Grunge in London

by Katharine Conroy

Grunge in London

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Abstract

For this milestone, I will be doing a comparison of American and London grunge music, whose time periods ran almost simultaneous to each other. I will be delving into what grunge music is and the cultural and societal issues that were often incorporated into the music. These social issues were used as inspiration to the artists and were often incorporated in the sound and lyrics of these songs
This project is very special to me due to the fact that the music has been a great part of my life since I was a child playing the violin. During high school, I took many music classes and was in both band and chorus. So this project incorporates my propensity to music, more specifically grunge music, and allows me to explain this misunderstood and often confusing genre of music.

Introduction

This project is meant to be used as an introduction to the misunderstood genre of grunge, which dominated the music scene during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. I will produce a sort of guide to listening to Grunge music along with an accompanying “mixtape” to distinguish the differences between American and London Grunge music. This topic has been a part of the discussion since its appearance in the late 1980’s, however much of it has been about the culture that surrounded the movement. A wonderful work that covered it with an indiscriminately and impartial eye was Catherine Strong’s novel ‘‘Grunge: Music and Memory’’ However, there is very little that covered the lasting effects and spread of grunge music to other countries. This project is covering material that is new and exciting and requires much research. This in its completion this will be a music history of grunge music in London and American along with a guide to appreciating the music. I plan to spend lots of time researching and analysis the culture and music of this era, which is not new due to the fact that I have had to do a great amount of research for an English class I took at WPI.

Background

Grunge music is classified as a genre of rock music that came to fruition from the late 1980’s to the early 1990’s. During this time grunge did not only appear as a genre of music, it also became a fashion trend that donned an unkempt and dirty look. Grunge music was started in Seattle, Washington and gravitated around the independent record label Sub Pop. It spread from its roots, Seattle, to many other countries and cities such as London. Sub Pop produced groups such as Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Green River, and Nirvana (before they signed with a major label). Grunge alternatively became known as the Seattle Sounds due to its origins in Seattle. Grunge was not exactly a new sound but more of combinations of different genres of rock. Musically and attitudinally grunge was similarly related to heavy metal, punk, and alternative, but it also had other components such as thrasher metal, which came about in the mid-1980’s during the split of heavy metal split into a number of different genres. This added to the myriad of different sounds to the music scene. Therefore, grunge became a mosaic of rock with many picking and choosing the sounds and agendas they supported. Due to this, it’s almost impossible to give a complete and definite definition or sound to grunge because it meant different things to different people, but they all housed similar themes and attitudes.

Generally, the grunge sound contained a “dirty” and rough sound, which is probably where its name came from. This was especially notable in the beginning when much of the music produced was done on a small budget, with a lack of expertise, and a lack of professionalism. The music itself can be described a “visceral” with guitars and low bass vacillating between low and thundering. It reflected the angst and hurt that bands felt due to their betrayal by society. Many wrote in their verse and refrain form, with lyrics addressing problems such as youth suicide, rape, drug dependency and depression that society, which was taboo. They used the distorted sound as a symbol of how polluted the world is, therefore they avoided the use of virtuoso guitar because it was used in mainstream rock and took away from the lyrics. All of the music was sharp and deliberate, which was a great contrast to the music of the late 1980’s. This sharp and deliberate sound was typically created by electric guitar, drums, low bass, and vocals, but may utilize other instruments.

This movement started and ended very quickly but left many awakened to the possibilities that music has. The music began as a way to attract attention to public issues and left many with the idea that they could start a band to address an issue that they have. Grunge music became part of the mainstream and Nirvana’s album ‘‘Nevermind’’ surpassed Michael Jackson’s ‘‘Dangerous’’ at No. 1 on the Billboard. This impression on the mainstream allowed many bands like Nickelback and Creed to enter the scene due to the fact that it “was the catalyst to reconstructing the mainstream music industry to allow a greater inclusion different music genre” . Grunge made a lasting impact on both society and the music industry, which will affect generations to come.

Where and when did this grunge music start?

In the United States, grunge started in the late 1980’s in Seattle, Washington and mostly revolved around the record label company Sub Pop. During that time, Sub Pop released grunge bands such as Soundgarden and Green River, who later became known as Pearl Jam. However, Grunge music really began to gain recognition when they released Nirvana’s first album ‘‘Bleach’’. Later on Nirvana would sign with the major label company David Geffen Company (DGC) as they gained more popularity.

Seattle became the hotspot with many migrating to the area to get a taste of this new sound. During this time, other bands started to sign with record labels interested in making money from this new Seattle sound. These bands signed with the agreement that they had “artistic” control over the music they produced and this allowed the music to stay as intended by the bands.

Grunge gained the public’s attention in 1991 during the release of Nirvana’s album “Nevermind”. This was when grunge entered the mainstream. Record companies started searching for these bands outside of the Seattle area with grunge sound and found groups like Stone Temple Pilots and Smashing Pumpkins, who gained popularity in the mainstream. Grunge became so omnipotent that it spread all across America to places such as London with Nirvana or more specifically Kurt Cobian as its spokesperson.

