Cheap Trick - In Color - Steve Albini Sessions -1998 Cd Flac- [Windows]
For power pop purists and Cheap Trick devotees, the story of In Color (1977) is one of "what could have been." The band’s debut album, produced by Jack Douglas, captured the raw, visceral energy of their legendary live shows at the Budokan. However, the follow-up, In Color, was handed to producer Tom Werman. Werman smoothed out the edges, bathed the band in radio-friendly gloss, and stripped away the feedback that defined their early sound. While the songs remained brilliant—from the falsetto theatrics of "I Want You to Want Me" to the manic energy of "Hello There"—the production has long been criticized for lacking the band's signature grit.
Enter Steve Albini.
Released in 1988, "In Color" was Cheap Trick's ninth studio album, marking a pivotal moment in the band's career. Following a period of commercial decline, the band sought to revisit their roots and rejuvenate their sound. The result was an album that blended the band's signature power pop with a more contemporary edge, featuring some of their most beloved tracks such as "If You Want My Love" and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." "In Color" achieved significant commercial success, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning a double platinum certification. The album not only revived Cheap Trick's fortunes but also underscored their ability to evolve while remaining true to their musical essence.
Albini’s recording technique is hostile to lossy compression. MP3s destroy the transients of his drum miking. This session demands FLAC.
Rick Nielsen’s Guitar: On the Tom Werman version, Nielsen’s five-neck guitars are smoothed out. On the Albini session, his guitar sounds like a band saw. The mid-range is aggressive. There is no "smile curve" EQ here. The FLAC preserves the harmonic distortion of his amp—the actual wood and wire fighting each other.
Robin Zander’s Vocals: This is the shocker. Without double-tracking or plate reverb, Zander sounds uncomfortably close. You hear the saliva in his mouth. You hear the room. His falsetto on "I Want You to Want Me" is no longer a sweet serenade; it is a desperate, ragged plea in a small room. In FLAC, the sibilance is natural, not digitized.
Tom Petersson’s 12-String Bass: The hallmark of Cheap Trick. On the original LP, it rings like a bell. Here, it is a clanking, metallic chain. The low-end is dry. You feel the fret buzz. The FLAC resolution (16/44.1) captures the attack of the pick on the winding of the string perfectly.
Bun E. Carlos’s Drums: This is the star of the show. Werman buried the drums in reverb. Albini mics them like a jazz record. The kick drum is a thud, not a boom. The snare is a crack. The hi-hat is washy and present. In FLAC, the stereo separation is natural—ride cymbal on the right, crash on the left—exactly how you’d hear it if you were sitting at the drum stool.
The Cheap Trick - In Color - Steve Albini Sessions (often tagged as a 1998 CD FLAC bootleg) represent a legendary "lost" project where the band re-recorded their 1977 classic album, In Color, to capture the raw, heavy sound they felt was missing from the original production. Although the band and Rick Nielsen have occasionally suggested the album was finished, bassist Tom Petersson clarified as recently as 2021 that the recordings were never officially completed. History and Motivation
The band famously disliked the "safe for radio" production by Tom Werman on the original 1977 release. Drummer Bun E. Carlos noted that while the original was a hit, it sounded like it was "done in a cardboard box" compared to their powerhouse live performances.
In the late 1990s (specifically 1997-1998), while spending downtime in Chicago with engineer Steve Albini—known for his minimalist, "live-in-studio" approach—the band decided to re-cut the album in just three days to restore the "balls" and bottom-end they felt the songs deserved. Official vs. Unofficial Release
Despite intense fan demand, the full session has never seen an official release. Instead, it has circulated primarily through:
Leaked Rough Mixes: High-quality FLAC and MP3 versions leaked onto the internet in the early 2000s.
Bootleg CDs: Labels like Gypsy Eye Project released unofficial Japanese CDs, such as the 2011 "Remake In Color" set.
Licensed One-Offs: The re-recorded "Hello There" was officially used in the video game Rock Band 2. A version of "I Want You To Want Me" from these sessions also appeared on the TV show One Tree Hill. Typical Tracklist
Most digital "CD FLAC" versions of these sessions include the ten standard In Color tracks plus various outtakes from the same period:
Original Album Tracks: "Hello There," "Big Eyes," "Downed," "I Want You to Want Me," "You're All Talk," "Oh Caroline," "Clock Strikes Ten," "Southern Girls," "Come On, Come On," "So Good to See You".
