Sector 2

Perhaps the most lavish box set ever released within the realm of progressive rock, this wonderfully designed, all-inclusive 3 section box set contains every release from this seminal band's career with Mercury Records. The collection is divided into 3 "sectors" each with 4 studio albums and the live album corresponding to that era. Plus, one album in each sector contains an additional DVD with 5.1 mix. The box construction is sturdy heavy cardboard, and when the 3 sectors are placed next to each other on a shelf or table top they form a road case with all the Rush logos on the outside. Nice. But from a cosmetic standpoint, the best feature of this reissue would have to be the individual albums. Each CD is housed within a mini album sleeve that is an exact replica of the original LP art and layout. For those that remember the double gate-fold style LP's from the 70's, these miniatures will bring back some great memories. However, since this "miniaturized" rendering makes some of the lyrical content too small to decipher, the band wisely chose to release a separate booklet (one for each sector) which contains photos artwork and reprinted, more legible lyrics from the corresponding albums in that set. The only disappointment here is that there are no additional liner notes in any of these booklets, and no lyrics are included for Rush and Fly By Night. Additionally, each recording has been digitally remastered so the sound quality is phenomenal. The lack of bonus material on any of the discs may be a disappointment to some, but for Rush purists this is a plus. The intent here was obviously to retain as much of the "original" feel of the releases, just translated into digital format. The only way, perhaps, to provide a better collection of Rush's Mercury years would be to release the same set with LP's instead of CD's and DVD's. Until that day, though, this is a wonderful way to cull the band's most prolific and most lauded recordings into a concise, yet comprehensive and complete package.(My review of Sector One and Sector 3 posted separately)A Farewell To Kings (Stereo/DVD 5.1)Rush continued to expand their sound with this release. Instead of one long 20 minute opus this time they honed it down to two smaller compositions, the first of which is one of the band's most beloved tunes of all time "Xanadu" and the second the first part of a larger composition that would culminate on the next release Hemispheres. Just about no one was writing in this style at the time especially not with the confidence to record a prequel on one record and the sequel on another. In order to expand their sound, Peart incorporated all kinds of percussion equipment, such as the tubular bells, orchestra bells, chimes and the vibra slap to name a few. Lee and Lifeson also added a few tools to their arsenal as well with the bass pedals, Mini Moog and those ridiculous 12 string guitars. Of course while the epic songs here showcased the band's penchant for prog extravagance, the melodic and moving "Closer To The Heart" - as well as the simple, yet entertaining "Cinderella Man" - nicely balanced the "heady" works to provide the band's best and most diverse recording up to that point in time. The DVD treatment of this release is exceptional, especially "Cygnus X-1" where the sounds gyrate around the room, almost as if in outer space.Hemispheres (Stereo)By cutting out the filler songs, Rush succeeded in crafting the first of three flawless releases in a row. Side one contained the epic conclusion to the "Cygnus X-1" and would mark the conclusion of the mythology/fantasy based songs by Peart. With subsequent releases the lyrics would swing in a more thought-provoking and more widely appealing direction. Hemispheres was an apt title for this paradoxical record as side two would change directions completely and deliver two concise, witty and melodic songs followed then by the most self-indulgent song in the history of the band with the near 10 minute instrumental "La Villa Strangianto." As if anyone at this point doubted the level of musicianship within the band, this track would conclusively set those doubts aside. Essential.Permanent Waves (Stereo)This one would have received my vote to receive the 5.1 surround treatment for this sector (of course along with Moving Pictures which has already been released separately), but it sounds great, just fine, in stereo. Really, what more can be said about the release that put Rush on the map - that paved the way for what was to follow with Moving Pictures. This record was the perfect transition from the old Rush to the new Rush, and to this day the sounds from this recording remain very distinct from the other Rush releases. The ethereal quality of "Jacob's Ladder," "Different Strings" and "Natural Science" was juxtaposed with the more commercial/accessible "The Spirit Of The Radio," "Entre Nous" and "Freewill." It really was a perfect balance. And lyrically, Peart finally broke through with words everyone could grasp. Essential.Moving Pictures (Stereo)Probably the most important progressive rock record of all time, these songs are now so well-ingrained into music history that it is impossible to fathom why this release alone hasn't sealed Rush's elusive nomination to Rock's Hall of Fame. Released at an earlier date as an anniversary issue with 5.1 surround, the version in this box set adds little except the novel single sleeve cover. But from a music standpoint this is the same stereo version that was remixed for the anniversary reissue. Beyond essential.Exit...Stage Left (Stereo)It's nice to hear this release again after many years, and to this day it remains one of the greatest live releases of all time. The caliber of songs here is astounding, and the execution is near flawless. The only negative with this live release was that the songs were culled from multiple shows, so we lose that single explosive, raw performance factor that makes so many of the newer live DVDs more impressive. The highlights were Peart's amazing drum solo in "YYZ" and the band's execution of the difficult "La Villa Strangianto."

