Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland
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.
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
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
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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
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Deadwing
Porcupine Tree
Features intricate musicianship and a blend of progressive rock with atmospheric live energy.
Images and Words
Dream Theater
Shares a similar complex songwriting approach and showcases impressive instrumental performances in a live setting.
Discipline
King Crimson
Combines progressive rock legacy with innovative soundscapes, echoing Rush's intricate musicianship.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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