The Witching Hour Sessions – 23/01/2018
Nirvana
Nirvana were formed by singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington. Despite releasing only three full-length studio albums in their seven-year career, Nirvana have come to be regarded as one of the most influential and important alternative bands in history. Though the band dissolved in 1994 after the death of Cobain, their music maintains a popular following and continues to influence modern rock and roll culture.
In the late 1980s, Nirvana established itself as part of the Seattle grunge scene, releasing its first album, ‘Bleach’, for the independent record label Sub Pop in 1989. After signing to major label DGC Records, Nirvana found unexpected success with ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, the first single from the band’s second album ‘Nevermind’ (1991). Nirvana’s sudden success widely popularized alternative rock. Nirvana’s third studio album, ‘In Utero’ (1993), was released to critical acclaim.
Nirvana’s active career ended following the death of Cobain in 1994. Since its debut, the band has sold over 25 million records in the United States alone, and over 75 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. Nirvana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, in their first year of eligibility
Tonight’s listening:
1 – Bleach (1989)
Cut for about 600 dollars in Jack Endino’s studio over just a matter of days, this record captures Nirvana at a formative stage. ‘Bleach’ is more than a historical curiosity since it does have its share of great songs, it’s a debut from a band that shows huge potential.
2 – Nevermind (1991)
‘Nevermind’ was never meant to change the world, but you can never predict when the Zeitgeist will hit, and Nirvana’s second album turned out to be the place where alternative rock crashed into the mainstream.
3 – In Utero (1993)
‘In Utero’, of course, turned out to be their last record, and it’s hard not to hear it as Kurt Cobain’s suicide note, since Albini’s stark, uncompromising sound provides the perfect setting for Cobain’s bleak, even nihilistic, lyrics. Throughout it all, Cobain’s songwriting is typically haunting, and its best moments rank among his finest work. ‘In Utero’ remains a shattering listen, whether it’s viewed as Cobain’s farewell letter or self-styled audience alienation.