Lightbulb Sun is an older album from them, circa 2000, and I believe the CD was out of print for a while. They seem to have been remastering a lot of old stuff recently, and it was good to see this one on the list of upcoming releases. I got the email that it was available for order about a month ago, got the email that it was out earlier this week and it arrived today. I have been listening to it most of the day.
This one exhibits a similar mix to Fear of a Blank Planet in that it is primarily anchored in the front channels and the surrounds are mainly spatial and effects; at times it almost seems like you are listening to a really well done 2ch track and then you get a few distinct sounds from the surrounds to draw your attention behind you for a moment. In this respect, I like the mix; it isn't overbearing or gimmicky as many poorly done multichannel mixes can be (None of PT's DVD-As have suffered from this however
).
It is easy to hear that this is earlier stuff, lacking some of the heavier "crunchy" guitar work that is somewhat more prevalent now (it is there, just not as much); but still with harmonies and melodies that are unmistakable. Where
Stupid Dream was more even in its content and a bit mellow overall, this one has a wider range of styles, some light and playful, with almost a Beatles like simplicity (How is Your Life Today?); others darker and heavier (Hatesong, Shesmovedon) which are more like what we hear on
In Absentia.
It includes a remastered CD of the album tracks, the 5.1 DVD-A disc that has 5.1 and 2ch hirez tracks, 2ch LPCM and a dts 5.1 track. There are 3 bonus tracks, all of which are quite good and also in the bonuses is the original 2000 mix of the album. For a limited time, it also shipped with an additional bonus disc that had 2 extra live tracks.
If you are a fan, this one is well worth it.
