I'm wondering how much is low volume or simply how much is the way it was recorded. It sounds washed together and the hiss takes over in quieter moments.
Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have hiss than loose dynamic range, just as the folks at Intrada prefer, but could the mastering be improved? Was it recorded that way or mastered for CD that way?
Anyway, I'd love to be able to plunk down money for a complete release. And "Signs".
I am one that is against the idea of changing the volume. Its great dynamic range is part of what makes the visceral impact work at it's climaxes. I heard the score with the normalization on in Spotify once. And I immediately I noticed the bass was all distorted. What may help those who claim the music inaudible perhaps need a better amp in their systems. Its a really good recording and time shouldn't be wasted playing it on some cheap-ass boombox.
On a tear lately...so here is my analysis of James Newton Howard's superbly understated "Unbreakable" score. The first time I heard it, it seemed a bit nondescript, but after a few listens the themes really snuck up on me (not just the Vision theme, that is, that one I loved from bar 1). Really nice stuff and it doesn't hurt that it's by far my fav MNS film.