Retro Spins: Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - The Distance

 

You know you have some sway in the industry when you can request your label release your album on a format that isn't even being produced anymore. Such was the case with Bob Seger's The Distance. Knowing many of his fans still utilized 8 track tapes, the artist was able to get Capitol Records to release the album on the defunct format.

As a whole, it sold over two million copies, and peaked at number five on the Billboard 200. With it came Billboard Hot 100 hits, Even Now (12), Roll Me Away (27), and Shame On The Moon (2). The latter being a cover of Rodney Crowell's tune from his own self-titled album released in 1980.

Seger drew inspiration from the Woody Allen film Annie Hall, initially intending the album to be about relationships. However, after realizing this would make for a rather boring record, he shifted course. Though ultimately some tracks ended up making the cut from this original vision. These included Even Now, Love’s The Last To Know, House Behind A House, and the album closer, Little Victories.

Playing though it, you immediately get treaded to the standard Bob Seger sound. I.E. songs that either dig into the roots of jukebox rock, or deep dive into the storytelling of the artist.

It's typical fare, but not without its high points. Take away tunes for me were Even Now Boomtown Blues, Shame On The Moon, Roll Me Away, and House Behind A House.

Overall, it's okay, but it doesn't necessarily bring anything new to the table. I suppose that probably works for a lot of fans when an artist stays in their comfort zone and essentially releases the same album over and over, myself included in that camp. So, I can't fault Seger for not really doing anything mind blowing. He's found the formula that works for him, and he's running with it.

Sales for The Distance took a sharp downturn for Seger and his band. While it did reach platinum status, it failed to garner the numbers of his past three records, which achieved five- and six-times platinum certifications. This sudden downturn left the artist quickly becoming irrelevant in the MTV era.

While he contributed the 1984 song, Understanding to the soundtrack for Teachers, nothing else surfaced from him until 1986, when he released the studio album, Like A Rock. This would also be his last for the decade. Tomorrow is where I'll pick that one up.

Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below.

Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.