We've Lost Steve Albini

[@otisgibbs]

Here's the 1993 article i mentioned. thebaffler.com/salvos/the-problem-with-music Here's the song I mentioned from the album i liked. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6usY62qoNSYnpI

[@freelancebythebay]

Thank you, Otis, for such a sensitive recall of the late ( and waaay too soon) passing of Steve Albini. He always captured bands' recordings with a singular sort of deftness. May he rest peacefully.

[@tjsmith3741]

Great article

[@jmascis8665]

Steve albini gave dinosaur jr our first New York area gig opening for big black at Maxwells. It was the first gig we played that people actually liked us, thanks Steve RIP

[@kevinsbott]

Dinosaur Junior is great, what are unique and they individualistic sound. Thanks for the great music!

[@ianthekirkland]

God, Steve Albini was such a sound-space-acoustics savant. Akoustikos, of the Greek pantheon. RIP to a true legend. Also, speaking of people who changed music as we know it, I can't believe I'm replying to the one and only J! A very loud and peaked-out shoutout, sir.

[@stupidknot2]

I just wanna see that I picked up one of y’all‘s albums from an old pawnshop back in the day and it really grabbed a hold of me. The vocals seem very honest and even somewhat shy nervous me that I could do the same thing thank you for what you do and what you’ve done for music

[@shannonm.townsend1232]

Were you in Upside-down Ctoss

[@guitarhackr]

Thanks for sharing. I can't imagine how important that validation was in your early days.

[@joikuja2827]

Like for countless others, Steve Albini was a hugely important figure for me. My band travelled from Finland to Chicago to record with him and we opened up for Shellac on every night on one tour in scandinavia. He always treated us in decent manner, undoubtedly very aware of the pedestal we had put him on. He influenced our music to the extend of awkwardness, but when he muttered to your headphones with his dry voice: "and you´re rolling", there was no more time to be starstruck, it ment business, you were on a mission to capture something very important to you and your bandmates. And to be able to do that with one of your all time heroes, was remarkable. He left an example how to conduct a business in a humane, decent way. I´m sure many times at the expense of his own well-being. A beautiful man who will be sorely missed all over the world. A heart aching loss this is.

[@BluesSky]

Albini like Tom Dowd refusing to take points is really amazing and respectable, totally punk too . R.I.P.

[@ThePeteMan]

Most Punks talked the talk but not many walked the walk like Albini

[@Molt408]

I'm so bummed out today. Both friends Neurosis and High on Fire recorded their best albums with Albini. I have learned so much from him. My production style is modeled after him. way too young . Thank you Steve

[@franckdelamarasse5129]

Steve was one of my heroes and I thank him for all the awesome music he injected into my life. I'll allow the mourning process to take its course, and then I'll pose the question: "How could such a free spirit, such a sharp critic of the system, become such a fervent advocate for COVID, to the point of wearing two masks (one surgical + one fabric) during numerous social interactions, prohibiting access to his studio for unvaccinated or unmasked individuals, and multiplying vaccines and boosters, only to likely die from a probable side effects induced myocarditis at the age of 61, at the peak of his career?"

[@Canada-gs3jc]

My band recorded with Steve in 2011. RIP

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

Where are the recordings at?

[@Bushwig]

My band did too

[@billepperson2662]

Stories?

[@jppagetoo]

Steve was the definition of an iconoclast. I am sad he is gone. My condolences to his friends and family.

[@chefboy6123]

Chicago had it all for a long time. RIP

[@waskerbasket9601]

I usually don’t get emotional about people I don’t personally know, but this one rocked me. He was an underground icon. Big Black blew me away when I first heard it. I literally got pissed cuz I didn’t make music that sounded like that. Very upsetting that he’s gone.

[@sevenmileridgeband]

Shocker for me. I had read recently, that Shellac was back with a new record, and doing shows, I think a on a bill with OFF later this month in Chicago? I read something he said recently about microphone placement for guitar cab recording that made a lot sense to me. I was never close friends with him, but we were both in the same punk/music community at Northwestern University in the early 80's. I saw him around a lot in the neighborhood where I lived. He was always generous with his amplifiers and other gear when I used help my friends in Urge Overkill do shows on or near the Northwestern campus. The UO guys lived across the street from me, and Albini was supportive of their efforts. Big Black shows were always a must see event. He was controversial even back then, writing a column for the school paper, poking fun at the Greek system, and other NU establishments, and that made him a target. God Speed Mr. Albini.

