So I recently found a "Mastered by Capitol" WLP of The River by Bruce Springsteen. I am a big fan of WLPs as they are often (perhaps even usually) the preferred cut approved by the artist and/or producer. I've always felt that they represent what is closest to the artist's intentions for the album, aurally speaking.. So I was actually a bit disappointed that this copy had the same thin, anemic bass that every copy I've had always displays.
A bit later, I found a Japanese pressing at a very favorable price so I decided to check it out. The Japanese engineer goosed the bass and it sounds like I think it should sound. The unison bass and kick drum on "Hungry Heart" actually have a little slam to them. To me it is a much more enjoyable listen. But this thing in my mind keeps telling me that it's not the sound that Bruce or Jon Landau envisioned for the work. It feels like revisionist history.
It's not an album I would ordinarily give two shelf spaces to, but I almost feel like I want to keep both. I actually want to unload one, but can't decide which one it should be.
Maybe if one of you are hosting a get together any time soon, we could all listen to both and you can tell me if this is real or it's all in my head.
