Steve Albini was asked to lead the recording of what would be the band’s last album, In Utero
In September 1993, the Nirvana released his third and final studio album: In Utero. Unlike the previous one, which had been produced by Butch Vig (also drummer of Garbage and responsible for working with Smashing Pumpkins and Sonic Youth), the album was recorded under the baton of Steve Albini (who had worked with names like Pixies and PJ Harvey).
How was the experience for Albini? In an interview with Louderthe sound producer also known for having later worked with the Page & Plant It is bush revealed some details of the process involving the conception of the album, notable for songs like “Heart-Shaped Box” It is “All Apologies”.
Initially invited to reflect on what it was like to be in the studio with the singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain, the studio professional tried not to amplify the experience too much. In the view of Albini, the frontman who died in 1994 was very similar to himself.
“We grew up in the same environment, with many of the same friends and influences. So his approach and aesthetic were familiar to me, as part of that scene.”
Right away, Steve revealed that he didn’t listen that much Nirvana At that time. However, working in the studio made them respected as artists.
“I was not familiar with the Nirvana before the sessions, but I can say that I came to appreciate them as a band and Kurt as an artist during these sessions and I admire them tremendously.”
Steve Albini and Dave Grohl
The comments of Steve Albini about the then drummer Dave Grohl were more extensive. For him, the musician who would later become vocalist and guitarist of foo fighters He was already showing signs that he could have this future in the front area of a band, instead of being in the back, on the drum bench.
“Dave has always been a well-rounded musician and it makes sense that as a bandleader he would be successful.”
In sequence, Albini reflected on the specific talents of grohl with drumsticks in hand.
“As a drummer specifically, he is among the absolute elite of rock drummers. His drum attack is powerful and consistent, but he also plays with subtlety and sensitivity in dynamics.”
Still about Dave, Steve noted that the two maintain a friendship to this day.
“dave and I remain friends, we talk often and I have a lot of respect for the way he behaves. I can also say that although many people have different public and private personalities, the dave The guy you see talking on television is precisely the guy you would meet at a barbecue.”
The best song from In Utero
Also during the interview, Steve Albini was asked to name his favorite track from In Utero. His choices fell on songs that weren’t exactly hits: “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle”, by the letter, and “Milk It”, depending on the musical part.
“The text of ‘Francis Farmer ‘Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle’ is great and a perfect encapsulation of the competing stimuli of art, celebrity, commerce and entertainment that Kurt saw around him. Musically, I guess. ‘Milk It‘ fantastic, reminiscent of many of the strange post-punk influences of the 80s, such as Public Image Ltd and The Raincoats.”
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
