Teenage Angst (In Utero - Nirvana)

Member Name: Tcraze84

Product:	In Utero - Nirvana
Date:	05/05/01 (169 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: One of Nirvana's best albums. Includes the original version of classic track "Pennyroyal Tea".

Disadvantages: Disturbing listening at times.

Over the last decade, there have perhaps been more headlines emerging from the music business than any other. In the celebrity-obsessed society that we unfortunately now live in, the tabloid's flavour of the month and their every move is, ninety-nine times out of one hundred, more likely to grace the front pages than the continuing conflicts in Eastern Europe or a murder, minor tragedy or even the latest political scandal. Yet whether it be Liz Hurley, Chris Evans or Geri Halliwell, you can all but be assured that their drunken outbursts, revealing outfits (thankfully not in the case of Chris Evans) or unfounded rumours about their latest romance will invariably garner all the more interest. Perhaps the last truly "impact" headline was that of the aforementioned Ms. Halliwell quitting the Spice Girls, or the "coming out" of ex-Boyzone heartthrob Stephen Gately. But looking back in history will reveal a continual, steady stream of pop-related malarkey, antics and incident, whether they be serious or not. The murder of the legendary John Lennon instantly springs to mind, as does the more recent death of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence.

But amidst this list you will find one of the stories that really did shake the popular music industry to its core. The suicide of Kurt Cobain, the influential and all-too-commonly outspoken Nirvana front man, in the Spring of 1994 stripped the recent Grunge/Punk revival of all its credibility and finesse. Cobain epitomised the very ethos of the genre and his attitudes and beliefs ensured his place in musical folklore and catapulted him to 'legend' status amongst almost every young person of the generation. Although the fact that his, and the bands reputation, now a myth of sorts, has been increased to proportions that would never have been reached without the publicity of Cobain's death, what did make everything a lot worse, particularly after the initial grief and confusion, was that Nirva
na were a band cut off in their prime. Though the gradual slip into depression was clearly evident within the band's material on each album, by no means was the final curtain drawing for the Seattle trio. The band, Kurt Cobain, Kris Novoselic and Dave Grohl were a band of progression and this factor was perhaps one of the reasons that their music has now been the object of such critical acclaim and interest. Probably fair to say then, that had the band continued beyond 1994, that they very well may have produced something of quite monumental quality to indeed stand alone as a defining album of the decade in its own right.

But nobody ever said that life would be fair - Cobain was fated to be just another famous name to be added to the list of those who all bowed to the famous phrase of "Only the good die young". However, those who cared to analyse Nirvana's last studio album, "In Utero", could not argue that they did not consider perhaps the most famous suicide in pop history as inevitable. Judging by both the lyrics and general mood of the recording, it was, though the band remained as one for long enough to see Cobain murder himself after he murdered pop. But do not be foolish enough to believe that "In Utero" was a decline coinciding with the continual slide of Kurt Cobain. Indeed, the album, upon closer listening is undoubtedly one of intense emotion and depth, albeit a much-twisted, disturbing one. But utterly compelling, and convincing enough for the average listener to appreciate the true quality of the recording, nevertheless.

The opening track of the album, "Serve The Servants" remains mellow in stark contrast to what follows, yet, barring the slick guitar backing, comprises of line after line of spite and contradiction; and although mellow within verse, has a distinct air of intimidation about it. The following track "Scentless Apprentice", however, is an entirely different matter
and representative of the albums ambience and general mood. A disturbing combination of both almost-indecipherable verse and bizarrely uncomfortable squealing within the chorus, this remains a track that comprises of strong hints of Cobain's future, most notably; "You can't fire me, because I quit. Throw me in the fire and I won't throw a fit". Although to the untrained ear, no more than a chance line distorted by harsh guitars and percussion that at times seems random and unintentional, "Scentless Apprentice" is perhaps the one individual track that defines the nature of "In Utero".

However, the following track, "Heart-Shaped Box" has gone down in history amongst fans for perhaps an entirely different reason. A song touted as perhaps the best song the band ever recorded, though on personal counts I beg to differ, "Heart-Shaped Box" remains a true Nirvana classic and was also a relatively successful commercial release. But from further analysis of the lyrics, nobody would ever have thought it. Lines such as "I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black" accurately sum up the overall intelligence of Cobain's songwriting, yet suggest a deeper meaning, perhaps even a love declaration of sorts.

Songs such as the infamous (and controversial) "Rape Me" and "Dumb", whilst on observation of the general melody and instrumentals retain a distinct air of class about them, do nothing to suggest that at any point "In Utero" was ever have a more positive approach in the latter stages of the recording. The bizarrely-named "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle" hints at a revolution of sorts with the genres home city and lies on a slightly more mellow level, particularly in comparison to the likes of the aforementioned "Scentless Apprentice". However, the narrative nature of the song hints at a target of perhaps romantic
interest, although one that possibly is unwanted - "...I miss the comfort in being sad". One of many disturbing, alternative lines on the album; another being the classic "I think I'm dumb, or maybe just happy".

Towards the end of "In Utero" however, lies a presence of increased tension and aggression, in stark contrast to the midway track "Dumb", a song of a particularly mellow nature. "Very Ape" takes proceedings a step further - a fine example of the classic Nirvana progression remarks, even within a recording, with its relentless pace, while the next track "Milk It" consists of yet another example of particularly uncomfortable listening - harsh guitars are accompanied by Cobain's frenzied vocals - the line "Look on the bright side is suicide" and the bizarre "Doll Steak, Test Meat" suggest an altogether different undertone and one that is continued for the remainder of the album. Yet however much the absolutely superb original versions of classic tracks "Pennyroyal Tea" and "All Apologies" attempt to bring a stand-alone air of quality and more radio-friendly accessibility back to "In Utero" it may well have been too late; the intense, disturbing (but strange head-nodding) nature of "Tourette's" just happens to be the final nail in the coffin for any chance of a sane album. Not surprising then, that following track "Gallons Of Rubbing Alcohol Flow Through The Strip" is so named.

"In Utero", however IS considered a classic album, despite the disturbing nature of its content. Standout tracks "Pennyroyal Tea" and "Heart-Shaped Box" ensure that any Nirvana fan will already have this release safely secured in their record collection, but for the more general listener somewhat more of a risky purchase. Insane? Quite possibly, but at the time of "In Utero", Kurt Cobain wa
s no more than a twisted genius; a fact that is reiterated upon listening to this album.

A triumph, but by no means comfortable listening.

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