One of my favorite albums from one of my favorite bands. This is their first full-length release and we all know that the first one always holds a special place…
This is the point in their career where they have moved from being a band with a successful EP to becoming a unit that is super-tight, writing quality songs and bringing their live show to new levels.
This package is solid in that it contains demos, unreleased tracks, the original album, multiple surround mixes and a concert film.
Big props for accommodating 5.1, 7.1 and Atmos for the original album. Also love the blu-ray video quality of the concert, which is the legendary Misty Moon show from 1990. The setlist goes back to their first EP up through songs that were not yet released and would be on the next album, Road Apples. While the stereo mix of the film sounds great, I’m disappointed that the soundtrack was not remixed for surround.
Agree with
@zimmy that the album’s soundscape is opened up in surround and the tracks have more depth. I have heard this album hundreds of times and was pleasantly surprised to find some nuances that came alive throughout. Nice drum sound (check out “Opiated”) and lots of guitars, so if that’s your thing, come on down.
While
@fizzywiggs41 feels that the lead vocal track on the 5.0 mix is largely overloaded, I find the Atmos mix slightly lacking in a few spots where I think it could use a punch-up. Conversely, in some songs, you can hear and feel the vocal room, which I always love.
The demo disc and the unreleased tracks are a treat. Love hearing the songs that didn’t make it and how some of the ones that did got better along the way.
It’s great that Mark Vreeken did the remixing and remastering here. He did a fantastic job with the Fully Completely surround mixes and brought new life to this album.
Voted 9, taking a point off for the non-surround mix of the film soundtrack. Otherwise, I think it’s a job very well done.
Highlights:
Blow at High Dough
I’ll Believe in You
Boots or Hearts
When the Weight Comes Down
