Description
Nirvana – Bleach – Vinyl Record
Bleach is the debut studio album by the American rock band Nirvana, released on June 15, 1989, by Sub Pop Records. The album is notable for its raw, grunge sound and marked the beginning of Nirvana’s rise to prominence in the music world.
Bleach was recorded at Reciprocal Recording in Seattle, Washington, with producer Jack Endino. The album was recorded for a modest sum of around $600, funded by Jason Everman, who briefly joined the band as a second guitarist but did not play on the album.
Bleach is characterized by its heavy, gritty sound, influenced by punk rock and metal. The album blends raw guitar riffs, intense drumming, and Cobain’s distinctive vocals, showcasing the early grunge style that Nirvana would become famous for. Lyrics often reflect themes of personal struggle, social alienation, and frustration. The music embodies the grunge aesthetic with its sludgy guitar tones and raw, unpolished production.
Notable Tracks
‘Blew’: Opens the album with a heavy, bass-driven riff and dark, brooding atmosphere.
‘Floyd the Barber’: A gritty, fast-paced track with disturbing lyrics.
‘About a Girl’: A more melodic song, showcasing Cobain’s ability to write catchy yet poignant tunes.
‘School’: Features a simple, powerful riff and lyrics reflecting Cobain’s disdain for the educational system.
‘Negative Creep’: An aggressive track with repetitive, snarling vocals.
‘Love Buzz’: A cover of a song by Shocking Blue, notable for its distinct bassline and psychedelic feel.
‘Paper Cuts’: Dark and intense, with a haunting melody.
‘Swap Meet’: Highlights Cobain’s knack for storytelling through lyrics.
‘Mr. Moustache’: A fast, punk-influenced track with social commentary.
‘Sifting’: Concludes the album with heavy, sludgy riffs and complex rhythms.
While Bleach did not achieve immediate mainstream success, it was well-received in the underground music scene and praised for its raw energy and authenticity. The album’s popularity surged after the success of Nirvana’s second album, ‘Nevermind,’ leading to increased sales and a wider audience.
Bleach is regarded as a seminal album in the grunge movement and has influenced countless bands within the genre. Over the years, the album has been recognized for its importance in the development of alternative rock and its reflection of Cobain’s burgeoning talent. To commemorate its significance, Bleach has been reissued multiple times, including a 20th anniversary deluxe edition featuring a remastered version of the album and a live recording from 1990.
Bleach by Nirvana is a foundational grunge album that captures the raw energy and angst of the late 1980s underground music scene. It marks the beginning of Nirvana’s journey to becoming one of the most influential bands of the 1990s, showcasing Kurt Cobain’s songwriting prowess and the band’s distinctive sound. For fans of grunge and alternative rock, Bleach remains a vital and compelling listen.
180 Gram Vinyl
Reissued in 2009
Sub Pop Records
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Blew
Floyd The Barber
About A Girl
School
Love Buzz
Paper Cuts
Negative Creep
Scoff
Swap Meet
Mr. Moustache
Sifting
Big Cheese
Downer
