HiRez Poll Flaming Lips, The - YOSHIMI BATTLES THE PINK ROBOTS [Blu-Ray Audio (Dolby Atmos)]

[rtbluray]

Please post your thoughts and comments on this new reissue of the album "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" by the Flaming Lips.
This 20th anniversary edition has been released on Blu-Ray Audio disc featuring a brand new Dolby Atmos mix alongside the original 5.1 surround mix originally released on DVDA-V.

 

[ergalthema]

Wow, first time I've been first to a poll here! I'll paste my review from the other thread:

The 5.1 mix is what got me interested in surround sound back in the day. I've heard this album way more than any other surround mix. So, the 5.1 will always have a certain perfection for me. But the Atmos mix did not disappoint. I enjoyed hearing new details. Beyond the mix being different, there is a pristine clarity to the resolution that I have never heard before. I am even more amazed at the multitudes of production techniques at every level and layer of this masterpiece.

I'm glad that a slightly different approach was used for the Atmos mix. I love all the ping-ponging of the 5.1 mix, but the Atmos mix gives my brain a little more of a break. (I'm near certain that the 5.1 mix gave me headaches for the first few years - like my nervous system didn't quite know how to process everything.)

Simply put, the Atmos mix sounds great to me. The playfulness is still there, and it sounds more epic and huge than ever. There are a few sections that sound almost identical to the 5.1 panning-wise. Maybe 2/3 of the album has similar panning, and the rest is different to some degree. Do You Realize?? is probably the most completely different mix.

That said, I was hoping for more discreet sounds in the height channels. There were maybe 3 specific events that stood out, but the height speakers were mostly reserved for spaciousness and subtle decorations. Like, if one of the ping-pongy songs had treated the height as equally discreet as the horizontal plane (random synth bass notes jumping up, etc.), I would have been happy. That's probably my only complaint.

My brain is so used to hearing the room spin during DYR??, I was kinda waiting the whole song for it to start moving. I look forward to future listens, now that I know what to expect. I'm glad that the 5.1 mix is included with this Blu-ray. Those are my immediate thoughts. I might have more to add later.

Edit: I also would have appreciated less seizure-inducing imagery as an alternative to the visualizer. I most enjoy listening with my eyes closed, but I can still sense the strobing! Easy enough to just turn the TV off, but something like a slideshow of the art would have been nice.

Edit: Also, props to Jon's liner note about how streaming is compressed compared to the Blu-ray - something most people don't realize.

 

[H.A.L.]

I voted 9 -- the music is good, the mix is good, although I took a point off for the fact you have to crank it a bit, which makes some parts a bit louder than it should be, and a bit softer in other places. There is a bit of a theme that I swear was lifted from another song -- maybe a Donovan song? Can't quite place it, but it is definitely a rip-off, not that I mind. Consciously or unconsciously, plenty of musicians do that!

 

[PurpleMoustache]

Feel like I give a lot of things here a 10 but honestly I don't know what other score to give this one.

As per the discussion in the release thread, I too have found the old 5.1 somewhat fatiguing. I'm not sure if it's the volume or dimensionality of it, but this Atmos mix fixes that and overall is a wonderful release to listen to. Use of wides and heights expand the soundscape for the album dramatically, and the visuals are seizure inducing... but fun.

And you have the old 5.1 in DTS-HD, a high res stereo of the album, and all the music videos. The booklet included is a great way of explaining Atmos to the layperson (though I'm sure some would be offput by the claim that "only blu ray can capture the full resolution", downloads can too, but a disc is definitely what is more palatable to a big label like Warner).

With the DR ratings from the other thread putting the Atmos at 12, this is far and away the most dynamic version of the album to date, and packed with previous versions, music videos, all for $25! And its not limited! I'd say this is an essential release for all who are interested in multichannel

 

[j9]

I voted 9 -- the music is good, the mix is good, although I took a point off for the fact you have to crank it a bit, which makes some parts a bit louder than it should be, and a bit softer in other places. There is a bit of a theme that I swear was lifted from another song -- maybe a Donovan song? Can't quite place it, but it is definitely a rip-off, not that I mind. Consciously or unconsciously, plenty of musicians do that!

You’re recognizing Cat Steven’s “Father and Son”. And so did he—he now gets 75% of the royalties.

 

[svtmike]

You’re recognizing Cat Steven’s “Father and Son”. And so did he—he now gets 75% of the royalties.

Yep. 75% of the royalties for Fight Test, and he's credited as a writer. The Lips recognized it at the time of recording and they didn't do the courteous thing and reach out, ended up getting sued, and lost.

 

[svtmike]

I've had a listen to the Atmos mix, and this is an easy 10.

It's a different experience than the 5.1 -- especially Fight Test -- but really sublime in its use of the mix to enhance the music. Easy on the ears too as others have noted because the dynamics have room to breathe.

 

[minimumtumbleweed]

I don't see how this isn't pertinent to the discussion. I literally had to turn the whole thing off because I couldn't handle it.

