Nirvana - Live At Reading (Universal)

Like a jackhammer to the head, Nirvana's live performances were never comfortable for the listener, but they were also strangely compelling. Here for the first time then is a full electric Nirvana show that serves as a fitting release to cement Kurt's legacy.

Partly a historical document of a band teetering on the edge of madness, the sheer anger and noise created on Live At Reading makes it an essential addition to the Nirvana back catalogue. Surpassing the previous Muddy Banks live compilation this record shows a band not yet resentful of the pressures of the fame Nevermind was fast catapulting them to.

For that reason most of that album is played here frantically and energetically to an appreciative crowd. 'In Bloom' in particular shows a menace and venom that was only partly realised in the studio. Cobain's gruff voice is showcased especially well in the verses before it explodes for the chorus. 'Polly' reveals Nirvana's quieter side as the song starts almost unheard by the audience before the understated vocal harmonies kick in. Even the imperfections here, as instruments play slightly out of time with each other, add a charm to the performance.

'Smells Like Teen Spirit' sounds rejuvenated as Kurt experiments with the intro before an almost flawless run through. 24 songs in nearly 80 minutes on the CD version of Live At Reading shows that unlike other live records there's no room here for extravagance. The songs may be familiar, the attraction here is the added intensity.

Elsewhere 'Aneurysm' is full of angst, 'Tourette's' is full of screams, and Kurt even has fun as he laughs at the start of 'Sliver'. Highlights of the set include the covers of 'The Money Will Roll Right In' and 'D-7', while 'Spank Thru' has never sounded so good. 'All Apologies', which at the time was unreleased, is the moment that Kurt lays open his heart to the audience.

The CD version of Live At Reading isn't perfect, mainly as it misses any interaction with an audience that sounds very distant. This is rectified on the DVD, which shows Kurt's infamous wheelchair entrance, and that also restores 'Love Buzz' to the running order. Overall though this is the best representation of the live Nirvana experience to be released so far, it stands as a fitting tribute to a man who changed the face of modern music.

Rating: 5/5

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Published: 11/12/2009 at 19:07
Author: Jim Pusey
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