Nirvana Research Paper

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Nirvana: Unplugged in New York

Nirvana; the beginning of a new Rock era in the 90s. Moving away from the punks of the 70s and 80s, grunge is the new voice for teens. Compared to the "emo" culture of the early 2000s, Nirvana defined teen angst in a new way. With the live album, MTV Unplugged in New York, Nirvana goes out to embrace traditional acoustic melodies while stirring their own genre of grunge (rock) into the pot. As a result, an authentic taste of artistic musical genius is born.

MTV Unplugged in New York was the first album to be released after the death of Kurt Cobain. Due to Cobain’s life long battle with depression and bipolar disorder, fans and band members alike were hugely effect at the time of his death. His massive influence …show more content…

Instead, they performed tracks that they seemed to connect with, along with covers from David Bowie and The Vaselines. As usual, they do not disappoint with their track list.

With lyrics such as “I'm so tired I can't sleep/I'm a liar and a thief” (Pennyroyal Tea) and “Don't cut yourself/I want some help/To please myself” (Polly), it showcased the true poetry of Nirvana’s songs. It’s a good depiction of who they are as artists and something many true fans can relate to. Alternative rock shouldn’t be condemned to just the popular songs which gave the band its fame. Nirvana was much more than just another popular band - they were a voice of the unheard - an influential figure which openly spoke their ideology and what they value.

As far as the covers and guests go, those songs were given a new meaning when they were sung in Nirvana’s edgy yet calming tone. “Jesus Wants Me for A Sunbeam,” may have sounded a little more delightful in the original style by The Vaselines, smooth and sweet; but heard with Nirvana’s undertones, we can sense the voice of despair and neglect coming from the lyrics. In a more pop tone, you pay attention to the voice, not the lyrics but once it left the lips of Kurt Cobain, you can feel the words and you can hear them find a whole new …show more content…

Imagine being there, after being told of Kurt’s death and you hear: “Would you like to hear my voice/Sprinkled with emotion.” Yes, you’d think, yes I want to hear your voice one last time. The reasoning behind this song can be anything, but for anyone hearing these words, so painfully in the aftermath, they will definitely remember the cherished Kurt