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With the Lights Out
Box set by
Nirvana
ReleasedNovember 23, 2004 (2004-11-23)
Recorded1987–1994
Genre
Length
CD 1: 71:25
CD 2: 71:31
CD 3: 73:31 		Overall:
216:27
DVD: 66:14
LabelDGC
Producer
Nirvana chronology
Nirvana
(2002) 		With the Lights Out
(2004) 		Sliver: The Best of the Box
(2005)

With the Lights Out is a box set by the American rock band Nirvana, released on November 23, 2004. It contains three CDs and one DVD of previously rare or unreleased material, including B-sides, demos, and rehearsal and live recordings. The title comes from the lyrics of Nirvana's 1991 single "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

With the Lights Out was planned for release in 2001, but was delayed by a legal battle with Courtney Love, the widow of Nirvana singer, Kurt Cobain.[1] As of 2016, it had sold 546,000 copies in the US.[2]

Background

[edit]

Rumors of a posthumous Nirvana anthology surfaced in the mid-1990s, not long after the death of the singer and guitarist, Kurt Cobain, in April 1994. It was reported in Kerrang! in April 1999 that the surviving Nirvana members, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, were planning a box set to be released in 2000 at the earliest.[3] It was later announced that a 45-track box set would be released in September 2001, to mark the 10th anniversary of the band's breakthrough album, Nevermind, but it was delayed by a legal battle with Cobain's widow, Courtney Love.[1][4]

Much of the dispute centered on the unreleased song "You Know You're Right", recorded in January 1994 during the band's final studio session. Grohl and Novoselic wanted it for the box set, but Love blocked its release and sued them for control of Nirvana's legacy.[4] Love's lawsuit asserted that "the parties have fundamentally different concepts of how to manage the musical and artistic legacy of Kurt Cobain", which resulted "in a stalemate of decision making".[5] She believed that "You Know You're Right" would be "wasted" on a box set, and instead belonged on a single-disc compilation similar to the Beatles' 1.[6]

In 2002, the legal battle was settled, and "You Know You're Right" appeared on the "best-of" compilation Nirvana. This paved the way for what became the With the Lights Out box set, which arrived in November 2004, over three years after its original release date but with more music than originally promised, including an acoustic demo of "You Know You're Right".[7]

Release

[edit]

Promotion

[edit]

Before the release of With the Lights Out, a promotional EP, Selections from With the Lights Out, was sent to radio stations, featuring the songs "White Lace and Strange", "Blandest", "Lithium", "Heart-Shaped Box" and "You Know You're Right" from the box set.[8] "Lithium" was also released as an exclusive iTunes downloadable single on November 22, 2004.[9] The music video for the original version of "In Bloom", made in 1990 and first released on the Sub Pop Video Network Program VHS compilation in 1991,[10] was released to music television to promote the box set.[11][12] The video appears on the box set's DVD. An online trailer was also released for the box set, featuring footage from the DVD and audio from the three CDs.[13][14]

Packaging

[edit]

With the Lights Out is packaged in heat-sensitive material which changes color when touched, revealing images of recording session tapes.[15]

Each of the three CDs loosely represents the rare recordings from three periods in Nirvana's history, in line with the band's three studio albums, Bleach, Nevermind and In Utero, which were released in 1989, 1991 and 1993 respectively. The DVD contains rare live performances and rehearsals from throughout the band's career.

It includes a 60-page booklet which contains liner notes by Thurston Moore of the American rock band Sonic Youth and the journalist Neil Strauss, as well as photographs and a chronological catalog of the band's recording history, including studio sessions, television and radio appearances, live performances and home demo recordings sessions.

The band's May 6, 1987 radio session at KAOS 89.3 FM in Olympia, Washington, is mislabeled as being from April 17, 1987.[15]

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic76/100[16]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[17]
The Encyclopedia of Popular MusicStarStarStar[18]
Entertainment WeeklyA−[19]
The GuardianStarStarStarStar[20]
NME7/10[21]
Pitchfork Media6.3/10[22]
PopMatters5/10[23]
QStarStarStarStar[24]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarStarHalf star[25]
SpinA[26]

With the Lights Out received generally positive reviews from music critics,[16] many of whom saw it as a valuable glimpse into the band's evolution. Julian Marshall of the NME called it "a humanising, comprehensive and often heartbreaking document of a man who, in five years, changed the face of music, almost by accident".[27] John Jeremiah Sullivan of New York Magazine called it "an appropriately eccentric testament to Cobain's talent".[28]

However, several critics felt it contained too much second-rate material never intended for release. Mark Richardson of Pitchfork wrote, "Those hoping for a trove of overlooked gems will be disappointed ... Simply put, there's enough good stuff here for a solid single disc."[22] Tim O'Neil of PopMatters wrote, "The majority of the material presented here will appeal only to a select group of hardcore fans, music historians and critics."[29]

Track listing

[edit]

All songs written by Kurt Cobain, except where noted.