[@newsfromtheweather7269]

I met Steve Albini when he played with the band Shellac at A friend of mine‘s warehouse in San Francisco. A great human being! His work ethic as a producer and recording engineer reminds me of a San Francisco Bay area gem Bart Thurber. Bart’s Recording studio House of Faith in Palo Alto recorded countless do it yourself punk bands. he now has a studio in Oakland and continues to make it possible for poor musicians to put out amazing records which is something Steve Albini did for musicians as well. These types of people are a godsend to the Music world. Without them we wouldn’t have a lot of the great music that’s available to us and we should be very thankful to them. Thank you Steve Albini for your great contribution to the music community you’re passing is it great loss.

[@roaminglycanthropist]

Jason Molina was fucking amazing!! Thanks for mentioning the album. It's so haunting.

[@ElmerSpuda]

Nobody I respect more than Steve Albini. Also one of my favorite guitarists going back 40 years and a big part of the reason I play guitar. We’ve lost a true legend.

[@soulsurvivors7565]

About to give up on being a musician/producer, I learned about Albini, his philosophy and work ethic. Changed my life. Beautiful and spot-on eulogy, Sir. RIP Steve Albini.

[@marcmyers8525]

P.J. Harvey "Rid of Me" is an amazing album..

[@danielkrueger3827]

Beyond amazing!

[@written12]

I didn’t know he produced her.

[@RayZappa]

Likewise The Wedding Present's 'Seamonsters'

[@aurorabanks8161]

That and the Breeders debut record were great recordings. He also did Page & Plant's reunion record Walking Into Clarksdale.

[@stuartfishman1044]

One of my favorite albums of all time, beautiful and fierce.

[@teresathomley3703]

The great Steve Albini- God what a bummer that he passed so young. One of the last purists. I can remember owning In Utero at age 13 and being kinda struck by the fact that the album said "recorded by Steve Albini" as opposed to "produced by (insert name here.)" I didn't quite get the depth of that distinction at the time but I knew it was different. As I got older and digested a lot more music I began to respect his creative ethics. No one was middle of the road with regard to Albini. People either loved or hated him. I loved him. Rest in peace, Steve.

[@herbbirdsfoot]

“Seamonsters” album by the Wedding Present is an all-time favorite Albini production. Also the next MX-80 album (yet to be released) was recorded by Steve. So we haven’t (not) heard the last of him.😉

[@JMarinelli]

His work with the Weddoes is absolutely sublime.

[@chronic_johnson_a.r.a.b]

Mclusky - Mclusky Do Dallas the Jesus Lizard - GOAT Neurosis - A Sun That Never Sets.

[@kenbagnall4861]

Mclusky, respect. Get on those Otis x

[@Semprini537]

I had no clue. Saw Steve alive with RAPEMAN (DINOSAUR JR opened) in Ljubljana/Slovenia,i was very impressed with the bands and Steve was on fire. RIP

[@MrRyanzepaltas]

Thanks for this Otis. This one hurts. Steve was very influential to me and my friends as a human, musician and recordist. He used his power for good.

[@iskandertime747]

He talked the talk and walked the walk. RIP.

[@wittry2]

Thanks for the introduction. I did not know anything about Steve Albini. Now I do. The beauty of listening to Otis.

[@tone1798]

I agree! My son turned me on to Otis and I really dig what he’s doing 🤙🏽🤘🏽🎸👈🏼

[@shawnriffhard]

Very true words.

[@jonristic3794]

Dirty Three Ocean Songs. We are heartbroken in Chicago.

[@unwavery]

That's a real timeless record. I haven't come back to it in awhile, but I will soon.

[@lawrencegreenwood4002]

@@unwavery Dirty Three, Low, Magnolia...they'll all be getting a spin this month.

