Getting this a bit late has been a bit of bonus for me. My expectations for this were very high - perhaps unrealisticallly so. Spending the last few weeks reading about the criticisms of this disc had tempered my expectations - I was close to being "bummed" - a phrase I have not used in quite a long time. Well my copy arrived yesterday - I have to say, I don't get it - it sounds fantastic! Everything I hoped it would be. The mix, bass, vocals, extra content - a definite wow! A 10! And unapologetically so!
I do have one complaint however. When an iconic release such as this comes along, it brings new members out of the woodwork - perhaps long time lurkers or dormant members that have finally decided to join the fray. Great! The more the merrier. I understand that from Jon's perspective this is all good. I wish that there were some way to prevent members (any members but especially new members or "one timers") from voting on a poll without leaving a comment or explanation as to why they voted a particular way. I'm fine with the 5's or even the 1's - just back up your rationale with a reason why. This poll is an important tool - perhaps QQ's most powerful one. Programming a filter to correct this may be easier said than done - so I implore the membership here - back up your vote - have the strength of your convictions!
Hi elmer,
Agreed on all points.
Don't worry bout the low scores, that's mostly from our German friends. They are still a little sore about WWII and the Brittish.... YES being from England... just don't mention the war, whatever you do!
(Fawlty Towers, anybody???)
[video=youtube;yfl6Lu3xQW0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfl6Lu3xQW0&list=PL78199F58B9CB9B31[/video]
Seriously:
I do think I may have found a reason for some of the debate on the CTTE sound quality/value judgements.
For better or worse, Steven Wilson did a LOT of dead center channel mixing on this. (Especiall on And You And I),the kick drum, the main vocal, Rick's main synth lines, etc... I think for this particular mix, one's sound system must really be setup
perfect or the sounds will blend and not stand out quite like SW is trying to deliver through his mix. I have hearing issues with the synth and various volume level issues, but I think I need to really have my system setup better, and that will solve most issues. I do think that when Steven Wilson mixes, he assumes we have 5.1 full range speakers and set up correctly. If we don't, the mix will sound a bit(or more) off.
To those coming out of the woodwork and posting:
Welcome! Keep it coming and don't be afriad to bring your sense of humor!