Personally, I never cared much for "The Downward Spiral" when it was originally released in 1994. Has ten years time and the addition of a 5.1 surround sound mix done much to change that? Not really. That's not to say that someone else won't like it, though. In fact, I suspect fans will be more than pleased. The mix was created by James Brown with Trent Reznor's assistance, and anytime the original artist is involved with a mix I think that's a positive. The outcome here is a fairly exciting and aggressive mix that suits the music just fine. Sure, I can't stand two-thirds of the album but nonetheless I think it works---especially on the wonderful "Closer". I totally dig those circles we hear toward the end of the song that sound like a race car going around a track! So why only a 3-1/2 rating? Well, the actual recording itself sounds a little cold and lifeless---and the fact this is an 'industrial/grunge' style of music is no excuse. (See the review of "With Teeth" for comparison.) Frankly, I've heard more inviting recordings in the compressed audio format DTS. So is "The Downward Spiral" worth owning in surround? Well... I suspect fans, even casual ones, will likely find this disc to be essential. As for Me? I don't find it essential, but I'll keep it and play it occassionally.