I didn't know Pure Audio actually allows me to play audio content from my Xbox One X with the TV off. It was flat-out impossible for me to do it any other way. Good to know, and thank you. @SomethingAnything

I have to agree with you for the most part. I don't know if I would call it flashing lights, but it definitely bugs your eyes out. More critically it's just ugly and pointless. Just an album cover with the track name would have been a massive improvement. Perhaps the video component should have some value in these polls - like half a point or so.

I enjoyed the album, I've heard it over the years but never really connected with it, and haven't heard the 5.1. The mix is very good though so I will give it a 9.

 

[Bill B]

I had heard others talk about how great the surround mix was n this album but I had never listened to it or the stereo mix. So it is all totally new to me. After listening to it for the first time I'm not sure how to categorize the music (psychedelic?, electronic ?, techno?) but I know I like it and the aggressive surround mix. I’m not usually a fan of electronic or techno music but regardless of the label it’s still accessible music for a rocker like me. Overall beautiful music to my ears.

I'll give it a 10 and am very glad I finally got the opportunity to get the album in a surround format without having to pay a ridiculous amount. It had been on my radar for a long time. An overall groovy vibe musically with a stellar surround mix is an easy 10.

 

[quadrifonico]

indeed that track is too much similar to that other song...and this music not my cup of tea in general;price is a good deal considering you get stereo, 5.1 and Atmos in a standalone disc;ok that with the new Atmos mix they want to enhance the psychedelic side of the album but i find it too artificial and i hear those heights more than what i want. in my opinion (also) in this case 5.1 is already more than enough -sounds also more relaxed and natural, less fatiguing-

 

[Horbus]

I didn't know the Band nor the Album (Band name "Flaming Lips" seem somewhat familiar but I can't recall). Anyhow I am really flashed not just for the music or the mixes but also for the other content. I must admit, that I like electronic music very much and therefore was easy for me to get into this album. But apart from that I was struck by surprise not only by the sonics but also that so much happens there with so many details! This Album lives up with and is really made for multichannel listenig!
A 10! definetely without a doubt!!!

 

[Farles]

This is a solid 10 for me. I am familiar with the album although have never owned a copy of the original DVD-A surround mix, so to hear it in it's full surround glory was a ton of fun. I have an Atmos setup, so have only explored that mix at this point. The album is an interesting journey, and hearing it in Atmos brings it to life. It is quite playful and engaging, and sonically wonderful.

The visuals are an oddity, to say the least. I just turned off my screen after the first few minutes anyways, but am still trying to wrap my head around the logic behind this. It kinda sorta goes along with the musical vibe I guess, but didn't work for me. They should have provided an option to turn them off or just display track basics.

This release is the deal of the year for me, and likely others here in Canada. Amazon.ca still has it for $23.09 CDN all in.

 

[Matt Wilson]

10
Yeah, I'm going all the way with this 'un. Always dug the album, and this is now my preferred way of listening.

 

[srbjab]

Gave it a few listens yesterday and can't rate it anything less than a 10. I really like the extensive use of the height, side and rear channels which contributes enormously to creating a full 360 degree sound bubble in my 7.2.4 Atmos setup. I love the fidelity and clarity, not to mention the deep bass and wonderful crankability. Comparing the Atmos to the 5.1 mix (both of which are very discrete), I find the Atmos superior in every way - it will be my preferred listening format going forward. For me, this will join the short list of demo worthy Atmos mixes to play when introducing someone to the technology. Add to that the more than reasonable price and it's a complete winner.

I will admit that the "visualizer" is headache inducing and really adds nothing to the listening experience, but since I can easily turn my display off while listening it isn't a negative factor for me; it certainly isn't worth taking a point off the rating. If you have an Atmos setup, don't pass on this one.

 

[bktouchstone]

Can’t say I know a lot about Flaming Lips but years ago a cousin of mine said I must have the 5.1 so that was my introduction. Not sure why but that version of Yoshimi never grabbed me like this atmos one. This is a round up to a 10 score. Great music, thoughtful, active and immersive surround mix which really highlights the beautiful layers of the production.

 

[bgf1973]

Great!!! ……….10

 

[LuvMyQuad]

I cherry picked this the other day. The 5.1 was demo material in it's day. The Atmos is even crazier. Great fidelity too. I can't not give this a 10.

I rip everything so the visuals aren't an issue. I feel for you guys that can't turn them off.

I noticed there is less video content with this new bluray than with the old DVD-A. No Pheobe Battles the Pink Robots, none of the documentaries.

My son was with me when we listened. He got the sweet spot. I was impressed. He was jaw droppingly awed. He also turned me onto a video of the theorized meaning of the album that I found interesting. Maybe you will too.

 

[edisonbaggins]

Solid 9.
Point deducted for Bleep Blops visuals.
Life in Surround Review and DVD-A Comparison

 

[sjcorne]

Joining the '10' crowd. I think the Atmos mix is a big improvement over the original 5.1 release. I'm glad they did away with some of the sillier panning bits (like in "Do You Realize???"), but kept the ones that worked (e.g. the pinging synth in "It's Summertime"). Now give us American Head on Blu-Ray!

Reviewed over at IAA: https://immersiveaudioalbum.com/the...e-pink-robots-5-1-surround-sound-dolby-atmos/