The raw, less slick production of the album placed it in direct contrast with the super-accomplished Nevermind that preceded it. Recorded by Steve Albini, the natural acoustics of the studio, and even neighboring kitchen for the drums, were used to give a more authentic feel. Serve the Servants is garage rock-esque, with its simple, distorted guitar, and laconic vocal delivery, and Scentless Apprentice is all squeals and angst; both show the rawness yet pop-sensibilities of the Nirvana sound.
Pennyroyal Tea was the song I always remembered off this album, and the only reason I can think of is that it seemed like a perfect pop-rock song. It has the loud chorus, the quiet, reflective verses, and an anthemic quality to it. Such preferences are hard to shake of, so it was this track I found myself most drawn to. Heart-Shaped Box is a track I can't think of without picturing the bizarre music video, and All Apologies is a quintessentially great album closer. There are lapses, such as the slightly anaemic Dumb, and the OTT Tourette's, but I can see why some might like them.
It's a really good album, and whilst not my natural genre of choice, it has some superb song-writing in it. The simplistic, fuzzy recordings seem to really capture the essence of the band, who were never designed to make it at the scale they did. At its heart are catchy songs, and each band member contributing to the overall success of the collective. Cobain is obviously at the heart of this, with engaging lyrics and an impressively varied yet compelling vocal performance. That this would be his swansong is both a shame, and captures him in at his peak, to my ears.
Chloe's album rating: 7
Chloe's favourite track: 2. Scentless Apprentice
Olly's album rating: 7
Olly's favourite track: 9. Pennyroyal Tea
Next up is 156. In a Silent Way by Miles Davis.
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