For fans of Cheap Trick, this era, specifically the unreleased or "raw" takes from the 1998 sessions, remains one of the most important chapters in their discography.
: Guitarist Rick Nielsen and drummer Bun E. Carlos famously felt producer Tom Werman’s original production sounded like it was "done in a cardboard box".
: Though often labeled as "New" or "CD" in bootleg listings, these sessions have never been officially released . Most available versions are leaked rough mixes or fan-mastered bootlegs. Summary of "Albini vs. Werman" 1977 Original (Werman) 1998 Sessions (Albini) Production Style Polished, "AM-radio" pop Raw, dry, "live-in-studio" Drums/Bass Compact, sometimes "wimpy" Thundering, heavy, and natural Energy Melodic perfection High-octane rock unit Availability Widely available (Legacy Remasters) Unofficial/Bootleg only cheap trick in color steve albini sessions 1998 cd flac new
: The album was never fully completed; some harmonies and instruments are missing. It gained massive visibility when "Hello There" from these sessions was included in the Rock Band 2 video game in 2008. Known Tracklist (The Albini Sessions)
Robin Zander's status as one of rock's greatest vocalists is cemented here; his screams are crystal clear, uncompressed, and powerful. The Legacy of a Shelved Masterpiece For fans of Cheap Trick, this era, specifically
: The band was notoriously unhappy with Tom Werman’s 1977 production, which they felt was too "safe for radio" and lacked the power of their live shows.
A good pair of open-back headphones (or monitors). Turn it up until the room buzzes. : Though often labeled as "New" or "CD"
The result was "In Color," a double album that featured Cheap Trick reinterpreting their catalog with a newfound grit and intensity. Recorded in just six days, the sessions yielded 30 tracks that showcased the band's remarkable chemistry and musicianship.
If the original In Color is a snapshot of a band being polished for the masses, the Albini sessions are a live wire. The production is stark, unforgiving, and powerful. Albini’s hands-off approach placed the songs front and center, stripping away all grandiose polish and gloss. Robin Zander’s voice, often buried in the original mix, has never sounded more commanding. Rick Nielsen’s guitar, relegated to jangly pop lines on the original, is all rifftastic chunkiness and raw power, finally capturing the ferocity of his live playing.