Nirvana - Nevermind (1991)

The genre defining Nevermind clearly set out the blueprint for grunge. Containing the epic 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' it capitulated lead singer Kurt Cobain into the spotlight and cast him as the quasi spokesman for Generation X. Cobain who suffered from excruciating stomach pains was a tortured soul unprepared for the baggage that the success of ‘Nevermind’ threw his way. Nirvana created a huge live presence; various members often left the stage bloodstained and instrument less. Pent up anger and adrenaline fuelled energy meant that no guitar, no matter how expensive, stood a chance. Nirvana were a product of disaffected youth entering the real world with no prospects. That is not to say that the band were all doom and gloom, 'In Bloom' had a very clever video with Nirvana's three members decked out in not so perfect hairstyles and ‘Nevermind’ itself had a cover design that intelligently punched capitalist America in the ribs.

Butch Vig (who went on to form Garbage) produced this album on the David Geffen record label giving it a fulsome sound without detracting from the aggressive playing. His enthusiam and willingness to experiment (witness the Cobain’s multilayered vocals on Teen Spirit) meant that Nirvana's creative force could be uniquely harnessed. ‘Nevermind’ is characterised by expansive guitar riffs and many of the tracks have Cobain’s strained vocal struggling to be heard above the glorious din. Never is this more evident than on 'Territorial Pissings' where Cobain literally tears his vocal chords such is the ferocity of the performance. The album also has its quiet moments; 'Polly' and 'Something in the Way' serve to prove why the 'Nirvana Unplugged In New York' album would work a treat. Both tracks lack the glorious bombast of earlier tracks but what they lack in volume they more than make up in their bleak messages. But, it will be the giant buzzsaw guitar sound that Nirvana will be remembered for. 'Drain You' is a gleaming diamond of a tune with a chord change to die for. 'Come As You Are' is in the same mould as 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' but its underlying theme of gun culture was tragically prophetic. 'Nevermind' is a bona fide classic and a searing testament to a unique talent.

Rating: 9/10

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