In the sprawling, bootleg-littered history of rock music, few rabbit holes are as rewarding—or as sonically controversial—as the fabled .
The Steve Albini sessions of In Color serve as a bridge between the band's 70s peak and their late-career resurgence. It proved that Cheap Trick wasn't just a "hit machine," but a formidable rock-and-roll unit that could hold its own against the alternative icons of the 90s. In the sprawling, bootleg-littered history of rock music,
Enter Steve Albini. The man behind Surfer Rosa (Pixies), In Utero (Nirvana), and Rid of Me (PJ Harvey) was famous for his "no bullshit" recording philosophy: minimal effects, heavy reliance on room tone, and a visceral, often punishing midrange. Enter Steve Albini
In the late 1990s, Cheap Trick decided to re-record their classic album "In Color" with renowned producer Steve Albini. The idea was to recreate the original album's magic with a modern twist, using contemporary recording techniques and a fresh perspective. Albini, known for his work with bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and Soundgarden, brought a unique approach to the project. He aimed to capture the raw energy and spontaneity of Cheap Trick's live performances, rather than focusing on a highly polished, studio-produced sound. The idea was to recreate the original album's
The idea was preposterous. Albini hated classic rock showmanship. Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen loved five-neck guitars and big choruses. But the goal was simple: re-record the entire In Color album live in the studio, stripping away the controversial production of the original 1977 LP.