On the Record: Nirvana – Bleach (1989, Original Sub Pop Pressing)

Before Nevermind rewrote the rules of rock, Nirvana was just a scrappy trio recording on a shoestring budget in Seattle. Their debut album Bleach, released in June 1989 by Sub Pop Records, captured that raw, unfiltered energy — and the original pressing has become one of the most sought-after grunge vinyl records in the world.

Only 1,000 copies were pressed on white vinyl, with handmade-style lyric inserts and no barcode. These were sold locally and at early gigs, long before the band became a global phenomenon. For collectors, this original Bleach pressing represents the underground roots of a band that changed music forever.

The Story Behind the Sound

Bleach was recorded at Reciprocal Recording in Seattle over just 30 hours, with producer Jack Endino. The band reportedly paid $606.17 for the entire session, with the bill covered by drummer Chad Channing’s friend Jason Everman, who was briefly credited as a guitarist (despite not playing on the record) in exchange for funding the album.

Everman would later join Soundgarden and Mind Funk, but his contribution to Nirvana’s legacy is immortalized by this modest act of support — making him one of the most pivotal footnotes in grunge history.

How to Spot an Original Pressing

Vinyl: Opaque white vinyl (not translucent or marbled).

Label: Sub Pop’s original black-and-white label design.

Matrix/runout: Look for hand-etched “SP-34-A” and “SP-34-B”.

Sleeve: No barcode, with a photocopied black-and-white lyric insert.

Edition: First pressing — Sub Pop SP34.

🚨 Beware of bootlegs — white vinyl copies have been widely faked. Counterfeits often lack the proper etching or have slightly different label fonts.

Collector’s Value

Original white vinyl copies in excellent condition routinely sell for $2,000–$3,000 AUD, and sealed or mint copies can command even more. Heavily played versions still hold value due to rarity and cultural impact.

Why It Matters

This is Nirvana at their most primal — grimy, aggressive, and full of untapped potential. Bleach might have been born from a $600 recording session, but its influence is priceless. For collectors, owning the original pressing is like owning the spark before the fire.