I didn't think "Chalkhills And Children" could get any better. Boy, was I wrong. This one actually choked me up a little. Just wonderful...
Okay. First impressions (for whatever those are worth) on the 5.1:
The mixes at first seem almost, I don't want to use the word "conservative," but that's what comes to mind. With that said, they seem to get more interesting as they come along, so it's actually pretty cool. I think a lot of whiz-bang would grow quickly tiresome anyway. Overall, this seems in keeping with Steve Wilson's usual style. It's an unqualified improvement over the stereo mix, and will surely be my go-to version of this classic album from here on in. There's also a frequent, fun feeling of just hanging out in the studio with the band! I sure wasn't expecting that on this one.
The sound is GORGEOUS. You know how sometimes a piece of music sounds so good it almost seems kind of chewy, like you could take a bite out of it? This whole thing is like that. And again, at first it sounded kind of not-very-bright in the top end, but then I realized I was comparing to my memory of the original stereo mix. And granted, that was an 80s pop record, but still, it was pretty busy up there. The more I listened, especially after leaving the room a couple of times and coming back to it, the more I realized that the tonal balance is pretty much exactly right, to my ear at least. The highs are all there; they're just not all jammed together anymore!
Anyway - I hadn't listened to Oranges & Lemons since I heard the 5.1 release announcement way back when, and I'd somewhat forgotten what a brilliant record it really is. And now it's even better! This was certainly worth the wait.
-- Jim
