Did You Know This About Nirvana?!

Did you this about them? Here is an amazing letter that Steve Albini wrote to Nirvana pitching himself to be their next producer for the In Utero, the album that contains my favourite Nirvana song "Heart Shaped Box". I love this song, but after listening to it for the purpose of this video I've realised it's actually more complex than I thought. More importantly, are you a Nirvana fan?
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#nirvana #heartshapedbox #inutero

[@Hejirah]

Krist Novoselic is a very underrated. I think his touch added so much magic to the songs. No unnecessary showing off lines, just serving the song.

[@danw9464]

Krist always seemed to add a melodic groove to the songs. Took the edge off and added a layer that wad 60s-esque and funky

[@markjones1337]

Nobody is 'underrated'. What you and all the others fail to understand, is that everybody has their own taste, and every band fails or succeeds by way of appealing to more people's tastes. No band is underrated, they just weren't liked by as many people as you thought they should be.

[@Hejirah]

@@markjones1337 your view is not wrong maybe under-appreciated would be a more fitting term?

[@calumevans1160]

hes rock solid aswell

[@dingo470]

Certainly the glue holding a lot of it together. I like the contrast in Lithium of having that sort of Rambling Lounge Jazz style bass line. It just works. He always likes to hit the root note in a higher register towards the last bar of a verse, he did it in a few songs.

[@lareeciscomusic2741]

Nirvana changed my life. As a black kid that grew up on rap, moving to the suburbs opened me up to a lot of different things. I watched a lot of MTV back in the day, and when 91 rolled around, you couldn't get away from that Teen Spirit video. A friend of mine left his Nevermind tape over my house and I listened to it ALOT. I dunno what it was. It was so different from the "hair farmer" music that they used to play. These dudes just looked like regular assed people. They played loud, poppy music, and I just dug it. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have learned how to play guitar and write music. I was devastated when he died. Still remember that day. Came home from High School and my Mother goes "So, your buddy killed himself." Dang. Anypoop, I can tell this story 400 different ways, this is just one version. Keep on keepin' on.

[@thxphotog]

Love it! Thanks for sharing.

[@DeFiSiYT]

I was 14 years old in 91 and Nevermind changed everything for me. A few years earlier I was listening to Vanilla Ice (without Irony!) and Kris Kross (underrated!), as well as pretty terrible 'Hair Metal' (the stuff that The Darkness is maybe kinda parodying? Except that The Darkness are awesome!). I think from age 12-14 our musical taste transforms for the better! I teach 12-year-old students who think Trap is the greatest thing ever... I'm just waiting for them to grow up a bit and realise the truth, that they are listening to absolute garbage! I was gutted when Kurt died too. Such a sad day. But there have been many other sad days when amazing musicians died since... RIP to all the wonderful music makers that left us too soon!

[@MikeGervasi]

You learned a valuable lesson. Listen to EVERYTHING, be ignorant of nothing.

[@jc.1191]

That's a really cool story. Playing guitar is such a rewarding outlet for creativity. Nirvana helped me start playing as well. Used to jam on those riffs all the time with my buds in high school.

[@flavoredwallpaper]

"So, your buddy killed himself." Damn, mom...

[@jamisonkasian2755]

A huge thing Albini also did for them- he encouraged Kurt, Krist and Dave to pay for the sessions out of their own pocket so DGC and Nirvana's mngment could hold no sway over the decision making process- they wouldn't be into the record company for any advances, thus leaving it up to the band. He's a brilliant engineer, they were a phenomenal band,it was a great match. His overseeing the anniversary remix and reproduction (i.e, cutting new masters for the vinyl reproduction, etc,) brought out the organic inherent sounds of the recordings and the songs (the drums are so fucking monstrous it's unreal- the mastering on the 93 version tamped and dulled them a bit). I personally love his ideas, love that he has strong opinions- he believes in what he does. Nirvana's finest record.

[@searchindex3438]

What about Jack Endino? He engineered for them too and he’s nice

[@ladygodiva4141]

I thought the original Albini mixes were binned by the label and they got another engineer to work on it post production?

[@jamisonkasian2755]

@@ladygodiva4141 from all accounts Scott Litt only remixed 2 songs, rest of the album is Albini's mixes. The mastering job tweaked the album further. Albini, Novoselic and Grohl then did a re-mix re-master job for mebbe the 20th? anniversary release of In Utero.

[@aryehwiznitzer9060]

@@ladygodiva4141 Just for the singles. They said they weren't radio enough so they did a few things like pull up the vocal, though as mentioned in the video there was only so much you could really do given the way it was recorded and mixed initially.

