Pod is the debut studio album by the Breeders, released by 4AD records on May 29, 1990. Engineered by Steve Albini, the album features band leader Kim Deal on vocals and guitar, Josephine Wiggs on bass, Britt Walford on drums, and Tanya Donelly on guitar. Albini‘s production prioritized sound over technical accomplishment; the final takes favor the band’s spontaneous live “in studio” performances.
The Breeders formed in 1988 when Deal, bass player for Pixies, befriended Donelly of Throwing Muses during a European tour. They recorded a country-infused demo in 1989, leading to 4AD co-founder Ivo Watts-Russell funding an album, Pod, recorded that year at the Palladium studio in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Due in part to Deal‘s work with the Pixies, the album was widely anticipated, particularly in Europe. It became a critical and popular success, reaching number 22 in the UK. Critics praised its dark, sexualized lyrics, and compared it favorably to the Pixies. Nirvana‘s Kurt Cobain said it was one of his favorite records. The cover art was designed by Vaughan Oliver and portrays a man performing a fertility dance while wearing a belt of eels.
Tracklist:
- Glorious (Deal, Ray Halliday)
- Doe (Deal, Ray Halliday)
- Happiness Is a Warm Gun (Lennon, McCartney)
- Oh!
- Hellbound
- When I Was a Painter
- Fortunately Gone
- Iris
- Opened
- Only in 3’s (Deal, Donelly)
- Lime House
- Metal Man (Deal, Wiggs)
The Breeders
Kim Deal: lead vocals, guitar
Tanya Donelly: guitar, backing vocals
Britt Walford (credited as Shannon Doughton): drums, backing vocals
Josephine Wiggs: Spanish guitar and lead vocals on “Metal Man”, bass, backing vocals
Additional personnel
Steve Albini: engineer, spoken vocals
Carrie Bradley: violin
Michael Allen: backing vocals on “Oh!”
Vaughan Oliver/ V2: sleeve design
Kevin Westenberg: photography
