Raised Eyebrows: Home Recording (Randy)

Time is flying by and summer is in full swing. Let’s celebrate with some wonderful home recordings by familiar faces, indie giants, and a few unsung greats.

While home recording is a somewhat conventional idea now, it wasn’t always. I’ve highlighted some recordings that were made in home studios, living rooms, basements, and kitchens. Recorded with limited equipment and plenty of parameters, there’s magic awaiting.

The Beach Boys – With Me Tonight

Smiley Smile was the first of several records recorded at Brian Wilson’s makeshift home studio.

Emitt Rhodes – With My Face On The Floor

Emitt’s classic 1970 debut was recorded at his home on a 4 track recorder.

Neil Young – Alabama

“Are You Ready for the Country”, “Alabama”, and “Words” from Harvest were recorded in a barn at Young’s ranch in California. More Barn!

Bob Dylan and The Band – Apple Suckling Tree

Recorded in ‘67 in houses all around Woodstock, NY including the historic “Big Pink.”

Donnie & Joe Emerson – Baby

70’s teenage duo whose starry eyed father financed a $100K home studio.

Paul McCartney – Nobody Knows

McCartney recorded his amazing McCartney II with a few microphones and a 16 track recorder.

Daniel Johnston – Wild West Virginia

Songs of Pain was self recorded in a basement and released in 1980. Amazing songs at every turn.

Bruce Springsteen – State Trooper

Intended as demos for The E-Street Band, Nebraska was recorded on a Tascam Portastudio with two SM57’s.

Tall Dwarfs – Pictures on the Floor

Tall Dwarfs’ Chris Knox is a legend in the New Zealand underground music. Not only did the Dwarfs produce/record their own albums, Knox was also responsible for engineering recordings by many legendary Flying Nun bands.

Guided By Voices – Game of Pricks

Read this eye-opening recount of the recording of this song. It’s a nice glimpse into how this legendary band approached recording.

Elliott Smith – Alameda

Either/Or was largely recorded in Portland, OR area homes.

J Dilla – Time: The Donut of the Heart

Donuts was largely recorded in the hospital while Dilla was being treated for lupus related complications. It was created with a Boss SP-303 sampler, a small 45 record player, and a crate of his mothers 45’s.

Hiss Golden Messenger – Straw Man Red Sun River Gold

HGM’s Bad Debt was recorded in his North Carolina kitchen.