On Kurt Cobain's 45th Birthday, Let's Look At Where In Utero Was Recorded
Today would have been Kurt Cobain's 45th birthday, had he not joined the 27 Club back in 1994. As if you need reminding, the Nirvana singer died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound at his home in Seattle. And for conspiracists not willing to let it go, a reality check/reminder: Courtney Love did not kill him, even if a documentary tries to prove she did.
One of the most well-known casualties of the music industry was Nirvana, who are in the ether once again, as it’s the 20-year anniversary of Nevermind. You recorded their follow-up to that album, In Utero. I realize I’m probably the millionth person to ask you about them but I was wondering, now that all this time has passed... I’ll take the over on a million by the way.
Well maybe not as much these days? It’s like any other sort of touchstone band. Every year another big brother goes off to college and leaves his records to his little brother and another generation of fans find out about every band that sort of survives the slush pile. Nirvana is a classic example of a band that’s gonna continually find a new audience for itself until that kind of music no longer resonates with people, and that might be a very long time.
So, this time around, let's take a look at where In Utero was recorded. It wasn't recorded at Albini's Electrical Audio studios in Chicago (where our favorite cat Pip lives)—instead, he flew out to Pachyderm Studios in Minnesota. We happened to be invited along to spend some time there back in 2008, and the owner showed us around the grounds. Fun fact: he told us that when Nirvana booked studio time there they did so under the name the Simon Ritchie Bluegrass Ensemble—so you can imagine the surprise when the intern was sent to pick the band up at the airport. Click through for a look at the Cannon Falls, Minnesota studio, which has a very Last Days feel to it. And here's some video from the session:
And now, arguably one of the best songs from the album:
Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.
Yup. After Chuck broke up the Pixies she hung around with Nirvana for a while. Kim's sister claims that Kurt was hot for Kim, other people claim that Kim was trying to become a member of Nirvana. Anyway here's an interview with Kim and Kurt, one of the strangest interviews he did. http://www.nirvanafreak.net/ar...
Don't care how or why Kurt died, he's gone and nothing is bringing him back. We have the music that he made while he was here and that will have to suffice.
edgie186
Great post
JaneJaneJane
Fucking love you and love this post. Some gems for a fan on a crap winter day.
Ms. Pants
Is that them in the portrait on the wall in the second to last photo? (All Apologies if it's explained in the videos. Vids are blocked for me at work.)
chuzzlewit
looks like it. hard to tell because Something's In The Way (the railing).
jennabraunstein
Haaaaaaaaaa
chuzzlewit
i'm just glad courtney never got her crooked hooks on albini. THAT would've been a fuckin tragedy.
Use an RSS reader to stay up to date with the latest news and posts from Gothamist.
Want Gothamist's suggestions on what shows to check out, where to eat, what to buy, where to go for a quick trip? We'll be bringing you some exclusive tips and ideas via email every day! And don't worry—you'll still get a list of our top stories.
Sign up for Gothamist Daily, which will deliver useful tips—plus Gothamist's most popular stories—to your inbox at 11 a.m. This way, you'll be able to plan your week or month as well as catch up on Gothamist if you've stepped away.