An Hour Before It's Dark - Marillion - 5.1 Album Review

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  • Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024

Комментарии • 57

  • @daveh7919
    @daveh7919 2 года назад +5

    I’m going to check this out, I don’t know of there music. I don’t comment on RUclips videos much but this really touched me, I’m so sorry for your loss.I too am so grateful for the front line workers who have taken care of us unconditionally through this terrible pandemic, music has gotten me through it just like it has gotten me through life. Take care my friend

    • @Yesquire0
      @Yesquire0 2 года назад +4

      Please follow through with your plan to check out Marillion, not for my sake, but for your own sake. No band can over and over again so touch your heart and bring tears to your eyes. It's almost a new type of music, one designed to flow through your ears and then travel straight to that strange engine that is the human heart. Be aware that the band switched lead singers/composers in 1989, and the music prior to that change has a different tone to it, and, IMHO, much inferior singing.
      There are way too many great videos on YT. If you go looking, always search for and opt for a live performance. This band is ten times better live than it is in the studio, as hard as that might be to believe. Emotional songs are best viewed in a live setting. Here's a good starting point, "Neverland", which is the greatest love song ever written for a man within a long-term marriage to sing to his wife: ruclips.net/video/l3NhNz9-EOA/видео.html

    • @daveh7919
      @daveh7919 2 года назад +2

      @@Yesquire0 thanks for the information! Looking forward to delving into them, take care

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад

      I hope you enjoy checking them out! This album, With Friends from the Orchestra, Sounds that Can't Be Made and Afraid of Sunlight are among my favorites.

  • @WatcherXP
    @WatcherXP 2 года назад +5

    Thanks from me also to Marillion for offering the stand-alone Blu-Ray!

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +1

      Plus the booksets are a good value too. Holidays in Eden next!

  • @dalefishner9580
    @dalefishner9580 2 года назад +5

    What words came to my mind while listening to your review was was profound sadness, loss of love ones are so deeply personal. That is what music should do not only should we hear it but fell the emotion of what the song/singer is conveying.
    I recall you telling me that Marillion had something new coming out. I had no idea when or what it was called nor what was on it but I ordered this before your review was over because if it affected you that way Mike I knew I had to have it.
    The last thing you did talking with just the "clock" on the screen freakin shook me up.
    This was a deeply personal review from you. Thank you!

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +1

      Glad you found this review moving. I hope you enjoy the blu-ray!

  • @apieceofdirt4681
    @apieceofdirt4681 2 года назад +2

    Another great review. I’ve never even heard of Marillion until I bought a sampler disc with them on it. I’ve definitely got to check out the rest of their catalog. Hopefully this release is available in the DVD-AUDIO format. The other day I came across a DTS sampler disc that has Marillion, Porcupine Tree, Billy Idol, George Thorogood, Simple Minds (Don’t You Forget About Me, Alive & Kicking) Dio, Ozzy (Bark at the Moon), Alice Cooper, Velvet Revolver, J. Geils Band 2 other artists. It’s a 2006 release and it’s killer! Not “Fear Of A Blank Planet” killer but it’s really good with the exception of the Simple Minds tracks. They are disappointingly weakly mixed. There is no bottom end and the overall mix sounds very thin. I’m glad I found that out now because I was getting ready to drop $130 for a Simple Minds DVD-AUDIO disc. I’m spending way too much money on these OOP discs but I CAN’T STOP!!

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +1

      The Simple Minds Sparkle in the Rain blu-ray is really good, IMO. Steven Wilson mix, IIRC.

  • @grantwallace1882
    @grantwallace1882 Год назад +1

    I saw Marillion live in Nantes, France, on Halloween. They played the whole album from start to finish. It was amazing to see them put it together in front of me and, for the first time, I managed to listen through Care without crying. Life without Marillion - unthinkable.

  • @melissabaldwin7987
    @melissabaldwin7987 2 года назад +4

    Love this. Rick was my father-in-law and I miss him every day. A beautiful tribute. 💚

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +1

      Hi Melissa. I'm not sure we really know each other! I'm one of Diana's sons. I miss Rick a lot. He was a very wonderful man. You always knew he loved you. Taken from us far too soon. Thank you for dropping a line. I hope you and yours are happy and well. ~ Mike

    • @bryanmcfadden4071
      @bryanmcfadden4071 2 года назад

      I just listened to this album today, I really appreciate the music 🎶 and the song care, cheers 🥂

    • @melissabaldwin7987
      @melissabaldwin7987 2 года назад +1

      @@lifeinsurround Hi! Yes, Sherry sent this to Ryan and we both watched it. Very cool.