[@hotfroganimations]

Nirvana are the band that got me through hell, In Utero is a heck of an album.

[@yakiclone1]

In Utero is unbelievable.. I remember buying the tape when it first came out.. getting in the back of my mom's car and listening to it on a walkman.. I was so blown away from beginning to end

[@kaylanrichbourg8551]

In Utero delivered me from the depths of self hatred and into a new era of self discovery. I am forever grateful to three random men now.

[@hotfroganimations]

@@kaylanrichbourg8551 this for me is the true purpose of music, not what all my supposed friends and family are interested in, not what's popular in the charts or relevant to everyone else, it's gotta be something that makes you feel something real.

[@nedrysoft]

Krist never gets enough credit for what he bought to the table. Lounge Act is a beast, load up the vinyl, turn up the bass and listen to that groove laid down by the bass.

[@jamesdolan4144]

Lounge Act has become my favorite track on the album over the last few years.

[@simonchaddock3694]

Wicked tune du du du du du du du du du du

[@pooheadispoppingout]

Rodger that

[@jc.1191]

Dave's vocals were a great addition too. His first time singing was those great backgrounds on nevermind. Those two mixed together great.

[@BugRib]

Amazing bassline by Krist on "Lounge Act"! Absolutely one of the grooviest rock basslines of the 90s! (IMHO)

[@VendPrekmurec]

I was obsessed with Nirvana since I was 14 years old. Now I am 37 and I still love Nirvana. I remember I used to feel butterflies in my stomach each time i heard a new Nirvana song...

[@starbelly2000]

Same as me. I'm 33 now, but I still get that same teenage feeling whenever I hear their music. Something that no other band has ever created.

[@ceilidhferguson1890]

Lol me 2 and I'm 42 haha!! Trust me your never too old!! I'll be that old lady wearing metal tops and still listening to my fav bands!! Sometimes I think god your a mother! time to grow up! Lol, but I just can't let the music go! It doesn't matter what age you are! You like what like and that doesn't change!!

[@wesleyalan9179]

@@ceilidhferguson1890 🤟😄💥💫 I'm 40, and I've been a fan of theirs since I was 13 or so.. and you're right, you're never too old! I'll be a grandparent, stitching the words "Anarchy" or something like that into my grandchildrens blankets, lol!

[@ceilidhferguson1890]

@Drone Adventures No don't forget lol!! Listen to it like your 15 again!!! Let it take you back!!

[@ceilidhferguson1890]

@@wesleyalan9179 lol absolutely dude!!! Were just so lucky to have been around then to be part of that wave!!! I remember being 14 or 15 and getting a flyer in the mailbox and it was a CD brochure, you could pick 3x CDs for 30 bucks or something close to that and pay it off weekly. I had no clue what the bands were but I had my box set of Nirvana singles and my double cassettes of the smashing pumpkin', Melon collie and the infinit sadness! So I knew what I liked and wanted to find more music to explore! So I chose Korn,shoots and ladders, Pantera, Far Beyond Driven, White Zombie, Astro Creep 2000! And when I got them in the post I was buzzing and when I heard them all! I fell in love lol. I just wanted to be the kul bassist chic from White Zombie ( sean) she was so bad arse!! And my other fav band is L7 I just love them they're so driven and I looked up to them!! But Nirvana just has a special space in my heart always!! Oh and Alice in Chains is another top band for me!!

[@bloffs3352]

"Heart Shaped Box" from "In Utero" Killer. Produced by Mr Steve Albini and then mucked around with because apparently Nirvana did not spend enough money on the recording says the record company. Steve Albini recorded my old band's last album in little old Adelaide at Mick's studio in the Adelaide Hills. He is a really nice unassuming bloke. We found out he was a big ACDC fan so we bought him a book on ACDC. He loved it. He blew out when he found out that the old monitors in the recording room were actually from Albert Studios where ACDC did quite few records. We were blown away too. We also noticed He was wearing black ripple soled desert boots which are only an Aussie thing as far as I know. He said him and his band mates loved them and they bought them in Australia. We told him the factory was in Adelaide or actually he may have known this. We took him to the factory outlet and he bought about 5 pairs for him and his mates to take back to the states.lol. As far as recording goes he put a skin on the front of the kick drum ala John Bonham style. He bought with him some old ribbon mikes that were apparently from the BBC and also a crazy middle of the room mike that you could adjust the direction it picked up sound from remotely. We didn't grill him enough about Nirvana etc. It sort of didn't seem the right thing to do at the time. Our recording with him ended up a bit dry for my liking but this was not Steve's fault. We had the say on the mix in the end. A great experience for us and especially for Mick to see how Steve went about things. Despite Steve's best efforts we never quite reached Nirvana's sales levels but we had a lot of fun and a fantastic experience. Cheers, bloff.

