Since I now have a universal player (Onkyo 800), I'm able to enjoy both DVD-A and SACD. Thank god I don't have to worry any longer about a title being released in one format or the other!
<em>Heathen</em> has become one of my favorite multi-channel discs, which is rather surprising because I very nearly didn't buy it. I had listened to those god-awful audio samples of tracks from the album at Amazon, which actually do a <strong>disservice</strong> since they sound just terrible. Boy, I'm really glad I took a chance.
I know that Bowie's music isn't for everyone, but this is a terrific album that should win awards for the production values alone (though it probably won't, since the disc never really sold all that well). The sound is just impeccable and just so totally appropriate for the mood of the music. I get the feeling that there was a deliberate attempt to invoke the feel of Bowie's music from the 70s and the 80s, with the greater weight given to Bowie's work with Eno (a real plus, IMHO). Favorite track (as of today): "I Took A Trip on a Gemini Spacecraft." Play it <strong>LOUD!!!</strong>
<em>Heathen</em> should <span style="text-decoration:underline">definitely</span> win some surround sound awards. From the very start, this is an <span style="text-decoration:underline">extremely</span> aggressive surround mix, but the best part is that the use of the 5.1 channels seems organic and planned from the outset. I got the new M/C Gloria Estefan SACD in the same order (I know, I have weird tastes in music) and <em>that</em> M/C mix sounds tacked on. <em>Heathen</em> simply sounds like it was always intended for M/C. I think this disc deserves a LOT of recognition.
<strong>Plus:</strong> The SACD has four -- count 'em -- four extra tracks from the regular CD: "When the Boys Come Marching Home," "Wood Jackson," "Conversation Piece," and "Safe."