King Crimson - Red
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Music CD Cover
Artist: King CrimsonEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: CD+DVD, Extra tracks, Original recording remastered, Special Edition
CD Release Date: 2009-10-20
Music Label: Discipline Us
Free Music Notes for Red
Free Music Review: The best way to listen to Red...
Hit: 5 Stars
I will focus on the 5.1 surround mix, because to me, that is the reason to purchase this set. I first listened to the MLP lossless version on a NAD t585 universal player with B&W CM series speakers. The sound was fantastic. Steven Wilson, who did the surround mix, understands surround as well as or better than just about anyone, and he deliberately put King Crimson "in the room" with the listener. There are different ways to go about a surround mix; in this case, Mr. Wilson chose not to attempt to recreate a "live" feel which would place the listener in the audience. With Red in 5.1, you feel as though you are right there - on stage or in the studio.
The music surrounds you, but the mix is not too gimmicky. To me, it is a perfect balance of restraint and creativity. Some songs benefit more from surround than others; I thought that the "in your face" power of "Red" was perhaps the least interesting (as a surround experience). "Starless" was a different matter. I've listened to it several times in each format, and the 5.1 MLP lossless is a revelation. The clarity of the bass and John Wetton's voice in 5.1 lossless was wonderful. Once again, the mix benefits from Steve Wilson's experience; Wetton's voice is in the center-left channel rather than floating in the center, as is common in other surround mixes. Too me, this is a more natural choice.
I mentioned my equipment because I think that it makes a difference in the listening experience. Obviously, if you do not have a DVD-Audio player, you will have to listen to the DTS surround version. I was impressed with the DTS sound as well. I prefer the MLP lossless, but if I did not have the ability to directly compare, I am sure that I would have been quite satisfied with the DTS version. There is no Dolby Digital surround mix.
Perhaps my fifty year-old ears are too worn out to tell the difference, but unless you are a big enough King Crimson fan to be drawn by the extras (there is a significant amount of video), I would not buy this for the stereo versions. I could not discern much of a difference between the redbook CD and the MLP lossless stereo versions. There is no indication that this is a new mix of the stereo version, and, my 30th anniversary HDCD version sounds excellent. I honestly cannot hear any improvement; but once again, you may have a more sophisticated system (or younger ears).
I just noticed that the December issue of Sound and Vision magazine has an article (several, actually) on the King Crimson 2009 releases, as well as Steve Wilson and surround sound. It's worth a read if you are interested in these recordings. The bottom line is that if you are a King Crimson fan interested in a surround version of Red, your decision is a simple one. Buy this now!
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