[@josevillarreal9920]

Mr. Gibbs, thank you! The Sadies - Precious Moments & Golden Moments but even more essential he did Surfer Rosa & The Breeders - Pod both very influential to Kurt Cobain. The haunting violin in Pod and the way he captured Joey Santiago's playing.

[@atravelerofbothtimespace4172]

Sad to hear . legendary producer of many timeless albums r.i.p. Steve

[@Richimon1]

Hi Otis! Thanks for the great tribute. Steve's recordings will always be with us and it was our good fortune that he was here to deliver all of those bands to us without unnecessary blobs of studio session effects. You also turned me onto a fella named Otis Gibbs, who I wasn't aware of until today and after a quick listen to Souvenirs of a Misspent Youth, you have a brand new fan!! I couldn't come up with a country band that Steve worked with but I wanted folks to be aware of The Lost Dog Street Band that I stumbled upon a few years back. I'm sure you have heard of Benjamin and his wife Ashley but for those who haven't, his songs of hard times and even more difficult habits have become anthems to a lot of folks across the country and I feel he may be the new Hank Williams ready to give country music a long overdue reset, taking it all the way back. Have a listen to "Using Again," a song that packed a club out here in Morro Bay California with folks who were moved by this incredible tune and came from far around to see them live. Their fresh record Survived has arrived with a hopeful, positive attitude that could do a lot to help all of us in these times of judgment. Cheers!!

[@MrZobarx]

One of my favorites - Dirty Three "Ocean Songs". Utterly beautiful album, recording & music.

[@pedterson]

Great tribute! Steve was one of my heroes and I can't think of any contemporary artist who has brought so much value to my life as he did. He recorded many of my favourite records and he was so generous, in sharing his knowledge, in championing other artists, in his charitable work, and in the way he's lead his life. On the day of his death he responded to a picture I sent him of a cat with the Rolling Stones lips for its bumhole, and it made my day just like every fleeting online interaction with him. To hear this news the following day... As far as country albums are concerned: I know he recorded Robbie Fulks. He was one of the first musicians Steve recorded in his basement, and then later they made another record together that was nominated for a Grammy. I'm sure there are others, but I can't think of any right now.

[@RandyJoeDuke]

My good friend and band brother Bill Bruton turned me on to him years ago. I definitely appreciated his work ethic and take on the music industry. Bill's band, Captain Blood, was one of the bands who recorded an album with Mr. Albini back in 2014. RIP!

[@joeurbanowski321]

I’m so bad with knowing names of the people in the biz… But now I know who he was and his contributions to music… RIP Steve Albini 🙏🏻❤️✌🏼

[@asbury29]

Albini recorded a lot, if not all, of Robbie Fulks' Country Love Songs (1995) album. That is some straight-up country!

[@chrisheadthehonchos7892]

Gone Away Backward and Upland Stories he worked on as well.

[@zendixie]

That’s good to know. Robbie is a big hero of mine.

[@indieguy81]

One of my favorite Albini productions: The Jesus Lizard - Goat

[@andybeebe5548]

I think Jason is such an under appreciated artist. Everything he touched was great. His voice expressed such pain and sorrow. Unfortunately he actually felt a lot of both.

[@indieguy81]

I don't know if there will ever be another recording engineer like Steve Albini. His ethical stance and steadfast refusal to play the industry game is unique and admirable. He was so great at seeing through the bullshit and keeping things simple. And from what I've heard he was incredibly kind and generous with his time and knowledge, always willing to share his expertise with other artists.

[@marctodd8531]

R.I.P. Steve Albini. We are all heading in the same direction Otis. Some sooner. Some later, but everybody does. Thanks for your kind words Otis. Regards, Marc

[@Joshua_Stephens]

Thank You, for this.

[@nunestunes]

He recorded the Sadies which might be up your alley

[@MurrayWilliams]

Very sad and shocking … all my love to the Albini clan.

