Pod

iTunes Editors’ Notes

Recorded in 1989 and released in 1990, The Breeders' Pod became a key touchstone of the new decade's alternative scene. Steve Albini's production was spare and natural; it inspired Kurt Cobain to work with him to get similar results for Nirvana's In Utero. His hands-off production style (he claims to record bands, not produce them) meant that Pixies member Kim Deal and Throwing Muses member Tanya Donelly could explore their ideas without interruption. Both had been seriously held back by the main songwriters in their respective bands, and Pod is the sound of imaginations gone wild (though Deal holds Donelly in check!). A cover of The Beatles' "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" affirms what songs like "Glorious," "Doe," and "Lime House" intend. "Hellbound" speaks of an abortion in minimal but unflinching terms. "When I Was a Painter" captures a mix of ambition and ennui, and The Breeders' ability to take stray riffs and corral them for a moment. The Breeders were considered a side project at the time, and that casual vibe permeates this entire album to its advantage.