Steve Albini, a renowned and divisive figure in rock, passed away last week at age 61. Known for his expertise as an audio engineer, Albini recorded iconic albums for Nirvana, PJ Harvey, and Pixies, among others. His work also spanned numerous key underground releases from bands like the Jesus Lizard, Slint, Low, and Neurosis. Beyond his engineering achievements, Albini was known for his harsh criticisms within the industry, often targeting the bands he collaborated with, along with controversial opinions on sensitive topics such as race, politics, and sex. He later expressed regret for some of his provocative statements.
The latest episode of Popcast, hosted by music reporter Ben Sisario, explores Albini's legacy and his distinctive impact on rock music and the broader music industry. Guests include Jeremy Gordon, a senior editor at The Atlantic who interviewed Albini last year in The Guardian, and Joe Gross, a freelance writer and former critic at The Austin American-Statesman.
Listeners can join the Popcast community and contribute their thoughts via the show’s Facebook group, Discord channel, or email at [email protected]. The episode serves as a comprehensive discussion of Albini's contributions and controversies within the music world.