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Bruce Hornsby and The Range - The Way It Is (1986) {Japan PCD1-8058}
Posted By :
Virginia Plain
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Date :
13 Apr 2010 06:44:15
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Comments :
6
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Bruce Hornsby and The Range - The Way It Is (1986) {Japan PCD1-8058}
Japan 1st pressing | Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 284 MB | Covers (300 dpi PNG)
Japan 1st pressing | Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 284 MB | Covers (300 dpi PNG)
| “ | Amazon.com wrote: Already an accomplished musician and songwriter, Bruce Hornsby released his debut "The Way It Is" with his band The Range at age 32 in 1986. Earning top 40 hits and Grammy recognition, its impact was immediate. A Virginia native, Hornsby presented a unique, distinguished sound, identifiable by his remarkable, whimsical piano playing. Both a brilliant songwriter and vocalist in addition to his keyboard prowess, Hornsby employs some '80s production elements in synthesizers and electronica, as well as some distinctly southern musicianship by the ever-underrated Range. Seven of the nine songs were co-written by Hornsby's brother John, and the songwriting is fantastic, marked by expansive arrangements, extremely accessible melodies, soulful and inspired performances, and expert musicianship. With a voice that can be equally haunting as endearing, Hornsby delivers feel-good rock numbers, phenomenal ballads, and socially conscious tunes such as the infamous title track. One of the finest debuts of the 80s, "The Way It Is" has aged extremely well and introduced a truly immense talent. Hornsby's heartland rock depicts an Americana distinct among Springsteen's mid-Atlantic summer towns, Henley's sunny open highways, and Mellencamp's optimistic Midwest. Hornsby paints vivid portraits of American life in the mountain ranges, winding rivers, jagged coasts, towering forests, and stretching farmlands of his beloved Virginia. Not as personal as his aforementioned contemporaries, he maintains a hopeful outlook for love and happiness even during tough times both emotionally and economically. Opening with the soaring electric guitars of "On the Western Skyline," Bruce paints a charming small town in middle America, true to his formula, with a can't-miss hook and upbeat yearning. Both "Every Little Kiss" and "Mandolin Rain" are among his finest songs, both featuring poignant piano playing woven into gorgeous ballads. These songs are truly timeless and boast perfect arrangement. The inspiring "The Long Race" precedes the title track, a #1 hit. "The Way It Is" is anchored by a simple yet irresistible keyboard cadence, later immortalized in 2Pac's "Changes," and socially conscious sentiments, with tales of injustice, racism, and discrimination. The amazing balance of sadness and hope, along with the catchy melody and production, make this track truly iconic. The final four tracks are classic Hornsby, with dense instrumentation, lyrical depictions of stunning landscapes and the people who inhabit them, and wonderful songwriting. Perhaps the best among them is "The Wild Frontier," a hard-rocking anthem denying the bustling indulgences of city life in favor of the simpler, more beautiful environs of rural America. "The Way It Is" still strikes me as a poignant, soulful, and powerful album after nearly 25 years; the flawless tracklist, beautiful melodies, playing, and lyrics remain as effective as the day it was released. Hornsby would prove himself a true renaissance man over a long career, impressing fans with successful ventures into jazz, bluegrass, solo projects, and other bands. However, he may be forever defined by his iconic debut, and while his other music should never be overlooked, "The Way It Is" was a definitive, if early, moment for a landmark musician. | ” |
| “ | Amazon.com also wrote: I was a junior high schooler watching NBC's music video show "Friday Night Videos" (if I remember the name correctly) back in 1986 when I heard "The Way It Is." It wasn't until the early 90s when I finally picked-up this CD; used. I almost traded it in about five years ago for something else. Needless to say, I still have it, and suprisingly (to me) it has become one of my favorite albums today. The Amazon.com review was right on the mark, by stating that Bruce Hornsby and the (venerable) Range are "long overdue for reevaluation." The piano work is suberb, Hornsby's vocals are so smooth, and the writing reflects subtle notes of sociological problems, and life's wonderful moments ("The Way It Is" and "Mandolin Rain" respectively). His backup band rounded out the sound of this album very well, making it one of the most complete and cherished recordings of the 1980s. It's been out of the limelight for years, but for those who dig this album up, a wonderful listening experience will become their's for a long time to come. | ” |
Tracklisting:
1. On the Western Skyline (4:42)
2. Every Little Kiss (5:48)
3. Mandolin Rain (5:19)
4. The Long Race (4:25)
5. The Way It Is (4:58)
6. Down the Road Tonight (4:33)
7. The Wild Frontier (4:05)
8. The River Runs Low (4:31)
9. The Red Plains (5:03)
Total Time: 43:24
Line-Up:
- Bruce Hornsby / Piano, Accordian, Synth, Hammered Dulcimer, Lead Vocals
- David Mansfield / Guitar, Mandolin, Violin
- George Marinelli / Acoustic Guitar, Background Vocals
- Joe Puerta / Bass, Background Vocals
- John Molo / Drums, Percussion
With:
- Huey Lewis / Harmonica
- John Gilutin, Sean Hopper / Additional keyboards
Click HERE to listen to full-length streaming samples
Pressing: RCA PCD1-8058
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I've got news for you, there is no difference from this pressing to the original. I have both on my computer, and bother are bit-for-bit identical. I mean really, down to the CRC32 checksums identical. The only difference is the artwork. So whatever difference you are hearing is in your mind. You are telling yourself it is different so you in turn make yourself believe you are hearing it different.