Jeremy Couturier says:

You know I remember being 14 and listening to Bleach when it came out in 1989. Never mind the hype or legions of Cobain worshipping fans who would follow after his death. This guy could write a tune and had some wonderful taste in music. Along with the Pixies,Husker Du, Black Flag and others, Nirvana opened up a whole new world in my teen years. Alternative music has lost its credibilty big time as MTV and the music industry milked the scene for all it was worth. Even so Nirvana’s rise was a welcome change to the artificial and shallow (hello High School Musical!) generation that rules again in 2009. Yes, I am a bitter old man thank you.

E. Christopher Clark says:

For me, the epitome of Nirvana is actually that MTV Unplugged show that they did. I’m a sucker for when bands strip things down and take things in an entirely different direction. I think the stuff on Nevermind is great, and even some of the stuff on In Utero—I’ve never given Bleach a proper listen—but they really shine on Unplugged in New York. The song selection, the special guests—it’s all amazing, in my book.

Jeremy Couturier says:

I agree w2ith you, all that was good about Nirvana was on full display on Unplugged. Too bad Cobain was surrounded by bad influences (Courtney,heroin) and was a fragile soul unable to deal with the fame he neither wanted or could come to terms with.

E. Christopher Clark says:

Yes, I totally agree. It’s very sad that we didn’t get to see how he developed further as an artist. I think great things would’ve continued to come from him.

Anniversary of his death is coming up. Fifteen years, I think. Wow.