Just giving this my first listen/viewing albeit under subdued circumstances (just tucked in the Missus). First and foremost this is a real surround mix. Keys, percussion and supporting vocals in the rears, sub is active as well. Not really surprised as no expense has been spared in this production - a veritable army of directors, songwriters, producers, actors, guest artists, musicians and engineers courtesy of the fabulous Miss Thang & Jay Z's kazillions.
The 17 videos are visually sumptuous as well - it may all come down to a matter of taste for many here. This is state of the art contemporary R&B with flourishes of electronica and hip hop. A few of the feature tracks, (Pretty Hurts - which includes a cameo from none other than "The Cleaner," Harvey Keitel & Ghost/Haunted are given the "cinematic" treatment (dialogue and non musical elements) during the song. This the exception rather than the rule however as most of the videos are straight music. The album has it's own comprehensive Wiki page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyonc%C3%A9_(album) if you care to check out the extensive credits - I can't, however, determine who is responsible for the 5.1 mix.
Most importantly, this is new modern superstar/pop music mixed in lossless surround on Sony no less! I understand that everyone wants their old quad chestnuts reissued in surround, but in order to move this thing that we love forward, we need new contemporary pop music mixed in surround by someone other than just Steven Wilson. I suppose that this can just as likely fall on clueless ears but it's a big step in the right direction (IMHO).
The 17 videos are visually sumptuous as well - it may all come down to a matter of taste for many here. This is state of the art contemporary R&B with flourishes of electronica and hip hop. A few of the feature tracks, (Pretty Hurts - which includes a cameo from none other than "The Cleaner," Harvey Keitel & Ghost/Haunted are given the "cinematic" treatment (dialogue and non musical elements) during the song. This the exception rather than the rule however as most of the videos are straight music. The album has it's own comprehensive Wiki page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyonc%C3%A9_(album) if you care to check out the extensive credits - I can't, however, determine who is responsible for the 5.1 mix.
Most importantly, this is new modern superstar/pop music mixed in lossless surround on Sony no less! I understand that everyone wants their old quad chestnuts reissued in surround, but in order to move this thing that we love forward, we need new contemporary pop music mixed in surround by someone other than just Steven Wilson. I suppose that this can just as likely fall on clueless ears but it's a big step in the right direction (IMHO).
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