Bleach (CD 1995)

From the amazing introduction on 'blew' right up to the last riff of 'downer' this album is great. You must hear it! one of the most amazing albums you will ever find!And considering that Nirvana only paid $600 for the whole album to be recorded in seattle at reciprocal recording by Jack Endino, the record turned out to be nothing less that astounding. "Nothing like that was ever going to happen again. That kind of stuff only ever happens once in a bands lifetime." -Chad Channing,drummer.

1. Blew
2. Floyd The Barber
3. About A Girl
4. School
5. Love Buzz
6. Paper Cuts
7. Negative Creep
8. Scoff
9. Swap Meet
10. Mr Moustache
11. Sifting
12. Big Cheese
13. Downer


Details
Number of CDs: 1
Producer: Jack Endino
Recording type: Studio
Distributor: Universal Music


Album notes
Nirvana: Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar); Jason Everman (guitar); Chris Novoselic (bass); Chad Channing (drums).Additional personnel: Dale Crover (drums).Recorded at Reciprocal Recording, Seattle, Washington.With a sludgy, chainsaw guitar sound that owes as much to early Black Sabbath as to Kurt Cobain's heroes The Melvins, whose drummer puts in an appearance here, Nirvana emerges from Seattle's underground scene as standard-bearers of a style that embraces the anger and energy of punk alongside the thick, muddy sonic attack favored by early '70s proto-metal bands. Cobain's lyrics are fueled by outrage and self-loathing, combining literary flair with a direct, visceral quality that makes him a viable candidate for the John-Lennon-of-Gen X award. Nirvana's debut album showcases what sounds more like a force of nature than a rock band. The unrelenting fervor with which the group delivers these 13 tunes is almost frightening. There is also a strong melodic flair that leavens the ferocity occasionally, hinting at the scope of Cobain's compositional talents. "Love Buzz" and "About A Girl" show off enough pop smarts to make it clear that as strong as BLEACH is, Cobain's hiding even more tricks up his sleeve.

I bought this cd after hearing Negative Creep,and absolutely loved it.There are some awsome riffs on this album,like all of Nirvanas ablums,but this has a raw and dirty feel to it,not unlike some early Soundgarden songs.This album shows the talent of Kirt,Dale and Chris at their rawest.As with everything,evolution happened and the sound of the band changed over time,but this album shows that stand tall with their own style of punk rock.For fans of loud,distorted rock with passion and heart.

'Every ten years or so a lot of really great bands come along' - Kurt Cobain.

At the end of the mostly appalling 1980's when rock & roll nearly died, a light was lit in the small town of Aberdeen, near Seattle USA. That light, led by waif-like lead/guitar Kurt Cobain, was a band called Nirvana. Along with giant 6'7" Kris Novoselic on bass, Jason Everman on guitar & Chad Channing on drums(eventually replaced by the great Dave Grohl), they were to start a band that would change the world of music & ensure that Rock would still live for many years to come.

Nirvana touched many a soul with their great riffs & proved that a loud 'noise' could possess great musical melody in the right hands. They destroyed the careers of 'hair bear biker macho c**k rock' bands literally overnight with their later release of the great 'Nevermind'.....true rock music of true integrity which had something to say to the youth of that time & beyond.

For me though, the raw sounding Bleach was my favourite. Recorded for just $600 one afternoon, Kurt delivered a true classic, which still largely remains remarkably unheralded. It's first track 'About A Girl', is almost Beatle-esk with it's brilliant use of flowing melody & for me is one of the finest songs ever written by anyone....a master class in bringing alternative music to the mainstream. This contrasted with the intense feeling within 'Negative Creep'....a rip roaring song that helps you release any pent up frustrations with it's heavy guitar & bass & the ferocious attack laucnched by Cobains' vocals, certainly delivered with the unique intensity by someone who really means it, not someone singing for a pay-cheque! An awesome album.

However, Bleach, penned way back in 1988, sounds as fresh today as it did back then. Ironically, Nirvana were remarkably outsold by the more radio friendly Pearl Jam, a superb rival 'grunge' act by about 2 to 1, but it's Kurt's legend & Nirvana's musical genius that has outlived all their opposition. All of Nirvana's album's are true punk/pop masterpiece's - it is a measure of their amazing ability as a threesome that they were able to produce music that has lasted the test of time. For me one of the World's top five greatest bands ever.

Kurt, who came across as a fiesty yet conscientious & gentle soul, clearly could not cope with the pressures that life & the fame he had acquired, offered. He was tragically to end his life on April 5th 1994. The refreshing 'grunge' music scene also died with him.

Kurt's contribution to life will never be forgotten by those whom he touched. Nirvana's music, which showed an almost feminine level of understanding & compassion, inspiried many misguided & lost souls along the way, offering them hope.

If you have never owned a Nirvana album then I can honestly say this is the place to start.

A fine album, a must own for all fans of Nirvana and all fans of good hard rocking grunge.

When talking about Nirvana many fail to mention this excellent album, if you dont own it, get it now!