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This 1993 Alt-Rock Album Inspired Kurt Cobain When Making ‘In Utero’ Even Thought Its ‘Harsh’ Production Divided Critics

Critics weren’t sure what to make of the production on PJ Harvey’s Rid of Me.

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On March 4, 1993, PJ Harvey released Rid of Me, the second and last album credited to her eponymous trio. The album was highly praised at the time, and more than 30 years later, it’s still considered one of the best alternative albums of the ’90s. Often, of all time.

But critics weren’t as unanimously in love with the album’s production at the time. PJ Harvey worked with Steve Albini on Rid of Me, while her previous album, Dry, was produced by Howard “Head” Bullivant, with co-production by bandmate Rob Ellis and herself. Critics found Albini’s approach “harsh.” Many argued whether the production amplified Harvey’s vocals or drowned her out.

Legendary music producer Steve Albini’s Work with PJ Harvey inspired Nirvana’s frontman, Kurt Cobain

A print review in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution called the production “deliberately crude.” Another print review in The Independent called........

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