Nirvana "Incesticide" 1992(comp)***

Album cover design by Kurt Cobain

Wow, I had actually forgotten I had that one. Didn't get it at the time of its release and never thought much about it. I bought it as a two-for-one deal together with In Utero when I thought I had lost my In Utero vinyl copy (long, uninteresting story there). Incesticide is a compilation of single tracks, demos, outtakes, covers, and radio broadcast recordings. As such, it is an all-over-the-place affair of pre-fame Nirvana (recorded 1987-1990). No less than 4 drummers can be heard, since the band's line-up was not yet stable. Following the mega-selling Nevermind LP with this compilation must have either been an exercise in greed or self-sabotage or maybe both (seeing how record companies can be greedy and Kurt Cobain prone to self-sabotage). It was nevertheless positively received for what it was -the sound of a band who would go on to become Nirvana rather than the new Nirvana album. Obviously production values here are rather low; there's no Butch Vig with his Midas Touch (except from "Dive") or even a respected maverick like Steve Albini. So what about the songs? "Been a Son", "Aneurysm", and "(New Wave) Polly" are live favorites that have been released in different versions before. The first two are among the highlights while "Polly" just sounds wrong this way if you're familiar with the unplugged version. There are 3 covers: "Turnaround" (Devo), "Molly's Lips" and "Son of a Gun" (Vaselines). The latter two sound pleasantly Ramones-y (note to self: get the Vaselines CD out for re-appraisal and review). The second half of the CD is louder and sloppier adding some metal and hardcore to the mix. Charming in an indie way but, ultimately, disappointing - I've come to expect more from Nirvana. 

  **** for Sliver, Aneurysm

*** for Dive, Stain, Been a Son, Turnaround, Molly's Lips, Son of a Gun, (New Wave) Polly, Downer 

** for Beeswax, Mexican Seafood, Hairspray Queen, Aero Zeppelin, Big Long Now