[@sspbrazil]

Pixies - Surfer Rosa could is an obvious album produced by him that I love a not so well known band , Zeni Geva, all of their 6 albums, they were a Japanese noise band, I really like them, but not for everyone. Other good ones; Slint - Tweez, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, The Didjits - Full Nelson Reilly, Jawbreaker - 24 Hour Revenge Therapy, Pigface - Gub, Murder, Inc., Superchunk - No Pocky for Kitty, The Jesus Lizard - Goat, Veruca Salt - Blow It Out Your Ass It's Veruca Salt, so many more…

[@sadmachinesaudio6462]

I am in Germany and I know somebody that went to Chicago to record with Steve. Besides all the usual mentions of In Utero and Surfer Rosa and Rid of Me and all that, which are all great, I would recommend Why I'd Try by a band called Grandfather. Not for the music per se, but for the monumental production with its palpable room that sounds like you could inhabit that space. It really takes you to another place. Also, Steve was incredibly eloquent, funny and dropped knowledge bombs every time he opened his mouth. I would have loved to hear him talk for the rest of my life. And I never mourned for someone I have never met before.

[@PlernBlernAK]

Good stuff Otis. My fave Albini engineered album was by the UK band The Wedding Present. The album is called Seamonsters. Recorded at Pachyderm Studios in Minnesota the year before Nirvana recorded In Utero there, it is, in my opinion, one of the great indie-minded guitar albums. I always loved Albini’s sound, that snare against a brick wall reverb, that tube humming, live sound. It’s all there in his recordings as you stated. Always quality. Always never perfect. His works always slaps. Cheers from Anchorage, AK!

[@haroldcheeseburger]

The world just lost a brilliant soul.

[@delsolsyxx]

Holy Smokes Otis, Thanks so much you turning me onto Songs: Ohia. I have never heard there music before, amazing vocals and arrangements. Down the Jason Molina rabbit hole I go...

[@jmr5707]

Always loved Big Black's cover of He's a Whore by Cheap Trick. Never heard the song any other way after that.

[@JMarinelli]

Their version of Kraftwerk’s “The Model” ain’t too shabby either.

[@jmr5707]

@@JMarinelli Yeah. I would kind of expect it to be, though.... kindred spirits, there. The bubblegum Cheap Trick came outta' nowhere and gave me pause.

[@shannonm.townsend1232]

Same, but for She's a Model

[@johntbd]

Thanks Otis. One of my favorites is by Godspeed You Black Emperor “Yanqui U.X.O. RIP STEVE.

[@jimmyjambon9206]

Sad. A great man. There is so much gained and nothing lost by leaving things as they are expressed from the artist. How much would a person appreciate a visual art piece if you found out it was reworked to death at the direction of others and barely resembled what the artist originally put on the canvas? "Now we made it perfect...".

[@bestsplash89]

I've learned so much about audio and have reflected on so many topics related to art and society by listening to Steve Albini's words. Always admired his willingness to share and elaborate. He once pointed his work with folk singer-songwriter Nina Nastasia as something he was really proud of. Worth checking out, beautiful sounds in there. My personal favorite might be The Breeders' "Title TK", among dozens of great records with his name on the credits.

[@HomelandConspiracy]

Got to see Big Black in a small room called the Half Way Inn we all called it the Half Ass Inn. They were scary good!!!

[@Kcapgar]

A band of mind in the 90s just released something that he mixed. Last weekend. It was a labor of love project to honor our singer That passed in 97. I was blown away at the timing of that release and then Steve passes away just a few days later. Anyway the great records that guy did were amazing. He got the best drum sounds. Period.

[@Chris-em4tc]

Most of the general public had no idea who Steve was. But if you were a musician, or a studio cat and in that scene, you f’ing knew who he was. I was devastated when I learned of his passing. Just a genuine, no bullshit kind of guy. Way too young. You will be missed Steve.

[@kennedyterence4209]

Wow, from all the comments Steve sure touched a lot of people. You never stop learning. Thanks for all the contributions Steve!

[@hearpalhere]

That's a huge loss for anyone who loves music. I loved reading/hearing interviews with Steve Albini and absolutely still agree with his DIY/punk take on music. I had a work trip out to Chicago back around 2007ish and went out to see Albini's studio, Electrical Audio. I met him briefly and got a tour from one of the employees. Just like you said Otis, he was completely accessible and down to earth. I was hoping to get my band to record with him but unfortunately, we broke up before it could happen. The prices seemed absolutely reasonable to me at the time and we were a self funded, new band with not a whole lot of money. I can only imagine how much fun it would have been to record there with him. Wishing strength and peace to his loved ones and friends.

