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In
Billboard, the magazine published December 14, 1991, Nevermind was #6 in the CD
hit ranking and the single Smells Like Teen Spirit was #23 in the single
ranking. Nirvana used to be described as the hopeful band from Seattle before
they produced the first record. However, Nirvana is now one of the most popular
bands in the US. The music they play doesn't stick to any formalities and leads
heavy metal in the new generation, therefore it is called Alternative Heavy
Rock. I will neither write more details about Alternative Heavy Rock, nor
investigate their music from professional eyes. Anyway, all I can say is that
the music of Nirvana influences a lot of teenagers today.
Nirvana's
commercial success is the biggest mystery in the music scene. I don't want you
to misunderstand. I didn't say Nirvana did not have enough ability to get
“Platinum Disk prize,” but nobody could expect they would be such a famous
band. The reason people think Nirvana's success is a mystery is that Geffen
[the record label that] Nirvana and some other popular bands (such as Guns N'
Roses) belong to, sold only a few Nevermind at first but a lot of young people
bought it and Nirvana got big money even then. But I think Nirvana themselves
are very surprised about this incident. Actually, I had a chance to interview
Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar) during England concert tours (their supporting
acts were their favorite groups, Shonen Knife and Captain America, by the way).
He said the following:
“I didn't
expect we would be so famous. I didn't even expect that our CD would be in the
top 100 ranking in Billboard. You see, we had been in Europe before the great
fuss. I don't want to relate with this fuss because I hate that a lot of fans
are waiting for us at the airport.”
Kurt
Cobain seemed like he was saying “Don't lose your mind” to himself during the
interview. (personal opinion) Maybe they know a lot of musicians who lost their
thoughts and became the toy of mass media. So Kurt Cobain is protecting himself
before he goes the same way. Nirvana will come to Japan pretty soon so that you
will be able to understand what I am trying to say. Because they will come to
Japan, I will advise you about their concert. First thing I have to tell is
that the concert is always unsociable. And also they are easily influenced by
the environment so it depends on your luck whether the concert is very nice or
boring.
This CD is
released just for Japan. I'd like to introduce each song on this mini-album,
but we don't even know what songs will be on the CD. By one Japanese record
company's information, two of the songs from the Smells Like Teen Spirit CD
single, which are Even In His Youth and Aneurysm. It may also include some
songs which were broadcast by BBC Radio-1 in England. It may be just a rumor,
but one of them may be their favorite song by the Vaselines.
I think
that most of the people who bought this mini-CD have Nevermind, too. But if it
is the first time to buy Nirvana's CD for you, I recommend you to experience
Nevermind. I'm sure you'll like it too.
Dec. 1991
/ Yuichi Masuda / Burrn!