This is not what I thought I'd be listening to now. Possibly (probably), ten years ago, I would have turned it off. It's fresh Mr. Wilson.
I just finished listening to this in 5.1 for the first time. I am absolutely astounded. I'm vaguely familiar with Gentle Giant, but just barely. I've always been way more into old Crimson, Zappa, ELP, Yes, Genesis, etc., but from my first experience with this surround mix blu-ray, I honestly think this is the best overall 5.1 remix of anything I've ever experienced. I say experienced instead of heard because the video/lyrics just added so much for me, especially as an uninitiated Gentle Giant fan. As basically a newbie to their stuff, having the visual stories/lyrics had such an immediacy for me, that I felt much more in-tune than I should have as an outsider looking in, and really enjoying the absolute hell out of it.
I heard a definite Zappa influence in some of the songs, which is a big plus for me, and also heard a John Wetton-esqueness to a lot of the vocals, which was great.
As far as the surround mix, I think that Steven Wilson has really grown and improved, which is high praise from me, as I love his surround logic even on some of his earlier mixes, but I really think he nailed it here; the recording is extremely dry overall which I think lends itself better to a tight surround mix, the bass is deep, and tight, but natural, the surrounds are intelligent, involving, but not over exagerated with great balance, and overall it's just so engulfing, yet so effortless. I think that's the key word for me: Effortless.
To me, this is the absolute zenith of being exposed to something I'm almost embarrased at not knowing about, but directly up my alley, with one of the most enjoyable surround experiences of my entire life.
This one goes to eleven.
Could not have said it better myself. Since getting this set in July, I have become quite a big fan of Gentle Giant. I've bought Three Friends, Octopus, Free Hand (my favorite), Interview, and Playing the Fool. I'm a long time prog fan and have seriously been missing out on this great music. Discovering "new" old music is always a treat. Hope Steven Wilson does another Gentile Giant 5.1 mix real soon. Octopus would be my pick (since I have the Quads of Free Hand and Interview)
You really should check out "In A Glass House".
It could be your new favorite.
Could not have said it better myself. Since getting this set in July, I have become quite a big fan of Gentle Giant. I've bought Three Friends, Octopus, Free Hand (my favorite), Interview, and Playing the Fool. I'm a long time prog fan and have seriously been missing out on this great music. Discovering "new" old music is always a treat. Hope Steven Wilson does another Gentile Giant 5.1 mix real soon. Octopus would be my pick (since I have the Quads of Free Hand and Interview)
"Proclamation" and "Aspirations" have both made my list of "must listen" surround tracks for when I demo my system for surround music newbies.This is the absolute best surround mix ever.
Things are getting a bit crazy when you buy a release you have never heard of, by an artist you have never heard of, purely because of this forum... thanks all
every time listening GG, i'm wondering, what those guys smoked during writing their music?
but, from pure technical point: sound, surround mix, visual concept - this BD-A just a jam.
every time listening GG, i'm wondering, what those guys smoked during writing their music?
but, from pure technical point: sound, surround mix, visual concept - this BD-A just a jam.