HiRez Poll Keane - HOPES AND FEARS [Blu-Ray Audio (Dolby Atmos)]

[sjcorne]

Please post your thoughts and comments on this 2024 reissue of Keane's 2004 debut album "Hopes and Fears."
The Blu-Ray Audio edition sold exclusively through SuperDeluxeEdition.com contains new 5.1 surround sound & Dolby Atmos mixes from David Kosten.

The Dolby Atmos mix is also available to stream on all Dolby Atmos streaming providers:

Please note that entirely different 5.1 surround mix of "Hopes and Fears" (by Nathaniel Kunkel) was released on SACD and DualDisc/DVD-Audio in 2004. This poll only concerns the 2024 Blu-Ray Audio release.





Pre-release thread for all shipping/ordering queries and non-poll related posts:
https://www.quadraphonicquad.com/fo...-up-to-may-10th-2024.35754/page-8#post-780046

 

[RandomPiGuy]

I had never heard this album until this release was announced. It has now been one of my most played albums in the time since then and this surround mix is almost exactly what I imagined it would be from listening to the stereo version and I think it's perfect. So I'm giving it a 10.

 

[Dynamic Editor]

Not a particularly layered album, so spreading it all out to the surround sound space is a bit of a difficult endeavor. I found myself wanting a bit more in terms of adventurousness, but also questioned how much more was really possible.

So, am I satisfied with this release? I'm honestly still trying to figure that out. (Listening in 7.1, for reference.)

 

[bktouchstone]

This one’s a keeper. Solid 9. Strong material, spare arrangements for the most part, with a very good Atmos mix.

 

[GOS]

Over the years, I've made it pretty clear how this is one of my all time favorite albums.

Content - 10
Fidelity - 9
Surround Mix - 9

When you think about how there are just 3 dudes in this band, there cannot be a lot going on. Yet, this Atmos mix manages to pull a few nice moments to really make this one super interesting.
The surround mix makes the most of what it can, as a result, the mix gets a 9 from me.

I guess my average is a 9. This is one of those times when you simply cannot, or shouldn't compare the surround mix of something like this to a multi-layered band like Porcupine Tree. OK fine, you can if you want. I choose not to.

This is a killer release, and I couldn't be happier with how it sounds. For me, this release will get WAY more spins than the majority of my vast arsenal of surround titles. Easily my favorite SDE release so far.

 

[RustyM]

This is my first exposure to the alternative rock band KEANE from East Sussex. I had never listened to HOPES AND FEARS which won many awards in 2005 and sold millions of copies worldwide. First time listen, I was captivated by Tom Chaplin's vocals with piano and drums. The music is very pleasing for repeated listening. The new Atmos mix, 5.1 mix and 96/24 stereo mix was created by David Kosten. I enjoyed the Atmos mix and always get excited over a lossless 96/24 stereo mix. The bonus track LOVE ACTUALLY is also available in the three audio streams. This is #21 of the SDE Surround Series and I guess it's no suprise that it is currently out of stock. This work get a 10 from me and is highly recommended.

SURROUND MIX - 3
AUDIO FIDELITY - 3
CONTENT - 3
OVERALL PACKAGE - 1

 

[GOS]

More listening at 80 db. This is epic. I feel guilty for voting 9. It's 10.

 

[GOS]

More listening at 80 db. This is epic. I feel guilty for voting 9. It's 10.

Everybody's Changing in itself is a 10.

 

[weekendtoy]

In the world of audio, I try to avoid the incremental, it's a road to madness.

This one is a substantial improvement over the SACD. It's a real-deal multi-channel surround mix.

The ATMOS mix uses the 4+ tracks to great effect, creating a really nice atmospheric effect.

9

 

[Jasong41]

One of my all time favourite albums. Atmos mix is great. Like others have said there’s only so much going on to spread out on some songs. Everybody’s Changing is spectacular. This is definitely the best this album has ever sounded in my opinion. Can’t wait to see them at Radio City Music Hall in NYC in September!

 

[key_wiz]

I bought this disc just to be completist with the SDE set. I really didn’t know anything about it. So glad I did! First of all, I’ve heard the opening track a million times and love the song! I don’t know if it’s one my wife or daughter plays a lot or if I just know it from somewhere else, but classic track!

And the rest of the album is solid. The music is right up my alley. I’m a Keane fan! Love it!

And the surround mix is very good. Nothing spectacular on most tracks but solid indeed. (And some are very very good.)

Coulda included a booklet or SOME sort of liner notes though!

A “9”.

 

[Strilo]

I own the SACD (or DVD-A I can't remember which) and even have the "Fronts and Rears" mix from someone somewhere. I love this album and agree that this new Atmos mix is fantastic. It's easily substantially better than the previous underwhelming 5.1 mix. I look forward to Under the Iron Sea and any other Keane album that might get this treatment. I gave this release a 9.

 

[AtAlls2Words]

https://www.quadraphonicquad.com/fo...x-moved-up-to-may-10th-2024.35754/post-779595

Per the post linked about the lack of centre channel vocals I found the comments from David Kosten on the SDE site this week quite interesting ;

"FYI on one of the mixes I’ve made previously I had to use a stereo lead vocal stem inc effects, so a dry mono centre channel vocal wasn’t an option."
(comments for Thompson Twin's Into The Gap)

Have to wonder if this was the album referred to .... ?

 

[GOS]

Got to be some more folks to vote on this one....

 

[KG10]

Has anyone tried down mixing the 5.1 mix? I did a simple one with no volume and panning adjustment on the channels using EZ CD Audio converter and found the results pleasing and more dynamic.

Done a comparison of the wave forms for track 1 (Somewhere Only We Know) down below

For some reason the ripped audio files from blu ray have reduced volume. so the bottom images are the wave forms amplyed with allow clipping unchecked so you can have a more detailed view.


And finally bellow are the DR values of the downmix for the whole album and the bonus track Love Actually.

 

[peterzach]

David Kosten has done a fantastic job on this release.
Hearing some keyboard stuff that was buried in other stereo and 5.1 mix and one of my favorite singers can be heard in even more clarity.
I would alos love to see David K. contue doing the rest of their catalogue in Atmos.
This is a 10 for me and so thankful it got released.

 

[Bobby Martini]

I bought this disc just to be completist with the SDE set. I really didn’t know anything about it. So glad I did! First of all, I’ve heard the opening track a million times and love the song! I don’t know if it’s one my wife or daughter plays a lot or if I just know it from somewhere else, but classic track!

And the rest of the album is solid. The music is right up my alley. I’m a Keane fan! Love it!

And the surround mix is very good. Nothing spectacular on most tracks but solid indeed. (And some are very very good.)

Coulda included a booklet or SOME sort of liner notes though!

A “9”.

Agree completely....especially the bit regarding liner notes. I had to dig out my old CD booklet to see what was what.