E324 Mark Reznicek of Toadies on Steve Albini, Rejected Albums, and Writing a Great Comeback Story

This week, we're scratching The Itch to get charmed! Our guest is drummer Mark Reznicek of Toadies, whose long-awaited eighth album The Charmer is out now. It's been nine years since their last album, but given the wild story of how their follow-up to 1994's platinum-selling Rubberneck was delayed all the way into the nu metal era, they're a band that understands the benefits of patience. Their endurance as a band has in no small part been due to the continued love and support they've received in their hometown of Fort Worth, where they've achieved cult favorite status.
The Charmer was one of the last records recorded by legendary producer/engineer Steve Albini before his passing in 2024, and it deals with Toadies frontman Vaden Todd Lewis's struggles with depression and mental health. For our money, it's among the band's best works. Mark takes us through the process of recording the album and working with the famously opinionated Albini, and even humors us on a detour into Buzzkill, the Dark Horse/Image comic he co-created that played a part in launching the career of one of Marvel's "it" writers, Donny Cates. This is one we've waited 35 years for. Enjoy. And see Toadies on tour this year with Local H. You won't regret it.
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