1991

Contents:

Nirvana recording sessions, home demos, BBC sessions, and live performances.
Kurt Cobain home recordings.
The Retards rehersals.
Nevermind album.

1 January 1991 - Studio Recording Session

Studio A, Music Source Studios, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar
Krist Novoselic - Bass (Guitar on "All Apologies")
Dave Grohl - Drums
Craig Montgomery - Producer

1. Nirvana - Aneurysm
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

2. Nirvana - Even In His Youth
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

3. Nirvana - Oh, The Guilt
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

4. Nirvana - All Apologies
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

5. Nirvana - On A Plain
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

6. Nirvana - Radio Friendly Unit Shifter
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

7. Nirvana - Token Eastern Song
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Notes:

References:

LiveNirvana: Sessions History (January 1, 1991)

Released: January 1991

The Fluid - Candy (Live) / Nirvana - Molly's Lips (Live) [Split Single]

Sub Pop

The Fluid - Candy (Live) / Nirvana - Molly's Lips (Live) [Split Single]

Tracks:

1. The Fluid - Candy [Live, Spring 1990] (3:16)
- Author(s): John Robinson / Matt Bischoff / James Clower / Rick Kulwicki / Garrett Shavlik

2. Nirvana - Molly's Lips [Live, 9 February 1990] (2:01)
- Author(s): Eugene Kelly / Frances McKee
- Recorded: 9 February 1990, at the Pine Street Theatre, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.

Notes:

Limited edition of 7500. First 4000 copies pressed on green swirled vinyl, the next 3500 pressed on black vinyl.
This was Sub Pop Singles Club #27.
"Molly's Lips" originally performed by The Vaselines.

References:

Wikipedia: Candy / Molly's Lips

Released: January 1991

Nirvana - Sliver [Single Reissue]

Tupelo Company

Nirvana - Sliver [Single Reissue]

Tracks:

1. Nirvana - Sliver (2:12)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 11 & 24 July 1990, at Reciprocal Recordings, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

2. Nirvana - Dive (3:53)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic
- Recorded: 2-6 April 1990, at Smart Studios, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

3. Nirvana - About A Girl [Live, 9 February 1990] (2:29)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 9 February 1990, at the Pine Street Theatre, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.

4. Nirvana - Spank Thru [Live, 9 February 1990] (2:58)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 9 February 1990, at the Pine Street Theatre, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.

Notes:

Tupelo versions of the single were released in January 1991, due to pressing difficulties.
The first 2000 copies of the 7" version were pressed on green vinyl.
The Tupelo CD contains no credits, nor is the Tupelo Company mentioned on the CD packaging.
"Spank Thru" is listed as "Spanks Through" on the CD cover.

References:

Wikipedia: Sliver (song)

March 1991 - Rehearsal

Converted Barn, Tacoma, Washington, U.S.A.

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar
Krist Novoselic - Bass
Dave Grohl - Drums

1. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Rehearsal]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic / Dave Grohl

2. Nirvana - Verse Chorus Verse [Rehearsal]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

3. Nirvana - Territorial Pissings [Rehearsal]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

4. Nirvana - Lounge Act [Rehearsal]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

5. Nirvana - Come As You Are [Rehearsal]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

6. Nirvana - Old Age [Rehearsal]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

7. Nirvana - Something In The Way [Rehearsal]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

8. Nirvana - On A Plain [Rehearsal]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Notes:

References:

LiveNirvana: Sessions History (March, 1991)

Released: June 1991

Nirvana - Here She Comes Now / The Melvins & Buzzo - Venus In Furs [Split Single]

Communion Label

Nirvana - Here She Comes Now / The Melvins & Buzzo - Venus In Furs [Split Single]

Tracks:

1. Nirvana - Here She Comes Now (4:52)
- Author(s): Lou Reed
- Recorded: 2-6 April 1990, at Smart Studios, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
- Originally released on: Various Artists - Heaven And Hell, A Tribute To The Velvet Underground (Volume One) (1990)

2. The Melvins & Buzzo - Venus In Furs (2:17)
- Author(s): Lou Reed

Notes:

"Here She Comes Now" and "Venus In Furs" originally performed by The Velvet Underground.

References:

Wikipedia: Here She Comes Now / Venus in Furs

April 1991 - ‘The Retards’ Rehearsal

Dale Crover’s Residence, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar
Dave Grohl - Bass
Dale Crover - Drums

1. The Retards - Drain You [Demo]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - With The Lights Out [Compilation Boxed Set] (2004)

Notes:

This session was a rehearsal for a make-shift band named The Retards Kurt and Dave assembled with Dale Crover of Melvins. It was recorded in Melvins rehearsal space.

