08/20/89 and 08/28/89 - "The Jury" / "Lithium" Project - Reciprocal Studios - Seattle, WA
This Leadbelly tune was recorded in the summer of 1989 during the brief existence of a side project comprised of Cobain, Novoselic, and Screaming Trees members Mark Lanegan and Mark Pickerel. The project was going to be called Jury or Lithium (Cobain's preference). Nothing came of this collaboration, though, and "Ain't It A Shame" was never released, as was another Leadbelly cover, "
Grey Goose," which was also recorded at that time. "
Where Did You Sleep Last Night" was the only song released from this project and it, too, was a Leadbelly cover.
"Ain't It A Shame" has been referred to as Kurt's greatest vocal performance ever. Some say that it was just vocals, with no instruments at all, but according to Jack Endino it has Cobain on lead vocals.
(Thanks to DN member Cough Syrup for their input.)