Bruce Springsteen – The River represents The Boss at his most ambitious and emotionally expansive, captured in this magnificent Japanese first pressing that preserves the album's epic scope and raw emotional power. Released in 1980 as a double album, this collection showcases Springsteen's mastery of both rock anthems and intimate ballads, presented in a comprehensive package that captures his artistic peak in exceptional quality. The Japanese pressing reveals the album's rich production with stunning clarity. From the exuberant opening of "The Ties That Bind" to the haunting beauty of "The River," every E Street Band arrangement and lyrical nuance emerges with breathtaking definition. Springsteen's passionate vocals and storytelling weave through the band's masterful interplay with a presence that benefits from the legendary Japanese audio engineering. The album's perfect balance of rock energy and poignant reflection sounds more immediate and emotionally resonant than ever in this pristine pressing. This copy is exceptional for its near-mint condition and completeness. The distinctive cap OBI strip remains crisp and vibrant, the original inner sleeves (OIS) are perfectly preserved, and the insert is flawless with lyrics and credits beautifully maintained. The vinyl surfaces play with the warm, detailed sound that Japanese pressings are renowned for, capturing every nuance of this landmark double album. The iconic cover artwork—featuring Springsteen's thoughtful portrait—looks particularly striking in this Japanese edition, perfectly capturing the album's themes of love, loss, and redemption. A landmark of American rock storytelling, preserved in collector's dream condition with all original elements. DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Artist / Title: Bruce Springsteen - The River Format / Pressing: 2x Vinyl LP - First Japanese pressing Label & Catalog Number: CBS/Sony 40AP 1960~1 Year / Country: 1980 - Japan Sleeve/Cover Condition: Near Mint - Minimal handling evidence, sharp corners, clean surfaces Media Condition: Near Mint - Visually pristine, no visible defects, plays with perfect clarity Contents: Complete with cap OBI strip, original inner sleeves (OIS), and insert TRACKLIST LP One - Side One: 1. The Ties That Bind 2. Sherry Darling 3. Jackson Cage 4. Two Hearts 5. Independence Day Side Two: 1. Hungry Heart 2. Out in the Street 3. Crush on You 4. You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch) 5. I Wanna Marry You 6. The River LP Two - Side One: 1. Point Blank 2. Cadillac Ranch 3. I'm a Rocker 4. Fade Away 5. Stolen Car Side Two: 1. Ramrod 2. The Price You Pay 3. Drive All Night 4. Wreck on the Highway COLLECTOR'S HIGHLIGHTS Rarity: First Japanese pressing in exceptional near-mint condition Special Features: Includes all original Japanese elements - cap OBI strip, OIS, and insert Musical Content: Landmark double album featuring "Hungry Heart" and "The River" Authenticity: Confirmed by CBS/Sony catalog number 40AP 1960~1 SALE TERMS & SHIPPING Shipping: Within 1 or 2 business days after payment Packaging: Professional, secure vinyl mailer | Records shipped outside covers to prevent seam splits Vinyl Care: All our vinyl records are professionally cleaned with an ultrasonic machine before shipping. We also include free outer sleeves and new inner sleeves. Shipping Areas: Worldwide Payment: Required within 3 days after auction closes ABOUT THE SELLER A passionate collector for over 30 years, my journey through music has been a lifelong adventure. With the creation of STREAMZER, I've chosen to share this profound love for music and records with enthusiasts around the world. Each record from my collection has been carefully selected, stored in optimal conditions, and handled with the respect that these musical treasures deserve. I'm delighted to offer these pieces to fellow music lovers who understand their true value. Happy bidding! Musically, Olivier