HORMOANING

In Billboard, the magazine published December 14, 1991, Nevermind
was #6 in the CD hit ranking and the single Smells Like Teen 
Spirit was #23 in the single ranking. Nirvana used to be 
described as the hopeful band from Seattle before they produced
the first record. However, Nirvana is now one of the most popular
bands in the US. The music they play doesn't stick to any 
formalities and leads heavy metal in the new generation, therefore
it is called Alternative Heavy Rock. I will neither write more 
details about Alternative Heavy Rock, nor investigate their music
from professional eyes. Anyway, all I can say is that the music
of Nirvana influences a lot of teenagers today.

Nirvana's commercial success is the biggest mystery in the music
scene. I don't want you to misunderstand. I didn't say Nirvana did 
not have enough ability to get Platinum Disk prize, but nobody 
could expect they would be such a famous band. The reason people
think Nirvana's success is a mystery is that Geffen [the record 
label that] Nirvana and some other popular bands (such as Guns N'
Roses) belong to, sold only a few Nevermind at first but a lot of
young people bought it and Nirvana got big money even then. But I
think Nirvana themselves are very surprised about this incident. 
Actually, I had a chance to interview Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar)
during England concert tours (their supporting acts were their 
favorite groups, Shonen Knife and Captain America, by the way).
He said the following:

     I didn't expect we would be so famous. I didn't even expect 
     that our CD would be in the top 100 ranking in Billboard. 
     You see, we had been in Europe before the great fuss. I 
     don't want to relate with this fuss because I hate that a
     lot of fans are waiting for us at the airport.

Kurt Cobain seemed like he was saying Don't lose your mind to
himself during the interview. (personal opinion) Maybe they 
know a lot of musicians who lost their thoughts and became 
the toy of mass media. So Kurt Cobain is protecting himself
before he goes the same way. Nirvana will come to Japan pretty 
soon so that you will be able to understand what I am trying to
say. Because they will come to Japan, I will advise you about 
their concert. First thing I have to tell is that the concert 
is always unsociable. And also they are easily influenced by 
the environment so it depends on your luck whether
the concert is very nice or boring.

This CD is released just for Japan. I'd like to introduce each
song on this mini-album, but we don't even know what songs will
be on the CD. By one Japanese record company's information, two
of the songs from the Smells Like Teen Spirit CD single, which 
are Even In His Youth and Aneurysm. It may also include 
some songs which were broadcast by BBC Radio-1 in England. 
It may be just a rumor, but one of them may be their favorite
song by the Vaselines.

I think that most of the people who bought this mini-CD have
Nevermind, too. But if it is the first time to buy Nirvana's 
CD for you, I recommend you to experience Nevermind. I'm sure
you'll like it too.

          Dec. 1991 / Yuichi Masuda / Burrn!

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