Watch Nirvana: Nevermind

Nirvana's album Nevermind is one of the landmark albums of the 1990s, and a quintessential grunge album that still holds up as a classic today. It catapulted Nirvana to stardom and changed the course of popular music. The documentary Nirvana: Nevermind (Classic Albums) takes a deep dive into the making of this iconic record, featuring previously unseen footage of Nirvana in the studio, interviews with the band members and producers, and analysis from music critics and historians.

The film starts with a brief introduction to Nirvana's early years, leading up to the recording of Nevermind. We see footage of the band playing small clubs and read some of Kurt Cobain's lyrics, which display his distinctive voice and troubled psyche. It's clear that Nirvana was already a force to be reckoned with, but they were still relatively unknown outside of the Pacific Northwest.

The documentary spends a lot of time on the recording process of Nevermind, which took place in 1991 at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California. The band worked with producer Butch Vig, who helped them refine their sound and capture the raw energy of their live performances. We see Nirvana in the studio, playing their instruments and recording vocals, as well as discussing the creative process with Vig.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is the exploration of the individual songs on Nevermind. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is obviously the most famous track, but the album is full of other gems like "Come As You Are," "Lithium," and "Breed." The documentary breaks down each song, looking at the lyrics, the chord progressions, and the studio techniques that were used to create the final recordings.

Throughout the film, we hear from various people involved in the making of Nevermind. Dave Grohl, the band's drummer, gives candid interviews about his experience in the studio, as well as how Nirvana's success affected them personally. Krist Novoselic, the bassist, is also interviewed, as are some of the people who worked on the album with the band. Butch Vig, who produced Nevermind, is a particularly insightful interviewee, as he can offer a producer's perspective on the creative process.

The film also explores the impact that Nevermind had on the music industry and popular culture as a whole. Nirvana's grunge sound inspired countless imitators and ushered in a new era of alternative music. The album became a cultural touchstone for a generation of disaffected youth, and Cobain became a reluctant icon for a new wave of rock stars.

Overall, Nirvana: Nevermind (Classic Albums) is a fascinating look at one of the most important albums of the 1990s. It provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of Nevermind, as well as insight into the cultural impact that the album had. Fans of Nirvana and grunge music will find the documentary particularly engaging, but it's also worth watching for anyone interested in the creative process behind a classic album.

Nirvana: Nevermind is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 49 minutes.