London became no exception to the grunge movement, with Nirvana infiltrating the mainstream. In the height of the grunge music movement in the US, came an alternative rock band from England called Radiohead. They started their music career in 1991. Their music had a sound that was similar to grunge music and because of that EMI, a major record company who produced famous groups such as The Beatles and The Beach boys signed them to their label. This became an inspiration to many other groups, such a Bush from London, England, who began in 1992 during the height of the movement. However, the movement never gained as much speed as it did in America. Interestingly, Bush’s songs gained more headway in American than in London. Much of the grunge’s popularity ended when Kurt Cobain, the principal singer of the grunge movement, committed suicide. It would have been very interesting to see where the grunge music genre would have gone if it hadn’t ended so abruptly.

What did it represent?

cultural aspects of this music looking at the people of this time

Why was Grunge music created?

why was it so different than other music, what was said by it instrument analysis of music culture

How did Grunge Music affect the people and who did it effect?

Youth and reactions Look at the effects and after effects

Section 2: Guide to appreciating Grunge music

The purpose of this guide is to allow people the opportunity to listen to and appreciate grunge music. It is difficult to have people understand grunge music when they are not given a background to it. Therefore, it is important to have a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the songs being listened to ensure comprehension of the songs. So below are four selected songs by four different artists to show the diversity of grunge music and to also demonstrate the many similarities and distinguishing features.

While listening to this deconstructed “mixtape” it is recommended, that for one’s full enjoyment, to read the analysis before listening to the song. It will give pointers and details to pay attention to that will enhance the listening experience. Also listening to these songs multiple times may help in the appreciation process. Also feel free to look up other songs and bands such as Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Mudhoney, Smashing Pumpkins and so many others. There were many other bands from this era that one may also enjoy in addition to the listed songs and artists. Enjoy!

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Artist: Nirvana
Album: Nevermind
Released: 1991
Buy here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nevermind/id485495703

Smells Like Teen Spirit Analysis:

Nirvana was probably one of the most well-known grunge bands to date with its lead singer Kurt Cobain. Today, many know the band by the yellow and black smiley face with the crossed out eyes or the album cover of the naked baby swimming toward the dollar bill, but they were very prolific in their short time as a band. Smells like Teen Spirit was one of the hits on Nevermind album, which sparked the whole grunge movement, which is why I chose this song. Nirvana became the foundation of grunge music and many used this group as inspiration for their own. Therefore, it is very important to include this song and group to use as a comparison to the others.

When the song first opens, you can hear the distorted guitar sound strumming chords for about the first two measures until the crashing of the drums and cymbals join in. The distorted guitar and large riffs became a staple and signature of the grunge era and will be heard in almost all grunge music. This song will vacillate between the quiet verses and the roaring refrain. As said before in the background, much of grunge music heavily utilized these drastic dynamics that would alternate between forte and piano and very little in between. Also, note the low and gravelly quality of Kurt Cobain’s voice. His voice is very distinct and very easy to differentiate from other grunge bands.

This song is very hard to understand both lyrically and physically, but it is easy to hear the angst and hurt dripping from the lyrics. Cobain’s low and gravelly voice along with the blasting guitars make the lyrics very hard to hear and a lot of the time the lyrics sounds muffled. However, the lyrics themselves often sound like they are talking in riddles. This can be seen in the first verse:

Load up on guns
Bring your friends
It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's overboard, self-assured
Oh no I know, a dirty word

One can attempt to see from these lyrics Cobain’s feelings of alienation by society and forced conformity or the realities of depression. However, it’s difficult to definite an explicit meaning to the lyrics due to the fact that Kurt Cobain did not reveal the true meaning behind these lyrics, but many can make guesses at what it was referring to because of the attitude and general attitude of this movement. So when listening, look for the riffs in the guitar chords, the distorted sound, and the rough lyrics. Also, keep in mind the anger and hurt heard during the loud chorus and the alienation riddled in the lyrics. It is very important to keep this song in your head when listening to the others for comparison to this original.

Glycerin

Artist: Bush
Album: Sixteen Stone
Released: 1994
Buy here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/sixteen-stone-remastered/id925879035

Glycerin Analysis:

Bush is a band from London, England that became popular at the end of the grunge era, so they technically count as post-grunge. It was headed by its main singer and guitarist Gavin Rossdale . Ironically they never really became popular in the UK, but they did gain a great deal of popularity in the United States with their song Glycerin topping the Alternative Billboard charts in 1995. . They are still producing music today with their latest album “Black and White Rainbows” and they haven’t lost their grunge/post-grunge style. This song and artist was selected because it not only showed the spread of the grunge movement to places such as London, but it also showed the dramatic change in style as the movement came to its end. Bush clearly had a grunge sound, but they did deviate a bit form the pattern, which was set by Nirvana.

The song begins with distorted guitar chords and dissonant echoing that is then accompanied by another guitar. This song is a bit different than the prior with it containing guitar, vocals, violin, and cello, which is very interesting because the use of violin and cello were almost non-existent in grunge music. The main sound would be guitar and drum set, but in Glycerin there were not any drums. Glycerin also did not have the intense dynamics that could be heard in Smells Like Teen Spirit. There was still the vacillation between forte and piano chorus and refrain, but it was not great. The ending of the song is also very unique with it ending in the cello and violin playing dissonant chords. It’s apparent that this song was less about anger and pain, but it more about depression and a failed relationship. Like Kurt Cobain, Gavin Rossdale had a very course and gravelly voice quality. Much of this song carried the characteristics of typical grunge music but with some variation marking the end of true grunge sound.

