Nirvana - “In Utero - 20th Anniversary Tribute” 2xDVD

Repackaged retro

This repackaged set of 2 full-length “unauthorised” DVDs from Pride DVD (aka Sexy Intellectual) is a pretty solid wealth of info for serious Nirvana fans. Disc 1 is simply “In Utero: A Classic Album Under Review” from a few years prior, which of course examines the band’s rise and fall with a focus on their final studio album. Plenty of journalists and biographers are interviewed here, as well as several people who were close to the band. There’s nothing here that will shake the ground for Nirvana fans or solve the supposed mystery/conspiracy theory of Kurt’s suicide, but expect plenty of obscure anecdotes and stories from some folks who were supposedly there for the band’s rise.

Disc 2 is a lengthy (90 minute) collection of extended interviews from the first disc, including deep conversations with Cobain’s grandfather and former Nirvana drummer Chad Channing. Again, there’s a load of collection trivia represented here, and proves a fascinating (if exhausting) watch.

Serious Nirvana fans, this may be a must-see. Casual fans like me? Take it or leave it.

Pride/Sexy Intellectual

Nirvana official site

Flipper - "Love" CD + "Fight (Live)" CD

You just can't keep a good Flipper down. Most bands, when losing their charismatic lead singer (as Flipper did when Will Shatter passed away back in 1987), simply wither away. Not so here. After some kinda 'meh' releases in the 90's, this set of new releases (one studio, one live) from all the surviving original members show a feisty and faithful continuation of the group's legendary noise-dirge-punk spirit. With bassist Krist Novoselic in tow (on both releases), Flipper's skronky, atonal riff-o-ramas are spot-on, sloppy, and messy as ever. This is thick, sludgy, and greasy nihilist rock that just simply smokes. 'Love' is co-produced by Seattle scenemaker Jack Endino, and he captures the group's raw proto-grunge faithfully -- slow, insistent, and relentless riff-driving madness. Bruce Loose's vocals are just on this side of sanity, and the band's legendary and trademark wallop is still there. The live album, 'Fight', brings a mix of classic tunes and new ones, and is every bit as intense and unhinged as ever. Flipper may have been through some tough times, but they are back and firing on all cylinders. Make no mistake, 'Love' and 'Fight' are huge, mean, and well worth a listen. (MVD Audio)

Flipper site
Another Flipper site