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Review by monotone April 3, 2004 (5 of 5 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics: |
What a journey!
If you are a fan of Björk... this is one SACD that you've no doubt been waiting for. If you want to experience what a good pop multichannel mastering can do for your set up... this SACD should be on the top of your list!
I've been to waiting to grab hold of this SACD, as I've truely enjoyed the original CD release itself. You could just imagine how well this album could be utilised in a surround format, especially after enjoying her DVD performance at the Royal Opera House. And it did not disappoint!
Starting with 'Hidden Place', Vespertine is an extremely cohesive conceptual album which worked with melodies in the opening half, and built up with a more emotional atmosphere in the later half. 'Coccoon', 'Undo', 'Pagan Poetry', 'Aurora' & "Harm Of Will' are my personal favourites. The SACD multichannel format further enhanced the brillance of the songs. Coccoon sounded much more intimate, Pegan Poetry was purely haunting by the end and An Echo, A Stain encloses you in Björk's emotional world.
The multichannel mastering is breathtaking! Enhancing the orchestral works yet maximising the possibilities of electronic mixes. Björk's 3 dimensional vocals sounded natural, and the 'punch' of bass was barely compromised in the surround format.
In 2 channel Stereo SACD... the improvement from redbook is highly noticeable with the depth & separation of the soundstage and Björk's vocals becoming further 'chiselled'. As usual, in SACD fashion, bass is deeper and better controlled & tightened. However, I do notice that for some with 'brighter' systems, you might find the SACD Stereo version a bit too bright compared to the softer redbook replay.
Verspertine is truely an SACD gem to enjoy!
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Review by DrOctodivx October 27, 2004 (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics: |
| This is a somewhat quirky album, if you are not familiar with Bjork, and therefore I cannot recommend it to everyone. However, I do have the following to say. First of all, the sonics are excellent and the music itself grows on you. I recommend, especially to Bjork newbies, listening to the entire album in a seating. I find that randomly choosing selections does not do justice to the whole, but listening to it from start to finish draws you in and gives a much better appreciation of her talent. Though this is a piece that I listen to only rarely, I find myself on that rare moment craving my next listening. I will certainly buy all of her future SACD releases (Medulla is currently on my short list to buy).
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