Notable Outtakes: A heavy cover of John Lennon’s "I'm Losing You" and the fan-favourite rework of the demo "Fan Club". Sound Profile Cheap Trick In Color Album Discussion with Albini Version
The Story Behind the Recording: Cheap Trick - In Color (Steve Albini Sessions) - 1998 CD FLAC
It's a lesser-known fact that rock legends Cheap Trick almost didn't make their 1998 album, In Color. The band had been on hiatus since 1991, and when they reunited in the mid-1990s, they were faced with the daunting task of rekindling their creative spark.
The band members - Robin Zander (vocals, guitar), Rick Nielsen (guitar), Tom Petersson (bass), and Bun E. Carlos (drums) - decided to work with producer Steve Albini, known for his work with Sonic Youth, Pixies, and Nirvana. Albini's reputation for getting raw, honest performances from his artists was just what Cheap Trick needed to shake off their creative rust.
The recording sessions for In Color took place at Pachyderm Studio in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, a converted farmhouse with a rich musical history. The band had high hopes for the album, but tensions ran high during the sessions. Albini's unorthodox production methods often pushed the band to their limits.
According to Rick Nielsen, "Steve was a taskmaster. He'd say, 'Do it again, and this time, play it like you mean it.' He got under our skin, but it was worth it. We were all feeling a bit like we were starting over, and Steve helped us tap into that energy."
The album's sound is characterized by the band's signature power pop hooks, guitar-driven melodies, and Zander's soaring vocals. Tracks like "Dancing on Top of the World" and "My Life" showcase the band's ability to craft infectious, radio-friendly hits. Meanwhile, songs like "Tattoo" and "In Color" reveal a more mature, reflective side of the band.
Despite the challenges during recording, In Color was well-received by critics and fans alike. The album marked a triumphant return for Cheap Trick, cementing their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
The 1998 CD release of In Color was a milestone for the band, and the FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format has ensured that the album's sound remains pristine for generations to come.
Technical Details:
Tracklist:
Experience the raw energy and catchy hooks of Cheap Trick's In Color, captured in stunning detail through the Steve Albini Sessions.
The Steve Albini sessions for Cheap Trick’s second album, In Color, are one of rock’s most famous "lost" projects. Though recorded in 1997–1998 to correct what the band felt was the "too safe" and "cardboard box" production of the 1977 original, they have never received an official, wide release. The Origin Story
Cheap Trick always harbored a dislike for Tom Werman’s polished production on the original In Color, which they felt stripped away their live power. While spending time with legendary producer Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio studio in the late 1990s, the band decided to spend a few days re-recording the entire album to capture the raw, muscular sound they originally intended. Session Characteristics
Production Style: Albini employed his signature "dry" and impeccably mic'd approach, emphasizing the band's natural dynamics.
Recording Method: The sessions were largely recorded live with minimal overdubs, stripping away the keyboards and polished backing vocals found on the 1977 version.
Completion Status: Although Rick Nielsen suggested the album was finished in 2010, other members, including Bun E. Carlos and Tom Petersson, have stated the sessions were never fully completed with all necessary harmonies and instruments. Common Tracklist (1998 Bootleg)
The sessions surfaced online as high-quality leaks, often circulated in FLAC format among collectors. A typical tracklist includes the full album plus rare outtakes: Early tracks from 1996 Red Ant Cheap Trick sessions
Cheap Trick's self-titled debut was a raw, gritty masterpiece. Their follow-up, 1997's In Color, was a power-pop essential, but many fans felt Tom Werman’s slick production polished away the band's hard-rocking soul. In 1998, the band decided to reclaim their sound. They teamed up with legendary engineer Steve Albini to re-record the entire album.
The result is a legendary piece of rock history known as the Albini Sessions. For audiophiles seeking the "Cheap Trick - In Color - Steve Albini Sessions - 1998 CD FLAC," this is the definitive way to experience these songs. The Story Behind the Sessions
By the late 90s, Cheap Trick was enjoying a creative renaissance. They wanted to prove that the songs on In Color—classics like "I Want You to Want Me" and "Clock Strikes Ten"—were meant to be loud, heavy, and visceral. For power pop purists and Cheap Trick devotees,
Steve Albini was the perfect choice for this mission. Known for his "analog-first" philosophy and his work with Nirvana and Pixies, Albini specialized in capturing the sound of a band playing live in a room. He didn't use flashy effects or heavy compression; he captured the truth of the performance. The Sound: Power Over Pop
When you listen to the 1998 sessions in FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), the difference from the 1977 original is jarring in the best way possible.