Disc one

[edit]
  1. "Heartbreaker" (John Bonham/John Paul Jones/Jimmy Page/Robert Plant) – 2:59
  2. "Anorexorcist" (a.k.a. "Annorexorcist") – 2:44
  3. "White Lace and Strange" (Chris Bond) – 2:09
  4. "Help Me, I'm Hungry" (a.k.a. "Vendetagainst") – 2:41
  2. "Mrs. Butterworth" (a.k.a. "Unknown #2") – 4:05
  2. "If You Must" – 4:01
  3. "Pen Cap Chew" – 4:02
  2. "Downer" – 1:43
  3. "Floyd the Barber" – 2:33
  4. "Raunchola" (a.k.a. "Erectum")/"Moby Dick" ("Moby Dick" – John Bonham/John Paul Jones/Jimmy Page) – 6:24
  • 1987–1988 solo 4-track home recordings, Aberdeen, Washington.
  2. "Beans" – 1:32
  3. "Don't Want It All" (a.k.a. "Seed") – 2:26
  4. "Clean Up Before She Comes" – 3:12
  5. "Polly" – 2:30
  6. "About a Girl" – 2:44
  • June 11, 1988 studio session at Reciprocal Recording Studios, Seattle, Washington.[31] Producer: Jack Endino
  2. "Blandest" – 3:56
  2. "Dive" (Kurt Cobain/Krist Novoselic) – 4:50
  • August 20 and 28, 1989 studio session at Reciprocal Recording Studios, Seattle, Washington. Producer: Jack Endino. (Studio session for "the Jury", a Lead Belly cover band featuring members of Nirvana and the Screaming Trees)
  2. "They Hung Him on a Cross" (Huddie Ledbetter) – 1:57
  3. "Grey Goose" (Huddie Ledbetter) – 4:36
  4. "Ain't It a Shame" (Huddie Ledbetter) – 2:01
  • September 1989 studio session at Music Source Studios, Seattle, Washington. Producer: Steve Fisk.
  2. "Token Eastern Song" – 3:21
  3. "Even in His Youth" – 3:12
  4. "Polly" – 2:36

Disc two

[edit]
  • September 25, 1990 solo radio session on Boy Meets Girl, KAOS 89.3 FM, Olympia, Washington. Host: Calvin Johnson.
  1. "Opinion" – 1:34
  2. "Lithium" – 1:49
  3. "Been a Son" – 1:12
  • 1990 boombox-recorded home demos, Olympia, Washington.
  2. "Sliver" – 2:09
  3. "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" (traditional) – 2:31
  2. "Pay to Play" (early version of "Stay Away") (previously released on DGC Rarities: Volume 1 in 1994) – 3:29
  3. "Here She Comes Now" (John Cale/Sterling Morrison/Lou Reed) (previously released on split-single with the Melvins in 1991)[32] – 5:01
  2. "Drain You" – 2:38
  • January 1, 1991 studio session at Music Source Studios, Seattle, Washington. Producer: Craig Montgomery
  2. "Aneurysm" (Kurt Cobain/Dave Grohl/Krist Novoselic) (previously released on "Smells Like Teen Spirit" single in 1991) – 4:47
  • March 1991 band rehearsal, Tacoma, Washington.
  2. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Kurt Cobain/Dave Grohl/Krist Novoselic) – 5:40
  2. "Breed" (Butch Vig rough mix) – 3:07
  3. "Verse Chorus Verse" – 3:17
  4. "Old Age" – 4:20
  2. "Endless, Nameless" – 8:47
  3. "Dumb" – 2:35
  • October 21, 1990 radio session at Maida Vale Studios, London, England. (John Peel session)
  2. "D-7" (Greg Sage) (previously released on "Lithium" single in 1992) – 3:46
  • April 7, 1992 studio session at Laundry Room Studios, Seattle, Washington. Producer: Barrett Jones.
  2. "Oh, the Guilt" (alternate mix of previously released song on split-single with the Jesus Lizard in 1992) – 3:25
  3. "Curmudgeon" (alternate mix of previously released song on "Lithium" single in 1992) – 3:03
  4. "Return of the Rat" (Greg Sage) (alternate mix of previously released song on Eight Songs for Greg Sage and the Wipers in 1993) – 3:09
  • May 1991 studio session at Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, California. Producer: Butch Vig. (Studio session for Nevermind)
  2. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Kurt Cobain/Dave Grohl/Krist Novoselic) (Butch Vig mix) – 4:59

Disc three

[edit]
  2. "Rape Me" – 3:23
  • October 25–26, 1992 studio session at Word of Mouth Studios (former Reciprocal Recording Studios), Seattle, Washington. Producer: Jack Endino.
  2. "Rape Me" – 3:01
  • Winter 1992 band rehearsal, Seattle, Washington.
  2. "Scentless Apprentice" (Kurt Cobain/Dave Grohl/Krist Novoselic) – 9:32
  2. "Heart-Shaped Box" – 5:31
  3. "I Hate Myself and Want to Die" – 4:03 (mislabelled as the "b-side" version)
  4. "Milk It" – 4:34
  5. "Moist Vagina" (a.k.a. "MV") – 1:56
  6. "Gallons of Rubbing Alcohol Flow Through the Strip" (Kurt Cobain/Dave Grohl/Krist Novoselic) (previously released on non-U.S. versions of In Utero, 1993) – 7:33
  7. "The Other Improv" – 6:24
  • Fall or Winter 1992 solo boombox-recorded home demos, Seattle, Washington.
  2. "Serve the Servants" – 1:36
  3. "Very Ape" – 1:52
  • 1993 solo boombox-recorded home demo, Seattle, Washington.
  2. "Pennyroyal Tea" – 3:30
  • February 12–26, 1993 studio session at Pachyderm Studios, Cannon Falls, Minnesota. Producer: Steve Albini. (Studio session for In Utero)
  2. "Marigold" (Dave Grohl) (previously released on "Heart-Shaped Box" single in 1993) – 2:34
  3. "Sappy" (previously released as "Verse Chorus Verse" on No Alternative in 1993) – 3:26
  • February 5, 1994 band rehearsal at Pavilhão Dramático, Cascais, Portugal.
  2. "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam" (Eugene Kelly/Frances McKee) – 3:57
  • 1994 solo boombox-recorded home demo, Seattle, Washington.
  2. "Do Re Mi" – 4:24
  • 1993 or 1994 solo boombox-recorded home demo, Seattle, Washington.
  2. "You Know You're Right" – 2:30
  • 1991 or 1992 solo boombox-recorded home demo, Olympia, Washington, or Seattle, Washington.
  2. "All Apologies" – 3:33

DVD

[edit]
  • 1988 band rehearsal, residence of bassist Krist Novoselic's mother, Aberdeen, Washington.
  2. "Love Buzz" (Robbie van Leeuwen) – 2:32
  3. "Scoff" – 0:47
  4. "About a Girl" – 3:05
  5. "Big Long Now" – 4:22
  6. "Immigrant Song" (Jimmy Page/Robert Plant) – 1:57
  7. "Spank Thru" – 3:10
  8. "Hairspray Queen" – 3:37
  9. "School" – 2:53
  10. "Mr. Moustache" – 3:47
  2. "Big Cheese" (Kurt Cobain/Krist Novoselic) – 3:13
  2. "Sappy" – 4:27 (mislabeled as track 12 on the cover)
  2. "In Bloom" – 4:28 (mislabeled as track 11 on the cover) (Pre-Nevermind version, featuring Chad Channing on drums, recorded April 1990 at Smart Studios, Madison, Wisconsin. Producer: Butch Vig)
  • September 22, 1990 show at the Motor Sports International Garage, Seattle, Washington.
  2. "School" – 2:33
  • October 11, 1990 show at North Shore Surf Club, Olympia, Washington. (Drummer Dave Grohl's first show)
  2. "Love Buzz" – 3:40
  • April 17, 1991 show at OK Hotel, Seattle, Washington.
  2. "Pennyroyal Tea" (first live performance) – 1:55
  3. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Kurt Cobain/Dave Grohl/Krist Novoselic) (first live performance) – 6:16
  4. "Territorial Pissings" – 2:45
  2. "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam" (Eugene Kelly/Frances McKee) – 3:32
  2. "Talk to Me" – 3:35
  • January 22, 1993 studio session at BMG Ariola Studios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Producer: Craig Montgomery.
  2. "Seasons in the Sun" (Terry Jacks) – 3:40