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +1

      Tell Ryan I say hi!

  • @skylarperry169
    @skylarperry169 2 года назад +1

    Really special review, Mike, on so many levels. I will definitely have to listen to this one. Nice that it doesn't require purchasing a boxed set! I loved the referral to "the late, great Neal Peart.
    Thanks for sharing your deeply personal connections with this album. A big THANK YOU goes to your angel/hero respiratory therapist and to the many health care front-line workers who gave so much of themselves to so many during the pandemic. So sorry for the loss of Uncle Rick!

  • @andredelucas8576
    @andredelucas8576 2 года назад +2

    Mike, it would be nice if you could make a video talking about your priority list, the items you want to acquire. Hugs from Brazil

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +1

      I've made a few videos that address shopping, OOP prices and such. There is some wantlist content there. I could do a dedicated wantlist video... I'll think on it!

  • @roypemberton1983
    @roypemberton1983 2 года назад +1

    Hi Mike, great review of a superb album. I've been a keen Marillion fan from the beginning, they are almost certainly my favourite band, though it's a very close run thing with Porcupine Tree/ Steve (Superman) Wilson. I have everything they've ever done and all of the surround versions that have so far been released. I have also met and talked with the members of the band on a few occasions, and your comment on the importance of h's lyrics and vocals is very true, on one occasion I was talking to him, he had said that he was going through a period where he was really struggling to get inspiration for lyrics and I asked if he'd ever considered telling a story and he replied that he couldn't do that as it was really important to him that his lyrics conveyed something personally emotive to him. This is, as you say, another fine example.
    I too bought the blu ray disk and I join you in applauding the band and its management for offering that option.
    I was, however, a little surprised that you made no mention of an issue with his vocal levels in the 5.1 mix and I'm now wondering if it's something only I am experiencing for some reason. It's so marked that I was fully expecting it to arise in your review.
    Whenever I play it, with my standard system levels, his vocals are extremely low in the mix - and I mean extremely. I compared the 5.1 mix to the stereo mix multiple times to ensure it wasn't my imagination but it was undoubtedly so. What's odd is that, in the 5.1 mix of both the Murder Machines video and the 12" remix (which is wonderful!), the same issue doesn't arise.
    I must stress that I don't believe it's my system, I have a Denon receiver and, as you probably know, all speaker levels are automatically set when you run the setup programme with the microphone provided specially for the purpose with the receiver, furthermore, I have never experienced this with any of my many other surround albums.
    In the end, I have had to fix it by increasing the centre speaker level by 5db, this then brings his vocals to just about the same level, relative to the rest of the mix, as in the stereo mix. It's as if the centre channel has somehow become attenuated by 5db in the 5.1 mix. Of course, I have to make that adjustment each time I play the album in 5.1, and then return it to the system set level afterwards even to hear the remainder of the content on this disk as it should be heard, let alone to listen to any other material.
    Did this not occur for you? If not, I'm truly baffled. I wonder what shows up when you look at all the channels on your software?

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад

      Hey Roy, out of all the talk about the 5.1 mix, I've heard two people (including you) say they thought the vocal was too low. Maybe the other person thought it was too high? In any case, it sounds fine on my system and consistent with the extra tracks. I think that means there isn't a problem with the mix that causes wide-spread playback issues (i.e. for a critical mass of listeners). There could be something funky enough about it that it will cause some issues on certain systems. Quad, 5.1, 7.1, on up can be whacky! It's tough for an engineer to ensure all systems will perform reasonably well. If they listen on a few systems, that's about all we can hope for. Maybe to have some friends test listen too. Some do. Anyway, the only thing that comes to mind, off the top of my head, is check to ensure your center channel isn't out of phase. Your auto calibration software will quickly tell you that. Maybe somebody bumped the wires and put reattached them backwards. I hope you solve this riddle! Glad you're enjoying this fine album.

