Nirvana - Nevermind

Geffen Records

On this day 30 revolutions around the sun ago an album of immeasurable influence was released. Nirvana's 'Nevermind' hit the shelves and altered the course of mainstream rock forever.

Nevermind is a superb starting block for any youngster wondering where to begin with going down the rock rabbit hole, music in general too. The music heads on a relatively simple path, anything that becomes this huge has to in a way, and its the simplicity that makes it special. The music doesn't rock the boat as far as conventions are concerned but when backed with the explosive energy that Nirvana bring it makes it nothing short of irresistible. The beauty of Nevermind is that it's like an open book. Ready for anyone to come along and enjoy - accessible. Great musicianship, strong rhythms and straight and to the point songwriting - it's a combination that, when done well, will take light.

Quality and influence exist on two different planes. One doesn't guarantee the other. This being the reason why classic albums aren't necessarily the best of the best. Figure it a blessing when an album of this magnitude can at least live up to the hype.

While it may not the best album of all time, some would say it's not even the best 'grunge' has to offer, its impact cannot be ignored. It transcends the grunge movement of the early 90's US scene. You could say it belongs in a league of its own.

Nirvana played at Sir Henry's, a now defunct nightclub/live venue in Cork, a couple weeks before the release of this record. They were support act for rock renegades Sonic Youth. If anything speaks for the impact of this piece of music history its the fact that the Seattle act went from support act to live TV slots within a matter of weeks.

Grunge hits the big leagues.

September 24th, 1991.