I don’t know the full story with these recordings and I don’t think I will listen to that podcast because I am avoiding hearing his voice. It really seems like some of the songs have a very firm vision while others are still being hashed out. Also, as Tim mentions, there is something weird about hearing them without the typical Inner Ear production. Some of the songs sound incredible though - Returning the Screw is perfect. Good Cop rocks. Sweet and Low sounds great.

Really happy this came out to make some money for Letters and give us a little gift. We deserve it.

Within about three days . . .

. . . maybe the most I've seen something sell on there.

https://daily.bandcamp.com/album-of-the ... ons-review

A nice write up.

https://tapeop.com/blog/2026/03/07/albini-sessions

Tape Op, with a link to an article about Inner Ear.

Gramsci wrote: Mon Mar 09, 2026 9:12 am https://daily.bandcamp.com/album-of-the ... ons-review

A nice write up.

https://tapeop.com/blog/2026/03/07/albini-sessions

Tape Op, with a link to an article about Inner Ear.

The Bandcamp write points out something I’d missed: the small-but-awesome change to the cover!

penningtron wrote: Sun Mar 08, 2026 7:34 am Got to listen to it on the good stereo yesterday and beyond the initial excitement found it a little off putting. Too many not quite worked out arrangement and vocal details that I’m surprised made it past the moment. And while the bigness or raunchiness that others pointed out are true, they don’t serve the sound like they would a noise rock band or whatever. Brendan’s playing is too busy/uptempo for huge roomy drums. Bass sounds like mush, as noted. I don’t think I’ll listen to it again.

It did get me to relisten to some of the later albums which still rule, of course.

It kinda sounds like a really well recorded rehearsal. It isn't bad, but it isn't really as good as the record deserves so I understand pulling it. Something about the snare sound is the most grating thing to me but I can't put my finger on it. I was listening with headphones and the Snare made me take them off. Still a fun listen.

Brendan was in a tight tuning phase (it was the 90s..). It’s there on the official album too but maybe better dressed up with reverb or something.

Having spent some time with the release I honestly love it. Having both is an incredible gift. Obviously the album is the definitive version but there are some things about the Albini session that are just thrilling to hear. Stand out is the performance captured, especially the drums. The outro to Instrument is just raw joy. This track really works with FM Steve’s recording approach. It really breathes in the bass and drum parts then just explodes. The outro, you can practically hear the sweat dripping off Brendan’s face. It’s a Stanier-like performance; thuggish and precise at the same time. It gives me goosebumps. Steve’s drum recording technique means it sounds like a drum kit in a room. I think the drum recording on the final release is the weakest aspect.

Great Cop was always going to sound a million bucks with FM Steve at the helm.

It’s kind of shock how something that if you hear the final release sounds like spontaneity actually being incredibly drilled performances. Some of the guitar strokes and vocal cadences are just exactly the same in both, even feedback. Fucking nuts.

Hearing this, I’ve kind of figured out that subconsciously all my bands were trying to recreate this.

Exhibit A

https://zeroforconductmusic.bandcamp.co ... 2025-remix

Gramsci wrote: Thu Mar 12, 2026 3:33 pm Hearing this, I’ve kind of figured out that subconsciously all my bands were trying to recreate this.

Exhibit A

https://zeroforconductmusic.bandcamp.co ... 2025-remix

Sounds fierce. Like it.