The Steve Albini Sound

ISSUE #278

Steve Albini—perhaps the greatest audio engineer of my lifetime, the first producer I knew by name—is dead at 61 this week. He produced thousands of records, dozens of masterpieces, and shaped the sound of the 90s through his work with Nirvana, PJ Harvey, and the Pixies. He continued working up until his death, recording 21st-century albums for the likes of Joanna Newsom, Screaming Females, Cloud Nothings, and so many more.

Nobody made guitars sound as good as Albini. He was a man of principle, a writer of skill, and an incredible songwriter in his own right. To the end, he maintained his punk ethos, his disdain of establishment, and his fight for the brilliant amateurs of the working class. He was one of the levees holding idealogical ground against cultural erosion and DIY liquidation. He was well-spoken, outspoken, funny, and sharp. He was a Chicago man through and through.

I did not think we’d lose him so soon. I took for granted that there would be more work from him for years. Even now, the first Shellac record in a decade is out on Friday. He stayed active until the end, producing for acts as recent as METZ and Ty Segall. He did work for the little bands; if you wanted him, you got him.

He inspired fierce love from musicians. Dave Grohl recently dedicated “My Hero” to him. Joanna Newsom gave perhaps the most touching tribute, describing Albini as someone:

“… who I love very, very much and admire in every possible way you can admire a person. I was saying to my friend this morning that on the list of all the reasons why he’s my hero, music and music-related stuff doesn’t even crack the top ten. He’s been so enormously important in my life musically for so many years but still just as a human, as a person, as a hilarious, loving, loyal friend to so many people. I miss him. I’m gonna miss him so much. I haven’t accepted it yet. He recorded the album that this next song is on, as well as so much other stuff that I’ve done. I can’t believe I don’t get to record with him again, but I love Steve. I love you, Steve. This one’s for you.”

I don’t think any records sound better than his; the best can only be just as good. He is one of the most important figures in modern music. This issue is a collection of his work—I’m sure you’ll recognize some of it.

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