Personnel

[edit]

Nirvana

  • Kurt Cobain – lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, bass and percussion on "Don't Want It All", drums on "Seasons in the Sun"
  • Krist Novoselic – bass, lead vocals on "Heartbreaker" (Live), accordion on "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam" (rehearsal), guitar on "Seasons in the Sun"
  • Dave Grohl – drums, backing vocals, lead vocals and guitar on "Marigold", bass on "Drain You" and "Seasons in the Sun"
  • Aaron Burckhard – drums on tracks 1–5 (disc one)
  • Dale Crover – drums on tracks 6–10 (disc one) and track 8 (disc two)
  • Chad Channing – drums on tracks 16, 17, 21–23 (disc one), tracks 6, 7 (disc two) and tracks 1–12 (DVD)
  • Dan Peters – drums on track 13 (DVD)
  • Jason Everman – 2nd guitar on track 17 (disc one) and track 10 (DVD)
  • Pat Smear – 2nd guitar on track 15 (disc three)

Additional personnel

Sliver: The Best of the Box

[edit]
Sliver: The Best of the Box
Compilation album by
Nirvana
ReleasedNovember 1, 2005 (2005-11-01)
Recorded1985–1994
Genre
Length74:24
LanguageEnglish
LabelDGC
Nirvana chronology
With the Lights Out
(2004) 		Sliver: The Best of the Box
(2005) 		Live at Reading
(2009)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[35]
BlenderStarStar[36]
Drowned in Sound4/10[37]
The Encyclopedia of Popular MusicStarStarStar[18]
Pitchfork6.8/10[38]

Recording and release

[edit]

Sliver: The Best of the Box is a compilation album by the American rock band, Nirvana, released in November 2005. It contains 19 tracks from the band's 2004 rarities box set, With the Lights Out, as well as three previously unreleased recordings: "Spank Thru", from the 1985 "Fecal Matter" demo, a 1990 studio recording of "Sappy", and a 1991 boombox demo of "Come as You Are". Sliver: The Best of the Box opened at number 21 on the Billboard 200. Nielson Soundscan reported that as of 2016, Sliver: The Best of the Box has sold 376,000 copies in the U.S.[2][needs update]

Artwork

[edit]

According to Rolling Stone, the title and cover photograph for Sliver: The Best of the Box were chosen by Frances Bean, the daughter of Cobain and Courtney Love. The cover photograph depicts a cardboard box filled with Nirvana and Cobain tapes, including a copy of the Fecal Matter demo. Some of the tapes have spilled out of the box and are strewn across the floor.[39]

Track listing

[edit]
  1. "Spank Thru" (December 1985 Fecal Matter demo) – 3:45
  2. "Heartbreaker" (March 1987 show in Raymond, Washington) – 2:59
  3. "Mrs. Butterworth" (Summer 1987 band demo) – 4:05
  4. "Floyd the Barber" (January 23, 1988 show in Tacoma, WA) – 2:33
  5. "Clean Up Before She Comes" (1988 home demo) – 3:12
  6. "About a Girl" (1988 home demo) – 2:44
  7. "Blandest" (June 6, 1988 studio session in Seattle, Washington. Produced by Jack Endino) – 3:56
  8. "Ain't It a Shame" (August 1989 studio session in Seattle, WA) – 2:02
  9. "Sappy" (January 1990 studio session in Seattle, Washington. Produced by Jack Endino) – 3:33
  10. "Opinion" (September 25, 1990 KAOS radio show) – 1:35
  11. "Lithium" (September 25, 1990 KAOS radio show) – 1:49
  12. "Sliver" (1990 home demo) – 2:10
  13. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (March 1991 boombox demo) – 5:40
  14. "Come as You Are" (March 1991 boombox demo) – 4:10
  15. "Old Age" (May 1991 studio session for Nevermind) – 4:21
  16. "Oh, the Guilt" (April 1992 studio session in Seattle, WA) – 3:25
  17. "Rape Me" (May 1991 solo acoustic home demo) – 3:23
  18. "Rape Me" (October 1992 studio session in Seattle, WA) – 3:03
  19. "Heart-Shaped Box" (January 1993 studio session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) – 5:32
  20. "Do Re Mi" (1994 boombox demo solo acoustic) – 4:24
  21. "You Know You're Right" (1994 boombox demo solo acoustic) – 2:30
  22. "All Apologies" (undated boombox demo solo acoustic, circa 1992) – 3:33

