Bleach

Recorded for a mere $600, this record shows off the Nirvanas at their most musically inventive. The pounding drum tones (not played by Dave Grohl! He wasn't in the band yet!) hint at Melvins worship, but the guitar lines, enhanced greatly by bushelfulls of weirdass chords and feedback noise, have kept my ears entertained for years and a day. There's also a neat overall dark tone (probably resulting from the limited recording budget, and thus sadly missing from their other records) that creeps up tunes like "Floyd The Barber," "Paper Cuts," and "Sifting," three of the most mesmerizing noise dirges this side of Swansville.
It aren't just the tone, though. These melodies are also much more melancholy and minor-key-ly than you might expect from listening to the slaphappy Nevermind; only the slacker love story "Swap Meet" and the carnival-goofy "Mr. Moustache" come close to conveying the sense of youthful celebration and exuberance that would so woo the musical universe in just two short years. And, Mr., here's the thing. This record proves that Kurt had talent, goddammit. Not just songwriting talent, but soundscaping talent. Ever heard "Negative Creep?" The hell is that? "Shoop?" That's the melody? "Jug-jug-shoop-jug-jug-jug-jug-shoop???" Not even a chord, but "shoop?" And how about the way he screams in "Paper Cuts?" "A SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD SONG!!!!!!!!" No wonder the chest pains!

It doesn't "kick buttock," as the kids say, but it's extremely interesting to listen to. Reminds me a little of Black Flag's My War, but a metallicaload better. Kurt had a super lurchy screaming voice, a fantastic ear for feedback (see the amazing intro to "Paper Cuts"), and no intention of playing boring old corporate rock. This was grunge, darn it! Underground hard rock of the late '80s! Something new and special! A splendid combo of heavy metal and punk! Steel Pole Bath Tub! King Snake Roost! And Nirvana, goddammit, Nirvana!!! Kings of Seattle grunge!!!

I really hate the cover of "Love Buzz," though.