Twenty years ago, on September 24, rock experienced a big bang that not only birthed a new scene, it reinvigorated an industry, and it sounded like this.
Unless you’re dead or deaf, you know that Nirvana’s seminal album is about as old as that really cute girl working the coffee bar, and about as big as her… eyes. I was gonna say “eyes”.
Now, everyone and their mother has something to say about this anniversary so I’ll avoid all that and tell you about the one time I saw them live. They were the first of two opening bands for the Red Hot Chili Peppers; Pearl Jam was the other opener. Kurt came on stage wearing not only his standard jeans and flannel but also a tutu. They played the loudest songs off Nevermind and they sounded terrible. Kurt was a mumbling, out-of-tune mess and possibly high or drunk. I was so disappointed.
Little did I know the kind of impact they’d have on a generation. I can still remember a buddy’s roommate going on a massive bender after learning of Kurt’s death. Another buddy dated a girl that had carved Kurt’s name into her arm. Seriously, WTF!
Still, it’s impossible to deny the power that album. It still sounds so fresh and vital. As long as we have rock, we’re gonna keep hearing this album.
That’s it for today. Next week we’ll take a look at another huge album that dropped the same day as this one.
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