Rush: Geddy Lee (vocals, Mini-Moog synthesizer, Oberheim synthesizer, bass); Alex Lifeson (acoustic, electric & 12-string guitars, synthesizer); Neil Peart (glockenspiel, drums, timbales, timpani, triangle, percussion, electronic percussion, gong, cowbell, chimes); John Rutsey (drums).

Additional personnel: Aimee Mann (vocals); Andy Richards (keyboards, programming); Jim Burgess (programming).

Producers: Rush, Terry Brown, Peter Henderson, Peter Collins.

Compilation producer: Mike Ragogna.

Recorded between 1974 & 1987.

Canadian power trio Rush defined a new genre by combining hard rock's relentless drive and screeching vocals with progressive rock's jaw-dropping chops and quasi-mystical/science fiction lyrical sensibility. In the process, the group also spawned two musical revolutionaries in Geddy Lee and Neil Peart, both of whose influence is still felt by anyone who even thinks about playing in a hard rock rhythm section. If that wasn't enough, Rush even managed to successfully change with the times, scoring several gigantic hits in the '80s by folding elements of new wave, reggae, and electronics into an already diverse sound.

THE SPIRIT OF RADIO collects many of the best-known tracks from what most fans would consider the band's classic era. Beginning with the heartland rock of "Working Man" and proceeding through MOVING PICTURES's futuristic "Red Barchetta" and GRACE UNDER PRESSURE's Cold War-inspired "Distant Early Warning," the collection shows the members of Rush constantly seeking out new sounds and ideas, all the while maintaining their unparalleled virtuosity and rock energy. Some may have preferred the inclusion of a track from 1975's CARESS OF STEEL ("Bastille Day" being the obvious choice) instead of the two songs from HOLD YOUR FIRE, but this is otherwise a perfectly chosen group of songs providing a fascinating overview.