Many individuals often believe that the success of Nirvana was primarily attributed to Kurt Cobain, but this assumption is not entirely accurate. Although his songwriting skills were undeniably impressive, it was the incredible basslines of Krist Novoselic and the powerful groove of Dave Grohl that truly elevated his music. Without their contributions, he may not have achieved the same level of success. Before Grohl joined the band, they had a drummer issue. Cobain championed “Sliver” as one of their best recordings, even though it predated Grohl’s arrival.
Kurt Cobain wasn’t exactly known for his obsession with making things sound polished and neat. This individual had a particular opinion about the mixes of Nevermind, finding them to be excessively polished for their taste. It is evident that they did have an appreciation for a touch of rawness in production from time to time. On the other hand, he had a keen sense of when the melodies in his mind didn’t quite harmonize with Chad Channing.
Playing on the majority of the album Bleach, Channing proved to be a competent drummer for that era. However, he didn’t quite align with Cobain’s vision. Channing’s role as a timekeeper on the track came to an abrupt end. Channing’s desire to contribute to songwriting clashed with Cobain’s vision, leading to Cobain’s quick decision to dismiss him.
However, it may not be the most ideal decision to part ways with your drummer just before entering the studio. Right before recording their next single, ‘Sliver‘, Cobain didn’t waste any time and confronted Channing about the business. During their studio session with Dan Peters from Mudhoney, they opted for a cost-effective approach. They borrowed Tad’s equipment instead of using their own instruments. Interestingly, they even took a break for dinner in the middle of the session.
According to biographer Michael Azerrad, Cobain expressed that capturing this particular moment in the studio was incredibly special, describing it as having a profound sense of innocence. The execution was incredibly swift and authentic, resulting in a flawless outcome. It’s doubtful that we could replicate such brilliance if we were to attempt a re-recording. It’s one of those recordings that just happened, and you can’t possibly replicate it.
Given the situation, the song certainly exudes a sense of spontaneity. With an uncertain recording schedule looming over the band, there’s a palpable sense of nervous energy in Cobain’s lyrics. The song features Kurt Cobain pouring his heart out, lamenting his confinement in his grandmother’s house and his deep desire for solitude.
This particular piece played a crucial role in Cobain’s journey towards creating the iconic sound of Nevermind, despite his initial hesitations. Although he professed his dislike for recording songs like ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit‘, it’s worth considering that ‘Sliver’ could have seamlessly taken the place of a track such as ‘Stay Away‘ or ‘Lounge Act‘ on the album. They could have done this without causing any significant stir.
The B-sides compilation Incesticide included this song, but it never made it onto a formal album. However, it offers a refreshing departure from their previous work. Bleach may have showcased Nirvana’s potential as a solid Seattle-based rock band. However, ‘Sliver’ was when Cobain skillfully applied the lessons he learned from writing ‘About a Girl’ to create a remarkably pop-infused version of rock and roll.
