Nirvana - Bleach (1989)

[Grunge Rock]

This is the humble beginnings of a band no one ever expected would be any more than a blip on the radar, and indeed Nirvana's debut only sold a few thousand copies in its first couple of years of existence. Recorded over a 12 month period (although rock legend would have us believe it was in a single session) the time taken to record this motley collection certainly doesn't reflect in the cohesiveness of the songs. With mostly rough and simple compositions we see only a hint or two of the grunge-pop that would change the rock landscape two years later with Nevermind. The contrasts of The Beatles-like 'About A Girl' alongside the abrasive metal stylings of 'Negative Creep' or 'School' is perfectly sequenced, with the track running order mimicking the heavy/soft dynamics that characterised many of the band's songs. The lyrics are mostly simple and repetitive (and often odd or goofy), but they are very much in keeping with Cobain's quirky style - and some of these songs had been in his repertoire for a number of years. Jack Endino's production is flat, but like all of his work at Reciprocal, is has a razor sharp edge to it that better studios would probably never be able to come to naturally. The album ends of the melancholy strains of 'Sifting', leaving us feeling like Cobain is searching for something he just can't find - something no doubt reflected in his real life.

AC/DC - The Razors Edge (1990)

[Hard Rock]

OK, once again I'll start a review that has me admit I was more involved in the likes of Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax at the time this album was released. Adding to this I hadn't purchased a single E.P. or album of AC/DC up to now. Too 'heavy' for mainstream radio, and not 'heavy' enough by those independent radio stations that just wanted to play metal when they had a chance. Such a shame now that I reflect back on this album. 'Thunderstruck' is clearly the outstanding track, but I peel the layers and look to songs like 'Money Talks', which has that bluesy type sound from the guitars with Johnson's, funny enough, razor vocals. This mix is repeated on a number of tracks through the remainder of the record which I love. At this point, Angus is still putting together some tasty solos, 30 years after he started. If I had to pick a favourite song from the album it is the title track. The somewhat haunting intro followed by an upbeat guitar and drum intro does me every time along with the moody chorus, before it picks up the tempo. Anyway I could on for ages on this.