GruNge

Grunge music was originated in the Pacific Northwest, mainly Seattle Washington, and is sometimes referred to as the "Seattle Sound". It started around the late 1980's, and gained popularity in the early 1990's. Early musicians of this sound tended to be young and aggressive. They used music as a way to express their dissatisfaction, and sometimes anger, with society. The sound of Grunge blossomed mainly out of Alternative Rock, Heavy Metal, and Punk, with heavy guitar distortion, slower tempos, and intense percussion. Lyrics were usually raw with emotion, speaking of sex, drugs, depression, politics, or any part of everyday life. This was a very different sound than the dance-pop glam artists that had become so popular in the early 1980's, such as Debbie Gibson and Madonna.

A great example of this sound is the band Nirvana. Although Nirvana was not the first band to play this new type of musical genre, they were one of the first to become huge on MTV, and are still remembered when speaking of Grunge. Flannels and long, seemingly unwashed hair soon swept the nation. Then, as media pressure ensued, so did Cobain's drug addiction, and in April of '94 he committed suicide. Nirvana will always be remembered in the Grunge musical genre, as we send our respects to Kurt.

Soon after his death the genre became less popular, though it may not be due to his death alone, as time always changes fads in music, fashion, and technology.

Grunge music history. (2003). Retrieved February 12, 2008, from http://www.silver-dragon-records.com/grunge.htm

Ruben, Joey. (2008). What is grunge music? A genre profile. Retrieved February 12, 2008, from http://altmusic.about.com/od/genresstyles/p/Grunge.htm