I purchased the Sony CD sometime in the early century (for any reason, cannot recall when or where). While I don't rate this album as high as Broken China, it has a soft spot in my heart and I come back to it from time to time.
I like the melancholy mood, that reminds me more of the end of long summer holidays in my youth rather than the holidays itself. You have to be in the right mood for the album, not only because of the aforementioned melancholy it distiles, but also because of its slow pace and softness. Don't expect Animals (I also believe this was a reaction to its predecessor's aggressiveness), but a set of songs closer to what much later would be Wearing the Inside Out. This is the writing Richard we knew from the early PF times (some songs would fit on Obscured by Clouds).
All in all, I was eagerly expecting the Atmos mix, as I already loved the album. And it does not disappoint a little bit, songs like Waves are worthy to be Atmos demo tracks. Highlight for me is having Richard's lead vocal isolated in the center speaker (I like to decrease the volume of the other speakers and listen only to him), plus his own harmonies on the rears.
Height info varies from additional room for the synths to fully discreet guitar solos, achieving not only a nice bubble effect but also many wow moments.
The additional content is nice, although I would have liked to have the all the instrumentals in sequence and in Atmos. Transfer of the original 78 mix is a welcome addition. Photo gallery is a bit too short and the summer holiday videos put a grin on my face. Rick was clearly in his element while on water. I can't picture him after the summer break recording The Wall! On the second video there's a funny cameo by David, don't miss it.
Soft texture of the packaging is a plus. Booklet could have contained some liner notes.
In any case, a solid 10 for me. Yet I understand why this slow and soft album may not be for everyone's tastes
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