The Local H Lifers Database

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Person

Steve Albini

Referenced in 18 episodes

Episode 264 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#264: Clark Vogeler

July 31, 2026

Clark Vogeler, guitarist for the Toadies, discusses the band's new album "The Charmer" recorded with Steve Albini just weeks before his death, and how they're boldly performing 11 of the album's 19 songs in their setlist to surprisingly enthusiastic young audiences. The episode also features a lengthy debate about instrumental songs versus "background music," with the hosts and Vogeler sharing picks ranging from Santo and Johnny's "Sleep Walk" to Iron Maiden's catalog, while disagreeing about whether passive listening to music like Tortoise has merit. Vogeler reflects on his transition from film editing to music, the band's frustrating six-year delay between albums under Interscope Records, and why playing live shows remains fun for him despite decades in the business.

Episode 261 cover
🎸 Replacements

#261: Mark Reznicek

July 3, 2026

Mark Reznicek, drummer for the Toadies, discusses the band's extensive touring behind their new album "The Charmer," recorded with Steve Albini shortly before his death, and reflects on their tumultuous major label experience with Interscope in the 1990s that led to a seven-year gap between albums. The conversation covers the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene, the band's breakup and reunion, and includes a "What's the Best?" segment where the hosts pick their favorite deep-cut Rolling Stones songs.

Episode 245 cover
🎸 Replacements

#245: Selena Fragassi

January 16, 2026

This episode features a conversation with author and music journalist Selena Fragassi about her recent book "Pearl Jam Live," along with discussions about her journalism career, interviews with rock legends like Chrissie Hynde and Debbie Harry, and the Chicago music scene. The hosts and Fragassi engage in a "What's the Best" segment where they debate their favorite Pearl Jam songs.

Episode 226 cover
🎸 Replacements

#226: Ken Andrews

July 17, 2025

Ken Andrews, director of the new Failure documentary "Every Time You Lose Your Mind", discusses the nearly decade-long process of making the film. He explains how the project started with other filmmakers before he took over, and how he aimed to honestly capture the band's story, struggles with addiction, and resurgence. Andrews also reflects on Failure's career, his early ambitions as a filmmaker, and the band's ability to continue making great records.

Episode 186 cover
🎸 Replacements

#186: Greg Norman

August 30, 2024

Greg Norman, an engineer at Steve Albini's Electrical Audio studio in Chicago, discusses his experiences working at the studio and learning from Albini and others in the Chicago music scene. Norman and the podcast hosts discuss their favorite album productions, spanning genres from indie rock to heavy metal to country. They also reflect on Albini's legacy and impact after his recent passing.

Episode 182 cover
🎸 Replacements

#182: Jim DeRogatis

August 2, 2024

Jim DeRogatis, a veteran music critic, joins the Lifers podcast to discuss his career, the R. Kelly case he helped expose, and his favorite drummers. DeRogatis shares anecdotes about interviewing Kurt Cobain, touring with the band Wire, and turning down an opportunity to participate in the Surviving R. Kelly documentary.

Episode 179 cover
🎸 Replacements

#179: Mike McIntyre

July 12, 2024

Mike McIntyre, a longtime bartender in Chicago, discusses his past as a fisherman in Alaska and being in the band 9 Day Wonder with his brother in the 1990s. The hosts and Mike discuss 90s alternative pop music, with each sharing some of their favorite songs from that era. Mike shares stories of his early days in the Chicago music scene and thoughts on how the bar scene has changed over his nearly 30 years as a bartender.

Episode 177 cover
🎸 Replacements

#177: Dimitri Coats

June 28, 2024

Dimitri Coats, member of the rock band OFF!, discusses the making of his debut film Free LSD which is connected to the band's final album of the same name. The film took nearly 8 years to complete due to financing challenges, but Coats was determined to see the unique project through, surrounding himself with an experienced team including Twin Peaks editor Duwayne Dunham. Free LSD will be screening in theaters across the country in July and August 2023, coinciding with OFF!'s final live shows.

