Bleach Tracklist
Nirvana’s line-up in 1989 consisted of guitarist “Kurdt” Cobain, bassist “Chris” Novoselic and main drummer Chad Channing, although some songs feature Dale Crover of Melvins-fame on drums. Temporary member Jason Everman received credit as a “second guitarist” for fronting all $606 of the band’s album-recording costs, even though he does not appear on the record.
This is off our first record. Most people don’t own it.
–Kurt Cobain referring to “About a Girl” during their MTV Unplugged session (1993)
Nirvana’s 1989 debut album lived almost exclusively in the underground Seattle circuit until it was plucked out of obscurity following Nirvana’s breakthrough in 1991. This early album is more raw than Nevermind, heavier than In Utero, and features a greater metal influence than Nirvana’s later work. Kurt’s songwriting during this period is marked by a decidedly non-commercial sound, in contrast to the radio-friendliness of Nevermind. “About a Girl” is one of the few pop-sensible songs on the album.
Lyrically, Kurt focuses on dark subject-matter: e.g. depression, alienation, and morbid introspection.
“Bleach” Q&A
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What have the artists said about the album?
In an interview about the making and creation of Bleach bass/guitarist Krist Novoselic said:
It was done in three-four-five days something like that, six hundred bucks. You know what, when we were mixing it we were really sick and Kurt went down to the health department and he got these uh Codeine cough syrups and we were just popping that and we were in Lala land and we were like, hands on producers cookin' on this codeine joy juice. and I think it had a big effect on how that record turned out. That’s the honest truth.
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Is this the original tracklist?
The original June 1989 release contained the following:
- “Blew”
- “Floyd the Barber”
- “About a Girl”
- “School”
- “Love Buzz”
- “Paper Cuts”
- “Negative Creep”
- “Scoff”
- “Swap Meet”
- “Mr. Moustache”
- “Sifting”
Tracks #12 and #13 appeared on the 1992 re-issue—titled “Big Cheese” and “Downer,” respectively.
