Nirvana In Utero (1993)

Alright, fellow flannel-wearers, let's talk In Utero. Nirvana's back, and they're not messing around. Remember all that radio-friendly fuzz on Nevermind? Yeah, well, kiss that goodbye. This album is raw, abrasive, and about as subtle as a brick to the face.

Steve Albini, the sonic wizard behind this masterpiece, has basically captured the sound of a band teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown. And you know what? It's glorious. "Serve the Servants" kicks things off with a roar, Kurt's voice dripping with sarcasm and angst. "Scentless Apprentice" is a chaotic whirlwind of noise, and "Heart-Shaped Box" is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that'll make you want to lock yourself in your room and contemplate the meaning of life (or at least the meaning of that weird music video).

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. "Dumb" is surprisingly catchy, "Pennyroyal Tea" is a melancholic gem, and "Rape Me" is... well, let's just say it's not exactly going to be a prom night slow dance favorite. (Though it will make your parents freak out, which is always a bonus.)

Look, In Utero isn't for everyone. It's messy, it's noisy, and it's definitely not going to score you any points with the cool kids at the mall. But if you're looking for an album that's honest, raw, and unapologetically itself, then crank this baby up and let the angst wash over you. Just don't blame me when your neighbors start banging on the walls. It's 1993, and we're rebelling against... well, everything, really. Even decent sound quality.

No Doubt Tragic Kingdom (1996)

Alright, so like, everyone's talking about this "Tragic Kingdom" album, right? No Doubt? Didn't they do that "Trapped in a Box" song like a million years ago? Whatever, I finally snagged a copy (had to, like, fight off a swarm of pre-teens at Sam Goody, it was brutal) and let me tell you, this is some seriously addictive stuff.

First of all, Gwen Stefani is, like, the coolest chick on the planet. Her voice? Totally killer. Her style? Way past awesome. She's like, if Madonna and a punk rocker had a baby, and that baby raided her grandma's closet and somehow made it all look amazing.  

And the music? Forget about it. It's like ska and pop had a love child in a mosh pit. You wanna dance? You wanna rock out? You wanna, like, contemplate the tragic complexities of life while simultaneously feeling totally empowered? This album has got you covered.

"Just a Girl" is my personal anthem. Like, hello, every girl has totally been there. "Spiderwebs"? Pure genius. And "Don't Speak"? Okay, that one makes me want to, like, borrow my mom's mascara and have a good cry, but in a good way. It's like therapy, but with a way better soundtrack.

The only bad thing I can say about this album is that it makes all my other CDs sound totally lame. Guess I'll just have to, like, listen to "Tragic Kingdom" on repeat until further notice. Don't worry, I'm sure my Discman can handle it.

Peace out, 

Your music guru from 1996 ✌️

Jefferson Starship Nuclear Furniture