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(More customer reviews)First , let me qualify this review by stating briefly that I am a professional sound engineer/producer with numerous CD projects to my credit (though none exceptionally ambitous), and a long-time fan of progressive rock music as well as a great variety of other genres. I first sampled the new album by downloading the MP3 for "We Agree" I was sitting at my studio console and decided to give the track a listen through my old-school but trusted JBL 4311 studio monitors. I was immediately impressed by the overall excellence of the recording, which without doubt sets a new standard for quality in audio production for a "popular music" group. As the track progressed I could not help but become emotionally involved in the movements presented by the orchestral arrangements and when it was all over I simply sat quietly in amazement, overwhelmed by he entire experience. The entire piece lasted but a few minutes and left me feeling as though I had just sat through a great film, or read a good book. I felt moved to tears...something no piece of music has ever done to me in my 40+ years. Undoubtedly, it doesn't' hurt to have a film score arranger collaborate on the tracks, but that alone is not a recipe for success! My curiosity aroused, wanted to experience the entire album ASAP but not as a MP3 translation of the real thing...It wasn't enough to simply go and find all the songs on the net and download the goods...I had to actually buy the album because I wanted to hear it as it was intended to be heard!!! Record Companies take note!!! When your product is this good you stand to lose a lot less money to the Napsters of the world. There is nary a weak moment on this album and in this reviewer's opinion is at the cutting edge of anything Yes has released since their early days. Along with the overall sonic excellence...It simply has to be heard! Put on your best headphones, turn the lights down and the volume up, and prepare to be transported.....No, you probably can't hum or whistle the "Hit Single" on your way to work, but as a collective piece of work it simply has to be experienced. The arrangements compel the listener to simply surrender to the moment and be carried into a world of audio fantasy that plays out in one's imagination. It would be a shame to have to be subjected to a video of any of these pieces as it would more than likely remove the listener/viewer somewhat from their own interpretation of the superbly crafted imagery woven into the fabric of this work. This is the best constructed album I have had the pleasure of listening to in years! but it shouldn't end there...plans are in the works to release "Magnification" on DVD audio in 5.1 mix! Should this indeed be realized, audiophiles take note: I predict the DVD audio release of this album will set the standard by which all others shall be judged for some time to come! And I will buy the DVD as well!
In short, a must-have album for any YES fan, and for anyone who is even remotely interested in audio production and arranging ... you can't afford to miss this! A real pleasure cruise....
Oh.... if you want music to dance to....you have probably never heard of YES anyway.....
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