In an intriguing podcast episode featuring Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and producer/engineer Steve Albini, new details about Nirvana’s iconic album In Utero have emerged. Albini reveals that the first take of the album’s opening track, “Serve The Servants,” featured a happy accident that involved Kurt Cobain and a distortion pedal. During the full-powered section of the song, Cobain kicked on an overdrive pedal that he hadn’t used during the soundcheck, resulting in a slightly overdriven recording. Rather than re-recording the track, the band chose to embrace this unexpected moment, showcasing their willingness to prioritize authenticity over perfection. Albini’s revelations shed light on the band’s creative process and reaffirm their unique approach to making music.
Background
The In Utero album by Nirvana remains one of the most iconic and influential albums in alternative rock history. Released in 1993, the album showcased the raw and unfiltered sound of the band, capturing their essence at a crucial point in their career. Produced and engineered by Steve Albini, In Utero showcased the band’s unique sound and marked a departure from their previous commercial success with Nevermind. In a recent interview on the Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast, Albini shared some fascinating insights into the making of the album, shedding light on the recording process and the band’s decision-making.
Steve Albini on In Utero
Recording Serve The Servants
Albini revealed that the first song recorded for the In Utero sessions was “Serve The Servants,” which also happens to be the opening track of the album. This was not a coincidence, as Albini explains that the band recorded the song as the first take, capturing the energy and intensity of a live performance. This approach was a testament to the band’s confidence in their abilities and their desire to preserve the rawness of their sound.
The happy accident with the distortion pedal
During the recording of “Serve The Servants,” Kurt Cobain made an unplanned decision to kick on an overdrive pedal that he hadn’t used during the soundcheck. This resulted in a momentary overload on the tape machine, causing the channels to go into the red. However, Albini quickly adjusted the levels and managed to salvage the recording. The fact that the band decided to keep this take, despite the technical glitch, showcases their willingness to embrace imperfections and preserve the authenticity of the recording.
The band’s decision to keep the first take
Albini also expressed his admiration for the band’s decision to keep the first take of “Serve The Servants.” In a typical recording session, especially for a band of Nirvana’s stature, a technical issue like the one that occurred would have been enough to prompt a retake. However, the band members, upon hearing the playback, agreed that the imperfection added to the overall energy and intensity of the song. Their willingness to embrace imperfections and prioritize the emotional impact of the performance over technical perfection speaks volumes about their artistic integrity.
Kurt Cobain’s Pedals
While discussing the recording process for In Utero, Albini also shed some light on the pedals that Kurt Cobain used during the sessions. According to Albini, Cobain primarily used two pedals: the Tech 21 SansAmp and the Boss DS-2 Turbo distortion. These pedals, combined with a rare Fender Quad Reverb amplifier loaded with a unique speaker specification, contributed to the distinctive guitar tone heard on the album.
Additional Insights from the Podcast
Prank calls to Gene Simmons
During the podcast, Albini and the band members of Nirvana reminisced about their prank calls to Gene Simmons of KISS. These lighthearted and humorous anecdotes showcased the camaraderie and playful nature of the band during the recording sessions.
Steve Albini impersonates Kurt Cobain
In a moment of levity, Albini even entertained listeners by impersonating Kurt Cobain. This humorous interlude added a touch of fun to the podcast and provided a glimpse into the dynamics between the band and their producer/engineer during the recording process.
Replica of Kurt Cobain’s Guitar
In a separate news article, it was revealed that a YouTuber spent six months creating a replica of the aluminum guitar that Kurt Cobain used to record In Utero. The result is a stunning recreation that faithfully captures the sound and feel of the original instrument. This replica serves as a testament to Cobain’s unique style and the enduring impact of the album.
Conclusion
The insights shared by Steve Albini on the Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast offer a captivating look into the making of Nirvana’s In Utero album. From the band’s decision to keep the first take of “Serve The Servants” to Kurt Cobain’s use of specific pedals, these details shed light on the creative process and the band’s commitment to authenticity. The podcast also provides entertaining anecdotes, such as the prank calls to Gene Simmons, that add a touch of levity to the otherwise intense recording sessions. Overall, these revelations further solidify the status of In Utero as a groundbreaking album that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.