Both are new (to me).
By the time In Utero came out in late '93, I was "over" Nirvana (as is evidenced from my review of their Live and Loud show, whose setlist was dominated by tracks from that album). Everywhere I turned, I heard "All Apologies" and "Heart-Shaped Box." Why buy the album?
18 years later, I know why I should've. The textures and soundscapes on this record are nothing short of mind boggling. When I first put the disc in my car stereo, I quickly ejected it to make sure it was the correct album: I thought someone had slipped a live Nirvana recording into the In Utero case. But no, it was correct. Producer Steve Albini is known for recreating the live experience on disc, and In Utero is a perfect display of his talents. Instantly, the thumping bass and feedback-heavy guitars transported me back to that warehouse where I saw Nirvana churn out these songs.
I haven't been able to stop listening, since. I wish I could go back in time, with this new perspective, and see that show again. I think I'd have an entirely different memory.