[@Heaven-dy9lj]

Love Nirvana. Kurt was one of the best songwriters ever. Melody, passion, conviction, with a dash of lemon .

[@jeanbell2206]

Na na na na na na na Na na na na na na na Na na na na na na na With a twist of lemon 😅🎶💕

[@inspyre.design]

@@jeanbell2206 LTSO!

[@jonathanmartin4125]

An absolute genius

[@AL-PAKA]

and smack

[@jc.1191]

Super creative guy. Really loved that about them.

[@wwn1970]

I loved you calling out those people who said they weren't 'into' Nirvana.100% agree

[@woodpigeon7776]

Justin Hawkins , one of my literal favourite humans

[@woodpigeon7776]

If Justin sees this , you might like , if you haven’t already heard it , this lil gem of a song kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ3apHx3oa6fp6M Open Heart Surgery by Brain Jonestown . Seems like your vibe maaaaan !

[@woodpigeon7776]

Brian , not brain . 🧠

[@VincentCallan]

Hell yes!

[@theamazingt4r468]

Mine too. He's a gem.

[@yommmrr]

There will never be another band like nirvana. Thanks for doing them justice man.

[@stevefearon9337]

May I be the first to congratulate you on your 1 million subs….

[@GregGallagher]

Pat Finnerty and Justin Hawkins are literally the best channels on KZbin right now.

[@duukn]

Ah a fellow Train enjoyer I see.

[@ag9652]

:(

[@cheese90210]

"Beato"

[@burdenernie6050]

@@cheese90210 I hit the translate to English and "Beato" means blessed.

[@jeremyanderson8362]

beato…ehh idk about that guy..

[@markhardycreative]

I always loved the nursery rhyme vocal hooks of Nirvana, if you hum the vocal tracks they go up and down building tension before a release almost like a contented sigh into the chorus and a middle 8 that pushes the song that little bit above the clouds before dropping you back into the satisfying chorus. At least that’s what I always got from Nirvana in a very positive way I might add.

[@juniorxranger]

Primal, self-soothing music. Healing music.

[@TnerB91]

Nirvana has this weird place among music fans today but It warms my heart to think they are as popular now as they were back at their height of 92-93. Only thing that makes me sad is imagine what could have been if Kurt was still around.. and knowing what we know now about Dave Grohl as a songwriter…man.. those two together could have been something else.

[@RockChalk263]

Can you imagine some version of "Ain't it The Life" or "The Pretender" - both songs which I think fit into both Kurt's and Dave's sensibilities being played by an alternative Universe Nirvana where Kurt lived and Dave got to get more spotlight as a co-vocalist - like Jerry Cantrell in AIC?

[@marks.8780]

In Utero got me into music full stop, I owe that album everything. And it’s an unbelievable album from start to finish. It’s strange because I can remember it coming out and a lot of people not being into it because it was quite a weird album and much heavier than Nevermind, but nowadays many people consider it to be Nirvana’s best album, which makes me very happy. Nirvana remain my favourite band of all time and Justin is right, they literally changed everything and rock music was never the same again. For the better.

[@michaelfeldman2328]

Justin, while I was vaguely aware of your band, I didn’t really connect with the Darkness in their heyday. Perhaps I was at a point in my life where my music tastes weren’t open to much change (I’m pushing 50 now). Blame your KZbin channel and your brilliant commentary on some of my favorite bands, I’m now doing a deep dive on the Darkness and loving every morsel I’ve been absorbing. I’m late to the party, but you’ve got a fan in me my friend…..never mind your performance at the TH tribute. My mind is still spinning form that one.

[@witch_haunts_ghost]

Steve Alibini is an absolute legend. His bands Big Black and Shellac are amazing. He also has a cooking blog! He writes as he cooks for his girlfriend and his cat (just checked the blog no longer exists, damnit!). Fugazi are also my all time favourite band and he slayed on recording them. As for Nirvana, I was lucky enough to see them play twice...their reign continues eternally and nothing I could say would justify how much their music has impacted so many people and musical history....

[@gymonstarfunkle136]

Songs About Fucking is awesome. I haven't dived into Shellac yet but I think I listened to one album and really digged it.

