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”

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