This past Wednesday marked the 23rd anniversary of pop culture icon and Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain’s death. If you’re anything like me, you might have a passion for 90s culture, music, and icons. My interest in Cobain’s life and death began around middle school, which probably developed from a combination of soft-grunge teenage angst and my love for Vh1.
Although I’m a fan of Nirvana’s songs, there are a plethora of other factors, which contribute to my fascination with the band. Instead of ranking my favorite hits, I decided to list some of my favorite documentaries, albums, songs, interviews, etc. in order to celebrate Cobain’s life:
1. Favorite Album
The band’s third and final album, “In Utero”, has a raw and natural sound to it. Hits featured include “Dumb”, “Heart-Shaped Box”, “Rape Me”, and “All Apologies”. Rolling Stone ranked the album as 435 on their 2003 list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time”. Most of the lyrics on this album left me emotional the first time my angsty teenage self listened, which makes this album a personal favorite.
2. Favorite Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaE4H1aINeQ&t=414s
Even if you’re not a huge Nirvana fan, watching the band’s interviews gives the public a sense of how down-to-Earth one of the most then-talked about groups were, even during the peak of their fame. Although it’s difficult to hear the interviewer actually ask the questions, this ranks as my favorite interview due to Kurt’s interactions with his daughter, Frances Bean. While Kurt feeds Frances Bean, Krist Novoselic (bass guitarist on the left) is quoted for saying “she’s gonna watch this in years to come and say ‘thanks, Dad!’” How could this not be my favorite interview?
3. Favorite Cover Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ve5bvC7BbI
Nirvana was also known for their amazing song covers from artists such as David Bowie, The Beatles, and The Knack, but my favorite cover comes from Terry Jacks. Cobain has been quoted in interviews for saying “Seasons in the Sun” made him cry as a child. To me, this cover sounds a bit scattered, but the lyrics and tone of Kurt’s voice makes it a favorite.
4. Favorite Documentary
Available on Netflix, Soaked in Bleach documents Courtney Love’s PI, Tom Grant, during Kurt’s final days alive. The purpose of this documentary is to showcase the shady interactions leading up to Love’s late husband’s death. This will have you questioning whether or not Cobain’s death was actually a suicide.
5. Favorite Song
To end, I decided to list my favorite Nirvana song. “About a Girl” appeared on the band’s 1989 debut album, Bleach. The lyrics spoke to me during my rough times as an adolescent: “I’ll take advantage while / You hang me out to dry / But I can’t see you every night/ Free”.
It’s been about ten years since my first Nirvana encounter. As time passes, my interest in the band’s presence as pop culture icon increases. Thank you, Kurt.