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Music Books [Issue
#23]
:
Rush: Chemistry By
Dean Truitt
Jon Collins’ detailed official biography is an interesting undertaking on a number
of levels. He has vigorously interviewed virtually every person who has had a
hand in the lengthy career of the Canadian trio.
Of particular interest are the notes about recording sessions. While some might
lament that Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart did not directly participate
in the biography, even casual Rush fans are well aware that each member is notoriously
private about anything other than professional questions. Moreover, the vast information
provided by the band’s enormous inner circle ultimately gives a more complete
picture than what Lee, Lifeson, and Peart would feel remotely comfortable divulging.
It is safe to assume that no admirer would ever expect to read anything along
the lines of Motley Crue’s The Dirt (and even more laughable that scenarios not
befitting a public library setting would typically take place with the trio).
Instead, Collins gathers up much information about the recordings, tours, and
artistic thinking behind each turning point. Typically, most Rush fans could never
find out enough minutiae about the tracking of each record, what type of equipment
was used, what was the meaning of each word, ad infinitum. The book closes with
“The Personology,” which is an intriguing brief bio of well over a hundred individuals
who have played a role in the band’s career.
Harper Collins
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