  • @adryyzzz
    @adryyzzz 2 года назад +3

    Good review. Good comments, and yes! it's great, logical and respectful with the buyers, to be able to buy the BR without extra formats (CD + Vinyl + Cassette + flash memory, ... ) ... that forces us to pay a very high price to obtain only a part of the box set. Even many of us don't have players for some of those formats. Still, we continue to be victims and ignored by the music industry in this regard. For example, the new boxset of RUSH, to get the BR and its surround mix, forces us to pay a lot of money. Therefore, many of us will not buy it because we do not have money to spare.
    On the other hand, about the surround mix of this Marillion album, from my point of view and tastes, I prefer mixes that play more with surround sound. Not like it's going to drive us crazy, pointless, but not like it's going to be stereo with details from time to time in surround sound either. In my opinion, the opportunity to offer a more complete, more satisfying whole for the listener who likes and enjoys surround sound is wasted. I have quite a lot of Marillion material in surround (almost all of it), and I'm not completely satisfied with surround mixes. From the style of music and songs they have, I think you could get a lot more, more playful surround sound.
    Still, this is a good album. I like it more than the previous one (FEAR). Although I miss shorter and happier (or not) old-fashioned songs, more or less deep, but catchy. They could mix both styles on the same album. We'll see how will be the next new album.

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +2

      Murder Machines is nice n' short! Catchy too! Yeah, the Rush MP 40th box is so disappointing. If they offered a stand-alone BD, I'd likely support it. But... the streaming Atmos mixes are not very good. Unless the mixes on BD are somehow better, it wouldn't get played around here anyway. The 2011 DVD-A or BD of MP is pretty good. I'll stick with that. The 40th box set is WAY overpriced, for what is included, even for those who actually want every item.

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +1

      If you haven't heard Steven Wilson's 5.1 mix of Brave, I hope you can! It's the best overall Marillion surround album, so far. I have high hopes for Stephen W. Tayler's upcoming surround mix of Holidays in Eden...

    • @adryyzzz
      @adryyzzz 2 года назад +1

      @@lifeinsurround Yes, I have it (Brave BR), and it has a good mix. We know that S Wilson has a different way to do the surround mixes, and usually, if not ever, do a great and interesting job. So far I like more the old albums surround mixes than the new albums. Not sure if that's also because the songs style.

  • @drink_with_the_dead
    @drink_with_the_dead 2 года назад +1

    Great review 👏 Marillion had been my favorite band since I was 15 in 1995. Each of their albums have touched me, but none so deeply as this one. I'm a teacher, and covid has been a trying time in the classroom as well. I feel a strong connection to this album..and how can anyone not really? They discuss subjects that most bands wouldn't approach, and that is part of their wonder and majesty.

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад

      Kinda like Rush! They address thoughtful topics.

  • @marilynfoster6556
    @marilynfoster6556 2 года назад +1

    Very special tribute Mike !! Rick was my brother - in - law. I miss him so much. I am reminded of him every day I work at the hospital. Last shift I worked my colleagues at lunch were talking about him even though it’s been almost a year and a half since he passed away!!! What an imprint he made on all of them!!! They spoke of how brave he was -even as he lay dying -he was trying to comfort them!! He told them how he was not afraid of dying as he knew where he would be as soon as he left his body. He also told them all how grateful he was for their loving care and thanked them all for trying to help save him. We are all sure we all have PTSD from the nightmare of the past 2 years. But we are rewarded every time a patient recovers or improves enough to go home and be with their families. I am very proud of you and thank you for this very special review - it brought tears to my eyes. Love you ❤️ !

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад

      Rick has left a wonderful legacy. The love he brought us is worth all our tears. Thanks to you and your fellow health care workers for the hard work you do! ((hugs))

  • @tinostabile3256
    @tinostabile3256 2 года назад +1

    Hi there Marillion is my favorite band and have been the band whose music I work out to... music I listen with headphones....basically the band that supplied my life with a sublime soundtrack. Thanks for reviewing this masterpiece

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +1

      My pleasure, to be sure! I hope Marillion have some more albums of this quality in them!

