This is an interesting question seeing as Nevermind has been back on the agenda this week following the relase of a 20th Anniversary Remastered Edition.
Many online music critics have been arguing over whether this, In Utero, Bleach, Incesticide or indeed the live performance on MTV Unplugged in New York.
For me, this album came out at a time when I was just discovering music so I would have to agree with those who put this at the top of the pile. I was also really blown away by the purity and intensity of Kurt’s singing during the unplugged session, so that comes in a close second.
As one of my favourite bands bids farewell to making music together, I am torn between sadness and contentment. It will be strange to think I won’t be going to see them play live again, whether this is in the UK or in the US like I did last time, but at least they have gone out in the way they wanted too.
So many bands these days tend to overstay their welcome and continue playing purely for the cash. You would never find that with a band like REM, with its members all remaining friends after an amicable and unanimous split.
Although drummer Bill Berry had left the group in 1997 (after ordering them to carry on without him), the three-piece of singer Michael Stipe, bassist Mike Mills and guitarist Peter Buck remained strong in their music output.
It is an understatement to say that REM have been such an influence on rock and pop music over their 31 years. They are one of the best bands of all time, let alone one of the greatest American performers.
They left the scene as they have always done, with respect for their fans:
“To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.”
It has been revealed this week that influential rock guitarist Jeff Beck is to be presented with a living legend award by music mag Classic Rock.
The 67-year-old solo artist is rarely in the limelight, but it is only fitting that the man, once voted one of the greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone, has been recognised for his contribution to this music genre.
Even though Jeff had once been in The Yardbirds, and was the founder of the Jeff Beck Group, the musician is happy to keep away from the mainstream, yet still has a dedicated following.
He is to be presented with the award at a ceremony hosted by Gene Simmons of Kiss which is due to take place at London’s Roundhouse on the 9th of November.
In a bid to prove more attractive to advertisers, my favourite “local” radio station of choice Rock Radio Manchester is no more. One day my car radio was tuned in to the usual 106.1 frequency, with its former title proudly displayed – and then while on my way to work I was faced with the rebranded Real XS.
There was no real mention of these changes by GMG Radio on Sweeney’s breakfast show, not that I expected to hear anything. But I was unsure as to the direction of the rock-led station, especially as Real Radio is more closely associated with pop music.
On a positive note, the station is now in DAB as well as FM and will have a much wider reach than the Manchester-based brand had - but let’s just hope they don’t sell out on their rock roots…