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vocal distortion on Jayhawk's Rainy Day Music

I have recently listened to two different copies of Rainy Day Music and both have vocal distortion. I have heard of this problem at other sites on the web so I don't believe it is in pressing. I believe the producers/engineers (Rick Rubin?) have turned up the levels on the vocal tracks to the point of distortion. While I enjoy the music on this release I just can't bear to listen to it. On some of the threads I've seen reviewers claim to like the distortion, stating that it brings back a sixties sound for them. I find it inexcusable to record something this obnoxious. By the way, this is not the first American Recordings release to have this vocal distortion. A number of years ago I purchased an American Recordings release of a Red Devils live cd that had the very same distortion. I am now wary of all American Recordings. I have yet to see American Recordings or Lost Highway Records resond to the many complaints on this issue.
sns
ben_campbell
1,169 posts
 
Sns,
I have this on CD but have hardly listened to it-I'm a fan but found this a bit tired sounding-very Byrds like influence in places.
I'll check it later in more detail for the distortion on the vocals but didn't notice it on a casual listen(s).
emster
75 posts
 
I am glad you mentioned this. I actually was wondering if my speakers had developed a problem when I heard it. I am sure it sounds ok on the radio or in a car, and maybe that was the intent. I certainly will not buy another.
ben_campbell
1,169 posts
 
Yes the vocals are way forward in the mix,depending on the track this ranges from the extreme to the not so extreme.
It doesn't actually distort on my system however again I state I haven't listened in detail or in repeated sessions-it is I agree pretty irritating when you focus on it.
I find it a difficult listen more because of the music-it's so lightweight and derivative on a level I just wouldn't expect from The Jayhawks.
It is really difficult to guess what they were trying to achieve on this record-the last one Smile hinted at problems-this is truly aimless.
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