Why the name Smells Like Teen Spirit?

The title derives from a phrase written on Cobain’s wall by his friend Kathleen Hanna, singer of the riot grrrl band Bikini Kill: “Kurt smells like Teen Spirit.” Hanna meant that Cobain smelled like the deodorant Teen Spirit, which she and Tobi Vail, his then-girlfriend, had discovered during a trip to the grocery …

Is Smells Like Teen Spirit stolen?

Dave Grohl Reveals Where He Stole the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” Drum Part From. Nirvana’s Nevermind contains some truly iconic rhythm parts by drummer Dave Grohl, and he has now revealed where he stole his ideas from — classic disco.

Who did a cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit?

Versions

Title Performer Release date
Smells Like Teen Spirit Nirvana [US] September 24, 1991
Smells Like Teen Spirit Tori Amos 1992
Smells Like Teen Spirit Xorcist 1993
Smells Like Teen Spirit Sara DeBell 1993

Did Kurt Cobain know that Teen Spirit was a deodorant?

For starters, the author of the 1991 song (Nirvana’s lead singer Kurt Cobain) did not know what the term “teen spirit” meant when he used it as the title; he thought it was an arcane anti-establishment motto, when in fact it was the name of a mildly popular deodorant aimed at young females.

Did Kurt Cobain listen to the Pixies?

Cobain’s respect for the Pixies was profound. According to Kerrang!, he considered the Pixies’ Surfer Rosa to be his second-favorite album of all time. It was second only to Raw Power by Iggy and the Stooges.

Did Smells Like Teen Spirit copy more than a feeling?

Considering the song’s massive success, it’s unlikely Kurt Cobain had not heard “More Than a Feeling” before he wrote “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” In fact, the Nirvana frontman even admitted he was going for something similar when creating his song’s structure.

When did Paul Anka sing Smells Like Teen Spirit?

2005
It’s Paul Anka’s 2005 cover of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’. The 1991 song, despite not being one of Kurt Cobain’s favourite songs, is undoubtedly part of the musical lexicon we now have.

When did Tori Amos cover Smells Like Teen Spirit?

1992
In 1992, Tori Amos became the first artist to cover Nirvana’s earth-shattering hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Featured as a B-side to single “Crucify” from her debut solo album, Little Earthquakes, Amos’ cover was a delicate rendition led by her powerful vocals and haunting piano work.

What key is smells like Teen Spirit in?

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a grunge, alternative rock, and hard rock song. It was recorded in the original key of F minor and follows a Fm-B ♭ m–A ♭ –D ♭ chord progression, with the main guitar riff constructed from four power chords played in a syncopated sixteenth note strum by Cobain.

What does smells like Teen Spirit by Nirvana mean?

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a song by American rock band Nirvana. It is the opening track and lead single from the band’s second album, Nevermind (1991), released on DGC Records. Hanna meant that Cobain smelled like the deodorant Teen Spirit, which his then-girlfriend Tobi Vail wore.

What was the release date of smells like Teen Spirit?

Release and reception. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was released to radio on August 27, 1991. On September 10, it was released as the lead single from Nevermind, Nirvana’s major label debut on DGC Records. The song did not initially chart, and sold well only in regions of the United States with an established Nirvana fanbase.

What are some songs like smells like Teen Spirit that are parodies?

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” has inspired a few parodies. “Weird Al” Yankovic parodied the song in 1992 with “Smells Like Nirvana”, a song about Nirvana itself. Yankovic parodied the difficulty in understanding Cobain’s singing as well as the lyrics and their meaning.