Steve Lillywhite's 'sound' from late 70s/Early 80s

RandallFlagg

I don't what it was but there are some classic tracks I have from the late 70s early 80s produced by Steve Lillywhite that I just love the sound of:

Siouxsie And The Banshees - Hong Kong Garden
The Members - Sound Of The Suburbs/Handling The Big Jets
The Chameleons - In Shreds
U2 - October/War

I don't like all the tracks/albums he's produced but there is a lo-fi, dry, 'mid' presence sound to the guitars and drums that I really like. I'm a big fan.

Was it particular studio or desk he used to get his sound?

Cirrus

His productions seem to utilise a lot of room sound - those drums especially, they always sound to me like room mics with closer mics just used to fill in the sound a little. Same with guitars, bet there's something on the grille and something a few meters further back to get the amp in the room.

The effect isn't loads of reverb so much as early reflections and just a nice natural space around the instruments.

rpr

There's a documentary XTC at the Manor- which shows said band recording 'Generals and Majors' with Lilywhite producing-
   

andyoz

Peter Gabriel 3 as well