Drums: Bun E. Carlos’s kit sounds massive. The snare has a crack that was buried in the 77' version, and the cymbals shimmer without sounding thin.
Guitars: Rick Nielsen’s riffs are thick and distorted. The "bubblegum" sheen is gone, replaced by a wall of Marshall-driven grit.
Vocals: Robin Zander proves why he’s called "The Man of a Thousand Voices." His delivery is more aggressive, matching the newfound intensity of the tracks.
Bass: Tom Petersson’s 12-string bass finally gets the low-end room it deserves, providing a rumbling foundation that drives the songs forward. Track Highlights
"I Want You to Want Me": This is perhaps the most famous transformation. The 1977 studio version is often criticized for being too "dainty." The Albini version is a bar-room rocker that sounds much closer to the famous Budokan live version.
"Hello There": In the Albini sessions, this becomes a high-octane punk-rock blast that sets the tone for the rest of the record.
"Big Eyes": The riffing here is heavier and more menacing, highlighting the band's darker, hard-rock edge. Why FLAC Matters for This Release
Because these sessions were never officially released as a standalone commercial studio album (they primarily circulated as promotional items and high-quality boots), finding them in a lossless format like FLAC is crucial.
FLAC preserves every bit of data from the original CD source. Given Albini’s meticulous engineering and the dynamic range of the recordings, MP3s simply don't do the sessions justice. In FLAC, you can hear the room acoustics and the raw power of a legendary band at the top of their game. Conclusion
The 1998 Steve Albini sessions of In Color represent what Cheap Trick always was at its core: a world-class rock and roll band. It’s a fascinating "what if" scenario that allowed the band to correct the record and give fans the heavy, raw version of these power-pop staples they had always dreamed of.
For any serious collector, the "Cheap Trick - In Color - Steve Albini Sessions - 1998 CD FLAC" is a mandatory addition to the digital library.
In 1997 and 1998, Cheap Trick re-recorded their classic 1977 album, In Color, with legendary recording engineer Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio studios in Chicago. The band had long been dissatisfied with the original production by Tom Werman, which they felt was too "polished" and "safe for radio" rather than capturing their raw, live energy. Session Overview
The Intent: The goal was to record the album "on their own terms" and make the songs sound the way they were originally intended—louder, heavier, and more aggressive.
The Sound: Albini utilized his signature "live-in-the-studio" engineering style, resulting in a muscular, stripped-down sound that emphasized Rick Nielsen’s "screaming" guitars and Bun E. Carlos's "thundering" drums.
Completion: Despite the band's enthusiasm, the sessions were never officially finished or released; some harmonies and additional instruments were reportedly never added. Availability and Distribution
While there is no official commercial release, the sessions have gained legendary status among fans via bootlegs:
"In Color" (Albini Re-Recording,... - Cheap Trick - kung fu grippe
In 1997, legendary power-pop band Cheap Trick teamed up with the icon of raw engineering, Steve Albini Electrical Audio studio to re-record their 1977 classic album, The band had long felt the original Tom Werman
production was "safe for radio" and lacked the heavy, aggressive punch of their live performances—famously describing the original sound as if it were "done in a cardboard box". The Sound of the Albini Sessions While the original is a polished cornerstone of the power-pop genre, the Albini Sessions offer a starkly different experience: Raw Energy
: Albini’s signature "stripped-down" approach focused on capturing the band as they sounded in the room. Heavier Rhythms : Founding drummer Bun E. Carlos
is a standout, with the recordings emphasizing his powerful, "un-pretty-fied" style. Modern Bite
: The sessions reimagined tracks like "I Want You to Want Me" and "Southern Girls" with more "ballz" and low-end grit. Tracklist & Availability
Though the project was never officially finished or released as a complete album, a rough mix leaked online and has been circulated in high-quality formats like
Cheap Trick - In Color (Steve Albini Sessions) - 1998 CD FLAC
A Rediscovered Masterpiece: Cheap Trick's 'In Color' Shines Bright in Steve Albini's Hands
Cheap Trick's 1998 album 'In Color', recorded with the esteemed producer Steve Albini, is a phenomenal comeback record that showcases the band's signature blend of power pop, rock, and melody. Initially met with critical acclaim but moderate commercial success, 'In Color' has since become a cult classic, and for good reason. This FLAC release allows listeners to experience the album's sonic splendor in stunning detail.
