Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Animals (2018 Remix) (September 16, 2022)  from Pink Floyd and its terrific. I had the opportunity to play this newly redone 5.1 mix on a half plus million dollar hifi system and it really shines. I am lucky to have frequent access to this system so I have heard a lot of music through it but rarely review my cds through it. The music is really immersive and special effects like random dogs, birds (and barnyard animals) appear in different places in space throughout the listening space. Drum thumps are immense and seem much more crisp and more real, twin guitar leads are more distinct, Wrights synthesized keys are more floating  … a fabulous experience. Gilmores prime lead solo on opening track, Dogs seems to be placed squarely in front of me and live. Very cool. On Pigs on the Wing 1 Gilmore’s acoustic guitar and vocals are very present. On Pigs On the Wing 2 the vocal mix is even dryer and more real soun...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Animals Reimagined: A Tribute To Pink Floyd and it's quite interesting. Opening with Pigs On The Wing, Part 1, Cutting Crew vocalist, Nick Crew is paired with Jethro Tull's Martin Barre for an ethereal acoustic intro that nicely wets the appetite. The first of three major compositions on the release, (17 minute) Dogs, features Rainbow's Graham Bonnet on lead vocal, UFO's Vinnie Moore on guitar, Utopia bassist Kasim Sulton, Dream Theater key player Jordan Rudess and King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto. This is a really cool idea of bringing together contemporary progressive players to reinterpret these masterpieces. We've got a different lineup for the 2nd of the major compositions, (11 and a half minute) Pigs (Three Different Ones) including Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie, Return To Forever and major solo artist Al DiMeola on guitar, Blue Oyster Cult bassist Joe Bouchard, Moody Blues  key player Par...