Nirvana – “In Utero”
By Mozart Breath on May 10, 2008 in Retro Reviews
I recall losing my virginity the year this album came out in 1993, I was only forty-three years of age and all was right with the world. On “In Utero”, it is a situation where the pleasant young chaps in Nirvana wanted to totally back away from the finely tuned production work of the landmark snob-anthem known as “Nevermind”, so that they could dip into their penchant for bizarre gutter-noise, and who can blame them? Other than two nerds somewhere in Olympia, Washington; who somehow believe “Bleach” to be their most terrific effort, all us true Nirvana hos understand wholeheartedly that “In Utero” is quite obviously where it is indeed at, as the case might be. And keep in mind, “Incesticide” does not officially count as an album and neither does their unplugged appearance, so just chill, okay? And the live album is just that, jerk.
Let’s examine the track list, shall we now?
Serve the Servants: This song is pretty weak, talking about regret problems with ones daddy and a chug-a-lug chorus that sounds like something out of the original Children of the Corn film. Needless to say, this is one of the more crumb-bum tracks on the record. Sorry, Kurt; but this tune is for the birds.
Scentless Apprentice: Thanks to the much needed help of the far more talented Dave Grohl, this track really comes to life and Cobain’s grumblings totally dig into your skull and make a great big poop. It’s an exhilarating jam that is not soon forgotten, and is done a wonderful deal of justice in the studio thanks in part to a smug demonic creature by the name of Albini, since this track really cut one hell of a rug in a live setting as well.
Let’s stop examining the track list, shall we now?
…Now face it, this album has some filler, and Krist is a bit of a tall looking dork-ass. Some stuff is just plain bad, like that Frances Farmer song, you know? And “Radio Friendly Unit Shifter” has got to be one of the most lame song titles ever, almost worthy of some Billy Corgan nonsense…and for claiming that he (Kurt) was a songwriter of merit and great cultural value, “Radio Friendly Unit Shifter” certainly claims otherwise to be the case. But don’t get me wrong, “Milk It” is a nice little nervous breakdown nightmare scenario and “Tourette’s” is just plain fun, as Saint Kurt made nonsensical screaming into a true musical art form, using his voice as a sort of makeshift distortion pedal, not dissimilar to the Boredoms in this regard, a band that Nirvana no doubt dug…yes?
Finally, saving the worst for last with “All Apologies”…what a mess, right? I can’t stand this track, as it makes clear that Kurt was no Lennon, or no Lenin for that matter. Face it, the dude was still young with a head full of drugs and one hell of a tummy ache, he had a long way to go before reaching ballad-like heights worthy of John from The Beatles, and that’s just the way it is. Far be it from me to say that “In Utero” is bad, because as mentioned…it is Nirvana’s best record, but had Kurt lived long enough to lose some of his blonde-haired cool and become rather an impressive let down like Beck, I do believe there would have been more to admire, not only in this record, but in the whole of the Nirvana discography, baby.
Your thoughts, flannel face? This ain’t some Yo La Tengo shit.
“Scentless Apprentice” Live
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Lennon was just as young when he wrote many of his best tunes, he was the same age Cobain’s was for In Utero when Revolver was recorded (26)
Marvin Marks | May 11, 2008 | Reply
I never viewed Lennon as being young, so to speak, at least not after the Mod era. Kurt still seemed like a high school rebel well into his twenties, it’s just the personality is sometimes that of an actor within the music…kind of child-like in places and not worthy of Lennon, or even Christopher Cross. I also used age in relation to a sort of sense of hipness, because had Beck died young…he would have been treated as a saint to some, but it is nice that he became an imperfect adult, making for more well-rounded music. I should try to get less abstract, however.
Amadeus | May 11, 2008 | Reply
I think too many people place too much importance on Kurt - like he would be some rock god if he had lived.
I think differently, I like to think he’d have faded away, the same a lot of those grungies did. But then again, that music was only a brief moment for me, some were good, but lots were…just crap.
I’d also say that those around him, only found fame because of his death…
Jonathan | May 12, 2008 | Reply
Added a crazy almost 10 minute long live version of Scentless Apprentice
Marvin Marks | May 12, 2008 | Reply
kurt=god
NAT | May 25, 2008 | Reply