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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