Musically I don’t think the Meat Puppets had that much in common with Nirvana. Sure they were from the same underground/do it yourself scene as all the bands that would either break with Nirvana or influence Kurt and the band in some way. But actually sound like Nirvana? I think the answer is a firm ‘NO’. Blending with country, psychedelia, acid rock and punk to create an unique sound that put the Meat Puppets in a category on their own. Even the often used term ‘cowpunk’ doesn’t quite fit. Of course the Meats puppets will be forever etched into the history of Nirvana thanks to their appearance on the now legendary MTV unplugged session. With three songs taken from the Meat Puppets II album ‘Plateau’, ‘Oh Me’ and ‘Lake of Fire’. If the inclusion of these three songs proves anything, it proves Kurt was truly a genius at spotting great songs. Because let’s be honest Meat Puppets II is not a great album, worth a listen? Yes but actually good? No. How Kurt spotted these songs is truly a beautiful act indeed. Even Courtney Love, normally hip to the beat in these matters, ‘thought it was shit’. Meat Puppets II is a sloppy mess and Meat Puppets I is basically unlistenable. However album number three ‘Up On the Sun’ is a true classic and one often cited as their defining moment but might not be for those looking for some ass kicking rock. For those looking for some chugging rock try my personal favourite ‘Huevos’ and also ‘Monsters’. 1994’s ‘Too High To Die’ is also a great album and one that most resembles the so called ‘alternative’ sound of the early 90s and includes a reworking of ‘Lake Of Fire’.
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