This week, Greg and Jay dive into the legacy of Steve Albini, the legendary recording engineer (which he preferred over the title “producer”) and musician who unexpectedly left us at 61. He was the audio engineer for Pixies 1988 Surfer Rosa, which was incredibly influential on alternative rock and grunge. His refusal of the title “producer” included refusal to accept royalties on the hundreds of artists he went on to record in his lifetime. He just wanted to be hired to record the best version of a band’s sound as was possible. We discuss his body of work and legacy and say goodbye, too soon.

Plus, what is a song? Nick tries to lighten the mood with a recap of a legal analysis that asks that very question. The article, written by Ben Sisario at the NY Times, walks back through some more famous copyright cases from years past. How could that not lighten the mood?

Songs:

Song: Pixies - “Where Is My Mind”

The Jesus Lizard - “Mouth Breather”

Black Midi “953 (Live at Electrical Audio)”