While thinking about Trout Mask Replica today, I had this realization — so many people don't know who engineered timeless classics. No respect for fabulous labor, eh? To prove it to myself, I spent a few minutes flipping through my records (it didn't take long), and I was often right. I had no idea who engineered many of the albums I own. To confirm my theory, I'm giving you this simple quiz. Since you're all experts, tell me whether you can answer who engineered ten records that we all know and love. Ready? Don't cheat — it'll disprove my point.
Records, alphabetical by artist:
1. Charles Mingus, The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
2. Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band, Trout Mask Replica
3. The Fall, Hex Enduction Hour
4. Fripp & Eno, No Pussyfooting
5. Gang of Four, Entertainment!
6. Tim Hardin, 2
7. Gram Parsons, Grievous Angel
8. Mission of Burma, Signals, Calls and Marches
9. Pretty Things, SF Sorrow
10. Richard & Linda Thompson, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
Engineers, alphabetical by last name:
A. Hugh Davies
B. Bob Simpson
C. Ray Hendricksen
D. John Kiehl
E. Dick Kunc
F. Peter Mew
G. Doc Siegel
H. Tony J. Sutcliffe
I. Rick Walton
J. John Wood
So who are these folks? A few of you may know a couple of names from scanning record jackets. But it's likely most of these names are unknown to you, as they were to me. How many real "stars" are there in the engineering world, not necessarily "producing," but engineering? Hmmm...