Bush’s Glycerin was not as lyrically mystifying or physically hard to hear. Even though Gavin did have a gravelly and low voice, there was more annunciation to the lyrics being sung. So you can actually hear what is being said and also the lyrics aren’t as confusing and coded. It is easy to grasp the idea of this song because of the lyrics

Everything's gone white
And everything's gray
Now you're here now you're away
I don't want this
Remember that
I'll never forget where you're at

shows the effects of an unsuccessful relationship. These lines talk a lot about a special person who came into the singer’s life and then left. You can hear the sadness and self-doubt that the person is feeling. The violin and cello give a somber sound with the legato and held out notes. His regret can be seen in the lyrics

Could have been easier on you
I couldn't change though I wanted to
Should I have been easier by three
Our old friend fear and you and me

. He is thinking about all that he could have done or been to make his significant other stay and love him. So when listening, look for the distorted guitar, violin, cello and sad sound. Keep in mind the theme of regret and self-doubt for in this song and see how it continues the grunge theme even at the end of the movement with some variation.

Black Hole Sun

• • • • • Seizure warming *****
        • Warning the video is very creepy may not be suitable for all viewers! *****

Artist: Soundgarden
Album: Superunknown
Released: 1994
Buy here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/superunknown-20th-anniversary/id882051954

Black Hole Sun Analysis:

Soundgraden was one of the originals grunge groups, who started in the late 1980’s and grew steadily in popularity. Then in 1994, Black Hole Sun was released on their Superunknown album and it became an instant success landing them in the mainstream. The music “explored a menacing interior landscape teeming with pain, fear, fury, and defiance” and Rolling stone said that “‘it demonstrates far greater range than many bands manage in an entire career’”. The band addressed many social problems, which was highlighted by their talent. Black Hole Sun was chosen in this “mixtape” because it was a very popular song due to the fact that it came out right after Kurt Cobian’s death. This song stayed very true to the grunge sounds and can be compared with Nirvana. In light of recent events, I also wanted to honor and memorialize him and his work. Sadly, Soundgarden’s lead singer Chris Cornell committed suicide on May 17th, 2017. Many people, such as Chris, used music as their outlet to express the emotions or problems that they were facing, which was why it resonated so well with the younger generation. However, not everyone was able to able to conquer their demons, which was consequently the reason the whole grunge movement fell apart. So this section is an honor to Chris and his amazing work.

Black Hole Sun starts with the guitar strumming a chords and a dissonant echoing or feedback that sounds almost like sirens. The guitar sound is extremely distorted that it’s difficult to tell if the sound is actually from a guitar. The song then goes into a verse refrain repetition, where it oscillates between softer verse and louder chorus. It follows the classic grunge style with guitars, drums, and vocals being the major musical layers. The song is very repetitive and contains an almost euphoric feeling. Chris’s vocals are coarse and strained, but the lyrics are heard very clearly and concisely. In this song, many different themes of grunge music can be hear such as pain, alienation, and decay. The title Black Hole Sun sounds like the there is an all-consuming power taking over, which could represent a whole number of things ranging from depression to alienation. This song is very dark and can be seen as an inner reflection of his feelings.

Lyrically Black Hole Sun was very easy to hear because the lyrics are annunciated but the lyrics themselves are very implicit and difficult to decipher. The lyrics had a very euphoric feel to them and surreal feel. The song has a very somber and sad sound to it with the echoing feedback. Black Hole Sun could mean many things and it portrayed a distorted view on the world, which could be seen in the lyrics

This song can be seen as an inner reflection on oppression, depression, and isolation, which were very taboo topics to talk so freely about. His lyrics are a riddled with a twisted reality in which we all are so happy all the time and we hide the pain and anguish we feel to conform to what society wants to see to feel normal. This is painted very clearly in his very creepy and almost deranged music video, which Tom Barnes from Mic says “illustrates this seemingly hopeless fantasy, revealing the darkness hidden underneath the smiling face of idyllic, white-picket fence American life”. It is like he is trying to escape from this dark and all-consuming power trying to drag everything with it. So as you listen to this song compare the technical aspects of the song to the grunge style for similarities and look for the themes of alienation, depression and decay. These will help you to enjoy the song more and find the place that Chris was coming from.

Creep

Artist: Radiohead
Album: Pablo Honey
Released: 1993
Buy here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/creep-ep/id1112408383

Creep Analysis:

• Background Creep was one of Radiohead’s most popular songs. They are still around today • Music o Starts with distorted guitar softly o Cymbals and drums o Gets louder and soft again • Lyrics o Again hard to hear o Symbolism to lyrics o Aba form o Repetition • Video o Band singing in concert o Dark o Non-descript clothes o List of wants o Talking about alienation

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Conclusion

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