In Utero Album

Lore & Background

Nirvana chose Steve Albini to record their third album because Cobain admired his work on two of his favorite records: Surfer Rosa by the Pixies and Pod by the Breeders. Cobain wanted to use Albini's technique of capturing the natural ambience of a room via the placement of several microphones. Recording took place in February 1993 at Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, with a two-week deadline. Nirvana paid for the sessions with their own money—studio fees totaled $124,000 including Albini's fee, while Albini took a flat fee of $100,000, refusing royalties he considered immoral. The band stayed in a house on the studio grounds; Novoselic compared the isolated conditions to a gulag, saying, "There was snow outside, we couldn't go anywhere. We just worked." Recording was completed in six days; Cobain called it "the easiest recording we've ever done, hands down." While accounts of specific disruptions vary, some sources mention that Courtney Love's visit created tension by criticizing Cobain's work.

In Their Own Story

After recording finished, rumors circulated that DGC might not release In Utero due to Albini's abrasive and uncommercial sound. Nirvana sent unmastered tapes to several individuals, including Gold Mountain and Ed Rosenblatt, president of DGC's parent company Geffen Records. Cobain told Michael Azerrad, "The grown-ups don't like it." He was told his songwriting was "not up to par," the sound was "unlistenable," and there was uncertainty that mainstream radio would accept Albini's production. Cobain was upset, saying, "I should just re-record this record and do the same thing we did last year because we sold out last year." However, by April, Nirvana was intent on releasing In Utero as it was. Cobain stated, "Of course, they want another Nevermind, but I'd rather die than do that. This is exactly the kind of record I would buy as a fan." The album was mastered by Bob Ludwig to achieve a more desirable sound for Nirvana and DGC, and Nirvana hired producer Scott Litt to remix the singles "All Apologies," "Heart-Shaped Box," and "Pennyroyal Tea."

Reader's Guide

In Utero was a major critical and commercial success. Critics praised its lyrics and raw, unconventional sound. It reached number one on the US Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart. "Heart-Shaped Box" and "All Apologies" reached number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The album is certified 6× platinum in the US for 6 million sales and has sold 15 million copies worldwide. It is the final studio album to be released before Cobain's death. The song "I Hate Myself and Want to Die" was omitted from the album as Cobain felt it already contained too many "noise" songs. For new listeners, the album offers the raw, abrasive sound Nirvana sought, a deliberate departure from the polished production of Nevermind. The recording sessions were completed on February 26, 1993, and the initial mix took five days.

Did You Know?

• Nirvana paid for the recording sessions with their own money—studio fees totaled $124,000 including Albini's fee—to avoid interference from DGC Records.
• Steve Albini refused to accept royalties from the album, considering taking royalties immoral and 'an insult to the artist.'
• Contrary to some reports, the drums for tracks like 'Scentless Apprentice' were recorded in the main room at Pachyderm Studios, not the kitchen.
• The exact time Cobain spent recording his vocal tracks is not widely documented; reports of a six-hour session are unconfirmed.
• The song 'Gallons of Rubbing Alcohol Flow Through the Strip' was originally titled 'I'll Take You Down to the Pavement,' a reference to an argument between Cobain and Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose at the 1992 MTV Video M