Daniel Lanois: The Producer as Conscience

"THERE'S A lot of pollution out there," says Daniel Lanois, drinking tea in the gazebo of his Santa Monica hotel one September morning, before continuing work on Robbie Robertson's first album since the Band came unbound ten years ago. Lanois isn't referring to the infamous Los Angeles smog, but to the toxic waste manufactured in recording studios. "Right now, we're in a slump, a confusion, " he continues softly. "It's going to be very important in the future for those who have an understanding to do 'soul music,' born out of passion and commitment and need."