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.
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.