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Episode 69 covers the third and final Nirvana studio album, 1993’s “In Utero.” Nirvana intended to depart from the more polished sound of their previous album, Nevermind (1991), with a greater range of sounds and moods. To capture a more abrasive and natural sound, they hired engineer Steve Albini to record In Utero over two weeks in February 1993 at Pachyderm Studio in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. The lyrics and album packaging incorporated medical imagery that conveyed frontman Kurt Cobain‘s outlook on his publicized personal life and Nirvana’s newfound fame. Mark, Kevin, Alex, and Chris take you on a historical journey surrounding the album as well as share our favorites and not-so favorites from the record. We go on a deep dive track-by-track listen of this album as well as share personal stories of discovering Nirvana’s “In Utero.” Tune in next week for Episode 70 for a wrap-up Nirvana discussion episode where we reflect on what we’ve gathered from listening to the entire Nirvana studio album discography.
Subscribe, Rate, and Review:
Quick Reviews
Mark Album functions better as a whole, but the highs just aren’t there as much as Nevermind. Nothing that pulled me in or grabbed me.
Chris What could have been a bridge between the first two records became an arrow in the heart of the sensibilities of Nevermind. Music acts more as a backdrop to Kurt’s lyrical testimony.
Alex My favorite Nirvana album, and the ultimate Nirvana album. Perfect statement for them to put out at that time.
Kevin Hoping for the “lesser-known” album filled with solid deep cuts? Well, it kind of happens. If only there weren’t so many tracks.
Love It or Flush It
| M | C | A | K | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Serve the Servants" | 3:36 | F | L | L | L | |
| 2 | "Scentless Apprentice" | 3:48 | B | L | B | B | |
| 3 | "Heart-Shaped Box" | 4:41 | L | B | L | L | |
| 4 | "Rape Me" | 2:50 | L | L | L | L | |
| 5 | "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" | 4:09 | L | B | L | F | |
| 6 | "Dumb" | 2:32 | L | L | L | B | |
| 7 | "Very Ape" | 1:56 | F | T | F | T | |
| 8 | "Milk It" | 3:55 | L | F | L | T | |
| 9 | "Pennyroyal Tea" | 3:37 | T | L | T | F | |
| 10 | "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter" | 4:51 | L | T | L | B | |
| 11 | "Tourette's" | 1:35 | T | L | T | F | |
| 12 | "All Apologies" | 3:51 | B | B | B | L |
Love It or Flush It Legend
L = Love. As many as you like.
F = Flush. Must flush at least one track per album.
B = Buy. Purchased for the ultimate LTS “Best Of” playlist for each of us. One per album.
T = Terminate. Should have never even existed. One per album.
The Rules
Each of us must Love, Flush, Buy, and Terminate AT LEAST ONE track on an album, no matter how great or terrible the album is. Whoever wins the “7 for the Buy” section gets an extra Buy or Terminate to use on the album. Because Chris hosts this section and thus cannot win, he gets an extra Buy or Terminate every 4 albums.
Album Information
In Utero is the third and final studio album by the American rock band Nirvana, released on September 13, 1993, by DGC Records. Nirvana intended to depart from the more polished sound of their previous album, Nevermind (1991), with a greater range of sounds and moods. To capture a more abrasive and natural sound, they hired engineer Steve Albini to record In Utero over two weeks in February 1993 at Pachyderm Studio in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. The lyrics and album packaging incorporated medical imagery that conveyed frontman Kurt Cobain‘s outlook on his publicized personal life and Nirvana’s newfound fame.
Soon after recording ended, rumors circulated that DGC would not release In Utero in its original state, feeling it was not commercially viable. Although Nirvana publicly denied this, they agreed to remix some songs. When Albini declined to alter the album, the band hired R.E.M. producer Scott Litt to adjust the sound and remix the singles “Heart-Shaped Box” and “All Apologies“.
In Utero was a major commercial and critical success. Reviewers praised the change in sound and Cobain’s lyrics. The album reached number one on the US Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart; “Heart-Shaped Box” and “All Apologies” reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.[7] The album is certified 5× platinum and has sold 15 million copies worldwide.[8]
In Utero was the final Nirvana album before the band’s breakup following the suicide of Cobain in 1994. It has continued to garner praise and has been described by several publications as one of the greatest albums of all time. “Pennyroyal Tea“, planned as a single before Cobain’s death, was rereleased in 2014 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales Chart. A tribute album, In Utero, in Tribute, in Entirety, was released in 2014 for Record Store Day, featuring acts such as Thursday and Young Widows.