[@witch_haunts_ghost]

@@gymonstarfunkle136 Fuck yes! A great album indeed! If you haven't already checked it out, I recommend listening to Big Black "Atomizer". My favourite songs from that album are "Kerosene" and "Bad Houses" AMAZING. Shellac are fantastic too. I recommend "1000 Hurts" and "Live at Acton Park". Those albums kick arse. Time to deep dive!

[@ericbuzzard2041]

If you don't mind me asking, when and where did you see nirvana?

[@prwapps]

Albini had another band between Big Black and Shellac. I know why they are rarely mentioned these days but they were just as good.

[@missmiawallis706]

I wonder if she liked fancy feast or preferred the Denti-more? 😝 🐈🙂

[@whitestuff10]

Serve The Servants is by far and away my favourite Nirvana song. I'm not a musician but I adore the bombast and drawl of it all. Its like a perfect concoction of the bands personalities.

[@teddybears4life240]

its my TOP 3....ON A PLAIN IS NIRVANA'S BEST SONG.

[@senisyurgamusic8056]

You have taste sir. If the word grunge ever meant anything that would be the song.

[@bongwelll]

I am a musician and Serve the servants is one of my favorite songs from my favorite band.

[@danielleclair1360]

"I tried hard to have a father but instead I had a dad". Thats one of the cheekiest and funniest lines I had ever heard in rock music. I love it everytime I hear it and the guitar riff to this song is just so killer.

[@jasonjones7451]

@@teddybears4life240 I'm on plain I can't complain

[@CMFO83]

Nirvana is the reason I picked up a guitar and they have always been a huge influence to me as a musician

[@nathjones1542]

One time i walked into a friends party aged 14, someone handed me a joint with “come as you are” playing in the background. The scene was just perfect. It was just passed dusk and there was a warmth in the air and a magic. I remember thinking, what have I just walked into. Nirvana definitely shaped my musical education of that time.. The nineties were effin great, so many great bands, so glad to have been young then. Great video Justin.

[@SuperFacecloth]

This song is awesome to play on any instrument. Playing it on guitar as a young teenager made you feel like you were given a mucisal magic spell. It wasnt so hard to play but it made you feel as if you were mastering an incredible power. The ability to profoundly express something so powerful with such simplicity(in general) was a special thing.

[@paulgibbon4045]

It's amazing how big nirvana became in such a small time. From playing my local in Leeds UK the dutchess of York to Kurt's death was only six years. In 1989 they were sleeping in vans throughout the UK while playing small venues. To three years later headlining the reading festival and from that night never performing in the UK again. Not many people become legends within 6 years. Shame it couldn't have been longer.

[@saltybastardgaming5603]

shouldnt have been a junkie.

[@MasterChief37]

Nah because then we would never have gotten the Foo Fighters.

[@paulgibbon4045]

@@MasterChief37 the foo fighters are a great band but are far from nirvana I'm sorry to say. Plus dave wouldn't have been happy just sat behind the kit for nirvana his whole career so who knows the foo fighters may have still existed in both realities.

[@mikemack9701]

@@MasterChief37 Um, and?

[@AndySalinger33]

Paul Gibbon, were you actually at the 10-25-90 show at Leeds Polytechnic?! If so, holy fuck. That’s my favorite Nirvana show of all time! Hit me back man! I’m so curious. I’ve gotta hear your story. Cheers!!

[@daryljoseph]

In Utero is my favorite album of all time and Frances Farmer will have her revenge on Seattle is still, to this day, the best song I've ever heard. To me, nothing has ever sounded better and alot of that is thanks to Mr. Albini.

[@NellyGandhella]

Nevermind is better

[@road2nowhere733]

Jesus,that letter needs an episode all of its own. That is brilliant

[@clairebear9517]

Nirvana are one of my favourite bands, loved them since I was a teenager in the Grunge era. I really love the Unplugged album, Kurt's voice on Where Did You Sleep Last Night sends shivers down my spine still.

[@greenchooch]

Still does for me too Claire.. Stunning track

[@wesleyalan9179]

Absolutely 💯 %agree with all that!👍🤟

[@davidgomersall7185]

Definitely up there in the Greatest Cover Versions of All Time list.

[@jasonjones7451]

Me too that look he gives the camera when he takes that last breath and belts out the last words sends chills down my spine everytime

[@johncollins5552]

Live at Reading is my favourite Nirvana recording. All their best songs, mostly played on a Strat! Love Steve Albinis attitude.

