After a couple of setbacks the Snakes and Arrows MVI format makes it to the shelves. Was it worth the wait? Unequivocally, yes! Rush gets the distinction of being one of the first artists to be released in this format and that is befitting such a pioneering band. The disc is in 96 kHz/24 bit hi-resolution stereo and full 5.1 surround. That really beats the hell out of those original 16 bit sizzler transfers, doesn't it? The sound on this has better separation and overall girth as the waveforms are not being destroyed in the higher registers, but I don't want to get lost in a technical discussion. This is all housed in a sturdy, artwork-infused box with an expanded 28-page booklet printed on high quality paper. Audio content on this MVI is not accessible with conventional CD players so keep that in mind when you purchase as well as the fact that there are only 25,000 in total production, so don't wait to long.
For me, the centerpiece of the package is the 45 minute video documentary, "Rush: The Game of Snakes and Arrows". It is a privilege to be invited and given access to the band and producer in the recording studio. Much of the commentary is evenly divided amongst the band members, but the highlights have to be when you see Neil recording his drum parts. I have to admit that whole idea heightened my curiosity to where I could hardly wait and I said to myself, "it has to be there?" If you have ever seen Rush in concert you know how you have to watch Neil to see how he does some of his drum parts and you get that here. This expectation was a major selling point for me and it might be for many of you as well. Anyway, worry not! The whole atmosphere of the documentary is very peaceful/relaxed and it is entertaining to see them just kind of laying around on a couch or joking as they snap their own photo in a professional shoot. (Geddy's ends up being the best one) Not to mention, watching them jam on their instruments! You are also given verbal commentary into the ideas and insights for the structure building of the songs and lyrics.
Some other features of this package include: the ability to register the MVI for additional bonus features (hopefully I can do this today) wallpapers, ringtones and a scrollable dialog written by Neil Peart that provides additional discovery into the creation of the songs. Look for a price point around the $22-25 dollar range, which is not bad considering… Rush is not about the money grab, by releasing 3 bonus editions of every CD! In essence, you can consider this a true collectible based on that!
Track listing
1. Far Cry
2. Armor and Sword
3. Workin' Them Angels
4. The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)
5. Spindrift
6. The Main Monkey Business
7. The Way The Wind Blows
8. Hope
9. Faithless
10. Bravest Face
11. Good News First
12. Malignant Narcissism
13. We Hold On
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