Nirvana – Bleach (Vinyl LP)

Originally released in June 1989, Bleach is the debut studio album from American rock band Nirvana and a landmark recording in the development of Seattle's grunge movement. Before their worldwide breakthrough with Nevermind, Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and drummer Chad Channing were creating a raw, uncompromising sound that drew from punk rock, heavy metal and underground alternative music. Released through independent label Sub Pop, Bleach captures the band at their earliest and most abrasive, combining distorted guitars, pounding rhythms and Cobain's unmistakable vocals.

The album opens with Blew, establishing its heavy, sludgy atmosphere through a powerful bassline and explosive guitar work. Floyd the Barber follows with dark humour and unsettling storytelling, while About a Girl reveals Cobain's gift for memorable melodies beneath the band's aggressive sound. School delivers a ferocious burst of punk-influenced energy, followed by the hypnotic riffs of Love Buzz, Nirvana's distinctive cover of a song originally recorded by Dutch rock band Shocking Blue. Paper Cuts introduces a darker atmosphere before the confrontational Negative Creep closes the first side.

On the second side, Scoff and Swap Meet combine heavy guitar riffs with Cobain's expressive vocals, while Mr. Moustache introduces a faster, punk-inspired rhythm. Sifting explores a brooding, slow-burning arrangement that reflects the band's early heavy rock influences. This remastered edition also includes Big Cheese and Downer, two additional tracks that expand the original 1989 album sequence and provide further insight into Nirvana's early sound.

Produced by Jack Endino and recorded primarily at Reciprocal Recording in Seattle, Bleach was created on a famously modest budget of approximately US$600. Its stripped-back production and uncompromising performances became central to its underground appeal. While Chad Channing performs drums on most of the record, early Nirvana drummer Dale Crover also contributed to the sessions. The album helped establish Nirvana's reputation within the Pacific Northwest alternative rock scene and laid the groundwork for their subsequent international success.

Although Bleach initially reached a relatively small audience, its reputation grew enormously following Nirvana's rise to fame in the early 1990s. Today, the album is regarded as an essential document of early grunge, showcasing the musical influences, songwriting instincts and raw energy that would shape one of the most influential rock bands of their generation.

This Sub Pop remastered vinyl edition, first issued in 2011, presents Bleach on black vinyl LP, featuring all thirteen remastered tracks across two sides. Remastered from the original tapes at Sterling Sound under the supervision of producer Jack Endino, this single-LP pressing includes a printed inner sleeve and offers a definitive way to experience Nirvana's groundbreaking debut album on vinyl.

Supplied brand new and sealed.

Available now from Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

Details

• Artist: Nirvana
• Album: Bleach
• Format: Vinyl LP
• Vinyl Colour: Black
• Edition: Remastered Reissue
• Original Release Year: 1989
• Reissue Year: 2011
• Genre: Grunge / Alternative Rock / Punk Rock
• Record Label: Sub Pop
• Catalogue Number: SP34
• Barcode: 0098787003413
• Packaging: Printed Inner Sleeve
• Condition: Brand new and sealed

Tracklist

Side A

• A1 Blew
• A2 Floyd the Barber
• A3 About a Girl
• A4 School
• A5 Love Buzz
• A6 Paper Cuts
• A7 Negative Creep

Side B

• B1 Scoff
• B2 Swap Meet
• B3 Mr. Moustache
• B4 Sifting
• B5 Big Cheese
• B6 Downer