Production and Sound Quality
Produced by Steve Albini, known for his work with Nirvana, Pixies, and other influential bands, 'In Color' boasts a raw, organic sound that's both nostalgic and fresh. The album's sonic landscape is characterized by crisp guitar work, solid drumming, and Robin's distinctive vocals. The FLAC format ensures that every nuance of the recording is preserved, from the crunch of Rick Nielsen's guitars to Tom Petersson's thumping bass lines.
Track-by-Track Highlights
The album kicks off with 'Runnin' Wild', a high-energy opener that sets the tone for the rest of the record. 'If You Want My Love' showcases Robin's remarkable vocal range and emotional delivery. 'Only Wanna Get Close to You' is a feel-good, harmony-rich love song that epitomizes Cheap Trick's knack for crafting infectious hooks.
The Verdict
'In Color' represents a turning point in Cheap Trick's career, marking a return to form after a few lackluster releases. With Steve Albini's guidance, the band recaptured their creative spark, delivering an album that's both a nostalgic throwback to their Surrender-era sound and a forward-thinking statement. If you're a fan of Cheap Trick, power pop, or just great songwriting, 'In Color' is an essential listen.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation: If you enjoy Cheap Trick's earlier work, such as 'Surrender' or 'Dream Police', you'll love 'In Color'. Fans of power pop, guitar-driven rock, and '90s alternative will also appreciate this album's melodic sensibilities and sonic attitude.
Enjoy the music!
In 1998, a fascinating piece of rock history was born in a Chicago studio when Cheap Trick teamed up with legendary engineer Steve Albini
to re-record their classic 1977 album, In Color. While the original album made them superstars in Japan, the band had long been dissatisfied with its "wimpy" and "safe" production by Tom Werman. The Albini sessions were an attempt to reclaim their sound—stripping away the studio gloss for a raw, muscular, and "punked up" aesthetic. The Motivation: Correcting the "Cardboard Box"
The band’s grievance with the 1977 original was purely sonic. Bassist Tom Petersson famously remarked that the label tried to make them "radio-friendly," which "completely wrecked" their true sound. Drummer Bun E. Carlos described the original as sounding like it was "done in a cardboard box". In 1997-1998, finding themselves with extra studio time while working with Albini, the band decided to re-cut the entire tracklist in just three days to capture the energy of their live performances. The Albini Sound
Steve Albini, known for his work with Nirvana and Pixies, brought his signature "press-record-and-let-the-band-go-wild" philosophy to the sessions.
Muscularity: The recordings are characterized by a dry, heavy sound with Rick Nielsen’s guitars and Bun E. Carlos’s drums brought to the forefront.
Authenticity: Fans and critics who have heard the leaks often describe it as a "brilliant reimagining" that finally captures the "power" part of power-pop.
Unique Additions: The sessions included a raucous cover of John Lennon’s "I’m Losing You," featuring guitars and drums recorded when the band worked with Lennon in the early '80s. Tracklist of the "Albini Sessions"
The "Steve Albini Sessions" of Cheap Trick’s In Color refer to a raw, high-energy re-recording of their 1977 classic, captured in the late 1990s at Albini's Electrical Audio studio. The project was born because the band felt the original Tom Werman production was too "polished" and "safe for radio," failing to capture their true power as a live unit.
While never officially completed or released as a full album, the sessions have become a legendary "holy grail" for fans. Session Highlights
The Intent: The band wanted to record the songs on their own terms, aiming for the "stripped-down, amped-up" sound they felt the material originally deserved.
The Sound: Albini, known for his "press record and let the band go wild" style (famously used on Nirvana’s In Utero), delivered a mix that sounds much closer to Cheap Trick's aggressive live performances.
Release Status: It was never officially finished—missing some harmonies and instrumental layers—but a rough mix was leaked online and has since appeared on various high-quality unofficial releases.
