Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland cover

Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland

Rush

147 min · 26 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant celebration of Rush's progressive rock legacy, blending intricate musicianship with electrifying live energy.

Top tracks — play these first

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    The Spirit of Radio Start here — This track opens the album with its iconic guitar riff and anthemic chorus, highlighting Rush's signature blend of rock and progressive elements. Its inclusion underscores the band's ability to energize audiences with familiar classics.
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    Time Stand Still — Featuring heartfelt lyrics about cherishing moments, this song connects deeply with fans while showcasing Geddy Lee's emotive vocals and Alex Lifeson's layered guitar work. It's a reflective highlight amidst the setlist.
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    YYZ — Known for its complex instrumental arrangement and rhythmic shifts, this track exemplifies Rush's technical prowess and is a fan favorite that never fails to excite live audiences. Its intricate musicianship is a hallmark of their live performances.
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    2112 Overture / The Temples of Syrinx — This epic medley encapsulates Rush's storytelling ability through music, combining powerful instrumentation with thematic depth. Its placement in the set highlights their legacy and connection to progressive rock narratives.
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    Closer to the Heart — A staple in Rush's catalog, this track resonates with themes of unity and understanding, making it a sing-along moment for fans. Its concise structure contrasts with other lengthy epics on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album effectively showcases Rush's live prowess and diverse catalog, though its cohesion suffers slightly from the extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

  • The album features a setlist that spans the band's career, with tracks from multiple albums performed in a live setting.
  • The recording captures audience interaction, with cheers and applause integrated into the performance, enhancing the live experience.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic live performance energy
  • wave-like pacing for engagement
  • immersive audience interaction moments
  • virtuosic musicianship appreciation
  • long-form listening commitment

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise standalone tracks
  • dislike live recording ambiance

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Showcases Rush's enduring appeal and musicianship in their later career.
Themes
Cleveland concert energy· progressive rock legacy
Career context
Released in 2011, this live album captures Rush during their later career phase, following the successful studio album 'Snakes & Arrows' (2007). It showcases the band's enduring appeal and mastery of their craft as they celebrated over four decades of music. The album was recorded during the 'Time Machine Tour', emphasizing their classic hits while integrating newer material into the setlist.
Stylistic neighbors
Yes· King Crimson· Genesis

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Time Stand Still

    The narrative shifts from reflection to a plea for pausing time, emphasizing a longing to savor fleeting experiences.

    This shift introduces urgency to the introspective theme, enhancing the emotional weight of the song by contrasting nostalgia with a desire for permanence.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 The Spirit of Radio Start here 5:02
  • 2 Time Stand Still 5:16
  • 3 Presto 6:32
  • 4 Stick It Out 4:22
  • 5 Workin’ Them Angels 4:44
  • 6 Leave That Thing Alone 5:13
  • 7 Faithless 5:57
  • 8 BU2B 4:23
  • 9 Free Will 5:29
  • 10 Marathon 6:29
  • 11 Subdivisions 5:30
  • 12 Tom Sawyer 4:53
  • 13 Red Barchetta 6:55
  • 14 YYZ 4:32
  • 15 Limelight 4:31

Disc 2

  • 1 The Camera Eye 10:10
  • 2 Witch Hunt 4:42
  • 3 Vital Signs 5:28
  • 4 Caravan 5:37
  • 5 Moto perpetuo (feat. Love for Sale) 8:23
  • 6 O’Malley’s Break 1:34
  • 7 Closer to the Heart 3:28
  • 8 2112 Overture / The Temples of Syrinx 7:10
  • 9 Far Cry 6:23
  • 10 La Villa Strangiato 7:40
  • 11 Working Man 6:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata