I don't need to go on a multi-page rant about the Polyphonic Spree and their greatness. This album, without a shadow of a doubt, is one of the greatest cd's in the history of music. It is a masterpiece. The 24 members of this band all add their own greatness to make this cd simply amazing. Highlights to me are Suitcase Calling, Diamonds/Devotion to Majesty, Hold Me Now and We Sound Amazed. This is one of those cd's that once you own it, you will forever love it. The Polyphonic Spree is music for your soul.

This DVD-Audio release sports a very full, satisfying 5.1 mix which utilizes all channels to (imo) perfect effect. Rather than utilizing a dizzy swirling multi-channel mix, this DVD-A discreetly pumps through each speaker with a determined, healthy sound; it fully envelopes the listener without hitting them over the head, reminding them constantly that it's a surround-mix.
If you're a fan of the band/album, it's quite recommended.

The disc also features 2 videos (two versions of 'Light & Day'), two mix-breakdowns (each featuring four different breakdowns/mixes), a Biography, lyrics for each song, and suggested internet-links.

Mixes available - 5.1 dolby, DTS 5.1 surround, and a 2.0 mix.

The Polyphonic Spree are a like a gift from heaven to those (admittedly few) of us not enamoured with the likes of such dubious pop bands as Fall Out Boy or My Chemical Romance. Quite possibly the happiest band of all time, the Spree are a wholly unique phenomenon in this time of disingenuous, image-obsessed pop idols. Together We're Heavy is their best release to date. It is a work of incredible power and emotional depth. The music, written by the aptly surnamed Tim DeLaughter, is some of the most uplifting and optimistic stuff I've ever heard. Sure, the themes are childish. Cynics take endless delight in driving this point home over and over again, flogging the proverbial dead horse unto mucilage. But I find their innocent approach to music to be a breath of fresh air. And don't think for an instant that this innocence is a reflection of their musical abilities. The songs on Together We're Heavy are well written, very well played, and exceptionally well recorded.

The album gets off to a thunderous start with Section 11, which is surely one of the greatest album beginnings ever. Its majestic rock beat and blasting theremins are sure to draw comments like "Dude is that the music or are your speakers going to explode?" The rest of the album progresses similarly. I guess if you don't like one of the songs on this album you probably won't like any of them. It's not that there is no variety, but there is a similar sound from song to song. The Spree have a Steinman-esque affinity for excess, which often manifests itself in the form of a colossal wall of sound. This not-so-subtle approach might come off as a bit of a cheap thrill if it wasn't offset by some lovely quieter tracks. At any rate, covering a vast array of styles at once is clearly not one of the Spree's priorities. Section 12 (Hold Me Now) and Section 14 (Two Thousand Places) are definite highlights, as well as the climactic Section 19 (When The Fool Becomes A King). However, the best song is Section 17 (Suitcase Calling), as it contains just about everything you could ever want in a Polyphonic Spree song. All the songs contain strong melodies and most also have endlessly repeated chorus lines, as per Spree tradition.

Together We're Heavy is an epic album in a time when epic albums are no longer welcomed. I predict that it will someday be appreciated for what it is: A remarkably unique and heartfelt expression of people's desire to escape the stress of work and world events and be happy for no particular reason at all.

I was recommended this album by a respected music fan, describing it as a fantastic Smile-era music-loving collective of monks. Boy, what a huge disappointment.

Led by Tim DeLaughter, a guy whose voice grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard when he was in Tripping Daisy, Polyphonic Spree are nothing more than a bunch of stoned Up With People rejects in a bad production of Godspell.

Their music is tremendously dull, although they have all the right instruments: theremin, mini orchestra, flutes, happy horn sections, choir, you name it, it's here. Tim DeLaughter obviously thinks just having the 'right' instruments is enough.

There aren't songs per se, but mostly 'sections', as if this is a concept album, or a long magnum opus that must be heard from beginning to end (neither of which it is or should be). Without any memorable melodies or focus about what the heck Tim is singing about, the whole thing smacks of pretentia. Any similarity to Brian Wilson you might read about is pure superficial.

The Spree work better as a visual medium than on record, hence the DVD I got with the CD. When they weren't scaring me with their Mexican jumping beans on Speed routine, I laughed as Tim tried desperately to validate the band as a musical spiritual enlightenment, rather than the stoned gimmicky tripe it actually is. In the live portion, the band jump around constantly, trying REALLY hard to enjoy themselves. Too bad they don't try as hard to play their instruments correctly.

Also included are videos for the one decent song they had in them, "Light & Day" which unfortunately is from their last album, not this one.

Saw the Spree playing of PBS live and couldn't get them off my mind so I took a chance and bought this album and love it. Feel good awesome pop 70's style. Try it you'll like it.