[@johncollins5552]

Tom Petty said he loved Nirvana because they were honest and finished off all the phoney, Spandex and Hairspray bands😆🎸

[@LH-kr4od]

Is it wrong that MTV live in NY is my favourite?!

[@keltoi3000]

That James Bond moment blew my mind! Justin, you're amazing :)

[@sitindogmas]

the sound of in utero was and still is absolutely killer, loud, clean and dirty raw at the same time!!! it really captured the sound of the band

[@stephanea5364]

Bleach sounds better.

[@wesleyalan9179]

@@stephanea5364 You gonna follow that up with a nanna nanna boo boo? Lol

[@invisiblesupermonkey]

The sound of in utero is still mind blowing all these years after hearing it on release. The demo version without the retouched and polished singles is amazing.

[@ryanmaxwelll2730]

The bassline in that chorus it incredible. It is such an uneasy, beautiful, powerful and heavy figure and in my opinion is just as important as the vocal melody. Nirvana were justified in having both elements brought all the way forward.

[@aaronrivers7949]

Never going to unhear the Bond theme now. Thanks Hawkins...

[@macfilms9904]

I was lucky to see Nirvana twice live - both incredible shows. Of the Seattle bands, it was Nirvana then Alice in Chains and then Soundgarden for me (Pearl Jam a distant 4th). I was born in Seattle, 8 months ahead of Kurt and grew up with the same musical influences- Beatles, stadium rock (Zeppelin, Sabbath, Van Halen etc) then punk & post-punk. For whatever reason, Nirvana just clicked for me and to this day are my favorite band (before I saw you posted this I was listening to their cover of the Wiper's 'D7'). I wish Kurt hadn't found it necessary to end his life - addiction is a hell of a harsh mistress. I wish we'd heard the music Kurt didn't get to write, I guarantee he had more bangers in him.

[@canesvenatici4259]

Van Halen is stadium rock, but Sabbath and Zeppelin aren't

[@fiat5006]

@@canesvenatici4259 why do you say they aren't? I always thought that zeppelin especially were stadium.

[@canesvenatici4259]

@@fiat5006 Zeppelin and Van Halen, yeah. But Black Sabbath? No. They're just a bit too dark to be stadium rock.

[@suburbanindie]

Nirvana is my all-time favorite band. There was no bullshit about them. Just genuine convictions. Punk rock!

[@lornakarimjee]

Forever in debt to your priceless *music* advice 🙌

[@JohnDoe-tm9wz]

Clever 🙌🏻

[@lornakarimjee]

@@JohnDoe-tm9wz hehe thank you 🤭

[@AZaprilia]

Thanks Justin, I'm touched 🥲. Heard the song directly afterwards, singing/screaming in the car on my way to work 🙏🏻

[@SteveForteGMR]

They were releasing music at a time in my teens that I was moving from Metal to Happy Hardcore and Jungle, but still I'd listen to Nirvana and appreciated the energy and feel they gave off in their music. Was a great time to be a teen. So much great and varied music was happening.

[@dingo470]

Nice little analysis. Album was a masterpiece. Such a unique space to the musical landscape of this one. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle, is one of my favourite tracks of all time.

[@cconder19]

Yes! Francis Farmer was my favorite from this as well! I am still waiting for her to make it happen though…

[@scottschroeder4920]

@@cconder19 Seems like she’s cure got her work cut out for her…

[@cconder19]

@@scottschroeder4920 I am rooting for her to lay waste to that town. She can go ahead and take out the entire West Coast if she wants.

[@benjamink7105]

The little James Bond connection is AMAZING my man. Hahaha. I LOVED that little theme song before I ever heard Heart Shaped Box, and maybe that's why I liked the Nirvana song so much. It is a great counter melody, as described by you (I don't know what that is, exactly but I trust you!).

[@rangerwhite5165]

As someone in their early 20s when Nevermind was released. These guys changed music forever. I don't think we'll ever see the likes of Kurt Cobain again. He was the John Lennon of my generation. In Utero is a brilliant album. You can hear Kurt coughing, feedback and chat in the studio. Bottom line, the songs speak for themselves.

[@Nicolasmondragon707]

Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Again 🎶

[@oldmanwinter63]

One of my brothers bands got to work with Albini. the record sounds great! I absolutely agree with you on his production philosophy! Cheers!

[@johngaltsmotor2339]

"Forever in debt to your priceless advice"

[@metalsmithnick8714]

I recently listened to Nirvana's back catalogue and the musicianship and song writing were other level

[@HobzyMcRuse]

Love this song and how Kurt does his descending vocal harmony on the verses. Very subtle but so good when you figure out the melody.

