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Nirvana: Nevermind
Nevermind established Nirvana as a worldwide sensation, made Kurt Cobain a rock idol, and put grunge rock on the map. Discover the inside story of this legendary album and its famous creator. With black and white photos.
- GenresMusic
172 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 10, 2020
5-star Review:
Nevermind: Nirvana by Jim Berkenstadt
“Nirvana is the best band in the world at singing ‘yea, yay, yah, yeahayea.’”
- The Rocket's review of Nevermind
Well, what can I say? It's one of my all-time favourite record, so the rating and review may be biased, well then, have at it.
It was enlightening to read about the recording process of this multi-platinum/Diamond certified magnum opus (the phenomenon that followed makes me use the word rather liberally) by the band that just wanted like-minded people to listen to their music and promote related acts, but managed to move several generations of music lovers across the globe.
New takeaways from this compilation (there were a lot, but stuff that stuck):
1. Wasn't aware the Butch Vig also helped produce the Smart Sessions. I was under the impression that it was a demo tape (which it eventually became) as opposed to a second LP under Nirvana's older label with the same producer as on Nevermind; bonus that he was a small-time producer at the time and it was a gamble that paid off. And while I love Nevermind as it is, I definitely cherish the amped up guitars on the Smart Sessions more, with the In-Bloom version recorded here especially outclassing the one on Nevermind.
2. Getting Dave onboard was crucial to kick-starting this making-alt-rock-mainstream-again movement because, boy, can he pound on them drums. But, interestingly, while he basically regurgitated Chad's drum lines on the songs that had been recorded during the Smart Sessions, one cannot argue that his drum fills were so much more organic as compared to Chad's, which were pivotal to elevating the tunes that much.
All-in-all, I loved taking this journey and, just, listening to the record all over again with renewed awareness. I'd love to read something similar for few other rock albums that are important in rock music (in my book) - The Wall (Pink Floyd), Loveless (My Bloody Valentine), Definitely Maybe/(What's the Story) Morning Glory/Be Here Now (Oasis), Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik/Californiacation (RHCP), Hybrid Theory/Meteora (Linkin Park) - I'm sure there are more that I am missing. Off on my hunt to find these gems!
Nevermind: Nirvana by Jim Berkenstadt
“Nirvana is the best band in the world at singing ‘yea, yay, yah, yeahayea.’”
- The Rocket's review of Nevermind
Well, what can I say? It's one of my all-time favourite record, so the rating and review may be biased, well then, have at it.
It was enlightening to read about the recording process of this multi-platinum/Diamond certified magnum opus (the phenomenon that followed makes me use the word rather liberally) by the band that just wanted like-minded people to listen to their music and promote related acts, but managed to move several generations of music lovers across the globe.
New takeaways from this compilation (there were a lot, but stuff that stuck):
1. Wasn't aware the Butch Vig also helped produce the Smart Sessions. I was under the impression that it was a demo tape (which it eventually became) as opposed to a second LP under Nirvana's older label with the same producer as on Nevermind; bonus that he was a small-time producer at the time and it was a gamble that paid off. And while I love Nevermind as it is, I definitely cherish the amped up guitars on the Smart Sessions more, with the In-Bloom version recorded here especially outclassing the one on Nevermind.
2. Getting Dave onboard was crucial to kick-starting this making-alt-rock-mainstream-again movement because, boy, can he pound on them drums. But, interestingly, while he basically regurgitated Chad's drum lines on the songs that had been recorded during the Smart Sessions, one cannot argue that his drum fills were so much more organic as compared to Chad's, which were pivotal to elevating the tunes that much.
All-in-all, I loved taking this journey and, just, listening to the record all over again with renewed awareness. I'd love to read something similar for few other rock albums that are important in rock music (in my book) - The Wall (Pink Floyd), Loveless (My Bloody Valentine), Definitely Maybe/(What's the Story) Morning Glory/Be Here Now (Oasis), Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik/Californiacation (RHCP), Hybrid Theory/Meteora (Linkin Park) - I'm sure there are more that I am missing. Off on my hunt to find these gems!
November 27, 2021
5 stars, obviously
October 30, 2026
Honest take on Classic Rock Albums: Nirvana - Nevermind: it's beautiful, sad, and so slow I started timing my page turns. Jim Berkenstadt writes about a shuttered mill town with real love, and the scene where the whole street gathers to watch the old smokestack come down, nobody talking, is one of the most moving things I've read this year. It's a lot of mood and not much movement. For readers who like atmosphere and ache. Skip it if you get restless without a plot.
October 30, 2026
Not gonna lie, the worldbuilding in Nirvana: Nevermind is the real star. James Berkenstadt drops little details that make the place feel lived in, no info-dump required. The plot itself is nothing special, and the main character fades next to the setting. Perfect for lore addicts, a letdown for people who read for the characters.
December 23, 2024
If you want to do a deep dive into Nirvana, this is pretty good!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews