In Utero: Heavier than heaven (In Utero - Nirvana)

Member Name: millwallcris1885

Product:	In Utero - Nirvana
Date:	10/11/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Moody, brooding album that delivers in every department

Disadvantages: none

The making of the album

'In Utero' is Nirvana's fourth studio album (or 3rd if you don't count the compilation of B sides that was 'Incesticide'). The album has a more raw and discordant sound than it's predecessor, 'Nevermind'. In many ways, 'In Utero' is a reaction against the mass appeal of 'Nevermind'. 'In Utero' is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the mainstream success that Nirvana were enjoying at the time and steer the band back towards its alternative, underground roots. Or is it? A little research on the subject will reveal that the album had to be completely remixed because Geffen (and by some reports, Kurt) hated Steve Albini's original mix because it was not 'punchy' enough (isn't 'punchy' just another word for 'catchy'?). Nothing was ever clear cut in the bands fraught, turbulent, but ultimately brilliant career. Even in its remixed form, this album is still decidedly darker in tone than 'Nevermind'.
For me, the album represents a genuine and deliberate change of direction by Kurt and is a refreshing change from the polished sound of 'Nevermind'. Songs like "Rape Me", the ironically titled "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter" and 'Scentless Apprentice" were never going to make comfortable listening on prime time radio and Kurt knew it. I salute him for this decision because in my opinion, 'In Utero' displays some of the bands best work.

The Music
'In Utero' is packed with some awesome tunes. A discordant groan from Kurt's guitar begins the first track 'Serve the Servants', which I must admit is up there with my favourite songs of all time! Other high points include 'Rape Me', 'Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle' and of course 'Heart Shaped Box'. Really there isn't a bad song on this album, they are all jaw-droppingly good!!! Despite the sardonic angst that typifies this album, there are lighter moments; 'Dumb' and 'All Apologies' are the albums jaded gems.
'In Utero' see's Kurt making great strides as a lyricist. His typically self-deprecating lyrics take on a more morbid and macabre tone in this album. The ease with which he flits from the beautiful to the disturbing is really impressive. The external influences on Kurt while writing this album were wide reaching, from his addiction to heroin (which by this point was spiralling out of control) to his relationship with his parents and wife, and even the arrival of his first child. These subjects are all addressed in the albums lyrics. However, the references are a deliberately opaque providing a blurry and hazy insight to Kurt's demons.
The working title for this album was "I Hate Myself and I Want To Die", which at the time was supposed to be an ironic swipe at the media's speculation over Kurt's mental state (doesn't seem so funny now does it?). He also toyed with the idea of calling it "Verse. Chorus, Verse", acknowledging the frustration he felt with the mainstream trajectory of his career. These frustrations give the album a brooding rawness that translates into acerbic but cathartic listening.

I'm going to give the analysis a rest now and let the music speak for itself. 'In Utero' is an essential part of any Nirvana collection and is by far the bands grittiest release. My advice is to buy, borrow or steal yourself a copy today.

If you're strumming along with a guitar, you may have to physically restrain yourself from smashing it into your amp at the end of each song, as you get that bit too carried away with the music (or is that just me?).
It is certainly not their most polished effort, but the rough edges just make it all the more delicious.

Summary: An awesome album from Seattles finest