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Mark Knopfler - Shangri La (CD & DVD Audio) Audio CD

A fair review of the Mark Knopfler "Shangri La (CD & DVD Audio)" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Mark Knopfler reviews here, or go back to the Mark Knopfler tabs.

Mark Knopfler Band: Mark Knopfler
Title: Shangri La (CD & DVD Audio)
Rating:
Release Date: 2005-01-11
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: 5:15 A.M. 2: Boom, Like That 3: Sucker Row 4: The Trawlerman's Song 5: Back to Tupelo 6: Our Shangri-La 7: Everybody Pays 8: Song for Sonny Liston 9: Whoop De Doo 10: Postcards from Paraguay 11: All That Matters 12: Stand Up Guy 13: Donegan's Gone 14: Don't Crash the Ambulance

What happened
I know this to be a very well recorded album. Well, I'm a huge fan of Mark and I have a couple of copies of this album on CD, so I was really looking forward to hearing the DVD audio version. Imagine my surprise when I heard the lead vocal in panned fully into the center channel and clearly too hot on a couple of tracks and, therefore, causing audible clipping in the associated DA converters in both my home and car players. It's not a problem with every track so I'm wondering whether the mixes were all done by the same person or this was done ad hoc to take advantage of the audiophile segment of Marks' fan base. The experience has been disappointing to say the least.


Where is the interview?

Can't find it. I have played both discs on my High End Pioneer system, and I am under the impression that there is an interview on the DVD-A.
Any ideas please.
Being a Lonnie Donegan fanatic this is the first mention of him by a musical artist.
The first on the British scene with American spirituals Lonnie turned them into great hits before any of the big names of the sixties arrived.
Thanks Mark .


Mediocre DVD mix
So the plain ol' CD stereo mix of Shangri-La is excellent! However, as somebody used to the amazing mixes of Elliot Schiener on the Steely Dan DVD-A's, the 5. I must say to begin with, Ragpicker's Dream and Shangri-La are, in my humble opinion, the BEST recordings Mark has ever put out. 1 mix of Shangri-La, I must say, is pretty pathetic. I don't think it's the fault of the mixer, however, I mean, how do you expect to stretch the sound across 6 speakers when sometimes, there isn't even 4 instruments playing? 75% of the album is just Mark, his guitar, and a drum machine. So there's a lot of echo. . . often the back speakers have nothing going on at all. I dont think this album was ever meant to be in surround. HOWEVER, depending on how you have your speakers set up, it can be a lot better. When I first bought the DVD, my set up was the typical LEFT/CENTER/RIGHT in front, REAR LEFT/RIGHT in behind, a sub under my chair. . . try putting all 5 speakers right in front of you. If you have speaker stands, or a tall desk, put the front speakers about 3 feet above your head, put the rear speakers on the floor. Then play all of your DVD-A's. . . it gives you a whole new dimension to the music you never would've known was there! AND makes this Shangri-La DVD much worth buying.


Five Star Album, Two Star DVD-A Mixing
I got it as traditional CD several months ago, and it is, by far, the best music I've bought all year. Can't say enough about this album. Due the sparse selection of DVD-A, I was thrilled to see it offered here in this format. The positive reviews on the mix were even more encouraging. I've got a dedicated DVD-Audio player run through a Pioneer 135 watts per channel amp running Klipsh KG 5. 5 mains and comperable center, surrounds and sub. -Not a totally high-end system, but it'll hold its own.
I have to say that I was disapointed when I heard the album for one reason: Knopfler's voice is 95% relegated to the center channel. Perhaps it's a matter of taste, but there is way too much separation between voice and instuments. The idea of 5 channel separation is a wonderful thing when done right -any Donald Fagen, Hotel California, but there's a fine line in the mixing between perfection and annoying. In my opinion, this one crosses that line. Some may love it; to me, it's unbalanced and makes for a frustrating listening experience.
-Brian.


Ricardo's Review
Each song has a nice story to tell and the musicianship on the album is second to none. A very tasteful album. The surrownd sond is set up like you were sitiing in the middle of the band. Mark Knopfler's guitar playing is adventurous and beautiful. There are some good Rock songs (Boom Like That), blues (Song for Sonny Liston), and ballads. All in all an excellent record and one that should be included in everyones library. Nice extras with a "making of the record" segment and 4 good videos.
I guarentee you will enjoy this record!.


You can see a complete list of all Mark Knopfler discography, or go back to the Mark Knopfler tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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