Classic albums, told by the people who made them.
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In our latest episode, Jeremy Enigk and Dan Hoerner of Sunny Day Real Estate describe how "In Circles" developed from a solo acoustic song into the definitive band version.
Full DIARY deep dive: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/sunny-day-real-estate/
For the 30th anniversary of Sunny Day Real Estate’s iconic debut album, DIARY, we spoke to Jeremy Enigk, Dan Hoerner and William Goldsmith about how it was made. Finding their early sound, getting discovered by Sub Pop Records and songs of emotional chaos.
Listen: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/sunny-day-real-estate/
In our latest episode feat. Deerhoof, Chris Cohen describes the daily tradition of hauling the iMac to their Oakland practice space to record what would become THE RUNNERS FOUR.
Full episode: https://lifeoftherecord.com/deerhoof/
For nearly 20 years, Satomi, John, Chris Cohen and I never really sat down to talk about the last album we all made together, The Runners Four. In this podcast we go song by song trying to remember what it was like. This was quite funny and very touching.
Listen at "Life of the Record"
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/deerhoof/
Deerhoof’s THE RUNNERS FOUR is a fascinating result of a band obsessively recording for many months in their practice space. We spoke to Greg Saunier, Satomi Matsuzaki, John Dieterich and Chris Cohen about how it was made and the toll it took.
Listen: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/deerhoof/
Nice to see our Low episode featured in The New York Times Albini retrospective. TWLITF is such a beautiful sounding record.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/arts/music/steve-albini-songs.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb
When I spoke to Steve Albini about his work on SURFER ROSA last year, I was taken aback at the regret he felt over comments he made in a fanzine about the Pixies as a young man. It was inspiring that he found a way to keep evolving as a person while remaining completely himself.
Absolutely gutted to hear about Steve Albini’s passing. He was such a reliable voice in the underground and his influence on music and culture is immense. R.I.P. to one of the greats.
In our latest episode, Richard Thompson - RT describes the origins of "The Calvary Cross," which only deepens the song's mystery.
Full track-by-track look at I WANT TO SEE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS TONIGHT:
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/richard-linda-thompson/
For the 50th anniversary of I WANT TO SEE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS TONIGHT, we spoke to Richard Thompson - RT and Linda Thompson about how it was made. Leaving Fairport Convention, becoming a duo, recording cheaply and a shared love of bleak songs in the folk tradition.
Listen: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/richard-linda-thompson/
Nice to see we made The Guardian’s Staying In list!
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/mar/30/a-complete-guide-to-this-weeks-entertainment -7e88-4189-a5ce-0b4f6cd18b2
Andrew Scott digs into his devious side in a Patricia Highsmith TV adaptation, while the megastar delivers a thigh-slapping hoedown with Cowboy Carter
For the 20th anniversary of Jose Gonzalez’s VENEER, we spoke to José about how it was made. Playing in hardcore bands, studying biochemistry, recording solo songs with cheap gear and pirated software, a mental health crisis and unexpected success.
Listen: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/jose-gonzalez/
In our latest episode, Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat describes an argument with his bandmate Jeff Nelson over the lyric sheet for “Out of Step.”
Full track-by-track breakdown of the Out of Step record:
lifeoftherecord.com/ #/minor-threat/
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In celebration of the unearthed OUT OF STEP Outtakes, we spoke with Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat about how the original record was made. Reforming and becoming a five-piece, local scene politics, inner band controversies and the call of punk to self-define.
Minor Threat Dischord Records
Listen: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/minor-threat/
For the 25th anniversary of the first Bonnie "Prince" Billy album, I SEE A DARKNESS, we spoke to Will Oldham about how it was made. The Palace years, creating the Bonnie character, recording in isolation and embracing the minor places of the world.
