I also just got my copy on Friday and have listening to it several times since.
At first, I, too, was at the very least surprised by the vocal placement choices. But after several listens, I like it more and more. I think that maybe the mix is done this way partly because there is not a lot of actual instruments to place in the 5 speaker choices, so the mixers elected to try some other methods to create a surround environment. In most cases, it does work well, IMHO. Although I'm glad they kept "Needle and the Damage Done" firmly center stage (no rears until the applause at the end).
And the clarity of the drums, guitar, vocals is pretty spectacular! Once again, it sounds like the instruments are right there in my room with me! Just listen to "Heart of Gold" and "Old Man" for instance...WOW!
I have also noticed that the vocal "focus" seems to change depending on where I sit in my speaker setup. If I'm a little off to the right, the rear channels are more pronounced, but if I'm more in the center, the center channel seems more prominent.
One quibble...the first interview (w/Neil) will not play on my Toshiba SD-4700
. If I start the interview, I immediately get a blank, green screen, and the player completely freezes up. I have to unplug it to get functionality back. Anyone else have this player and encounter the same problem?
Still...great release...bring on "Fragile!" (and "Dark Side of the Moon" of course
)
Jon