[@luispedrosantos7921]

It's like he didn't care, BUT....

[@doradebosco]

There'll never be another Cobain. I saw them in NZ in 92. He clearly wasn't in good health and didn't want to be there but was still mesmerizing.

[@martinmcneil4384]

Just rewatched this one Jus. Perfectly painted squire.

[@RaymondChengDobson]

Thank you for this episode. Especially your closings words. They hit home with a touch of nostalgia.

[@aziziabdrahman7756]

In Utero is one of my favourite albums, and Heart Shape Box is also my favourite song from that album. Thank you Justin for an amazing video. Really enjoy watching your stuff.

[@slavaukraini404]

If you listen to George Martin's interactions with the Beatles, as more of this is available now, his interactions seem to me to be the ultimate way a producer and band should work together. They had no real model to work off and so invented the whole way of doing things. George was no stiff either, despite being well spoken and a classical musician. He seemed to genuinely love the creativity of the band.

[@andrealai2388]

That’s an excellent review!! Thanks Justin

[@colico14]

I think Steve Albini is one of the most honest people to ever walk the Earth. The man has INTEGRITY up the wazoo.

[@jaystel2381]

Have heard this song 1 billion times and you somehow made me hear more things than I had ever heard before! Love your channel so much Justin! My fave kind of topic is to discuss music in detail and you do it so well 🤘🏼🤘🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@R1zla]

I can really see your love and appreciation for music in this video. It's good to see my dude.

[@martinandrewsnz]

That was a great tribute. Thanks Justin

[@wobwobrob]

I think it's crazy that Steve Albini has won 2 World Series of Poker bracelets! The guy's incredible. Would love you to react to Nothing But Thieves 😎

[@ryansharp4691]

You mentioned how nirvana changed a lot of people's lives in a really profound way. I agree. I love nirvana, was 13 when nevermind came out. I'd already been drumming and making music for a couple of years. I'd also already been diagnosed with severe depressive disorder. I went on to be in bands until I was around 30. Did a lot of traveling, played to a lot of empty rooms, had a couple of brief spurts of success with a couple of groups and, as is so cliche, battled debilitating drug addiction the whole way through. I do a lot of gazing in the rearview these days, do a lot of reflecting on regrets. Because making music is such a personal, sometimes painful and cathartic process... And because I had already suffered from unbearable depression prior to being introduced to nirvana, I can't say how much of what ended up being, to me, an inseparable marriage of pain, loss, and music is attributable to nirvana. As is so cliche, I correlated the authenticity of an artist to the degree they suffered. And I applied this to myself. And what better way to suffer than to destroy everything and everyone that matters to you. To what degree this was subconscious, I don't know, but in reflecting on it, I do believe there was some intention to it. I say all of that to say this; I still adore nirvana's music. But I truly believe it effected me to such an extent that I truly believe I would be a completely different person today had I never discovered it, maybe for the better. It's like it gave me permission to self destruct, and I embraced it. I still feel like the greatest artists are willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of bringing forth something that's buried inside us all so deeply that the only way to get to it is to burrow through and destroy a lot of layers of armour and protection that are critical to all of our very survival. But once those deeply buried and hidden gems of the soul are unearthed and presented to all for them to marvel at, admire, and take comfort in, the artist is left so utterly exposed, so utterly ravaged, and so utterly defenseless that it's just a matter of time until the world overwhelms and consumes them. To me, it's such a love/hate thing, music. Maybe it's just to me, for my generation, nirvana exemplified the relationship between suffering and Art. I didn't have the perspective that I do now, so I had to live it. And now I sit tattered and broken, and full of nothing but regrets. I can't very well blame nirvana for that, but I can definitely say they had a profound effect on my life.

[@asregdor3386]

Great video Justin ...... always enjoy . I am so glad and blessed to have seen Nirvana many times in the early days and all the way up to the end . It was quite a ride to see them grow and to be there with them on and off during their rollercoaster ride . Had the pleasure to have traveled with them also during this time .

[@markallen2984]

What a great letter. I now know and understand more about the relationship a band and a producer than I have learned in the last 40 years

[@rachelbirdy3850]

I love this channel so much! Thanks for brightening up my days Justin 👏

[@johnnyrocketed2225]

That is an amazing correspondence… thank you! What insight.

[@mattgearytransplanted]

Love you Justin!! you're such a talented muscian and so insightful. Id love to see you tackle "This Charming Man" as I've even seen Johnny Marr struggle to play it lol.