Episode 176 cover
🎸 Replacements

#176: John Haggerty

June 21, 2024

John Haggerty discusses his influential guitar playing with the bands Naked Raygun and Pegboy, the 1970s Chicago punk scene, and his upcoming show at Metro. He also shares his favorite guitar solos of the 1970s, heavily favoring classic rock and metal.

Episode 173 cover
🎸 Replacements

#173: Jonny Polonsky

May 31, 2024

Jonny Polonsky discusses his musical journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a professional musician in LA. As a teenager, he made home recordings that he sent to Frank Black of the Pixies, which led to getting signed to Rick Rubin's American Recordings label. Polonsky has since worked as a solo artist and played with bands like Puscifer. His new album Supernatural Radio is coming out on Loose Groove Records.

Episode 171 cover

#171: Bali High

May 17, 2024

In this episode, the hosts Lucas, Gabe, and Ben discuss various music-related topics while Scott is on vacation in Bali. They pay tribute to recently deceased music producer Steve Albini and actress Susan Backlinie from Jaws. The hosts then play a game called "What's the Best Song That Saves the Chorus Until the End", debating whether certain songs like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Hey Jude" qualify. Scott also shares some stories from his trip to Bali.

Episode 164 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#164: Doni Blair

March 29, 2024

Donnie Blair, bassist of the Toadies, discusses his musical journey, from discovering punk and metal with his brother Zack, to playing in bands like Hagfish and Only Crime. He shares stories of touring with Bad Brains in the '90s, the ups and downs of major label deals, and how practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has impacted his life. The hosts also engage Blair in a game of "What's the Best" focused on Iron Maiden songs.

Episode 159 cover
🎸 Replacements

#159: Bruce Lamont

February 23, 2024

Bruce Lamont, singer and saxophone player of the metal band Yakuza, discusses the band's 25 year history as they prepare for an anniversary show in Chicago. Lamont reflects on the ups and downs of Yakuza's career, from signing with indie and major labels to keeping the band going through collaborations and a strong work ethic. The wide-ranging conversation also touches on Lamont's early musical experiences in Chicago's punk and metal scenes.

Episode 111 cover
🎸 Replacements

#111: Mike Zelenko

March 31, 2023

In this episode, Scott Lucas interviews Mike Zelenko, drummer of the Chicago band Material Issue. They discuss Zelenko's musical background, the formation and early days of Material Issue, and the new documentary film about the band called "Out of Time".

Episode 71 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#71: Ed Valauskas

June 24, 2022

Ed Valauskas, a producer and bassist who works at Q Division Studios in Boston, discusses his music career and involvement with the annual Hot Stove Cool Music charity event. Ed shares stories about playing with various artists like Graham Parker, making records with Juliana Hatfield, and the untimely passing of his friend and Fountains of Wayne member Adam Schlesinger.

Episode 50 cover

#50: David Yow

January 21, 2022

In the podcast, David Yow discusses his music career with the bands Scratch Acid, The Jesus Lizard, and Flipper, as well as his acting career and work as a photo retoucher. He shares stories about recording albums, touring, and interacting with other musicians.

Episode 49 cover

#49: Joe Dapier and The French Dispatch

January 14, 2022

In this podcast episode, Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser discuss the movie The French Dispatch and other pop culture topics with their guest Joe Dapier, who was the drummer for the band Dovetail Joint. They debate the merits of various Wes Anderson and Woody Allen films, reminisce about the 90s Chicago music scene, and argue about Led Zeppelin songs.

Episode 22 cover

#22: Jeff Murphy

July 9, 2021

Scott Lucas of the band Local H talks with Jeff Murphy of the band Shoes about their shared experiences growing up and starting bands in Zion, Illinois. They discuss the challenges and benefits of coming from a small town with strict rules, Shoes' early home recordings and unique album-making process, and working with record labels. Throughout the conversation, Murphy shares fascinating stories about Shoes' career and imparts valuable wisdom about staying true to your musical vision.