Rush in 5.1 surround

Chadnliz, not sure what you're saying. And no offense, but I'm not sure that you've thought through your own statement either. The directionality (if that's a word) of sound is not a question of it "stopping at your ear", but rather a question of FROM where the sound seems to originate. Music performed on a stage (or conceived of as being performed upon a stage) comes from in front of the listener. While there is a smal amount of reflection within the concert hall (and usually even much more within your home listening room), there generally are not instruments being PLAYED from behind you. So unless you are talking about music specifically composed for surround sound (conceived of as instruments being played behind as well as in front of the listener), it simply makes no sense to redirect the soundstage to rear channels.

Speaking as a Rush fan (and sorry, I have no info on 5.1), their 2007 album Snakes & Arrows is easily their best album since the 80's - it's an amazing album and a true return to form after the (IMHO only) disastrous Vapor Trails (both in terms of the music and the horrific mastering). For Rush fans it is a MUST HAVE and the production is near flawless.

Ben, I have everything by Rush and love it all. The replay was a nice treat

Ghost rider,

May have to go out and purchase another copy of Snakes..I cannot put this one away...I think its probably the best thing they have done since Roll the Bones.....Agree with Soul re the production....Was at the MSG in NY the S/A material was tight, really tight.......

Quick question...What are your thoughts on Caress of Steel? You are a true fan and I would like to hear your opinion..

Zigonht, I thought Carress of Steel was an amazing album. It is one that I play on a cold winter afternoon. I am not sure why this one did not do well with Radio. I love Geddy's voice on this one. The shrieking pitchy screem is filled with intense emotion which I love. Heck in saying that I think he is a great vocalist not because he has perfect pitch and smooth range but for the fact that his expression of the thought or mood is spot on, in my world anyway. I am picking up my new canvas transfers of 2112 and the 30 aniversary print with all the albums. Check out my virtual room in a couple of days.