Ritual Records Weekly Recommendation
Shellac, “Dude Incredible”
Steve Albini's death was announced an hour ago, so as i sit to write this, I'm in a fog of grief. Albini was an actual hero of mine; someone who was fearless, unwavering, outspoken, and honest. His music is phenomenal, as well. This is their most recent release, that is until their new album drops literally next week. I can't recommend that one yet, but I'm sure it's lovely.
Pixies, “Surfer Rosa”
Steve Albini was the recording engineer (he refused to be called a producer) on this breakthrough album, and while it is undeniably a Pixies album, Albini's stamp is all over it. Drums never sound better than when he's the one behind the boards.
Neurosis, “Times of Grace”
Heavy, intricate, punishing, and so pretty, this 1999 Neurosis release is a step in a new direction for the band, and yes, Steve Albini was the recording engineer.
Jesus Lizard, “Goat”
Jesus Lizard is always loud, abrasive, and obnoxious, but this may be their greatest and most cohesive example of that, with David Yow's unhinged wails running amok over every track. Did you know that the hit "Mouth Breather" is literally about Slint drummer Britt Walford, and centered around a story of Walford housesitting for Albini, and thrashing his house? Yes, Albini was the recording engineer of this album as well.
Big Black, “Songs about Fucking”
Never one to shy away from controversy, Albini's first band was rife with offensive titles, themes, and lyrics. This was their last album before breaking up, and it's almost overwhelmingly noisy and jangly. Albini described Big Black as "lease-breaking" music, meaning that playing them loudly in your apartment could help you break a lease. While he never described Big Black as an industrial band, they had an undeniably industrial sound, and their drummer's name was listed as Roland on all of their albums, as in a Roland drum machine.
Go shop at Ritual Records
Address:
115 E Magnolia St, Bellingham WA 98225
OPEN Tuesday - Sunday 11am-6pm