FEATURE:
You Know You’re Right
IN THIS PHOTO: Kurt Cobain of Nirvana performing at MTV Unplugged at Sony Studios in New York City on 18th November, 1993/PHOTO CREDIT: Frank Micelotta
Remembering an Icon: The Kurt Cobain Playlist
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IT is hard to believe…
Kurt Cobain died twenty-six years ago today (5th April). I was ten when the news broke, and I have spotty recollections. Looking back at music from the 1990s, and I think I under-appreciated the brilliance and role of Nirvana. Formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987, It was founded by lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic. Nirvana went through a succession of drummers, the best known being Dave Grohl, who joined in 1990. I adore Nirvana, and I think the main ingredient in their success is the songwriting and leadership of Cobain. I recall their breakthrough album, Nevermind, dominating MTV and the radio back in 1991. The band were a big part of my childhood, and I still listen to them now. I want to bring in an article that shines a light on the brilliant Cobain:
“With his punk upbringings, Kurt never quite adjusted to the machinations of the music industry; he even appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone wearing a t-shirt that read "Corporate Magazines Still Suck." However, in the same year he died, Aerosmith heralded a sea change by introducing the internet's first free downloadable track. The subsequent rise of file-sharing systems provided an outlet for bands of all stripes, ultimately transforming the industry business model and eroding the influence of traditional radio stations, MTV and Rolling Stone. Kurt no doubt would have enjoyed the freedom to release tracks at his own whim, as well as the opportunities provided to the lesser-known bands he often plugged.
Rockers have long doubled as activists, and Kurt’s stance on societal issues manifested through his calls for equality. His attitude is best summed up in the liner notes for Nirvana’s compilation album Insecticide (1992): “If any of you in any way hate homosexuals, people of different color, or women, please do this one avour for us – leave us the f*** alone! Don’t come to our shows and don’t buy our records.” This strain of progressivism gained steam through the 1990s, and the explosion of the internet and social media provided additional forums for like-minded individuals. Of course, it also opened the door for the backlash to “political correctness” that features prominently in today’s cultural battles.
Like with music, fashion trends come and go on their own, but Kurt left his own indelible mark on the industry. Along with the standard flannel shirts and ripped jeans associated with the grunge movement, the rocker often sported an ensemble that included multiple layers, torn cardigans and oversized sunglasses. Not to mention the occasional dress. A peek at the runway and shop windows reveals that physical reminders of Kurt remain alive and well in the world of fashion”.
I will end with a playlist that brings together the best Kurt Cobain-penned songs. There is this sense of magnetism when you hear Cobain sing. He can bring anger and explosion, but there is so much depth to his emotions. In terms of his lyrics and songcraft, I think he is truly unique.
Whilst so many of us remember the music, and many artists have incorporated elements of Nirvana into their work, so many people overlook Cobain’s passionate support of L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ rights and feminism. Here are a few choice quotes from a Rolling Stone article that proves why Cobain was such an inspiration:
“At this point I have a request for our fans. If any of you in any way hate homosexuals, people of different color, or women, please do this one favor for us — leave us the fuck alone! Don’t come to our shows and don’t buy our records.” –Incesticide liner notes
“I definitely feel closer to the feminine side of the human being than I do the male – or the American idea of what a male is supposed to be. Just watch a beer commercial and you’ll see what I mean.” –Rolling Stone, 1992
“Because I couldn’t find any friends, male friends that I felt compatible with, I ended up hanging out with girls a lot. And I just always felt that they weren’t treated with respect, especially because women are just totally oppressed. I mean, the words bitch and cunt were totally common.” –Blank on Blank, 1993
“I even thought that I was gay. I thought that might be the solution to my problem. Although I never experimented with it, I had a gay friend and then my mother wouldn’t allow me to be friends with him anymore because she’s homophobic. It was real devastating because finally I’d found a male friend who I actually hugged and was affectionate to and we talked about a lot of things.” –Blank on Blank, 1993”.
I am only going to scratch the surface here, but I would urge people to watch interviews and read articles pertaining to Kurt Cobain. He is so much more than the big hits and a very narrow impression. He was a complex human; a genius songwriter and it is tragic that he is no longer around. I think Kurt Cobain is one of the finest songwriters who has ever lived, and I know so many people will pay tribute to him today. I want to send out a salute to…
IN THIS PHOTO: Kurt Cobain alongside Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl of Nirvana
ONE of the all-time greats.