I’m 43 and intentionally (rather than passively) listened to Nirvana for the first time in my life last week. I thought “Well damn. I would have loved this at 13!” I still love it. I think it’s great for what it was: a really fun band that played with heart and big energy, a guy with a very distinctive voice that said something powerful even when his lyrics were total nonsense (“a mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido” is my favorite lyric EVER), a relatable mix of Beatles-era pop, aggression, sarcasm, and just plain goofiness. Most of all, it’s fun to crank up loud but I don’t have to listen to a bunch of dudes “singing” about their prolific cocks. I honestly wish I could have been in college on the west coast in the late 80s, catching Nirvana at a small venue somewhere. I would have loved it even if I were one of 5 people at the gig or something. I really, really, really hate watching those old interviews, realizing how much they the media and the industry projected their desired story on them. Yes, it is all bullshit and it still is. Everyone should just listen to what they like and be honest about what they like instead of worrying what other people think. I missed out on Nirvana because while everyone else was glued to MTV, I was studying classical music. I fell in love with it, and I was the biggest loser as a result. I hated the hype around popular music. Now…THAT was truly PUNK!
Excellent article, Clay! When it comes to comics, I think it's just easy for people to panic when things change because we're looking for stability in a career that historically has none. Anyway, hope you have a great holiday.
Thanks for reading, MJ! I think you're absolutely right--change is scary, *especially* when you think you've finally gotten the hang of things. All we can do is roll with the punches and adapt the best we can. Enjoy the holidays!
I’m 43 and intentionally (rather than passively) listened to Nirvana for the first time in my life last week. I thought “Well damn. I would have loved this at 13!” I still love it. I think it’s great for what it was: a really fun band that played with heart and big energy, a guy with a very distinctive voice that said something powerful even when his lyrics were total nonsense (“a mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido” is my favorite lyric EVER), a relatable mix of Beatles-era pop, aggression, sarcasm, and just plain goofiness. Most of all, it’s fun to crank up loud but I don’t have to listen to a bunch of dudes “singing” about their prolific cocks. I honestly wish I could have been in college on the west coast in the late 80s, catching Nirvana at a small venue somewhere. I would have loved it even if I were one of 5 people at the gig or something. I really, really, really hate watching those old interviews, realizing how much they the media and the industry projected their desired story on them. Yes, it is all bullshit and it still is. Everyone should just listen to what they like and be honest about what they like instead of worrying what other people think. I missed out on Nirvana because while everyone else was glued to MTV, I was studying classical music. I fell in love with it, and I was the biggest loser as a result. I hated the hype around popular music. Now…THAT was truly PUNK!
Well said, Katie! And you were into classical music in your teens?? Very punk, indeed! Love it.
Excellent article, Clay! When it comes to comics, I think it's just easy for people to panic when things change because we're looking for stability in a career that historically has none. Anyway, hope you have a great holiday.
Thanks for reading, MJ! I think you're absolutely right--change is scary, *especially* when you think you've finally gotten the hang of things. All we can do is roll with the punches and adapt the best we can. Enjoy the holidays!
Happy holidays, Clay! Enjoy some down time.
Same to you!
This is a phenomenal post, and exactly what I needed on a few different levels right now. Thank you!
Thank you for reading!