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

With the Lights Out

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
With the Lights Out is a box set by the American rock band Nirvana, released on November 23, 2004.[1] It consists of three compact discs containing 61 audio tracks and one DVD with 20 video tracks, featuring rare, unreleased, demo, live, and outtake recordings spanning the band's career from 1987 to 1994.[2] The collection is arranged chronologically across the CDs, starting with early material such as a live cover of Led Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker" from Nirvana's debut performance in 1987, radio sessions including "Anorexorcist," and solo acoustic versions like "Polly" from 1988.[2] Subsequent discs cover demos and rehearsals for major albums, including demos of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Drain You," and "Heart-Shaped Box," as well as later tracks like the solo acoustic "You Know You're Right" from 1994.[3] The DVD compiles live footage, rehearsal videos, and home movies, providing visual documentation of the band's raw energy and development.[4] Compiled by surviving members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic with oversight from Courtney Love, the set draws from personal archives to offer an unpolished glimpse into Nirvana's creative process and evolution from grunge pioneers to cultural icons.[5] Accompanied by a 60-page booklet with rare photos, liner notes by Thurston Moore, and chronological essays, it serves as an essential archive for fans.[6] Commercially, With the Lights Out debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 and became the fastest-selling box set in U.S. history at the time, eventually earning platinum certification.[7]

Development

Background

Following Kurt Cobain's suicide on April 5, 1994, Nirvana effectively disbanded, leaving behind a vast archive of unreleased recordings, demos, and other materials that required careful stewardship by the band's surviving members, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, alongside Cobain's widow, Courtney Love, who controlled significant aspects of his estate.[8] The trio navigated the band's legacy amid ongoing legal and personal tensions, with Love inheriting Cobain's publishing rights and the musicians retaining control over much of the master recordings through their partnership.[9] This post-dissolution period saw the archives managed jointly but contentiously, as the parties balanced honoring Cobain's creative output with protecting the band's artistic integrity.[10] Initial discussions for a comprehensive release of Nirvana's unreleased material emerged in the late 1990s, with the concept of a box set first formalized in a 1996 contract amendment between the band and DGC Records (a Geffen subsidiary), mandating delivery of an archival collection by 2001 to commemorate the group's history through demos, outtakes, and B-sides.[11] Novoselic took a lead role in early compilation efforts starting around 1998, aiming to create a tribute that captured the raw evolution of Nirvana's sound and honored Cobain's contributions without commercial exploitation.[12] These talks reflected a desire to consolidate scattered materials—like home recordings and session leftovers—into a definitive legacy project, though progress stalled due to disputes over control and content.[13] Geffen Records played a pivotal role in advancing the project, pushing for its approval amid the band's contractual obligations, but the effort was derailed by a high-profile legal battle in 2001 when Love filed suit against Grohl and Novoselic, seeking to rescind the 1996 agreement and halt the box set's release over concerns about estate rights and material selection.[12] The dispute, which centered on unreleased tracks including the posthumous single "You Know You're Right," was settled in September 2002, allowing the project to proceed under a renewed agreement that emphasized collaborative oversight.[10] This resolution around 2001-2003 cleared the path for Geffen's involvement in curating and producing the set as a respectful anthology.[13] Key events shaping the box set's scope included the 1998 discovery of Cobain's personal boombox demo tapes, recorded ahead of the Nevermind sessions and containing early versions like "Old Age," which highlighted the band's formative experimentation and informed the emphasis on raw, unpolished material.[14] Further influencing the project's breadth was the 2001 revelation of approximately 120 additional Cobain tapes stored in a secure vault, encompassing personal recordings and outtakes that expanded the archival possibilities and underscored the depth of untapped content from Nirvana's brief career.[15] These findings, amid the estate's management, reinforced the set's conceptual foundation as a comprehensive tribute to Cobain's unreleased legacy.

