In response to In 1981, Albina founded Big Black, his debut band. In addition, he performed as a guitarist and vocalist with the 1990s noise-rock group Shellac, whose sixth studio album, To All Trains, is set for release on May 17. However, Rolling Stone says that he produced and engineered “some of the greatest alternative rock albums of all time,” which is his most well-known accomplishment. (Throughout his career, he was more comfortable using the titles “producing engineer” or “engineer” than “producer.”)
His contributions to the third and final Nirvana album, 1993’s In Utero, the Pixies’ 1988 album Surfer Rosa, PJ Harvey’s 1993 sophomore album Rid of Me, and other projects by Jesus Lizard, Super chunk, and Low are what made him most famous. In addition, he produced albums by Canadian musicians Ken Mode, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Metz, Thrush Hermit, and the Sadie’s.
In response to Though Albina remained active in the music industry until his passing, having most recently worked on songs for rock singers Laura Jane Grace and Black Midi as well as metal bands Code Orange and Liturgy, the Chicagoan will be best known for creating the alternative rock sound of the 1990s.
Here are comments on Albina’s passing and celebrations of his musical legacy from friends, family, colleagues, and fans. Albina was referred to by George Strombolopolous as “a custodian of original intent.” The Pixies offered a brief homage. The Pixies collaborated with Albina on albums such as 1988’s Surfer Rosa and 1997’s Death to the Pixies. Jack White sent a quick picture of a young Albina as well.
The 2017 album Strange Peace by Toronto rock group Metz, who collaborated with Albina, honored him on Instagram. “His approach to making records/music was an inspiration to so many and his body of work is truly second to none,” the members of the band stated. “He was infamously acerbic and outspoken, uncompromising, and deeply funny.”
In response to As she considers his legacy, journalist Ann Powers calls him a “titan.”
Raina Doris, the former anchor of CBC Music, talks about her conversation with Albina for NPR’s World Café last year.
Even though Albina “hated our band,” according to the article, Toronto rockers F–ked Up hailed him.
Having traveled with F–ked Up, Our Lady Peace, and Porno For Pyros, Robin Hatch referred to Albina as the “greatest producer of alternative rock.”
Along with sharing a picture of Albina’s Chicago studio, Jarvis Cocker, who collaborated with the Italian musician on his 2009 album Further Complications, wrote that working with Albino “was an education in many ways: the technical aspects of recording sound, for sure — but also lessons in how to live & work at making music without being destroyed by the Music Business.”
In response to Super chunk and drummer Jon Worsted of the Mountain Goats had a nice remembrance of Albina in common.
Mac McCaughey, Worsted’s Super chunk bandmate, offered an emotional ode to the musician. “In all of our working with him, Steve was not particularly interested in 2 things the music industry is obsessed with — credit and money,” stated McCaughey. He stated it would turn off more people than it would interest, therefore he suggested we *not* put his name on our records. Helping individuals record their art and make it sound authentic was what he *was* interested in. He was kind to many musicians and engineers, lending his time, expertise, and sense of humor freely.”
Article Source cbc.ca
