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NIRVANA From the Muddy Banks of Wishkah (1996) Geffen Records [72:43] by Kelvin Ha Since Kurt Cobain’s suicide, Nirvana has released only one live album featuring an acoustic performance for MTV’ unplugged series. NIRVANA UNPLUGGED went on to become a best seller and was a very good album which showed the versatility of this Seattle band which came to a premature end. Now, 2 years later, their record company has released FROM THE MUDDY BANKS OF THE WISHKAH with the obvious intention of milking their signing for all that it’s worth. Cobain is dead, so don’t expect any new songs from this album. But what you can expect is an electrifying collection of live renditions of original Nirvana material which shows us how aggressive and tight this three piece band is. Showcasing their best performances from 1989-1994, this album features songs from its earlier album BLEACH right up to their last studio recording IN UTERO. They were recorded at various venues in the US and Europe and they serve as a showcase of how the band has progressed over the years. The songs are the same as in the studion versions, but the passion and energy are only possible from live shows where the band can feed off the energy and electricity of the crowd. There is a very good recording of SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT and the version of POLLY on this album is a very interesting variation off the studion original. So, if the songs remain the same, why then release an album? Krist Novoselic, in the notes which accompany the album writes: In presenting this record, we hope that the ultimate allure of NIRVANA (and especially Kurt) as well as the passion that we had -and have- for the music we made is once again brought to the forefront. For all that it's worth, we know that this latest release is a money milking effort by the record company. But what the hell, it's still a pretty damn good album and no one’s complaining about it. Like Novoselic says in his liner notes : “Let all the analysis fall away like yellow, aged newprint. Crank this record up and realize the bliss, power and passion . . . TOTAL NIRVANA”. Well said. The music and energy speaks for itself. Having heard this album, we realise what a waste Cobain's suicide was despite his manic-depressive tendencies and heroin habit. A highly recommended album for those who want to know what NIRVANA was in a nutshell.
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