I really like this disc. N.E.R.D. (No One Ever Really Dies) gets pegged as a rap or hip-hop act, but their musical stylings transcend such descriptions. There is a heavy dose of funk, soul, R&B and good ol' rock 'n' roll rolled up in there as well. These guys are inventive, talented and passionate about their craft, and it shows. This is a really fun disc! The surround mix is very adventurous and fits the music to a "T". Eight strong points.
I've always said Rap/Hip Hop could benefit the most from Surround Sound, just because of how much of it is a production art. This disks demonstrates my point beautifully. The mix is masterfully done.
An instant classic in my book. This is a 10.
(This music might not be for everyone. That said, if you enjoy really aggressive mixes, this is one you can't pass on.)
I've noticed this one is starting to disappear off the shelves at the local record stores.
If you are even slightly interested in this one I would really recommend you buy it.
This has become one of my favorite DVD-A disks. It's a top 5 disk, that's for sure.
This disk has everything that makes DVD-A such a great format. A great menu lay out, a fantastic mix, and great bonus features. It even has a 6.1 mix (DTS only.)
I'll second that this is a very serious release. I have used it as a multichannel demonstration disc to people into new music. The release trancends very well from rap into other genres.
The reviews above were absolutely spot-on. An exemplary surround mix, and one that elevates an already diverse and meticulous production job by the Neptunes. Perfect separation. Great use of effects. Great sound quality throughout. Do whatever you have to do to have this mix somewhere in your home. 10.
Nice overview of a FAV album, Mike. Always loved N.E.R.D. and as you say, the mix is superb. And it points to a great deficiency in Surround remixes for Hip Hop and Rap which, IMO, would bring these recordings to a whole different level.
BTW, I noticed in your rack of music, Rambient's So Many Worlds which I think is a great underrated album, superbly remixed into 5.1 and featuring some gorgeous music. Maybe you could spotlight that album in a future episode....or under the banner Music that Slipped Through the Cracks.