Nirvana – Nirvana
Released Oct. 29
In 1988 a band formed in Aberdeen, Wash. that would change the world of pop music.
The band was Nirvana. Six years later, Kurt Cobain, Nirvana’s lead singer guitarist, took his own life. Now close to a decade after his death, Nirvana is back with a new album and song.
The album is a compellation of Nirvana’s best material and includes the last song the band ever recorded that was never released titled, “You Know You’re Right,” which stands as the highlight of the release.
The album, titled simply Nirvana, has been years in the making due to legal battles over ownership by surviving band members, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, and Corbain’s widow, Courtney Love.
There is still supposedly an abundance of material Cobain recorded, but whether it will be published remains to be seen. For now, this will have to suffice fans appetite for new Nirvana.
“You Know You’re Right” is an intense song that shows Cobain at his best. This may be the last music fans will ever hear from him and it is haunting to listen to.
In true Nirvana style, the song progresses to an enraged Cobain screaming, “Pain!!” over and over again. This perhaps personifies the feeling Cobain felt in the last days of his life. The eerie bell harmonics twang from Cobain’s guitar during the bridge and in that brief moment, it’s the 1990s again and grunge reigns.
Not often does a band that has not performed for more than eight years cause this much of a stir over its greatest hits album. Then again, Nirvana wasn’t just any band.
It revolutionized the music industry and affected almost every band since. Cobain was on the cover of Newsweek in October, quite an accomplishment considering everything that is going on in the world today.
Along with the CD, a new book of Cobain’s personal diaries is also being released. This book gives an insight into the world that Cobain lived in, and how he managed to create one of the most influential rock bands ever. – David Young
———————————————-One by One – Foo Fighters
Released Oct. 22
Dave Grohl spent the summer touring on drums with hard rockers, Queens of the Stone Age. Now he returns to his day job, as front man of the Foo Fighters who have just released their fourth album, One by One.
One by One kicks things into gear with “All My Life,” a catchy song in the familiar pop music/ rock-out way similar to the band’s early hit, “Monkey Wrench.” Also not to be missed is “Come Back,” an extended song that closes out the album.
As is the norm with the Foos, the sound is very drum friendly, thanks to the work of Taylor Hawkins. One By One is a decent effort, but each song seems to remind the listener of something the band has already done. For the fans of Foo Fighters that might be looking for a new direction to the group, this album won’t be the answer.
However, there are some additional reasons to go pick up this album. Included with all copies of One By One is a special enhanced CD containing a link to a secret Web Site where fans can download four songs the band recorded specifically for the site and those who purchased the album.
The four songs are all covers from bands who have influenced the Foo Fighters. The artists include the Ramones,’ “Danny Says,” Joe Walsh and even a loud rendition of Prince’s “Darling Nikki.”
Even more tempting is the limited special release of One By One that includes a bonus DVD. This special feature has the “All My Life” music video, several video clips portraying the band’s chaotic life on the road, a photo gallery and two additional songs not available on the album. – Nicholaus Biela
