Wow- I haven't been this blown away by new music in many years!
I was never able to get into GG- though admittedly I hadn't put a ton of effort into it. Being a prog fan, I expected to like them, but it never clicked. But a 5.1 SW re-mix seemed a perfect way to try again. And this time, due to the all-around excellence of this disc, I was completely engaged and taken on quite the journey! I listened to this 3X in as many days and it's rare that I listen to anything twice in a couple of weeks, even new music.
But had I sat down to listen to a stereo mix of this album, I don't know how much I'd like it; I had the auto-rips from Amazon and did a little previewing and wasn't very impressed. Had I listened to the 5.1 mix but not had the visuals, I'm not sure how much I'd have enjoyed it. Being able to read lyrics helps me immensely to get into new music; I never understood why they dropped the practice of including lyrics that most all of my dvd-a's from the "heyday" have. And TPATG not only gives the lyrics, but does so in a creative, sync'd-to-the-music way. But even better, the remarkable visuals really help to understand/get into the songs themselves and while they are very interesting, they never distract from the music, just complement it.
As much as I love the CTTE and TYA 5.1 mixes SW did of my favorite band, I have to say this disc is even better, given the creative use of video to enhance the listening experience. I actually dreamed about something similar (though less ambitious) for the CTTE blu, though I never thought it would actually happen: something that incorporated the lyrics with a look similar to the album sleeve- that distinctive RD font in black against a green background- that scrolled down in time w/ the music; during instrumental passages, we could see some of the scenes that are used as screen-savers, but with some movement incorporated that would give different perspectives; and flowing over that green fog from the album cover, w/ the 1st instance of Dean's iconic logo showing up at opportune times, again incorporating movement.
I really like the music on this; I agree w/ others that have stated there are many Zappa-esque moments- esp. in So Sincere. Yes, the music is very complicated and missing some of the sublime melodies that Yes has, but the complexities do make sense and serve the music. The singer's sound is definitely different and not "beautiful," but I got the impression that was more a stylistic choice than lack of ability. Regardless, for me it works for the music. For me, the musical content is a solid 9 at least.
The mix is typical SW, meaning great separation, great clarity and a solid, immersive soundscape. I would assume since it's SW it's also faithful to the original, but never having heard the original, I can't say. But the surround and fidelity are both top-notch in my book- solid 10's. But it's the video content that puts this over the top. I have voted a number of 10's on these polls- and while a few of them may in hindsight have been 10's due to my enthusiasm over a release, most I would still vote a 10 for. But since this disc beats them all, I wish I could give it an 11.
SW continues to show the way to do MCH releases. He always includes so many extras that really add to the package. But as much as I enjoy many of the musical extras, they pale next to what the video adds on this release. This is a complete package. I generally like to listen to music in the dark, but having something to watch that is not distracting but actually deepens the musical experience is the ultimate imo. I wish every album could be done like this. (I remember when LD's were 1st introduced, I thought they would be a vehicle for music to be released w/ video; this is the kind of thing I dreamed about way back then).
I'm ready to get into GG now, but I'll be patient and wait for SW's next re-mix. Here's hoping he does a lot of their back catalog. IF TPATG isn't even their best, I'm really looking forward to more...