[@danielbileci4060]

Anyone else grab their guitar to play with the intro of each new video? Thanks for all the musical insights. It's fascinating to hear you break down songs from our generation.

[@canesvenatici4259]

Gen X music?

[@paulfitz6614]

This is so fascinating, never heard it before. That letter, wow. Always loved Albini's work.

[@NormRSSM]

Always appreciate your general demeanour and insights Justine, love your intro Thankyou !

[@clairb]

One of my favourite Nirvana tracks! Thanks Justin for your daily dose of critique and insightfulness. A pleasure to listen and watch such a beautiful personality. This has now become a habitual part of my day with a coffee ☕️ 😂🙌🏼

[@absta100]

Thank you Justin 🙏🏻 I’ve just watched them live and unplugged MTV 1993 again 🎉 what an epic set it is 🪄🎵💣

[@ryan0831]

Love your insights and opinions, you've been there and live it. Glad to see you're doing well.

[@MaseOTron]

Awesome video. Really enjoyed listening to you talk about it, hearing your opinions and finding out a couple of thing I hadn't known. Thank you for your help keeping me seign during a work day!

[@the_muddy_waters]

I love Heart Shape Box and I love the production on In Utero due to how great the drums sound like during the verses of Heat Shaped Box, or Radio Friendly Unity Shifter, or the drums on Serve the Servants.

[@markp8418]

Another fabulous video, thanks Justin. End of the 80s and beginning of the 90s were a fantastic time for alternative rock music - Grunge, Nin, Industrial, Janes Addiction, RATM, Faith no More RHCP etc. loads of fantastic bands which I still listen to regularly.

[@bettyboop8529]

💗💗 Got my signed picture of you a couple days ago, thank you Justin AND the person who wrote the envelope out so beautifully 🙏🙏✨✨✨

[@idontcare994]

Great video!!! Will read the whole letter! Nirvana touched, moved and changed lives 90s-to this day!! Grateful for them ❤

[@CyTolliver]

Those iconic duh duh duh duh duh duh dada fills lol It's a combination of flams (hitting the drums with both hands simultaneously) between the floor tom/snare and a quick double stroke...(what some would call a Flam tap) Grohl inspired a generation of drummers, myself included

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Nirvana changed my life and I was in my thirties. I'm from Chicago, so I'm very familiar with Albini, because there was a huge buzz about him. I wanted him to record my band. Never had the nerve to contact him. Shellac and Big Black were awesome. Krist Novoselic is a bass player's bass player. He's very highly under rated.

[@alleycat131313]

What band were you in? I worked at Chicago Trax.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

@@alleycat131313 I'm sure you never heard of us, we were a c-level band, lol!

[@alleycat131313]

You never know! I was in my 20s when In utero came out and was fairly into the scene and worked at some clubs (China club, Crobar & kaboom), produced some multi media/fashion shows around town.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

@@alleycat131313 so scared.

[@alleycat131313]

@@aprilkurtz1589 payback is alright! Is that you?

[@darioperes8923]

Amazing clip, Justin! This is also my fave nirvana song. The video is also fantastic.

[@michaelsotomayor5001]

I really really enjoy when you break down the song in your guitar and you have a Eureka moment of hey it's from this or other songs used this etc. That in-depth view to songs is very much appreciated.

[@simonpayne8252]

What a track, what a band. Good times.

[@jasongeraci8402]

Nirvana is a band that I honestly couldn't get into but I appreciate everything they did for music! Influencing bands in a way I have benefited!!!

[@BostonRobb]

Thanks for making this video, and it was rad to hear you reminisce about ur teen years… had some nostalgia listening to you rap about when Nirvana was around. Rip Kurt, so amazing to have witnessed him on this spinning ball… appreciate you & ur art in the darkness. Much love and respect.

[@suesjoy]

So interesting! I love how you broke this down. I think this is my fave of Nirvana’s. It hits so hard and DEEP. So gritty and well, hard to explain! Thanks Justin! 👍🏻⭐️☮️💜

[@thomasbjor2332]

Indeed! Given my age, I first got a listen to "smells like teen spirit" when I was over at my aunts house. And what they did prior and post of that, has followed me on my own musical path. Really cool to see your videos, Justin👍 Much appreciated! Love from Norway😊

[@stuartkelly1490]

i got to see them twice, once opening for Sonic Youth and then about 18 months later with Teenage Fanclub and The Breeders,, I rarely heard a noise like it. The support slot they did for Sonic Youth was an assault on the senses, pure class.

