
We’ll pass on the chance to add to the Kurt Cobain cliche heap and instead offer seven thoughts about the finest album of the 90s.
1. Prior to Nevermind‘s release, the charts were ruled by Paula Abdul, Roxette and Michael Jackson, so anyone who claims they saw Nirvana coming is, uh, lying.
2. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (a title that paid ironic tribute to a deodorant for adolescents) may be the album’s worst song.
3. “Lounge Act,” built on Krist Novoselic’s rubber band bass riff and Cobain’s slowly intensifying vocals, may be the best.
4. “Breed” and “Territorial Pissings” prove Cobain’s love for the Sex Pistols.
5. “Lithium” and “Drain You” are his tribue to the Beatles.
6. Dave Grohl is a far better drummer than his idol John Bonham.
7. “Something in the Way” is the best evidence that, for a few minutes, Cobain was able to turn misery into grace.