Culture Greyhound

Most of the time I am displeased with my satellite radio subscription. I can’t honestly say I use it much, the only channel I consistently enjoy is Backspin, but usually, just because I know every single song they play and it’s good for commuting, I listen to the 90’s alternative channel Lithium. And next month, that channel is actually doing something other than playing Soundgarden tracks over and over.

Jon Stewart will host “Town Hall With Nirvana,” kicking off a half week of Nevermind Radio in celebration of the landmark album’s 20th anniversary. Jon will interview the remaining members of the group Dave Grohl and Krist Novaselic, as well as the legendary producer Butch Vig. After that, it’s all Nirvana, all the time for an entire four days, playing hits, rarities, b-sides, etc. The interview airs September 24th at 8pm EST. Finally these guys give me a reason to keep my subscription.

This September, as I’ve recently mentioned, one of the most influential albums of the last quarter century turns 20 years old. I’m talking about the major label debut from Nirvana, of course – 1991’s Nevermind. And according to Pitchfork today, Universal Records is pulling out all the stops, releasing three different packages and a separate CD/DVD of a rare live performance.

On September 27, look for a remastered version of the album, as well as a Deluxe Edition with a second disc featuring “accompanying studio and live B-sides, a set of demos recorded at producer Butch Vig’s Smart Studios, boombox recordings of rehearsals, and a pair of previously unreleased BBC recordings.” The Super Deluxe Edition includes all of the above, plus the famous Devonshire Mixes, where Butch Vig produced and mixed the album himself, as opposed to Andy Wallace doing the mixing.

I’m probably springing for the Super Deluxe Edition, because it also includes a 90-page booklet and a CD/DVD combo of the famous Halloween 1991 Paramount Theatre show (which will also be available separately, apparently.) The DVD will also have the music videos for the Nevermind singles. And, just in case you forgot what year it is, the collection will be available in digital and 180-gram vinyl as well. So, Mom, if you’re reading this, Christmas has been taken care of. Love ya.