[@rfusca88]

Truly I love playing your videos back at quarter speed at the beginning. Give it a go! It's super weird. Great.

[@VincentCallan]

Thank you for doing this episode Justin! Steve Albinis attitude to production massively influenced my ethos around recording and performing music and also how I operate in life. Hearing you explain the layers and subtleties of this song was absolutely gorgeous, a real "it's not just me hearing this" moment! We're similar ages, and in-utero is the album that influenced me most as a songwriter/producer. Most of all dude, it just lovely to hear someone joyfully dismantle music the way I do (and my Dad did) so, from my heart, thank you! ❤️

[@charliebluechaos4963]

YES! I love this already ♡♡♡ His statement reminds me of what Tony Iommi said Rick Rubin did with 13, just listened to the band and told them if he thought they were doing good or bad and otherwise seemed to be doing nothing lol. Rick Rubin does go into pretty crazy contracts and payment methods tho. Oh I so love Nirvana and I so love Heartshaped box and this is just absolutely awesome ♡ This video is awesome Chris Novoselic is/was absolutely awesome. The BARK on those guitars is awesome. YES!! So much love to you Mr. Hawkins, this made me so happy today!

[@robertyboberty]

Nice to be reminded of the context and how big a risk In Utero was at the time. I actually prefer the sweetened commercial mixes to Albini's own. It's emotionally heavy as it is

[@caesarsailor4051]

Love your content !!! It’s the least I can say, I truly appreciate the content.

[@PHealey1981]

I could listen to Justin talk for hours. Love any insight into creative process, always complimented with knowledge and quality prose. More please

[@Shinwaable]

Albini did say he was fine with their decision to have those songs remixed because it was their record and their decision, not the label's. He declined to remix them himself when they asked so they had Lit do it. Ultimately, the record that was released was the record the band wanted us to hear and, as Albini has said, that's all that matters in the end.

[@Hejirah]

Albini also recorded another fantastic record, one my favorites... "Blessed Black Wings" by High on Fire (one of the best bands ever btw) The drums sound (along with the bass) especially is INSANE. Beautiful record.

[@onehandslinger1475]

We were playing Milk It and Frances Farmer with my band asking the public to name the songs and the artist for a craft ale price. I always ended up drinking the beer myself.

[@BlueNSour]

I bought tickets for your Sydney show last night. Ive been jumping around the house - I'm so EXCITED!!! Definitely getting in on some tshirt action! Thank you for coming to AUS!

[@number6223]

“De plane boss, de plane” 😆 I was lucky to be a teenager when nirvana hit it big, and saw them live just a few months before Kurt left us. If you weren’t around then it’s hard to understand just how big they got, and how quick, which makes it amazing that Dave went on to do it again but as a front man.

[@Cynthiabecker24]

😂😂Tatto

[@rossgooding7423]

“The Chrysler Cordoba”

[@mondowrongo9510]

In Utero is such a dark album listening back on it. The lyrics are nearly all about suicide in some way something I didn’t pick up on as a teenager. Kurt just had this incredible knack for writing accessible songs. I think they chose Albini based on his production for PJ Harvey who feels a little over looked these days. Anyway, enjoyed this video, thank you!

[@josefk.122]

The drums of that PJ Harvey album were fucking incredible and only emphasized by Albini’s brick house production! So good!

[@rebelrelicguitars]

Oooooooh, that was goooood to hear, and refreshing! This …”methodology” philosophy that you speak of from his letter can be applied to so many things in life. It’s inspiring to hear and I’m going to be thinking about those words as I’m applying it and going about my work.

[@soulsurfseeker]

Justin, one of my favorite parts is how you outro your intro with such great licks...alas quite subdued today. Right then, here I go for the rest of your always wonderful content,; with it's eclectic vocabulary, erudite observations, and highly entertaining execution, cheers m' dears

[@TheWaveGoodbye-Music]

Both nirvana's were great, should check out the 60s band nirvana. Rainbow chaser is a good place to start :) its my favourite anyways lol

[@dls3939]

Love the mixing on this album. Love this album. Guess I was the perfect age when this hit. I still think Serve the Servants is one of the best song they put together that and Frances Farmer otherwise Milk It is just a chaotic masterpiece .

[@jasonsmith7473]

What a great sounding record. I always loved the engineering on in utero

[@aylapantswb]

I was like maybe 5 years too young to fully appreciate Nirvana when they first came out. I was also a late bloomer, socially and maturity-wise. So I didn't really start establishing my own tastes until highschool in the late 90's. I caught on eventually, though, and my own music was definitely influenced by that era.