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Dave Grohl Names Pixies' Surfer Rosa His 'Perfect Record'

He credited Steve Albini's raw engineering and the vocal interplay of Black Francis and Kim Deal for the album's lasting influence on alternative rock.

Overview

  • Grohl told BBC 6 Music on Tuesday that Surfer Rosa is his personal "perfect record," saying he has listened to it "probably 10,000 times" and could still play it every day.
  • He singled out producer Steve Albini's engineering as a key reason the record stands out and praised Black Francis's lyrics and the unusual harmony between Francis and Kim Deal.
  • Grohl's comments were made while Foo Fighters are promoting their April album Your Favorite Toy and touring in Europe on the Take Cover run.
  • Surfer Rosa, released in 1988, is widely credited with shaping the loud-quiet-loud dynamics of alternative rock and influencing bands Grohl has worked with, including Nirvana.
  • Grohl's endorsement underscores how high-profile musicians help reinforce rock canons and can redirect attention to older records during new album cycles and tours.