Listen: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/bonnie-prince-billy/
2023 episode recap🧵
A big highlight was speaking to Joey Santiago and David Lovering of PIXIES about their first full-length record, SURFER ROSA. Steve Albini joined as well for an honest discussion of this pivotal moment in both of their careers. (1/9)
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/pixies/
The episode where we laughed the hardest had to be with Calvin Johnson, Heather Lewis and Bret Lunsford looking back at making Beat Happening's JAMBOREE. Steve Fisk and Gary Lee Conner also joined for a deep dive of this beloved indie pop classic. (2/9)
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/beat-happening/
Another highlight was speaking with James Mercer of The Shins about making CHUTES TOO NARROW. It was a heartfelt conversation about interpersonal conflicts in the band, leaving Albuquerque and the mounting pressure he felt to deliver a great record. (3/9)
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/the-shins/
It was a huge thrill speaking with Buzz Osborne about making (the) Melvins' first major label record, HOUDINI. Buzz pulled no punches in describing working with Kurt Cobain and this surreal moment when heavy music of the northwest went mainstream. (4/9)
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/melvins/
We had so much fun talking with Mark Arm and Steve Turner of Mudhoney about SUPERFUZZ BIGMUFF. Mudhoney forming after Green River is such a watershed moment in the Seattle scene and it was fascinating to hear how they found their unique sound. (5/9)
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/mudhoney/
We loved speaking with Matthew Caws about Nada Surf's brilliant third record, LET GO. Hearing their story of having a massive hit on a major label to suddenly becoming independent and rethinking how they make music, was endlessly fascinating. (6/9)
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/nada-surf/
What a pleasure it was talking with Gordon Gano, Brian Ritchie and Victor DeLorenzo about the first Violent Femmes record. It was staggering to hear how young Gordon was in writing those deeply relatable songs that have impacted multiple generations. (7/9)
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/violent-femmes/
A record that is one of the best depictions of a failing relationship is Cursive's DOMESTICA. It was so illuminating to hear Tim Kasher talk about his writing process and how he attempted to create a balanced portrait of a relationship gone wrong. (8/9)
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/cursive/
GIVE UP by The Postal Service is such an ahead of its time and hugely influential record that just gets better with age. Hearing Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello explain their collaborative process and tell the story of each song was such a treat. (9/9)
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/the-postal-service/
In our latest episode, Mark Arm describes how a debate over him taking singing lessons came up in his band, Green River. Instead, he embraced "vocalizing" and went on to form Mudhoney.
Full Superfuzz Bigmuff deep dive: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/mudhoney/
To celebrate 35 years of Mudhoney's Superfuzz Bigmuff, Mark Arm and Steve Turner chat with Life of the Record Podcast on the making of this record of anthems that f***ed up a generation. Listen now -> lifeoftherecord.com/ #/mudhoney/
For the 35th anniversary of Mudhoney’s first 12" record, SUPERFUZZ BIGMUFF, we spoke to Mark Arm and Steve Turner about how it was made. The break in Green River, out of fashion fuzz boxes, 60s garage meets 80s punk and a pivotal moment in Seattle.
Listen: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/mudhoney/
In our latest episode, James Mercer of The Shins describes the pressure he felt to make a great second record and avoid the sophomore slump.
Full CHUTES TOO NARROW deep dive:
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/the-shins/
For the 20th anniversary of The Shins’ CHUTES TOO NARROW, we spoke to James Mercer about how it was made. Leaving Albuquerque, shifting power dynamics in the band, a more stripped down sound and the pressure to prove they weren’t a fluke.
Listen: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/the-shins/
Sub Pop Records
In our latest episode, Buzz Osborne describes growing up in the vacuum of the Northwest, discovering punk rock and passing it on to people like Kurt Cobain.
Full track-by-track look at (the) Melvins' classic, HOUDINI:
https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/melvins/
For the 30th anniversary of (the) Melvins' 1993 classic, HOUDINI, we spoke to Buzz Osborne about how the record was made. The major label gold rush, embracing classic rock influences, dynamics in heavy music and their old pal Kurt Cobain as producer.
