Today we talk about what happens behind the scenes for the making of an album. The role of a producer or an engineer can sometimes seem blurry, but having the right person at the helm can change an artist’s sound and propel them into a different stratosphere.
Song Samples from the Discussion:
Steve Albini
- Nirvana – “Senseless Apprentice” from In Utero (1993)
- Pixies – “Bone Machine” from Surfer Rosa (1988)
Rick Rubin
- Neil Diamond – “Pretty Amazing Grace” from Home Before Dark (2008)
- Kid Rock – “Slow My Roll” from Born Free (2010)
- The Cult – “Peace Dog” from Electric (1987)
- Later followed by Steve Brown’s production of “Peace Dog” from Peace
- Johnny Cash – “If You Could Read My Mind” from American V: A Hundred Highways (2006)
- Tom Petty – “Don’t Fade On Me” from Wildflowers (1994)
Tom Werman
- Molly Hatchet – “Dreams I’ll Never See” from Molly Hatchet (1978)
- L.A. Guns – “I Wanna Be Your Man” from Cocked & Loaded (1989)
- Love/Hate – “Fuel To Run” from Blackout In A Red Room (1990)
Phil Elverum
- The Microphones – “You’ll Be In The Air” from The Glow Pt.2 (2008)
Chad VanGaalen
- Women – “Heat Distraction” from Public Strain (2010)
Brian Eno
- U2 – “Indian Summer Sky” from The Unforgettable Fire (1985)
Robert Mutt Lange
- AC/DC – “Beating Around The Bush” from Highway To Hell (1979)
- The Cars – “Hello Again” from Heartbeat City (1984)
Steve Lillywhite
- World Party – “Is It Like Today?” from Bang (1993)
Martin Birch
- Fleetwood Mac – “Rattlesnake Shake” from Then Play On (1969)
- Black Sabbath – “Voodoo” from Mob Rules (1981)
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