THE LIVENIRVANA COMPANION TO OFFICIAL RELEASES:
Bleach (Sub Pop Records, re-released by Geffen)


Bleach

Song: Date Recorded: Studio:
Blew December, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
Floyd the Barber January 23, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
About a Girl December, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
School December, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
Love Buzz June-September, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
Paper Cuts January 23, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
Negative Creep December, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
Scoff December, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
Swap Meet December, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
Mr. Moustache December, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
Sifting December, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
Big Cheese June-September, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA
Downer January 23, 1988 Reciprocal Studios, Seattle, WA

Released: 06/15/89 (US), 08/89 (Europe), 09/01/92

Releases: The first 1000 American copies were on white vinyl and the next 2000 copies on black vinyl included a limited edition poster. Subsequent pressings can be found in many colours. The album was released in the UK on Tupelo, with the first 300 copies on white viny, the next 2000 on green and an unknown quantity on black vinyl. After that various colours were used for reissues as for the American releases. In Australia it was released by Waterfront, with the first 500 copies on blue vinyl.

The American vinyl release had 11 tracks, including 'Love Buzz', but omitting 'Big Cheese' (because it was the 'Love Buzz' B-side). The 11-track British vinyl, however, contained 'Big Cheese' rather than 'Love Buzz' because this was exclusive to the 'Sub Pop Singles Club'. 'Love Buzz' was then added to the 'Blew EP' as NIRVANA got bigger but the single was not easily available.

The 13-track American CD release, however, has 'Big Cheese' and 'Love Buzz', as well as the CD incentive bonus track 'Downer'. The first British CD release (with 11 tracks) contained 'Big Cheese', but lacked 'Love Buzz' and 'Downer'. Future British releases contained all 13 tracks.

September 1992 saw Geffen re-release 'Bleach' on CD and cassette (with the 7" version of 'Big Cheese'), containing all the tracks. All tracks were remastered.

Additional Information: Recorded and produced by Jack Endino. The limited edition poster included with the vinyl release features a photo of 'Nirvana' taken by Charles Peterson at their 02/25/89 show at the HUB Ballroom at the University of Washington, which features Jason Everman. Jason was credited in the linear notes of the album as second guitarist, but did not in fact play on the album. It was a good-will gesture as he paid the $606.17 recording costs (the bill for 30 hours of studio time). The cover-shot of the album, of Nirvana at the Recko-Muse gallery in Olympia, was taken by Tracy Marander. CD versions included another of Peterson's photos from 02/25/89 in the insert, as well as one of his pictures from Nirvana's 02/15/90 show at Raji's in Los Angeles on the back inner sleave.

'Floyd The Barber' and 'Paper Cuts' were taken from the 01/23/88 session with Dale Crover due to dissatisfaction with the Chad Channing versions. Both were remastered for the album release, and backing vocals added to 'Paper Cuts'. Endino can't remember if 'Downer' was also remixed for CD releases. Kurt spelled his name 'Kurdt Kobain' as on the 'Love Buzz/Big Cheese' single. The album was completely re-sequenced at Pavitt's demand. This release saw the first appearance of the 'NIRVANA' logo (Bodoni Extra Bold Condensed type). The typesetter was rushed which explains why the spacing is not graphically correct (CAYA, p.107-08).

Sales:

Chart positions Sales Certifications
US AU AT CA FI JP NL NZ NO SE CH UK
89 34 26 - 24 46 - 30 - - - 33
  • US: 1.7 million+
  • US: Platinum
  • CA: Gold
  • FR: 2× Gold
  • UK: Platinum


LiveNIRVANA.com | all documents, unless otherwise noted, © 2001 LiveNIRVANA.com | Contact webmaster