Official Glimpse: The re-recorded version of "Hello There" was officially released as a playable track in the video game Rock Band 2. Reconstruction Tracklist The Unreleased Steve Albini Sessions (2011) 2 CD SET
01. Hello There. 02. Big Eyes. 03. Downed. 04. I Want You to Want Me. 05. You're All Talk. 06. Oh Caroline. 07. Clock Strikes Ten. The Music Shop And More - Cheap Trick : In Color : Steve Albini : The Whole Story
The Timeless Legacy of Cheap Trick's "In Color" - Uncovered in the 1998 Steve Albini Sessions
In the pantheon of rock music, few bands have managed to craft a legacy as enduring and influential as Cheap Trick. With a career spanning over five decades, the Illinois-based quartet has left an indelible mark on the genre, blending power pop sensibilities with hard rock grit and a dash of humor. Among their most beloved and iconic albums is "In Color," a 1988 masterpiece that has been reimagined and revisited in various forms over the years. One of the most fascinating chapters in the "In Color" saga is the 1998 Steve Albini Sessions, a series of re-recordings produced by the esteemed audio engineer and musician Steve Albini. These sessions, released as a CD FLAC in 1998, offer a unique and captivating reinterpretation of the album, showcasing Cheap Trick's remarkable chemistry and musicianship.
The Original "In Color" - A 1988 Masterpiece
Before delving into the 1998 Steve Albini Sessions, it's essential to appreciate the original "In Color" album. Released in 1988, the album marked a significant creative resurgence for Cheap Trick, who had been on hiatus for several years. The band, comprised of Robin Zander (vocals, guitar), Rick Nielsen (guitar, vocals), Tom Petersson (bass, vocals), and Bun E. Carlos (drums), had undergone some lineup changes, but the core membership remained intact.
"In Color" was a critical and commercial success, yielding hit singles like "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and "Take Me Tonight." The album's eight tracks, including the epic "If You Want My Love," showcased Cheap Trick's signature blend of catchy hooks, guitar-driven melodies, and Zander's distinctive vocals. "In Color" would go on to earn platinum certification and secure Cheap Trick's position as one of the leading rock acts of the late 1980s.
The Steve Albini Sessions - A New Perspective on "In Color"
Fast-forward to 1998, when Cheap Trick decided to revisit "In Color" with producer Steve Albini, known for his work with Sonic Youth, Nirvana, and other influential alternative bands. Albini's production style, characterized by a focus on capturing authentic, live performances, offered a fresh perspective on the album. The resulting sessions, released as a CD FLAC, presented Cheap Trick's beloved songs in a new light.
The Steve Albini Sessions featured Cheap Trick re-recording the entire "In Color" album, with some surprising results. The band, now consisting of Zander, Nielsen, Petersson, and new drummer Bun E. Carlos's replacement, David Quick, threw themselves into the project with gusto. Albini's approach emphasized capturing the band's live energy, often using a single mic to record the group as a cohesive unit. This technique yielded a more raw, unpolished sound, which some fans argue better captures the essence of Cheap Trick's live performances.
Track-by-Track Analysis
The 1998 Steve Albini Sessions CD FLAC offers a fascinating track-by-track reimagining of "In Color." Here are some highlights:
Throughout the album, Cheap Trick's musicianship shines, with Nielsen's inventive guitar work, Petersson's melodic bass lines, and Zander's versatile vocals taking center stage.
The Legacy of the Steve Albini Sessions
The 1998 Steve Albini Sessions CD FLAC has become a cherished collector's item among Cheap Trick enthusiasts. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, the album represents a unique chapter in the band's discography, showcasing their adaptability and creative vitality. The sessions also demonstrate Steve Albini's versatility as a producer, capable of eliciting compelling performances from a wide range of artists.
For fans of Cheap Trick and "In Color," the Steve Albini Sessions offer a compelling companion piece to the original album. Even two decades after its release, this CD FLAC remains a testament to the band's enduring legacy and their ability to reimagine their music in innovative and captivating ways.
Conclusion
The 1998 Steve Albini Sessions CD FLAC of Cheap Trick's "In Color" is a fascinating footnote in the band's storied career. By revisiting their 1988 masterpiece with a new production approach, Cheap Trick created a distinctive and captivating reimagining of their beloved album. As a testament to the band's chemistry, musicianship, and creative spirit, the Steve Albini Sessions continue to resonate with fans and music enthusiasts today.
Whether you're a die-hard Cheap Trick fan or simply a lover of great rock music, the 1998 Steve Albini Sessions CD FLAC of "In Color" is an essential listen. Experience the timeless legacy of Cheap Trick in a new light, and discover why their music remains as vibrant and influential as ever.
