That’s right, it’s Monday again! That can mean only one thing, IT’S MUSICAL MONDAY. This week marks the second installment of our newest segment. While you may still be amazed by the use of Hootie and the Blowfish’s “Only Want To Be With You” in our first week, this week will feature a band that transformed the musical world. In my own, honest opinion, not since The Beatles has one band changed music like the artist featured this week.

When their single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” hit the airwaves in 1991, the Seattle based band Nirvana were thrust into the spotlight. Their impact was immediate and revolutionary. They brought with them a new sound, one that would be labeled “grunge”. It was a sound that (arguably) has never truly been heard again.

With success came fans, but not just hardcore music fans. Many of Nirvana’s listeners were just mainstream radio folk, who didn’t truly appreciate the band. It was in 1993, when the band (kind of) lashed out. They released the CD “In Utero”. The sound was darker than their previous work, but it was still amazing. But with “In Utero” came controversy, as some retailers refused to sell a CD with a song titled “Rape Me”, and also took exception to some of the albums art.

Even after these were fixed, Nirvana continued to stir things up with the video for their hit single “Heart-Shaped Box”. With crucifixions, a young child in a KKK outfit, and much more to blow one away, “Heart-Shaped Box” made a lasting impression on anyone who viewed it. It also won the band the 1994 MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Rock Video. This was also the last song the band played live.

On April 8th, 1994, Nirvana’s front man, Kurt Cobain, was found dead of a self-inflicted shotgun wound. He is believed to have been dead in his home for 3-4 days. This past week would mark the 13th anniversary of Cobain’s death. The lasting impression his music made, however, still lives on. Other bands with that “Seattle Sound” became popular because of the groundwork Nirvana laid down.

Oh, and Danny wishes he could do this:

As always, if you have any Musical Monday requests, you can send them in to AJ@GarysBasement.com. I hope to use a request next week.