Life in Surround

Ronan (8) and I (48) both got pulled deep into Tales from Topographic Oceans this week.


For me, it’s always been the “hold my beer” follow-up to Close to the Edge. Ambitious. Expansive. Sometimes overwhelming. Not always easy to fully grasp.



But this Super Deluxe set changed the experience.


Hours of material. Early takes. The evolution of ideas. A wealth of live recordings — most of it newly released, including performances from before the album even came out and from the supporting tour after release. And the immersive mix giving key moments real ascendancy — not spectacle, but lift. Focus. Intention.




It held both of our attention.





If you’ve spent time with the new set — physical or streaming — what’s connecting for you most: the stereo remix, the Atmos mix, the live material, or the archival sessions?

23 hours ago | [YT] | 1

Life in Surround

I joined Ian Beabout for a deep dive discussion on “Impossible Tightrope” — Live in Madrid, focusing on the Dolby Atmos mix.

What makes this one especially exciting is that Steven Wilson treats the live material as a true immersive canvas. This is not a front-centric, “concert in front of you” presentation. The mix uses the full sound field meaningfully, with placement that supports the musicianship and opens up the room in a deliberate way.

We got into how Atmos shapes the spatial experience of the piece and how that approach elevates an already powerful performance.

It’s encouraging to see live material handled this intentionally in immersive formats.

If you care about immersive audio, this is a thoughtful peer conversation worth your time.

Watch here:
https://youtu.be/7D67Tl6-hds

3 days ago | [YT] | 3

Life in Surround

The 5.1 and Atmos mixes for Three Doors Down put you inside the band.

Guitars flank you. Drums hit ahead. Bass anchors center. In Atmos, Brad Arnold hovers just above the band, while the strings form a dome around and over you.

While the Live in Houston DVD on-stage mix isn’t literal stage realism, it’s intentional envelopment with separation. The songs breathe differently when the guitars stop competing with everything else up front.

Full review:
https://youtu.be/zEG-40xvx7Q

4 days ago | [YT] | 1

Life in Surround

Foreigner 4 Deluxe just dropped with a new Atmos mix.

I ran a full shootout against the classic 5.1 and the stream.

Watch the results:
https://youtu.be/mPiN6fjV0nU

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 4

Life in Surround

One thing that really stood out revisiting Songs from the Big Chair in Atmos is how the additional percussion anchors the room, rather than letting the rear channels “float.”

Curious how others are hearing this set—especially compared to the earlier 5.1.

1 month ago | [YT] | 18

Life in Surround

The Rush — 2112 Atmos review is live:

👉 https://youtu.be/7oF9DDniT98

I’d love to know what you’re hearing — whether it’s about impact, spacing, dynamics, or moments that surprised you. What stood out to you most in this mix?

1 month ago | [YT] | 5

Life in Surround

New review is live.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Welcome to the Pleasuredome in Dolby Atmos.

This is a dense, intentional Atmos mix that rewards attention. Front-anchored where it should be, expansive in ways that matter, and carefully controlled even at high playback levels.

I focus specifically on how the Atmos presentation works, what Steven Wilson does with space, and why this mix holds together as an immersive experience rather than a gimmick.

Watch the full review here:
https://youtu.be/NIUGXiQqFIg

1 month ago | [YT] | 4

Life in Surround

The Frankie Goes to Hollywood “Welcome to the Pleasuredome” Atmos review is now live for channel members.
It will go public tomorrow morning.
Just a heads-up for anyone who enjoys early access.

1 month ago | [YT] | 25

Life in Surround

When an Atmos mix works for you, what do you notice first?

1 month ago | [YT] | 26

Life in Surround

I just published a new video showing the immersive & surround albums I’m beginning my 2026 with — physical media I already own and am planning to spend focused time with this year.
No rankings, no lists of “must have,” just what I actually have on hand and what I’m getting to.

If you’ve checked it out, I’d love to hear:
• which of these you already know
• which ones you’ve been meaning to revisit
• or what’s on your immersive front this year

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/sjb0vzhYcXY

Here’s to 2026 being filled with great listening and good sound.

1 month ago | [YT] | 4