the Top 5 Permanent Waves(The Spirit of Radio and Freewill, concert staples as well although Freewill was dropped from the setlist this year).

If you are confused where to begin your intro to 70s Rush, then this is for you.

If you want a proper intro, buy this and Retrospective II simultaneously and is much cheaper than Chronicles!

Best compilation

I grew up with Rush. The story started when they came out with the Hemisphere album which had the nicest song I ever listened "Villa strangiato". I still believe it is their best song and I am not of fan of instrumental songs usually. My second favorite "The tree" was on that album too. "Xanadu" from a previous album is my third favorite. Only "Working man" is missing.

Money making album, maybe, but I think they picked the best songs on every albums to put it on there. On all Rush albums that I have, this one is the most played.

Exceptional musicians. Next time I will pay the damned money to go and see them in concert.

This And CHRONICLES Are The Place To Start

RETROSPECTIVE's two volumes, along with CHRONICLES, are the first Rush albums you should buy- preferably all at once. This album contains several prime 70s cuts not on CHRONICLES, especially "Something For Nothing", a song which really inspires me to think seriously about how I will feel/look better if I do not always do for others while ignoring what I need for myself. Get CHRONICLES and RETROSPECTIVE first, then move on to the original albums.