Compilation process

The compilation of With the Lights Out was initiated in 1997 by Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, who sought to assemble the band's unreleased recordings into a comprehensive archival release. Novoselic oversaw the project, collaborating closely with producer Jack Endino on sourcing and mixing select tracks, as well as with author and Nirvana historian Gillian G. Gaar, who contributed research on the band's session history starting in 1999. The effort evolved over six years, marked by extensive archival digging, with major assembly work resuming in the summer of 2003 after earlier delays.[16] Selection criteria prioritized rare and unreleased audio from 1987 to 1994, focusing on demos, live recordings, B-sides, radio sessions, and home tapes to highlight Nirvana's experimental and formative phases, while explicitly excluding tracks from the band's core studio albums like Bleach, Nevermind, and In Utero. This approach aimed to deliver obscure material for dedicated fans, drawing from Kurt Cobain's personal cassette collection of boombox demos and acoustic pieces, alongside studio outtakes provided by producers such as Endino (for early Seattle sessions) and Butch Vig (for Nevermind-era rough mixes). Sourcing presented substantial challenges, including retrieval of tapes from Sub Pop's archives, Geffen Records' vaults, and the band's private collections, compounded by legal clearances required for previously unheard content. The project stalled amid disputes between Novoselic and Courtney Love over creative control and estate rights from 2001 to 2002, pushing back the planned fall 2001 release until resolutions allowed progress.[16][6][17] Sequencing emphasized a chronological structure across the three CDs to map Nirvana's evolution: Disc 1 gathers material from the band's formative pre-Bleach years (1987–1989), Disc 2 spotlights the breakthrough Nevermind period (1990–1991), and Disc 3 addresses the In Utero era and final sessions (1992–1994), creating a narrative arc from raw punk roots to polished grunge intensity.[2] The DVD's curation centered on visual rarities, selecting live performances like the band's 1987 debut show and 1988 home rehearsals at Novoselic's family residence, alongside behind-the-scenes footage such as a rare In Bloom promo video and excerpts from MTV's Unplugged in New York session. All video elements underwent remastering to enhance audio-visual quality, ensuring preservation of the raw, unpolished aesthetic while making the content accessible for modern viewing.[18][6]

Release

Promotion

Geffen Records began promoting With the Lights Out with early announcements in major music publications to build anticipation for the box set's release. In February 2004, Spin magazine featured a cover story on Nirvana that included details about the upcoming compilation.[19] Further hype was generated through interviews with surviving members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic in outlets like Rolling Stone, where they emphasized the set's role in showcasing rare demos, live recordings, and rehearsals to honor Kurt Cobain's legacy without commercialization. An October 20, 2004, Rolling Stone article announced the November 23 release date, describing the three-CD and one-DVD collection as containing 81 tracks, 68 previously unreleased, and highlighted its comprehensive scope as a definitive archive.[20] Digital platforms contributed through iTunes, which offered bonus audio tracks such as "Nevermind It's an Interview" for a limited time.

Packaging

With the Lights Out is presented as a deluxe box set containing three compact discs and one DVD, packaged in a sturdy cardboard slipcase featuring the embossed Nirvana logo on the exterior.[17] The cover artwork employs thermochromic ink on the front and back panels, which reacts to touch by fading, except for a metallic plate on the front cover providing a tactile and visual contrast to the heat-sensitive elements.[21] Interior packaging includes trays for the discs and DVD, with printed inserts depicting studio session imagery and band memorabilia to enhance the archival feel.[21] Accompanying the discs is a 60-page color booklet filled with rare photographs from Nirvana's career, including home demos, live performances, and personal moments.[6][3] The liner notes, contributed by Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and journalist Neil Strauss, offer contextual essays on the selections and the band's evolution.[3][1] While the standard edition maintains consistent packaging across regions, international variants exhibit minor differences, such as altered catalog numbering in Japanese releases or subtle printing variations in European pressings, though the core box set design remains uniform without digipak alternatives.[5] No official numbered limited editions were produced, but early pressings are noted for their pristine thermochromic functionality before potential wear in subsequent runs.[17]

