You have to shelve a lot of your inspiration. There's only so much you can do with one record.

[Early on,] the attitude was that what I was doing wasn't music.

There are certain records that you love because the songs are great, but you don't go to them as an example of great production.

Sea Change was so specific. From the beginning it was set what it was going to be. All the other ideas that I had at the time I had to put to the side.

The only way I was allowed to play was by convincing bands to let me do a few songs while they set up. That went on for years.

Just out of curiosity, I wonder what makes music or culture or taste go in certain directions. Who knows what the forces are behind it.

When my nephew was 3 and 4, he would say the most genius things. He said, You're hammer macho with FBI dogs. I thought it was just one of those great lines.