References:

LiveNirvana: Sessions History (April, 1991)

May 1991 - Home Recordings

Oakwood Apartment, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar

1. Nirvana - Rape Me [Home Demo]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Notes:

References:

LiveNirvana: Sessions History (May, 1991)

2-28 May 1991 - Studio Recording Sessions

Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar
Krist Novoselic - Bass
Dave Grohl - Drums
Kirk Canning - Cello ("Something In The Way")
Butch Vig - Producer

1. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic / Dave Grohl

2. Nirvana - In Bloom
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

3. Nirvana - Come As You Are
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

4. Nirvana - Breed
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

5. Nirvana - Lithium
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

6. Nirvana - Endless, Nameless
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

7. Nirvana - Territorial Pissings
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

8. Nirvana - Drain You
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

9. Nirvana - Lounge Act
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

10. Nirvana - Stay Away
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

11. Nirvana - On A Plain
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

12. Nirvana - Something In The Way
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

13. Nirvana - Sappy
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

14. Nirvana - Old Age
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

15. Nirvana - Verse Chorus Verse
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - With The Lights Out [Compilation Boxed Set] (2004)

Notes:

References:

LiveNirvana: Sessions History (May, 1991)

27 July 1991 - Dave Grohl Studio Recording Sessions

WGNS Studios, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A.

Personnel:

Dave Grohl - Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums
Barrett Jones - Producer

1. Dave Grohl - Hell's Garden
- Author(s): Dave Grohl

Late! - Pocketwatch (1992)

2. Dave Grohl - Winnebago
- Author(s): Dave Grohl

Late! - Pocketwatch (1992)

3. Dave Grohl - Bruce
- Author(s): Dave Grohl

Late! - Pocketwatch (1992)

4. Dave Grohl - Milk
- Author(s): Dave Grohl

Late! - Pocketwatch (1992)

Notes:

References:

Released: 21 August 1991

Various Artists - Kill Rock Stars

Kill Rock Stars

Various Artists - Kill Rock Stars

Tracks:

7. Nirvana - Beeswax (2:47)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 23 January 1988, at Reciprocal Recording, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

Notes:

The original vinyl LP release featured a hand-screened cover signed by the artist, and was a limited edition of 1000.
Also features tracks by Bratmobile, Some Velvet Sidewalk, Courtney Love, Melvins, Bikini Kill, Mecca Normal, Unwound, Witchy Poo, Infamous Managerie, Kicking Giant, Jad Fair, Fitz Of Depression, and The Nation Of Ulysses.

References:

Wikipedia: Kill Rock Stars (album)

Released: 1 September 1991

Various Artists - The Grunge Years

Sub Pop

Various Artists - The Grunge Years

Tracks:

1. Nirvana - Dive (3:53)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic
- Recorded: 2-6 April 1990, at Smart Studios, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
- Originally released on: Nirvana - Sliver [Single] (1990)

Notes:

Also features tracks by L7, Tad, Beat Happening, Mark Lanegan, Screaming Trees, The Fluid, Afghan Whigs, Babes In Toyland, Mudhoney, The Walkabouts, Love Battery, and Dickless.

References:

Wikipedia: The Grunge Years

3 September 1991 - Radio Session For BBC Radio 1

Studio 4&5, BBC Maida Vale Studios, London, England, U.K.

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar
Krist Novoselic - Bass
Dave Grohl - Drums
Dale Griffin - Producer

1. Nirvana - Dumb
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - With The Lights Out [Compilation Boxed Set] (2004)

2. Nirvana - Drain You
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

3. Nirvana - Endless, Nameless
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - With The Lights Out [Compilation Boxed Set] (2004)

Notes:

The session was recorded for BBC Radio 1's ‘The John Peel Show’, and was broadcast on 3 November 1991.

References:

LiveNirvana: Sessions History (September, 1991)

Released: 10 September 1991

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Single]

DGC / Sub Pop

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Single]

Tracks:

1. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Edit] (4:30)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic / Dave Grohl
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

2. Nirvana - Even In His Youth (3:06)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 1 January 1991, at The Music Source, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

3. Nirvana - Aneurysm (4:44)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 1 January 1991, at The Music Source, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

Notes:

References:

Wikipedia: Smells Like Teen Spirit

Released: 24 September 1991

Nirvana - Nevermind

DGC Records / Sub Pop

Nirvana - Nevermind

Tracks:

1. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit (5:01)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic / Dave Grohl
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

2. Nirvana - In Bloom (4:15)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

3. Nirvana - Come as You Are (3:39)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

4. Nirvana - Breed (3:03)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

5. Nirvana - Lithium (4:17)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

6. Nirvana - Polly (2:55)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-6 April 1990, at Smart Studios, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

7. Nirvana - Territorial Pissings (2:20)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

8. Nirvana - Drain You (3:43)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

9. Nirvana - Lounge Act (2:37)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

10. Nirvana - Stay Away (3:32)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

11. Nirvana - On A Plain (3:16)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

12. Nirvana - Something In The Way (3:50)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

13. Nirvana - Endless, Nameless (6:46)
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain
- Recorded: 2-28 May 1991, at Sound City Recording Studios, Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.

Notes:

‘Endless, Nameless’ is an unlisted track, which appears ten minutes after ‘Something In The Way’. This track was accidentally omitted from initial US pressings, and from all foreign pressings.
"Territorial Pissings" begins with a short excerpt from the Youngbloods' "Get Together", written by Chet Powers.
Cover photo by Kirk Weddle, art direction and design by Robert Fisher. Inner photos by Michael Levine. Monkey photo by Kurdt Kobain.

