Cover Stories: Rickie Lee Jones - Under The Boardwalk

Rickie Lee Jones' ‘Under the Boardwalk’: The Track Audiophiles Know, But Haven’t Heard

Rickie Lee Jones’ cover of "Under the Boardwalk" is well-known among audiophiles. It's one of those tracks that people speak about with reverence, praising its emotional depth and sonic brilliance. Yet, most audiophiles have only heard it through digital formats—streams, downloads, or CDs—without ever experiencing its true power on vinyl.

And here’s the truth: while the digital version is good, the vinyl pressing is a different beast entirely. If you haven’t heard it on vinyl, you haven’t truly heard the song.

Why the Vinyl Version Is Superior

It’s not just the rarity of the vinyl pressing that makes this track special. Rickie Lee Jones’ Girl at Her Volcano EP, where "Under the Boardwalk" is featured, was a limited release in 1983. Since then, it hasn’t seen widespread reissues, making it a collector’s item. But what really sets the vinyl apart is the sound—rich, organic, and full of life in a way that the digital version can’t quite match.

The track opens quietly, with low gain—so much so that it almost feels like it’s faded in, though it’s not. If you're listening, you’ll likely need to turn the volume up quite a bit to catch the opening details. When Rickie’s vocals begin, the gain rises slightly but stays understated, creating an intimate atmosphere. It’s a slow burn, drawing you into its moody, introspective vibe.

The Dynamic Build-Up

As the song progresses, there’s a subtle yet steady increase in gain. Moving into the instrumental break, the track starts to swell, gaining momentum, until it reaches a moment that makes the whole recording unforgettable: a single tom thwack that feels like it knocks you off your seat. It’s a perfectly timed crescendo, the kind that creates a physical reaction.

On vinyl, this dynamic shift feels natural and organic. The percussion hits with force, but it’s harmonically balanced, fitting perfectly within the live-feel soundscape that Rickie and her team crafted. In fact, one of the most impressive aspects of the vinyl version is how it maintains the feel of a live performance. The vocals are softer, almost hidden behind the percussion, just as they might be in a real concert setting. The production team clearly wanted to preserve that realism, and the vinyl pressing does it justice.

On digital, the track still shines, but it loses some of that raw edge. The dynamic build is less dramatic, the percussion slightly compressed, and the overall effect—while still impressive—doesn’t quite hit you the way it does on vinyl.

A Soundcheck Staple Turned Recording

Interestingly, there’s a rumor that "Under the Boardwalk" was a go-to soundcheck song for Rickie Lee Jones during her tours. Its gradual build, dynamic shifts, and final explosive moment made it ideal for testing venue acoustics before a show. Over time, it became part of her performance routine, and she eventually decided to include it on Girl at Her Volcano.

This connection to soundchecks explains the track’s loose, live feel. It’s not a polished studio piece—it’s raw and natural, as if the musicians were testing the space and balance. The vinyl version amplifies that feeling, with its dynamic range and harmonic depth giving you the sense that you're listening to a live rehearsal rather than a controlled studio recording.

Why Audiophiles Are Missing Out

The irony is that the audiophiles who rave about this track are often the ones missing out. Most of them have only experienced it digitally, never having heard the full richness and depth that the vinyl pressing offers. They might love the song, understand its emotional complexity, and admire its sonic brilliance—but they haven’t heard it in its best form.

Vinyl takes the whole experience to another level. The depth of the soundstage, the warmth of the recording, the dynamic range—it all comes alive in a way that the digital version can’t fully replicate. For those who own the vinyl, it’s a prized possession, a rare gem that delivers on all the audiophile promises of sound quality, depth, and immersion.

For those who don’t have it, it’s time to hunt for it. Finding a copy of Girl at Her Volcano is no easy task, but it’s one worth pursuing for the listening experience alone.

Conclusion: A Track Worth Rediscovering

Rickie Lee Jones' "Under the Boardwalk" is more than just a cover; it’s an audiophile treasure. On vinyl, it’s an entirely different experience—one that pulls you in with its quiet beginnings and keeps you captivated with its stunning dynamics and raw, live-feel sound. If you’re an audiophile who prides yourself on discovering the best in sound quality, then this is a track you need to experience on vinyl.

The digital version might be good, but the vinyl is breathtaking. It’s time to rediscover what this track can truly do.