    • @tinostabile3256
      @tinostabile3256 2 года назад

      @@lifeinsurround yes my dear sir... I second that wholeheartedly

  • @booshting3520
    @booshting3520 2 года назад +2

    I ended up buying the Bluray. The Dvd version has terrible low res picture for the documentary and visualisations. Very fuzzy on a big TV. This makes the Deluxe version slightly obsolete except from an aesthetic point of view. I'm really not sure why they did this.

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад

      I think they did their best to offer a wide variety of packages. Sad to hear that the DVD doesn't look very good. :(

  • @Magnum_Opus_1124
    @Magnum_Opus_1124 2 года назад +2

    I purchased the ultimate edition which, as you know, contains the blu-ray. There is an instrumental version of the album on the BD but when I play it there are vocals / singing.

    • @WatcherXP
      @WatcherXP 2 года назад +2

      in your player (whatever it is) you may be able to change/choose witch audio stream to play (5.1 vs 2.0 and Vocals vs Instrumental)

    • @Magnum_Opus_1124
      @Magnum_Opus_1124 2 года назад +1

      @@WatcherXP Yes. I have tried 2.0 and 5.1 under the instrumental version and there is still singing. I wonder if other people with the ultimate edition have that same issue. I believe the ultimate BD is a bit different than the stand alone version of the BD.

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +1

      Oh wow. Please report back, if you get confirmation.

    • @Magnum_Opus_1124
      @Magnum_Opus_1124 2 года назад +1

      Update- I contacted customer service and they said they will send a replacement BD.

    • @Magnum_Opus_1124
      @Magnum_Opus_1124 2 года назад

      I got the replacement BD and it has the same problem as the one that comes with my ultimate edition copy. I guess I will just let it go since not having the instrumental version is not a big deal.

  • @alz2829
    @alz2829 2 года назад +1

    hi, just got it yesterday, just brilliant, i adjusted the surround speaker up slightly, wow, had a marillion tear, i say that cos i love music that can touch you inside, & marillion are one of those bands that can do it, buy it,

  • @patbarr1351
    @patbarr1351 2 года назад +2

    Thoughtful review! Marillion can be great, but consistency is not often their strong point (I recall an early Melody Maker review lamenting that they can be tuneless at times). Still, they are never content to revisit the Sound of the Seventies, so never less than interesting. Like the Vietnam War era, the Lockdown has produced some unique musical expression.

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад

      Interesting point about tunelessness. I think they focused on strong melodies this time.

  • @leperlord7078
    @leperlord7078 2 года назад +2

    i also love Pitbulls
    He was my BFF for 13 years RIP
    Man this review has me chuffed, your review, as always has me hitting the purchase button lol
    This review kept me on my seat's edge. It is your best work, and that says A LOT bro
    i have some anti-vax anti-mask conspiracy ppl in my family, who literally almost killed 2 elderly members of my family. Knowing s/he had covid, they visited the elderly folks, spread disinformation, hugged them. They almost died. As close to death as humans get w/out dying
    Thanks for your story bro. That song, even before i hear it, will be special to me
    "Care" My daughter is a peri-operative nurse,,i feared for her every day going to work over this pandemic. She is modef Angel and HERO material IMHO

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +2

      I hope you enjoy the album. Care will be a great opportunity to celebrate your heroic, angelic daughter.

  • @JorgeThomaz
    @JorgeThomaz 2 года назад +1

    The last rememberance of my childhood long time friend was our last hug, and both didnt know that we could probably kill each other .... He passed away last year and I can be sure that I have a brother in heaven taking care of me /|\

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад +2

      Sorry for your loss. Hopefully your memories are happy ones.

  • @757flyer
    @757flyer 2 года назад +2

    Very nice review!

  • @booshting3520
    @booshting3520 2 года назад +2

    Is the 5.1 the same on the Bluray version as the Dvd ?

    • @lifeinsurround
      @lifeinsurround  2 года назад

      Same mix, but the DVD is lossy and the blu-ray is lossless.

  • @starwhiteoflove
    @starwhiteoflove 2 года назад +1

    Beauty 7:13

  • @MrChippiechappie
    @MrChippiechappie 2 года назад

    This album is garbage in any format.

    • @scottsadler1676
      @scottsadler1676 2 года назад

      Obviously you have a chip on your shoulder Chippie. This one is a masterpiece! Go back to listening the top 40 garbage you probably prefer.