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Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is rather more than a track. It was — and stays — one in all music’s defining moments of the trendy period and continues to search out itself on nearly each all-time “better of” lists. (Identical goes for the album it comes from, Nevermind, which ranked High 10 on Consequence’s Biggest Albums of All Time listing.) When launched in 1991, “Spirit” remodeled greater than our airwaves — it remodeled tradition and society itself because it blasted onto the scene and thrust grunge into the mainstream. These relentless drums that open the observe, so loudly performed by David Grohl that no mics have been wanted within the studio; that defining guitar thrash and indelible raging voice of Kurt Cobain, who barely took greater than three takes; and naturally, that mesmerizing music video that performed in an limitless loop on MTV.

And the person behind all of it within the studio was legendary producer Butch Vig. As one in all Vig’s first excessive profile gigs, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” remodeled him as a lot because it did Nirvana. He went on to provide a few of the most iconic albums of the time, together with these by Smashing Pumpkins and Sonic Youth. And oh sure, Vig additionally discovered time to start out Rubbish, accumulating and limitless string of hits of his personal. (That band’s Shirley Manson was a latest visitor on The Story Behind the Music.)

On this newest episode, Vig joins host Peter Csathy to debate how he helped Nirvana catch magic in a bottle with “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” revealing what it was like working with Cobain in studio. It’s a uncommon and interesting dialogue on probably the most monumental releases in music historical past with one of many few individuals within the room when it was made.

Later within the episode, Vig additionally talk about his latest work with Rubbish and Silversun Pickups, two different latest visitors on TSBTS.

Take heed to Butch Vig reveal the historical past of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” above, or watch a section of the chat beneath. Then, be sure you like, assessment, and subscribe to The Story Behind the Music to maintain up with all the brand new episodes within the new 12 months. It’s also possible to comply with the Consequence Podcast Community for updates on all our sequence, and take a look at host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Inventive Media.

Nevermind followers can even see the long-lasting paintings represented in Legends merch assortment on the Consequence Store, together with T-shirts, tote baggage, and posters. Test it out now, or through the use of the Purchase Now buttons forward.

For those who’re having bother seeing the participant beneath, watch by way of YouTube.