Smells Like Teen Spirit

by

Nirvana

Edit

I will say it from the start: buy this, if for anything, for the extraordinary b-side which is track two. We all know "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is Nirvana's most popular song. But if you are looking for the same sound as that smash single provided, you won't find it with these two bonus songs. Both "Even In His Youth" and the single version of "Aneurysm" are coarse, unpolished songs that wouldn't quite fit in with Nevermind`s sound. Nevertheless, this CD-single is a must-have for the true Nirvana fans; thanks to the two extras. I cite "Even In His Youth" as one of the best Nirvana songs ever; as it features some of the most creative lyrics Kurt ever wrote. The line `if I die before I wake / I hope I don't come back a slave' is scornfully brilliant and noteworthy. It would've fit in, more appropriately, on In Utero. Many other reviewers have said time and time again this same thing. And although "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is easily the band's finest radio hit, I don't doubt the fact there's a few hundred fanatics who'd rather hear "Even In His Youth" over and over and over instead of track one twice. Those people are the true fans.

This single looks like it's only available used, but pick it up anyways. Still, if you're an average Nirvana fan (meaning you only like Nevermind) who doesn't enjoy the sounds of In Utero, Incesticide or Bleach, then you won't get much out of listening to this. However, if you are in fact a dedicated Nirvana fan and/or are looking for hard-to-find songs, this is the ideal place. "Even In His Youth" alone makes this compact disc 4 stars; and the rare edition of "Aneurysm" boosts it up to five. Oddly enough, the title track here has no bearing on the greatness of the CD. If you only want that song, buy Nevermind.

If this is not THE most over rated CD ever, then it is certainly a contender for the title. If it wasn't for Cobain's suicide, no one would care about Nirvana today. But, just like Jim Morrison has kept the Doors on the "cult following" list, Cobain's death will keep everyone wanna-be emo child wistful of shooting themselves.

As for the music, I could only say that shooting yourself doesn't make someone a "great writer" or a "great musician" and Nirvana proves this though and though. On this particular CD, Cobain mumbles his way though at least 1/3 of the lyrics while making absolutely no sense during the other 2/3 that are intelligible. In one particular song he outright lies when he sings the lyrics "no, I don't have a gun"...and I think we all know now that he in fact did have a gun.