[@pangur780]

Thank you Otis. Albini is a mountain in my mind. From Big Black to Shellac I've been listening to his work since I learnt what was shit and what was heartfelt, positive, anti-corporate true and original in art, as a kid. Albini was one of the major signposts on that journey. Sad day. RIP Steve.

[@JuanluRCc]

Beautiful landscape

[@mightydorchux]

I listened to that record by Magnolia Electric Co. and it's a really great work of art artist wise and production wise.

[@johnrosier1686]

We have been joking for 20+ years now that when our old band gets back together for a reunion we would make an album and do it with Steve Albini. He was one of a kind. RIP

[@drybayoudan5429]

Thanks for bringing the truth. Keep on keeping on ! It’s refreshing to see an unexpected video of your’s. You have a unique ability to slow this crazy world down. Thanks, Dan

[@michaelmuncy3593]

Discogs notes a CD entitled "BR-549, The Steve Albini Sessions". The track list being: 1 Out Of Habit 2 Seven Nights To Rock 3 Little Ramona 4 Wild One 5 18 Wheels & A Crowbar 6 Even If It's Wrong 7 Little Ramona (Alternative Take)

[@jeffdixon847]

11:58 The BR-549 stuff that came out on a promo EP is the best sounding stuff they did. Totally broke them out of the sterile sound of their proper albums. His work with Low is also top shelf. Really helped them move forward from their already excellent first three albums. Songs for a Dead Pilot was white abrasive and wiped the slate clean. Then Secret Name was stingingly beautiful with its string quartets and intimate, close mic’ed vibe.

[@jedeyetown]

Rock steady and go well Steve Albini ...

[@Esther3PM]

Thank you for this inspiring tribute, very interesting & relevant quotes from Albini! For a beautiful and dark folk vibe album, I'd recommend Nina Nastasia's Blackened Air engineered by Albini. Can't think of a country album per say right now, I'd be quite curious too. Thanks again for enlightening video, much appreciated!

[@apolloc.vermouth5672]

Was so sorry to hear about this - my heart goes out to Steve's family and friends as it was obviously sudden and totally unexpected. His insights and wisdom became all the more valuable in recent years.

[@SLAYERSWINE1]

I grew up in Chicago. Ran into Albini one late night at a hot dog stand not far from his Belmont Ave. studio. He was a down to Earth gentleman. RIP Steve Albini.

[@brandoncrowe3199]

all the love towards you brother, awesome words till we all meet again

[@amosc768]

Man, I'm surprised at how bummed out this has me. RIP Steve

[@brassteeth3355]

Mule- "If I don't six" Full on Jam from beginning to end.

[@jimmanire3646]

Really enjoyed this! Thanks Otis!

[@deathsave]

Shellac was a game changer for punk-rock. Few others I came to love and became an influence on me, the Jesus Lizard, Mule, Tar, Big'n, Uzeda, Bedhead, New Year, and Nina Nastasia to name a few that come to my mind right away. Albini influenced many generations, and burned bright doing it! RIP

[@warehausrecordingstudiollc6648]

May Mr. Albini R.I.P.. We will always miss you.

[@endlesscurrent]

I just found out... I still can't believe it... I just lost my father last August and now, one of my rock heroes... I'm completely shocked.. One of my ultimate goals in life was to meet him in person and talk to him about music and rock music recording... His vision of music, music recording and his unmatched integrity and professionalism continues to inspire me like nothing else. His example has made me a better musician and a better human being. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

[@amyf4985]

Thanks for a great tribute. RIP

[@krisscanlon4051]

Steve was an amazing recorder of sound...yes he was accessible...no ego no star trip.

[@aisle_of_view]

Oh no! What a loss to the recording industry. Total pro. He'll be missed. RIP

[@thomasbraida7293]

The guy left a great legacy of recordings. I went to Robbie Fulks 40th birthday party at Martyrs in Chicago about 20 years ago, and his guests were other artists he liked and admired. This included Steve Albini (who performed with Shellac) as well as Buddy Miller and his band. What a night! My ears are still ringing from the Shellac set though.

