Steve Albini explains why he hates Steely Dan

[Rick Brienzo]

If Albini came out and said he liked Steely Dan I would have to question my whole perception of reality. Listening to even the first 30 seconds of any of Steve's music will tell you that. I love opinionated people that let it fly. It lets me know where they honestly stand on things, and I appreciate that.

 

[skycruiser]

personally, i'm not going to spend any amount of time on someone explaining why they hate music.

is there anything beyond that at that link?

I'm not sure. A big banner asked me to disable my ad blocker so I closed the tab.

 

[andare]

I respect Steely Dan, some great compositions, especially early on, but their music has no balls IMO. Even though they employed some outright funky beasts like Bernard Purdie, their music is too smooth, overproduced and generally soft.
It's great music for learning and there are some total gems in there but it's generally too cheesy for me.

I prefer The Meters, The Replacements, Beefheart etc. Check out this track by Albini's band Shellac. It's so raw, nasty and honest. No mu chords here!

 

[micguy]

Tells me that he's not making enough money and/or getting enough attention or fulfillment from his day job.

If you think Steve cares about money…you really don’t understand him at all.

 

[TonyP-]

personally, i'm not going to spend any amount of time on someone explaining why they hate music.

is there anything beyond that at that link?

It’s punk thing for sure…’We need to be pissed about something’. (I would make a crappy punk).

I will say this though…IMHO The only punk I have seen be true to be a punk in 30 years is John Lydon…

 

[silky smoove]

If you think Steve cares about money…you really don’t understand him at all.

He definitely cares about money... but specifically for the charity that his wife works for, or possibly operates (memory is fuzzy on that). It's called Unconditional Giving. He discussed it a bit on his episode of Andrew Scheps Talks to Awesome People. It sounds like an incredibly effective charity and one that I've read he helps do a lot of fundraising for, which is nice to hear.

 

[arbitrary]

I enjoy shellac more than steely Dan, this is all absolutely Hilariousness

 

[micguy]

He definitely cares about money... but specifically for the charity that his wife works for, or possibly operates (memory is fuzzy on that). It's called Unconditional Giving. He discussed it a bit on his episode of Andrew Scheps Talks to Awesome People. It sounds like an incredibly effective charity and one that I've read he helps do a lot of fundraising for, which is nice to hear.

The post I replied to was inferring he wasn’t making enough money for himself; the fact that he is helping others charitably is actually making my point.

 

[silky smoove]

The post I replied to was inferring he wasn’t making enough money for himself; the fact that he is helping others charitably is actually making my point.

I know. I was reinforcing your point with an example for anyone unaware of what Steve is about.

 

[Ekulati]

Steve clearly doesn't know enough music theory to get Steely Dan at any level. Say what you like but the Steely Dan guys put huge amounts of effort into their work.

Very true. A lot of effort. I think some people might say effort is not enough.

 

[friskinator]

Very true. A lot of effort. I think some people might say effort is not enough.

I would agree with that. Effort doesn’t always equal enjoyment.

 

[wilberthenry]

Albini was WAY more brutal in his takedowns of fellow punk and underground bands he didn't like in the 80's than he is here. He also was (and is) very supportive of the stuff he thought was good. One thing I love about music is that there is room for the Steely Dan's of the world as well as the most primitive blues and punk.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Carrots.
But it is a hilarious read. Also, I too have my not-so-little black list, and if you're in it you may be Hendrix crossed with Mother Teresa, and not one, nor all of your million fans together would ever convince me to stop hating your highfalutin' guts. So I applaud him.

 

[conttador]

I’m not a fan of these bashing interviews/articles…

Well, what’s that old saying about opinions and rectums??? Everyone has one so… he’s entitled to his.

Those were Steely Dan’s albums, their music, their musicians and their budget. They have/had every right to manage these any which way want and or see fit.

Like their music or not they are doing just fine, Walter is gone but he had a hell of a run, the type that many aspire to but only a select few achieve. I’m sure Albini is doing just fine too but he’s no Bob Ludwig, Lee Hulko, Kevin Gray etc… That’s my opinion and we’re all entitled to our own…

 

[SkylineFiver]

How about
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[N. Kentucky Bass]

Whether you agree with Albini or not, the guy is hilarious.

Steve Albini Explains Why He Hates Steely Dan

I clicked on the link and the page demanded I turn off my ad blocker to read the article. Must I see his ads to read his hateful comments? Pffft. Next.

 

[conttador]

personally, i'm not going to spend any amount of time on someone explaining why they hate music.

is there anything beyond that at that link?

This is the wisest comment!

 

[LBS-bass]

Wow, someone has a disparaging opinion about music that's completely different from what they, um, archive, I guess? Because he isn't actually producing anything and apparently there's just one style of music-making allowed in his world?

I should care about this narrow view because there's nothing better to get myself upset about today? Nah. I'll pass

 

[conttador]

If he said he loved them I still wouldn’t know who Steve Albini was and somehow life would have went on.

i f***ing love Steely Dan

His biggest claim to fame is that he produced Nirvana’s In Utero even though a dispute with Geffen ensued because the suits didn’t like the mixes…

 

[BadSanta1281]

I only care about my own opinion of somebody's music...