We know now, twenty years after their releases that Nirvana’s
Nevermind and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’
Blood Sugar Sex Magik were game changing feats of sonic achievement. However, when the albums first came out, (in a display of cosmic magic, on the very same day in the fall of 1991), we could only go by our gut instinct, (which said ‘holy crap this sounds good’), and the albums reviews. Here’s what some of the biggest media outlets in the country said about each of these iconic LPs.
Nevermind: Originally released September 24, 1991
Rolling Stone: “ A dynamic mix of sizzling power chords, manic energy and sonic restraint, Nirvana erects sturdy melodic structures — sing-along hard rock as defined by groups like the Replacements, Pixies and Sonic Youth — but then at-tacks them with frenzied screaming and guitar havoc…If Nirvana isn't onto anything altogether new,
Nevermind does possess the songs, character and confident spirit to be much more than a reformulation of college radio's high-octane hits.” (four out of five stars)
The New York Times: "With
Nevermind, Nirvana has certainly succeeded. There are enough intriguing textures, mood shifts, instrumental snippets and inventive word plays to provide for hours of entertainment…
Nevermind is more sophisticated and carefully produced than anything peer bands like
Dinosaur Jr. and
Mudhoney have yet offered."
Melody Maker: "When Nirvana released Bleach all those years ago, the more sussed among us figured they had the potential to make an album that would blow every other contender away. My God have they proved us right.”
Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik: Originally released September 24, 1991
Rolling Stone: The album “displayed a growing curiosity about studio texture and nuance."
Allmusic: "The Red Hot Chili Peppers' best album...John Frusciante's guitar is less overpoweringly noisy, leaving room for differing textures and clearer lines, while the band overall is more focused and less indulgent."
Guitar Player: By blending acid-rock, soul-funk, early art-rock, and blues style with a raw, unprocessed Strat-and-Marshall tone, [Frusciante] hit on an explosive formula that has yet to be duplicated."
PopMatters: "In one funked-out, f*cked up, diabolical swoop,
Blood Sugar Sex Magik reconfigured my relationship to music, to myself, to my culture and identity, to my race and class."
Be sure to check out:
VSQ Master Series: Nirvana's Nevermind
Available now at
iTunes and
Amazon
The String Quartet Tribute to Red Hot Chili Peppers
Available now at
iTunes and
Amazon
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