References:

Wikipedia: Nevermind

31 October 1991 - Live Performance

The Paramount Theatre, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar
Krist Novoselic - Bass
Dave Grohl - Drums

1. Nirvana - Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam [Live]
- Author(s): Eugene Kelly / Frances McKee

2. Nirvana - Aneurysm [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

3. Nirvana - Drain You [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

4. Nirvana - School [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

5. Nirvana - Floyd The Barber [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

6. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic / Dave Grohl

7. Nirvana - About A Girl [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

8. Nirvana - Polly [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

9. Nirvana - Breed [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

10. Nirvana - Sliver [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

11. Nirvana - Love Buzz [Live]
- Author(s): Robbie van Leeuwen

12. Nirvana - Lithium [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

13. Nirvana - Been A Son [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

14. Nirvana - Negative Creep [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

15. Nirvana - On A Plain [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

16. Nirvana - Blew [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

17. Nirvana - Rape Me [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

18. Nirvana - Territorial Pissings [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

19. Nirvana - Endless, Nameless [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Notes:

"Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam" originally performed by The Vaselines.
"Love Buzz" originally performed by Shocking Blue.

References:

LiveNirvana: Concert Chronology (October 31, 1991)

9 November 1991 - Radio Session For BBC Radio 1

Studio 4, BBC Maida Vale Studios, London, England, U.K.

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar
Krist Novoselic - Bass
Dave Grohl - Drums
Miti Adhikari - Producer

1. Nirvana - Been A Son
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Incesticide [Compilation] (1992)

2. Nirvana - (New Wave) Polly
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Incesticide [Compilation] (1992)

3. Nirvana - Aneurysm
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Incesticide [Compilation] (1992)

4. Nirvana - Something In The Way
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Notes:

The session was recorded for BBC Radio 1's ‘Mark Goodier's Evening Session’, and was broadcast on 18 November 1991.

References:

LiveNirvana: Sessions History (November 9, 1991)

19 November 1991 - Live Performance

Teatro Castello, Rome, Italy

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar
Krist Novoselic - Bass
Dave Grohl - Drums

1. Nirvana - Drain You [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

2. Nirvana - Aneurysm [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

3. Nirvana - School [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

4. Nirvana - Floyd The Barber [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

5. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic / Dave Grohl

6. Nirvana - About A Girl [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

7. Nirvana - Polly [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

8. Nirvana - Lithium [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

9. Nirvana - Sliver [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

10. Nirvana - Come As You Are [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

11. Nirvana - Breed [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

12. Nirvana - Been A Son [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

13. Nirvana - Negative Creep [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

14. Nirvana - On A Plain [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

15. Nirvana - Blew [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

16. Nirvana - Rape Me [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

17. Nirvana - Spank Thru [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - From The Muddy Banks Of The Wishkah album (1996)

18. Nirvana - Territorial Pissings [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Notes:

References:

LiveNirvana: Concert Chronology (November 19, 1991)

25 November 1991 - Live Performance

The Paradiso, Amsterdam, Holland

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar
Krist Novoselic - Bass
Dave Grohl - Drums

1. Nirvana - Drain You [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

2. Nirvana - Aneurysm [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

3. Nirvana - School [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

4. Nirvana - Floyd The Barber [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

5. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic / Dave Grohl

6. Nirvana - About A Girl [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

7. Nirvana - Polly [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

8. Nirvana - Lithium [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

9. Nirvana - Sliver [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

10. Nirvana - Breed [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

11. Nirvana - Come As You Are [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

12. Nirvana - Been A Son [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

13. Nirvana - Negative Creep [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

14. Nirvana - On A Plain [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

15. Nirvana - Blew [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

16. Nirvana - Love Buzz [Live]
- Author(s): Robbie van Leeuwen

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

17. Nirvana - Territorial Pissings [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Notes:

"Love Buzz" originally performed by Shocking Blue.

References:

LiveNirvana: Concert Chronology (November 25, 1991)

28 December 1991 - Live Performance

Pat O'Brien Pavilion, Del Mar Fairgrounds, California, U.S.A.

Personnel:

Kurt Cobain - Vocals & Guitar
Krist Novoselic - Bass
Dave Grohl - Drums

1. Nirvana - Drain You [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

2. Nirvana - Aneurysm [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

3. Nirvana - School [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

4. Nirvana - Floyd The Barber [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

5. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic / Dave Grohl

6. Nirvana - About A Girl [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

7. Nirvana - Polly [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

8. Nirvana - Sliver [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

9. Nirvana - Breed [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

10. Nirvana - Come As You Are [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

11. Nirvana - Lithium [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

12. Nirvana - Territorial Pissings [Live]
- Author(s): Kurt Cobain

Nirvana - Nevermind (30th Anniversary) [Super Deluxe Edition] (2021)

Notes:

References:

LiveNirvana: Concert Chronology (December 28, 1991)