Neat packaging with all three Sectors together. Sound of the remastered albums is great.

I owned all the rush CD's already but these were a real treat and did clear up Geddy's voice and Neals drums. I did not hear any errors like other's mentioned. I think it must be their systems. I mainly bought all 3 of the Sector box sets for the 5.1 versions because i love the surround sound. Sector 2 is my favorite, although I must confess with Rush, whatever CD I'm listening to at the time Is my Favorite. Funny how that works. On Sector 2, A Farewell to Kings is the 5.1 surround CD. I was expecting "Xanadu" to be the best and it was very good indeed but "Closer To The Heart" was better than I have ever heard before and it was so good that I couldn't stop crying for 2 minutes after it ended, and had to listen again and show everyone who comes over! Only gave it 4 stars because they should have made Every CD a 5.1 not just 1 per Sector box. I loved how each CD came in a replica mini of the original Vinal Album.

Part of the three part Sector box set. Rush is one of the best bands in the history of mankind, and the Sector set is an efficient way to obtain their entire catalog. You can't go wrong with this or the others in the series.

Headline states it all. Decent remastered sound quality compared to mp3 or older recordings.

Unlike the other two purchased, this box did not have the internal protective CD bags.It was unfortunate to receive it in such conditions.

I love Rush, and have been seeing them since Moving Pictures Tour.The drawback of these box sets is the lack of extras. Simple.We are fans! We want to hear the out-takes, the alternate takes, the unused tracks. I own box sets from artists from the 1950s that contain almost every TAKE of their studio output, a band like Rush can offer more to the rabid fan. And we are rabid fans.As good as the band is, they didnt get everything on take one, and didnt use every song. Give us the extras if you want us to buy the same CD for the 5th time.

Best period.

I have had these Rush Box sets on my Amazon Wish list for ages, but due to the bad reviews about the discs and packaging I held off purchasing till now. I bought this one first as I wanted to hear 'A Farewell to Kings' in 5.1, as already owning '2112' and 'Moving Pictures' in 5.1, the surround mixes of those two albums are up there with the best I have ever heard!! Well I was not disappointed, the 5.1 surround mix of AFTK is just outstanding, I cannot recommend the Rush surround remixes higher, if you are a Rush fan and have a surround sound system and don't own these you really need too!!The quality of remasters on the rest of the albums is just superb, crisp, sharp, for albums this old they sound like new recordings!! Always hated the Exit Stage Left mix even on original vinyl they have vastly improved that here!!I was delighted with the packaging, the vinyl replica sleeves brought a smile to my face as I opened each one and it was exactly like the vinyl ones I used to own. Took me back to the days you went into town to the local record shop bought a new Rush album and examined the cover with great interest all the way home on the bus and loved if it was gatefold as you usually got lyrics and pictures!!These box sets may have had teething problems at beginning but that seems to be sorted, if like me you hung off buying these because of the bad review, don't any longer, you are really missing out!!!

I ordered the box sets Sector 1 and 2 hoping they would be the new ones with the replacement discs for Fly By Night CD and A Farewell to Kings DVD, but instead I got the old ones. When I complained I was asked to return the box sets. The replacements arrived quickly, but again the discs for Fly By Night (CD) and A Farewell To Kings (DVD) were the faulty ones. Here are the matrix numbers for the bad versions and the replacement discs, which I hope to obtain someday (hopefully through Amazon itself):Fly By Night CD Bad Disc DIDX-778016Fly By Night CD Replacement DIDX-794835A Farewell To Kings DVD Bad Disc - matrix # is DVSS-3157140A1A Farewell To Kings DVD Replacement - matrix # is DVSS-3358580A1

This is a very good box set in terms of package and sleeve printing quality. The attached booklet is also made of good quality material and with very good printing.Overall, it depends on how much you pay for it.

I have bought all the Rush albums several times - vinyl LP (remember those?), CD, remastered CD and now these Sector box sets.These are definitely the best sounding ever.Unlike other reviewers I do like the packaging and I do not find the disks particularly difficult to remove from the cardboard sleeves.There were some issues with skipping tracks - this has now been corrected and I have received the new disks.Highly recommended for all Rush fans.

Great way to catch up with some of the missing albums from my collection, even if a few are then duplicated.Good price for 5 albums in the pack.