NIRVANA

I love Nirvana. I am also aware that artistic expression is a very personal thing both in production and reception. I've met my share of folks who think Nirvana is an atrocious band. Some people can't stand Kurt's voice, and some were offended by the band butchering certain cover songs from the Nirvana Unplugged session. I've even heard one anti-fan argue that Kurt's guitar riffs weren't 'difficult to play.' Surely the worst reason to dislike any musical act is by comparing its complexities to something else. What else? Who cares. All differences aside, Kurt Cobain and his band mates possessed an undeniable talent for creating music that was both abrasive and melodious. Yes, I'm well aware of Nirvana's predecessors, some of whom were their biggest influences (i.e. The Melvins and Mudhoney), but let's face it, we're talking about Nirvana here. DGC Records released Nevermind in 1991 and the band quickly became a disease that affected the entire world in a very very short length of time. The album became more than a symbol for change in the world of music, and became a symbol for change in general. Kurt's nearly indiscernible lyrics begged to be heard and accepted at all costs, and everyone listened whether they understood or not. The message seemed to be something along the lines of 'think outside the box'. This coded signal was accepted in larger and larger doses as we finally said 'fuck you' to all the hair bands of the late '80s and early '90s. Nirvana relentlessly pummeled the record industry to a pulp with the release of In Utero, the band's challenging and final Long Player. Then without warning our leader destroyed himself. He may have been bored up there at the top- a place he never expected to be so abruptly- unchallenged for the crown of music's savior. Thanks to off kilter media exploitation, grunge was fast becoming the next marketable hair band-like trend. Coincidentally, after Kurt's suicide, grunge music could no longer keep it's head above water. When it all comes down to it, there was far too much integrity in Nirvana, the fans, and even grunge music to ever allow it to be controlled by the media and bloodsucking businesses. The band rarely compromised their sound except for a couple radio friendly edits. Whether you love them or hate them, you know Nirvana and you should realize how lucky we are to have birthed them in our generation.