[@zendixie]

Two of my favorite people. Robbie Fulks and Buddy Miller.

[@Briandnlo4]

Albini thought for himself, and defined his own Code of Honor. If you went in understanding that, and what it meant, he was the most generous guy you could imagine. He was a singularity in a time & scene full of unique individuals.

[@delaybrainsshriver]

Much respect to albinis way of operating an all inclusive studio. The guy recorded everything even a great freejazz record by The Thing and metal drone album with Sunn0))). Very ambitious and open minded dude. He'll be missed by many.

[@chadsigafus339]

I remember quite a while back that my sister's ex husband's band had Steve record them, He (my sister's ex) was quite a bone head in that he thought the band was the next big thing... having said that the recording was pretty good. Sorry to see someone who had a real down to earth way of taking care of business leave us so soon. Hey all you out there, gotta take care of the heart.

[@royalslim2024]

I was in a band things that fall down we recorded an album with Steve him and I mixed it he told me that he wasn't supposed to like our music but he did so he put his name on our record so sad he's gone and otis thanx for this

[@ShiceSquad]

Indeed, he was a great encouragement to smallish bands as well as true nobodies like me - that it's totally legitimate to make unconventional music that'll never make you a dime.

[@blatantlocalism1041]

Toronto’s Phleg Camp “Ya’red fair scratch” recorded in 1993. Excellent record with Albini at the helm.

[@briannacery9939]

Condolences!

[@christophercampbell1677]

Wow. Rest in peace 🙏

[@CarstenGoeke]

Its a huge loss and so sad. Thanks for this video✌🏼

[@anthonyc1883]

"Nirvana begged him to take points on In Utero." Had not heard that. Was aware he stated upfront he would work on that record only for a flat fee, but was unaware the band begged him.

[@tourhead]

RIP. Thanks Otis

[@doctorauxiliary]

this is a lovely homage. thanks bunches, otis.

[@daringbarons]

I got so many great sound tips from the videos and interviews that Albini gave. His integrity was awesome.

[@tedijune6759]

I never heard of him, but I’m glad you pay your respects, and say “PASSED.” Truth.

[@pamartin]

Excellent idea. I've been paid rate for a session, and when it was done, so was I. Like day labor. Wonderful attitude for a producer. After the job you can give him a tip for good service. I love it!

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

So glad you gave Albini some love. I never met him, but I'm gonna miss him being here. He was one of a kind. Peace. PS. The only country album I personally know of that Albini recorded was called "Country Love Songs" done by Robbie Fulks. It sounds like it was recorded like you were talking about. I'm sure there's more though.

[@chan082470]

So sorry to hear about Steve .

[@richardclegg5853]

I was fortunate to see Foo Fighters last week, a couple days after Steves passing. Dave Grohl did a great tribute talking about Steves importance then played My Hero with a Steve Albini montage up on the big screens...

[@michaelbuhl4250]

Making a list of great albums he recorded for other artists would take too long. I discovered Steve Albini through his band Big Black, which didn't sound like anything else at the time. They used a drum machine because they couldn't find a drummer they liked, and so rather than compromise they engineered a solution. I've heard the Big Black song "Kerosene" described as the "Stairway to Heaven" of noise rock.

[@Jason-nq2il]

I bought Two Nuns back in 1988, love that record. Just spun it the other day, it still sounds like a bomb exploding, the drum sound is insane. The cover of Just Got Paid on that album is hilarious and brilliant. Sad to hear we’ve lost him.

[@TimGadd]

Christ, I'll be 61 in August. He was my generation. Excellent Italian greyhound.

[@ray_s281]

I listened to Albini succinctly explain the polarity of a microphone diaphragm. Which is why I listened to other interviews with him, I just found him interesting.

[@billdillon3886]

I just checked out Molina. Very well done. RIP Steve Albini.

[@Jason-cm6uh]

Dang man! I didn't hear until now. Steve was "the shit" stuck in the cog wheel that is the music business. Steve Albini will be sorely missed........ Thanks for everything Steve!

[@Will2Wisdom]

One of the greats