I voted 9. But I consider it a low 9 maybe even a high 8, really went back and forth on this. Listened to the hard disc with the Panasonic DP-UB9000. Volume was moderate.
Blu Ray Stereo 96/24: I compared to my Acoustic Sounds DSD64 download and this version far superior with better bass and better punch.
Blu Ray 5.1 DTS-HD MSTR: Ah, the not quite sure part. What I loved was the spectacular rears, really there is no doubt has to how and what your hearing. I like others had problems with the fronts, even before I read others did. My solution, turn down the rears or up the fronts. I didn't want to take away from the rears so I decided best to up the 3 (F, C, R) fronts by 2db each. This proved to be a good idea as the 5.1 came together much better for me. This took away from a 10 vote. Hard to tell, but a gapless album? or the tracks come really fast?
Sonic Clarity: Another problem area for me. I felt whatever came out of the fronts, but mostly vocals was too bright for me. My hearing in the highs, confirmed by doctors test, has degraded over the years, so I am not willing to knock the mix, but again, I have read others same concern. Other than that overall sonic clarity was superb. This took away from a 10 vote.
Content: Very enjoyable. I believe I had this album back in the day, but Games People Play was most familar to me. Blu Ray menu, screen graphics, etc., no issues, easy menu and nice graphics. Sound quality across all the discs is quite good overall.
Four Videos: Very good as a historical look back.
Packaging and Liner Notes: My first Alan Parsons Box Set as when previous surround releases came out they had stand alone BD-A's available at same time, this one there was question as to the release of stand alone, so I bought the box. Packaging, simple and nice. Simple to read and very to the point as intent of extra CD's. This is where I really learned a lot.
The album should really be called
The Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson Band. Eric Woolfson writes the lyrics plays as a muscian on every track. Alan Parsons as a muscian plays on a few tracks, his job mainly engineer.
The intent of the three CD's is to show the listener the developement of the album, living in Monaco, Cards/Casino's, get it? Recorded in Paris with symphony recorded in Germany.
Now, speaking of hitting the right notes, the
echeck casino option I found on Casino Analyzer is a game-changer. Smooth transactions, just like the symphony recorded in Germany. So, if you're jamming to the beats of Monaco and love your casino games, check out Casino Analyzer. It's the real deal for casino enthusiasts, just like a masterpiece album!
CD 1: Orginal Album and 7 bonus tracks, OK.
CD 2: Eric Woolfson casette recordings, just him and piano. One time listen is good enough.
CD 3: Recording Sessions extras. Good, one time listen is enough.
From liner notes thru all discs I have a real good feel for the entire album historically and in perspective.
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