HiRez Poll Pearl Jam - DARK MATTER [Blu-ray Audio (Dolby Atmos)]

[timbre4]

I've been spinning this album as a 5.1 DVD-A in the car in recent weeks. I always look forward to hearing it when the changer presents it. Wanted to get familiar with it before commenting. This sounds to me like a band that is NOT phoning it in! I've not kept up with their every move, I really enjoy these tunes and 48 min seems just right.

There are a few neat tricks in the Atmos mix that are okay. I probably enjoy it more as a 5.1 mix overall. Probably an 8 but I went 9 mainly because I like it so much that I will return to it often. That doesn't happen every time with these mixes.

 

[edisonbaggins]

In my several listens of the Atmos mix, I only found a song or two or three engaging.
All fine playing and I can see how others would like more songs.
I'll try blasting the stereo version sometime, like on a road trip, and see if that changes my perspective at all.

 

[timbre4]

In my several listens of the Atmos mix, I only found a song or two or three engaging.
All fine playing and I can see how others would like more songs.
I'll try blasting the stereo version sometime, like on a road trip, and see if that changes my perspective at all.

I made the DVD-A from FLAC files and drove to Atlanta with it. Takes a road trip to get into I think.

 

[alansanchez86]

who's the mixer of this?

 

[AudiophileStyle]

who's the mixer of this?

Josh Evans and Nick Rives mixed the Atmos.

 

[key_wiz]

Never been a huge PJ fan. And as such, this one sat on the shelf for several weeks. but this new album is REALLY GOOD. Much better than one usually expects from a 30+ year old band.

Fidelity is as good as one would hope for the style of music. Surround mix isn’t amazing but suits the music.

This one is going to get a lot of plays. “9”

 

[GabeL]

Gave this Atmos mix another listen last night and while it didn't blow me away, I did enjoy it. Also, the songs sounded more intriguing this time around. I'll give it a 7, good songs, not so impressive Atmos mix.

 

[whoareyou]

I ended up giving this a 6 mostly because I don't like the overall mix. Song content is ok - 7.

Unlike other commentators, for me vocals sound very nice, but what I don't like is how the sides are used in 7.1.4. To me they seem overblown, trying to add grunge type distortion into the mix (are they even a grunge band?), and it's just not needed in the amounts provided. Very first song, Scared of Fear seems like worst offender, but other songs also seem to do this on my system (I do think the 5.1.4 layout sounds better).

Others will disagree, and seem to like stuff coming at them from all over, but I like multichannel mixes to provide the music without "telling" me where the sonics have originated. This album just doesn't do that for me. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Farles]

are they even a grunge band?

I am trying to convince myself that you are being sarcastic, but I don't think so.

 

[whoareyou]

I am trying to convince myself that you are being sarcastic, but I don't think so.

I guess that depends on what your definition of grunge is. Is it the distortion or the era? Do all of their albums sound like 10 or Vs. ? Not so sure about that, as many of their songs are just good ole rock-n-roll, some punk, or just plain melodies. I think they are just a kick-ass rock band.

 

[Farles]

I guess that depends on what your definition of grunge is. Is it the distortion or the era? Do all of their albums sound like 10 or Vs. ? Not so sure about that, as many of their songs are just good ole rock-n-roll, some punk, or just plain melodies. I think they are just a kick-ass rock band.

Fair enough, their music has evolved over the years. I do appreciate that about them, progressing and maturing over time and not hanging on desperately to what made them popular in the first place. I am curious what it would be like to go to a PJ show these days?

 

[timbre4]

I've downshifted my vote from 9 to 8 based on the uninspired Atmos mix. It only adds to the presentation with a guitar pitch trick to the overheads and occasionally something with the vocals. It's still better than the Atmos on the new album by The Cure, but they surely could've done more with this one.

If it were not for the strong repeat play of the songs, it'd vote a 7 on this one. It's the tunes that keep it afloat for me to keep the 5.1 downmix disc in the DVD-A changer. How I rank them:

01. Scared Of Fear = ***
02. React, Respond = ***
03. Wreckage = ***
04. Dark Matter = ***
05. Won't Tell = ****
06. Upper Hand = ****
07. Waiting for Stevie = *****
08. Running = **
09. Something Special = ***
10. Got to Give = ***
11. Setting Sun = ****

 

[stoopid]

... not hanging on desperately to what made them popular in the first place. I am curious what it would be like to go to a PJ show these days?

A bunch of aging hipsters desperately hanging on the past.

 

[Farles]

A bunch of aging hipsters desperately hanging on the past.

The mosh pit would be hilarious

 

[whoareyou]

A bunch of aging hipsters desperately hanging on the past.

Nothing wrong with acknowledging the past. Grandpas can still rock while enjoying the finer things life has to offer

 

[whoareyou]

It's still better than the Atmos on the new album by The Cure, but they surely could've done more with this one.

If you think the Atmos is bad, play the stereo mix and then switch back to the Atmos. It will make the Atmos sound great. Seriously, I don't know what they were thinking when they mastered this album.