Rumours (DVD Audio) ()

My review is based on the DVD-A high res mixes only, not the DVD-V mix also on this release. I was excited to see this album released to include "Silver Springs", a classic that needed a home long before now. It's also interesting to note that the sequence of songs is different from the original vinyl as well, a surprise if you're used to the old album.

Everything is superbly crystal clear. Lindsey's guitar work just sparkles in this format. What is lacking, is the attention to the lead vocals. I'm not sure what the mix engineers were attempting to do with some of the leads. At times, they are clear, then in the next song and the leads are practically drowned out by instruments or backing vocals. While the use of the surround is well intentioned, a little more attention to the music and less on the technology would have been appreciated so you don't have to tweak the balance on every other song.

It's also interesting to note that "Never Going Back Again" features an extended section that has electric guitar licks and some snare work that weren't there on the original (I had to listen to the old vinyl to make sure I wasn't going crazy). There's no mention anywhere in the notes or the disc as to whether this is original material that was edited or added for this release. Anyhow, depending on your mood, or purist attitude of the original, it's either a cool addition or takes something away from the simplicity of the song. Just a matter of taste here.

"Songbird" seems to have been re-mastered with great care. The original vinyl and the later CD release revealed the impromptu recording of this song. While Christine's voice was always heard, it was never as clear and balanced with the instruments as I would have liked (love her sultry voice). However, justice has been done for this gorgeous ballad on the DVD-A in both the stereo and surround mixes; her voice comes through like crystal, well done.

The hi-res stereo mix makes up for the imbalanced hi-res surround mix. It is clean, clear and meets the audiophile standards that this release appeals to. I recommend it for the stereo mix, and if you're willing to adjust the balance (if you have this capability) for each track, the surround mix sounds good once adjusted per track. Oh, and again, "Silver Springs" - VERY COOL!