Louise Patricia Crane - Netherworld 5.1 DVD-V/CD (featuring Jakko Jakszyk/Mel Collins/Tony Levin/Ian Anderson)

[Thonolan]

I noticed the audio quality tends to be very noticeably different too from its predecessor. Deep Blue at times I'm struggling to hear the clarity of Louise's beautiful voice, the subtle nuances that (comparing it to Netherworld) get lost in all the many effects that are being used on the vocals.

Regarding the recording I agree, I'd say Deep Blue sounds a tad too compressed too and that hurts the vocals & instruments separation at times. The nuances are indeed lost compared to Netherworld.

 

[silversundial]

Louise has just posted her new video for Bete Noire. Very nice!!

 

[Thonolan]

I've been listening to this album earlier today and I've realized I hadn't said anything about the 5.1 mix, since the album arrived when I hadn't finished setting up my new room yet.

I wasn't sure what to expect, given that Jakko's mixes have been hit or miss in my experience, but I'm happy to report this is a good one (as some of you had already noted before). It's just as immersive as this whimsical, otherworldly music called for, creating a big bubble of (discrete) sound. Very cool. As for the DVD visuals, each song features a different picture from the same photosession used for the booklet. But sometimes I felt the music was enjoyed best with my eyes closed. It's also very dynamic - you need to play it loud!

One minor quibble would be that the bass is really overwhelming in the mix of some songs, especially on those played by Tony Levin (when Louise herself plays the bass, it sounds more balanced). I can feel my subwoofers working too hard on those

Overall it's really nice though. The surround mix complements and enhances the nature of this music, which is what it's supposed to do, right?



Just came to my mind, because she played over here last weekend, some of you might enjoy the music of her friend (I think she is - I remember seeing some pics of them both having fun together) Rosalie Cunningham. I think she's great songwritter and player (plays almost all instruments in her studio albums) and I'm a bit surprised she's not more famous. Although their music is a bit different, they share similar influences, but whereas Louise goes for a more ethereal/dreamy feel, Rosalie rocks harder. Her music isn't too different to what Opeth have been doing in the last few years - vintage sounding prog/psych/bluesy stuff. In fact, this song (the only pro live recording I could find of her) sounds kinda similar to Opeth's "The Wilde Flowers" at times. Check it out if you're curious:

 

[barfle]

My copy is still on the way, I believe it’s coming from Vilnius, so it has a long journey to Idaho.

 

[Thonolan]

My copy is still on the way, I believe it’s coming from Vilnius, so it has a long journey to Idaho.

I'm guessing you didn't order it in June like some of us did, but much later?

 

[barfle]

I'm guessing you didn't order it in June like some of us did, but much later?

Yeah, about ten days ago. I’d completely forgotten about it until I saw @GOS selling his copy.