Steve Albini sessions for Cheap Trick’s represent a legendary, officially unreleased re-recording of the band's 1977 classic album . Recorded around 1997–1998
, these sessions were an attempt to capture the raw, aggressive "live" energy the band felt was lost in Tom Werman's original polished production Session Background & Origins The Motivation
: The band, particularly Rick Nielsen and Bun E. Carlos, famously disliked the "cardboard box" sound of the 1977 original
. They wanted a version that sounded like their "paint-peeling" live shows The Producer
: Steve Albini, known for his work with Nirvana and Pixies, utilized his signature dry, room-mic'd, and high-impact engineering style
: The project was never officially completed or released by the band, though it has widely circulated as a high-quality bootleg for years Tracklist & Content Tracklist:
The sessions typically feature raw re-recordings of the entire
album, along with several outtakes and bonus tracks from that same era Track Name Hello There Features a harder, faster edge than the 1977 version Heavy emphasize on Albini's drum production Noted for its aggressive tempo and "crashing" fills I Want You To Want Me
Strips away the 1977 "dance hall" artifice for a rockier feel You're All Talk Oh Caroline Clock Strikes Ten Southern Girls
Zander's vocals are often described as more "committed" here Come On, Come On So Good To See You A rework of an unreleased early demo Can't Hold On Popular session outtake often included in bootlegs I'm Losing You A cover of the John Lennon track Release History & Availability
The Cheap Trick - In Color - Steve Albini Sessions - 1998 CD FLAC is a legendary unreleased recording that captures rock's premier power-pop band Cheap Trick reclaiming the heavy, abrasive sound of their classic 1977 album In Color . Originally recorded with producer Tom Werman, the band felt the 1977 release was overproduced and lacked the aggressive, raw power of their live shows.
By partnering with iconic underground producer Steve Albini in the late 1990s, Cheap Trick laid down high-voltage versions of every track on the album. While never officially released by the band's record label, these sessions leaked to the public, and obtaining them in high-fidelity FLAC format remains the holy grail for audiophiles and fans of 1990s guitar rock. Why the Steve Albini Sessions Happened
To understand the 1998 sessions, it is essential to trace the band's history with the original recordings: Cheap Trick : In Color : Steve Albini : The Whole Story
The 1998 Steve Albini sessions for represent one of the most storied "lost" recordings in power-pop history. Bored and frustrated with the original 1977 production, Cheap Trick teamed up with the legendary Steve Albini
to re-record their sophomore classic with the raw, muscular energy of their live shows. Rock Town Hall The Vision: Fixing the "Cardboard Box"
The band famously disliked the original production by Tom Werman, with drummer Bun E. Carlos stating it sounded like it was "done in a cardboard box". In 1997–1998, while spending time at Albini’s Electrical Audio studio in Chicago, the band decided to re-capture the album on their own terms. Rock Town Hall
: Unlike the polished, "safe for radio" 1977 version, Albini's recording is famously dry, aggressive, and "punked up". The Performance
: It features the original lineup (Zander, Nielsen, Petersson, Carlos) playing at a higher intensity, mirroring their legendary Best Classic Bands Release Status and the "CD FLAC" Bootlegs
Despite Rick Nielsen's 2010 comments that the album was finished and slated for release, it has never been officially released as a complete album.
Steve Albini looked at things differently than other ... - Facebook 09-May-2025 —
The "Steve Albini Sessions" of Cheap Trick's 1977 album are legendary among fans as a "holy grail" recording. Recorded in 1997–1998
at Albini’s Electrical Audio studio in Chicago, this version was intended to reclaim the band's raw, muscular live sound, which they felt was lost in the "anemic pop" production of the original release. Release and Availability Official Status: This re-recording has never been officially released
as a complete album. While some members once suggested a release was forthcoming, others, like Tom Petersson, later claimed the project was never actually finished. A rough mix of the session was leaked online
, which is likely the source for any "CD FLAC" versions found on bootleg sites. Official Snippets: A few tracks have seen the light of day officially:
"Hello There" was included as a playable track in the video game Rock Band 2
Tracks like "Baby Talk" and "Brontosaurus" were included as a bonus CD single with the 1997 self-titled album. Tracklist (Albini Version)
The sessions typically include the full tracklist of the original 1977 album, though with Albini’s signature dry, aggressive engineering. Hello There I Want You to Want Me (features a faster tempo similar to the At Budokan You’re All Talk Oh Caroline Clock Strikes Ten Southern Girls Come On, Come On So Good to See You www.rocktownhall.com Key Differences Original (1977) Albini Sessions (1997/98) Tom Werman Steve Albini Polished, "AM-radio-friendly" Raw, dry, "punchy" drums and bass Aggressive Hard Rock Availability Widely available via Bootleg/Leaked only finding a specific physical bootleg copy, or would you like to know more about the technical recording gear Albini used for these sessions? Cheap Trick : In Color : Steve Albini : The Whole Story 12 Mar 2009 —
In Color (Steve Albini Sessions - 1998) [CD FLAC]
The file sat in a forgotten corner of a dusty private tracker, its metadata a cryptic incantation: Cheap_Trick_In_Color_Albini_Sessions_1998_EAC_FLAC. No seeders, a single leecher stuck at 99.7% for a decade. Urban legend among digital hoarders was that the missing 0.3% wasn’t data—it was a curse.
