Dearest DonJunio, first of all, let me express my esteem for you, not out of flattery but in sincerity. Regarding the story you told me, I can say that I had also heard it and, since I experienced it live, I had wrinkled my nose at the cover you mention because you must know that besides being a big fan of hers (and the same goes for Maiden, this applies to both), I am also her first critic and I don't consider everything she has done as pure gold; on the contrary... However, assuming it were true and not spread by Cobain's widow, who as you know has never gotten along too well with Tori, what should I conclude from this—that someone is disgusted by their own status because a colleague cites them? I wonder what Slayer should say about the cover of "Raining Blood," then; in fact, I’ll tell you what they said—they thanked her personally. For instance, a similar attitude to the one you described was exhibited by Eminem regarding the cover of "'97 Bonnie & Clyde." Does that mean that Eminem and Cobain had the same way of living the rock star status? Personally, I don’t believe so because I refuse to think that Cobain was so haughty and pseudo-alternative as to fall into this error; I prefer to think it's just a story.
Regarding my specific discourse on Nirvana, I wouldn't like to dwell too much, both because I have already clearly stated my opinion and because it doesn't seem like the right review to discuss it. We could do so in a Nirvana review, but I fear we won't have the time since my hours on this wonderful site are about to expire. Therefore, I invite you to send me privately your review of an album of your choice from the Seattle band, which I will then publish on my blog in your name, of course (the address is in my profile), so we can engage in a civil discussion that, unfortunately, can rarely happen on these pages anymore (and I say this with all the possible love for DeB). (Editors, don’t worry, I’m not stealing your reviewers; it’s just a courtesy exchange between me and good DonJunio, if he accepts, and it will remain an isolated case).
However, I would like to say a couple of things right away. First of all, my observation arises from an increasingly widespread attitude of presenting Nirvana as a phenomenon wholly detached from any mainstream contamination and born from absolute spontaneity. Well, anyone with a good technical knowledge of an instrument can confirm that "Nevermind" is anything but a spontaneous album (perhaps in the lyrics, but maybe, just maybe); it is so perfectly produced that, for example, it smells to me a lot like a product made on purpose (but that’s just my idea, not an axiom). Another point tied to my memories because, I repeat, I was there too, is that honestly the means used (especially by Cobain’s entourage, to tell the truth, not by him) for promotion have been anything but independent. You see, I have such a personal idea of music that these are discussions that wouldn't hold any importance for me if it weren't for the frequent people reminding everyone of Nirvana’s purity and throwing in the face of others how subservient they are to the system (and as long as we’re talking about MJ, one could even agree, but I've heard people accuse bands like Pearl Jam, the early Pumpkins, etc., and I won’t mention others that are dearer to me because I wouldn’t want to seem hurt, as I’m not, because for me everyone is free to think as they believe; however, ease up on the insults and superficiality, please).
So when I read the name Nirvana here, I admit I lost a bit of my patience (and I apologize if I offended anyone’s sensitivity, but I believe I used calm tones). But in the end, I presented my personal reconstruction, which, for whatever it's worth, is debatable yet based on concrete memories. That's all. Take care!
