That doesn’t mean there aren’t far out effects on Surfer Rosa they were just achieved by recording Kim Deal’s vocals in a bathroom or filtering Francis’ yelps on “Something Against You” through a crunchy guitar amp.

Even early on in his career as a sound engineer, Albini refused to divert the sonic roots he established in Big Black, maintaining a strong focus on natural effects over studio-produced manipulation. He refused to accept royalties and limited his producer’s fee to a mere $1,500 (less than a fifth of the allotted budget). He met Black Francis and the rest of the band to discuss ideas and they were in the studio the next day. The story of Surfer Rosa is the perfect introduction to Albini’s work ethic.

It’s one of the Pixies’ two most celebrated and iconic releases and can be credited as the record that put Albini’s experimental-yet-infectious sound on the global music map. Grab some earplugs and turn up these essential albums recorded by Steve Albini.

They cover some of his first credits as an engineer all the way up to more recent work at his Chicago-based Electrical Audio studio. So, in honor of the upcoming release of Dude Incredible, the highly anticipated sixth record from Albini’s long-running band Shellac, we’ve assembled ten of our favorite Albini-stamped efforts. It doesn’t hurt that he has an impeccable track record of working with some of the best underground rock acts in the business, regardless of the decade. Whether it’s the noticeable lack of electronic recording equipment, his dedication to the (increasingly rare) art of live-band recording, or his signature snare tone, we at Treble love the way Albini does his work. But, modest as he may be, there’s a distinct gratification inherent to any record Albini lays his hands on.

He also takes a small fee for his work, refuses royalty payments, and he hasn’t changed much about his business practices in three decades. It’s funny how a sound engineer who leaves a distinct impression on any record he touches insists on never being called a producer.

Steve the dinosaur world record