It was 1998. Cheap Trick, a band then seen as a punchline between arenas and state fairs, had a wild idea. Revisit their brittle, power-pop masterpiece In Color (1977). But don’t polish it. Don’t add strings or backing vocals. Strip it to bone and rust. And who better to handle the knives than Steve Albini, the man who recorded Nirvana’s In Utero and believed that a recording studio was a documentary device, not a beauty parlor.
The sessions lasted five days at Electrical Audio in Chicago. Albini didn't want "I Want You to Want Me." He wanted the B-sides, the flubs, the songs Rick Nielsen wrote while chain-smoking in a van. They tracked live to 2-inch tape, no isolation booths. Robin Zander’s vocals bleed into Bun E. Carlos’s kick drum mic. Nielsen’s five-neck guitar is an abomination Albini mics with a single, cheap Shure SM57 placed where a coroner would stand.
The result is In Color drained of all color. It’s black, white, and bleeding.
"Southern Girls" doesn’t jangle—it staggers. The guitars are wasp nests. Zander’s honeyed croak is pushed so far back in the mix he sounds like he’s singing from the bottom of a well lined with broken glass. "Downed" is no longer a power ballad; it’s a slow, mechanical collapse, like a crane falling on a Cadillac. Albini captured the room—the creak of a drum stool, the hum of a faulty preamp, the moment Nielsen mutters "fuck" after flubbing a solo.
Epic Records refused to release it. "Unlistenable," said the A&R man. "Where’s the hit?" Tom Petersson’s twelve-string bass sounds like a busted furnace. The harmonies are off-kilter, almost ugly. Cheap Trick, furious and broke, bought the masters for $1. They pressed exactly 500 CD-Rs in 1999, hand-labeled with a Sharpie: IN COLOR (ALBINI MIX) – NOT FOR SALE.
Most were given to superfans. One ended up in a Goodwill in Peoria. Another was ripped, encoded to FLAC, and uploaded on a rainy Tuesday in 2004 by a user named DeadAir.
And that brings us to the file.
When you play the FLAC, it sounds… wrong. Not bad. Wrong. At 1:43 of "Clock Strikes Ten," a digital artifact blooms—a ghost harmonic that isn’t on the CD-R source. People in forums argued it’s a rip error. But others noticed that the error only appears on systems with a certain DAC chip. And when it does, for a split second, you hear a different vocal take. A harder one. A 1998 Robin Zander screaming a lyric he changed in 1977: “I’m not your lover now / I’m just the stain you left.”
The leecher at 99.7% never finished. His username was BunE_Carlos_Ghost. His last login was October 17, 1998—three days before Bun E. Carlos claims he walked out of the Albini session, never to return. But the session logs show he stayed.
The file isn’t cursed. It’s a document. It’s the sound of a band autopsying their own youth in a room that hates nostalgia. It’s In Color if the color was a deep, coagulated bruise. And the only way to hear the final 0.3% is to find a CD-R from that Peoria Goodwill, put it in a player from 1999, and listen alone, at 3 AM, with the lights off.
But don’t. Because that missing data isn’t a mistake. It’s the part where the band stops playing, Albini leans into the talkback mic, and whispers the real reason this session was buried.
And no FLAC in the world is ready for that truth.
Given the rarity of the 1998 CD (copies on Discogs often list for $150–$300), most fans have turned to peer-to-peer lossless trackers or specialized Plex shares. When searching for the file, look for the following cues:
Beware of transcodes. If the file size is 80MB for the whole album, it is fake. A full FLAC of this session (roughly 35 minutes) should weigh in at 280–350 MB. Experience the raw energy and catchy hooks of