Top 10 Nirvana Songs

nirvanaI’ve been listening ot a lot of Nirvana this week, after getting Bruce Pavitt’s ibook Experiencing Nirvana about Nirvana’s 1989 European tour. So, I thought I’d share my favorite Nirvana songs. BTW – I have this tshirt from back in the day but it doesn’t fit as well as it used to.

1. “Sappy

Orginally released as a hidden track on the No Alternative compilation under the name “Verse Chorus Verse” the song is more properly known today as “Sappy.” This version was recorded during the In Utero sessions and features an excellent guitar solo from Kurt Cobain. Lots of Nirvana songs had female protagonists, including this one.

2. “You Know You’re Right

The last song ever recorded by this great band is also one of their best. Finally released after much to-do in 2002, after previously only heard on bootlegs and during Hole’s Unplugged performance. Sadly, there would be no more songs for Nirvana.

3. “About a Girl

A very melodic song from the band’s first album and the song that caused major labels to see the potential in the band. A sort of twisted love song.

4. “Smells Like Teen Spirit

There’s a reason this song changed the music industry. I don’t like this song because it is trendy, but because it is actually a great song.

5. “Heart-Shaped Box

Another quiet/loud heavy song with melodic underpinnings.

6. “In Bloom

Great rolling bass line from Krist Novoselic and I also enjoy Dave Grohl’s drum fills. Easily the first or second best music video from the band.

7. “Come as You Are

The first time I heard Nevermind was at a CD store where you could listen to the CDs before purchasing (CD Warehouse, oh how we miss you…). This was the third track on the CD and after about 30 seconds in I knew I had to puchase the CD. “No I don’t have a gun” lyrics are a little tough, though.

8. “Aneurysm

Completely under-appreciated track from the group’s rarities compilation Incesticide. The song rocks hard and by my reading is an ode to heroin.

9. “Where Did You Sleep Last Night

A Leadbelly classic that the group performed Unplugged. Maybe Cobain’s best vocal performance.

10. “All Apologies

One of the hits from In Utero probably sounded better in the Unplugged version. Lyrics reflect Cobain’s tortured persona.

Honorable Mention: “School”, “Negative Creep”, “Mr. Moustache”, “Breed”, “Lithium”, “Stay Away”, “Something in the Way”, “Aero Zeppelin”, “Serve the Servants”, “Rape Me”, “Dumb”

One of These Songs is the Song of the Year 2012

Every year I tease my traditional January 1st posting where I post my most-listened to songs of the year. This year, we’re teasing five solid entrants, one of which will most likely be the song of the year.

Gotye featuring Kimbra “Somebody That I Used To Know”

I blogged about this song in January and was pleased to see it became the monster hit I wished it would become. I had no idea how big the song actually got. As in probably “too big.” I don’t listen to this song very much anymore.

Madonna “Beautiful Killer”

Don’t look for this as a single, or even as a track on the regular album version of Madonna’s 2012 album MDNA. Instead, it’s a bonus song on the deluxe version of the album. It’s really a shame, since I think the throbbling synth hook, lyrics, and Madonna’s singing are all great. It’s nice to see Madonna being a little less obvious with her song lyrics these days, too: “Can’t really talk with a gun in my mouth / Maybe that’s what you’ve been dreaming about.” Uh, huh.

The video below includes an intro featuring music from her Bond theme “Die Another Day,” which is kind of appropriate given the subject matter.

Mark Foster, A-Trak, and Kimbra “Warrior”

This song from Foster the People frontman Mark Foster was produced for Converse and later appeared on Kimbra’s US release of her previously issued album Vows. It takes some elements from Foster’s hit “Houdini” (my top song for 2011, by the way). Kimbra does a great job with the song – I wish more of her songs were in this style.

Soundgarden “Live to Rise”

I really, really miss Audioslave, the supergroup that Chris Cornell formed after Soundgarden broke up. But, now that Cornell is back together with Soundgarden as long as they produce killer tracks like this one maybe I can live without Audioslave. This was featured in the end-credits of The Avengers and is easily the best rock track of the year.

Metric “Youth Without Youth”

The first single from the group’s Synthetica album, the song features some great guitar riffs and a great siren sound in the music bed. Some nice synth vocals to go along with Emily Haines’ always-strong delivery.

Giants World Series Parade Photos

I missed the 2010 World Series parade for the San Francisco Giants, but I really regretted it. So, when the Giants won the Series again this year I knew I had to attend. It was really spectacular to see the basically every single person walking around in Giants colors. Despite my initial thoughts that there was no way they’d hold the parade on Halloween it actually turned out really well. Even the people working in stores and restaurants had their Giants colors on (or, were wearing costumes).

That said, the experience actually watching the parade left something to be desired. Julie and I arrive an hour or so early but there were already huge crowds. By the time the players were going down Market Street in the parade it was really crowded and there was hardly any room to see anything. But, it was still fun since there was so much energy and goodwill in the city.

Two Giants Fans
Two Giants Fans
Giants Colors
Giants Colors

Gamer Babes. Look at the Clean Street
Gamer Babes. Look at the Clean Street
Dave Flemming and Duane Kuiper
Dave Flemming and Duane Kuiper
Nancy Pilosi
Nancy Pelosi

Golden Gate Bridge Float
Golden Gate Bridge Float
Orlando Cepeda
Orlando Cepeda
Willie Mays
Willie Mays
Brandon Belt
Brandon Belt
Look at the Confetti
Look at the Confetti

Matt Cain and Family
Matt Cain and Family
Hunter Pence
Hunter Pence
Brian Wilson Hiding
Brian Wilson Hiding
Barry Zito
Barry Zito

Smile!
Smile!
Zito Has to be the Happiest Giant
Zito Has to be the Happiest Giant