Listen: https://lifeoftherecord.com/ #/melvins/
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In our latest episode, Jeremy Enigk and Dan Hoerner of Sunny Day Real Estate describe how "In Circles" developed from a solo acoustic song into the definitive band version. Full DIARY deep dive: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/sunny-day-real-estate/
In our latest episode feat. Deerhoof, Chris Cohen describes the daily tradition of hauling the iMac to their Oakland practice space to record what would become THE RUNNERS FOUR. Full episode: https://lifeoftherecord.com/deerhoof/
When I spoke to Steve Albini about his work on SURFER ROSA last year, I was taken aback at the regret he felt over comments he made in a fanzine about the Pixies as a young man. It was inspiring that he found a way to keep evolving as a person while remaining completely himself.
In our latest episode, Richard Thompson - RT describes the origins of "The Calvary Cross," which only deepens the song's mystery. Full track-by-track look at I WANT TO SEE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS TONIGHT: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/richard-linda-thompson/
In our latest episode, José González describes recording the entire VENEER album at home with cheap mics and preamps, pirated software and a stolen computer. Full track-by-track deep dive: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/jose-gonzalez/
In our latest episode, Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat describes an argument with his bandmate Jeff Nelson over the lyric sheet for “Out of Step.” Full track-by-track breakdown of the Out of Step record: lifeoftherecord.com/#/minor-threat/
In our latest episode, Will Oldham describes still being embarrassed by the Bonnie "Prince" Billy name. "It's so stupid." Full track-by-track breakdown of I SEE A DARKNESS: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/bonnie-prince-billy/
In our latest episode, Mark Arm describes how a debate over him taking singing lessons came up in his band, Green River. Instead, he embraced "vocalizing" and went on to form Mudhoney. Full Superfuzz Bigmuff deep dive: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/mudhoney/
In our latest episode, James Mercer of The Shins describes the pressure he felt to make a great second record and avoid the sophomore slump. Full CHUTES TOO NARROW deep dive: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/the-shins/
In our latest episode, Buzz Osborne describes growing up in the vacuum of the Northwest, discovering punk rock and passing it on to people like Kurt Cobain. Full track-by-track look at (the) Melvins' classic, HOUDINI: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/melvins/
In our latest episode, Joey Santiago and David Lovering of PIXIES, and Steve Albini, describe how they met in Boston and began working on Surfer Rosa the next day. Full album deep dive: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/pixies/
In our latest episode, Gordon Gano, Brian Ritchie and Victor DeLorenzo share the legendary story of Violent Femmes playing outside a theater in Milwaukee, only to have Chrissie Hynde invite them to open for Pretenders that night. Full VF deep dive: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/violent-femmes/
In our latest episode, Calvin, Heather and Bret of Beat Happening describe how "Indian Summer" was written very quickly one morning and was followed by a celebratory swim. Full JAMBOREE deep dive: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/beat-happening/ Krecs Domino Recording Company
In our latest episode, Van Dyke Parks describes the rapidly developing technology of recorded music in the 1960s and how that informed SONG CYCLE. Full episode: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/van-dyke-parks/ Intro/outro music by ings from her song "Love You"
During our interview with Low last year, Mimi Parker shared a personal story of what Laser Beam is about. Such a hauntingly beautiful song that resonates so much right now. She will be greatly missed.
In our latest episode, Michael Rother describes the magic of "Hallogallo" and how Conny Plank was able to find the right moments when the guitars "meet in the sky." Full interview about making the first NEU! album: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/neu/
After Big Star finished mixing #1 RECORD, they played it in the studio for Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys. Carl loved it so much he called Brian Wilson to hear it on speakerphone. This story from Terry Manning didn't make our Big Star episode but it's too good not to share.
In our latest episode, Donita Sparks of L7 Official describes how "Pretend We're Dead" was inspired by a devastating breakup before it became a generational anthem. Full BRICKS ARE HEAVY deep dive: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/l7band/
Big Star's "Thirteen" is a teenage anthem for multiple generations. In our latest episode, Jody Stephens, Rich Tupica and Holly George-Warren describe the power of one of Alex Chilton's most beloved songs. Full 2-hour look at Big Star's #1 RECORD here: https://lifeoftherecord.com/#/big-star/
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