Well, I guess I have to start by saying Rush is probably my second favorite band of all time. I met my wife because of their music. I love all eras, they all bring something a little bit different, yet its still amazing to listen to. However, This album is the one I always come back to when someone asks me what my favorite Rush album is.
I thought I would start my Rush 5.1 experience listening to the undisputed champion in their catalog. From the moment the bells and minimoog come in during the title track, I knew I was in for a treat.
‘AFTK’ is just a super balanced in your face rock song once it gets going. I’ve weirdly never paid attention to the birds in the background before.
That bell delay in the rears at the start of ‘Xanadu’ was great. Everything just sounds amazing every time the full band comes in together. The way SW panned the drums is just great. Those tom rolls going around the room put a big smile on my face. I do wish they were in drummer’s perspective like i’ve said above, but it matches what is happening in the stereo version so that's fine.
‘Closer to the Heart’ is another great one. A bit overplayed but again, 5.1 makes it more enjoyable.
The swirling guitar solo during ‘Cinderella Man’ is great, and that subtle fade out synth movement too! Quite the overlooked song If I say so myself.
‘Madrigal’ is usually the one song i’ve never been totally sold on, but the surround sound mix make it much more enjoyable. Not a whole lot of movement, but it doesn’t really need it. SW still made it sound full and luscious.
In ‘Cygnus X-1’, when the voice comes in and resonates through you is awesome. As well as when the Bass starts behind you and slowly pans up to the front as it gets louder. One of the cooler 5.1 moments i’ve ever had. Lots of other great little moments nestled in this mix. Probably my favorite Rush song and this mix helps cement that opinion.
Sometimes I wish there was a little more movement for some songs (Bells in the beginning of ‘Closer to the Heart’) but subtly and disceteness (I think i’m using that word correctly) work too. I’m just a sucker for what people call gimmicky mixing moves.
This whole record is just lovely to listen to. Bass sounds amazing, Geddy’s voice isn't harsh at all. Everything is smoothed out wonderfully and is a pleasure to listen to at any volume. This will probably get played once a week for the rest of my life. If SW only does one Rush 5.1 mix, I’m ecstatic that this is the one. (But please do more! Power Windows would be breathtaking.)
Value: I am a fan of vinyl, so the fact that this was locked into a box set didn’t annoy me that much. I wish every box set had a vinyl version because I find the CD version as the useless one. Its on the BD in better quality! Its annoying that this isn't a stand alone release, but I still think this overall is worth what I paid for in 2020 ($117). The ring is cool at least. There are worse gimmicky things put into other box sets (Marbles… I’m looking at you…)
Its a 10. SW is brilliant. That’s all that needs to be said and I am not looking forward to hearing a couple of Chycki’s mixes…
Highlights: The whole damn thing (Especially Cygnus X-1).
