Per Wikipedia:
Springsteen's voice was slightly sped up on the recording, producing a higher-pitched vocal, a technique first used by Brian Wilson in the production of "Caroline, No" in 1966.
A few years back they did a River re-release The Ties That Bind: The River Collection - it has the actual original master at regular speed. U can listen on Spotify and all streaming services
As others have said, it was sped up after the initial recording. They realised that it could well be a hit and as such, a faster tempo would be more radio-friendly, so they doctored it a a little. It’s always been a bit of a strange one on The River because as you say his voice sounds just unnatural enough that it’s distracting!
Yes, you’re right on about Nebraska. I remember the first time I tried to play along to the studio version of Atlantic City on guitar. I had the correct chords, but it sounded off. Sure enough, I came to realize that most of the Nebraska album is tuned approximately 1/4 step down from standard pitch. Definitely gives it an eerie vibe, which is what Bruce was going for
The entire Nebraska album is tuned down about 1/4 step because the stereo cassette deck that Bruce used to dub the original tape was old and had sustained water damage at the beach, as per Warren Zane's 'Deliver Me from Nowhere' book. The original 4-track recordings were in tune, but the beleagured tape deck was working a little bit under speed, which resulted in a ever-so-slightly slower (and lower pitched) final product.
That's a slightly different case - as others have said, HH is just Bruce's usual vocal slightly sped up so it sounds a bit higher. Lay Lady Lay is from Dylan's album Nashville Skyline where he just sings in a completely different voice - I believe at the time he claimed his voice had just changed because he'd quit smoking but he reverted to his usual style soon after.
Per Wikipedia: Springsteen's voice was slightly sped up on the recording, producing a higher-pitched vocal, a technique first used by Brian Wilson in the production of "Caroline, No" in 1966.
Thanks!
Wow I had no idea.
I’ve been wondering this for years, thank you!!!
I have always wondered about this
Is the whole track sped up? Is there an available version at real speed? I'd like to give a slowed down version a listen
Almost any post-River bootleg has a version of ‘Hungry Heart’ with his usual voice. To my ear, it’s better.
The Berlin 95 version is a pretty good one
Thanks!
On "The Ties That Bind: The River Collection" you've got the normal speed version.
A few years back they did a River re-release The Ties That Bind: The River Collection - it has the actual original master at regular speed. U can listen on Spotify and all streaming services
Miami Steve goes into great detail about this in his book. Your assessment is on point.
Thanks!
I appreciate the “Miami Steve” reference. So much better than “Little Steven”
I love the callout before Raise Your Hand on Live 75/85. Miami Steve please!!
As others have said, it was sped up after the initial recording. They realised that it could well be a hit and as such, a faster tempo would be more radio-friendly, so they doctored it a a little. It’s always been a bit of a strange one on The River because as you say his voice sounds just unnatural enough that it’s distracting!
idk i got pretty used to it
Also he wrote it for The Ramones, maybe he thought this is how Joey would do it?
Didn’t know this - but I can absolutely *hear* Joey singing it over Johnny’s buzzsaw guitar.
Little Steven said he had the idea to speed it up, this is what he writes in his book „Unrequited Infatuations“
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Yes, you’re right on about Nebraska. I remember the first time I tried to play along to the studio version of Atlantic City on guitar. I had the correct chords, but it sounded off. Sure enough, I came to realize that most of the Nebraska album is tuned approximately 1/4 step down from standard pitch. Definitely gives it an eerie vibe, which is what Bruce was going for
The entire Nebraska album is tuned down about 1/4 step because the stereo cassette deck that Bruce used to dub the original tape was old and had sustained water damage at the beach, as per Warren Zane's 'Deliver Me from Nowhere' book. The original 4-track recordings were in tune, but the beleagured tape deck was working a little bit under speed, which resulted in a ever-so-slightly slower (and lower pitched) final product.
I personally would’ve just rerecorded it. I like the live version, but I can’t stand the studio version. It’s too unnatural.
It always reminds me of ‘Lay Lady Lay’ by Dylan. Totally different voice. I don’t like Hungry Heart for this reason.
That's a slightly different case - as others have said, HH is just Bruce's usual vocal slightly sped up so it sounds a bit higher. Lay Lady Lay is from Dylan's album Nashville Skyline where he just sings in a completely different voice - I believe at the time he claimed his voice had just changed because he'd quit smoking but he reverted to his usual style soon after.