Critics in 1998 hated this. Rolling Stone called it "unlistenable." Why? Because Albini stripped the double-tracked vocals. Zander sounds isolated and angry. The backing harmonies are buried.
Streaming services (Spotify/Apple) use the 2008 "remaster," which brick-walled the dynamics. The Albini session is available on some platforms, but streamed at 256kbps AAC. Critics in 1998 hated this
This disc is out of print. Copies on Discogs run for $150+. However, the band has hinted at a "Raw Albini Box Set" for 2025. Until then, if you find a used copy, rip it to FLAC immediately. if you find a used copy
Do you own the original 1998 promo CD? Have you compared the vinyl pressing of this session to the FLAC? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Critics in 1998 hated this