Content

Track listing

With the Lights Out is a four-disc box set comprising three audio CDs and one DVD, presenting 81 tracks in total, with 68 previously unreleased at the time of its November 2004 release. The audio content is organized chronologically across the CDs, spanning Nirvana's career from its formative years through unreleased material from the Nevermind and In Utero eras, including demos, outtakes, live recordings, radio sessions, and solo acoustics primarily by Kurt Cobain. The DVD compiles 20 video segments, including live performances and home footage, formatted in NTSC for the U.S. edition and PAL for international releases, with a total runtime of approximately 100 minutes.[5][3]

Disc 1

The first disc covers Nirvana's early period from 1987 to 1989, emphasizing raw live radio appearances from 1987, demos recorded at Reciprocal Recording in Seattle and Cobain's Aberdeen home in 1988–1989, and early solo acoustic experiments.[22][6]
No.TitleVersionLengthNotes
1.HeartbreakerLive3:00March 1987, Raymond, WA (first Nirvana show)
2.AnorexorcistRadio performance2:451987
3.White Lace and StrangeRadio performance2:091987
4.Help Me I'm HungryRadio performance2:421987
5.Mrs. ButterworthRehearsal4:051988
6.If You MustDemo4:01Reciprocal Recording, 1988, Seattle
7.Pen Cap ChewDemo3:02Reciprocal Recording, 1988, Seattle
8.DownerLive1:431988
9.Floyd the BarberLive2:331988
10.Raunchola / Moby DickLive6:251988
11.BeansSolo acoustic1:33Undated
12.Don't Want It AllSolo acoustic2:26Undated
13.Clean Up Before She ComesSolo acoustic3:13Undated
14.PollySolo acoustic2:301988
15.About a GirlSolo acoustic2:451988
16.BlandestDemo3:56Reciprocal Recording, 1988, Seattle
17.DiveDemo4:51Reciprocal Recording, 1988, Seattle
18.They Hung Him on a CrossDemo1:57January 1989, Cobain's home
19.Grey GooseDemo4:36January 1989, Cobain's home
20.Ain't It a ShameDemo2:02January 1989, Cobain's home
21.Token Eastern SongDemo3:21January 1989, Cobain's home
22.Even in His YouthDemo3:131989
23.PollyDemo2:371989

Disc 2

The second disc documents the 1989–1991 transition, including solo acoustics from 1989–1990, demos from the Nevermind sessions with producer Butch Vig at Smart Studios in 1990–1991, radio sessions, and B-sides. Highlights include outtakes like "Old Age" and "Verse Chorus Verse" from the Nevermind era, alongside the aggressive "Curmudgeon" recorded in 1992 but rooted in earlier material.[23][24]
No.TitleVersionLengthNotes
1.OpinionSolo acoustic1:341990
2.LithiumSolo acoustic1:491990
3.Been a SonSolo acoustic1:131990
4.SliverSolo acoustic2:101989, Cobain's home
5.Where Did You Sleep Last NightSolo acoustic2:321989
6.Pay to PlayDemo3:29Smart Studios, 1990, Madison
7.Here She Comes NowDemo5:02Smart Studios, 1990, Madison
8.Drain YouDemo2:381990
9.AneurysmDemo4:481990
10.Smells Like Teen SpiritRehearsal demo5:411991
11.BreedRough mix3:08Smart Studios, May 1991
12.Verse Chorus VerseOuttake3:18Smart Studios, 1991
13.Old AgeOuttake4:21Butch Vig sessions, 1991
14.Endless, NamelessRadio appearance8:481991
15.DumbRadio appearance2:351991
16.D-7Radio appearance3:47BBC Radio 1, 1990, London
17.Oh, the GuiltB-side3:261992
18.CurmudgeonB-side3:041992
19.Return of the RatOuttake3:091992
20.Smells Like Teen SpiritButch Vig mix4:59Smart Studios, May 1991

Disc 3

The third disc explores 1991–1994, featuring alternate mixes from Nevermind, demos and rehearsals for In Utero at Pachyderm Studios and elsewhere in 1992–1993, B-sides, and late solo acoustics from 1994. Key tracks include "Sappy," an early version of "You Know You're Right," and post-In Utero material like live-inspired rehearsals.[25]
No.TitleVersionLengthNotes
1.Rape MeSolo acoustic3:231992
2.Rape MeDemo3:021992
3.Scentless ApprenticeRehearsal demo9:331992
4.Heart-Shaped BoxDemo5:321993
5.I Hate Myself and Want to DieDemo4:03Pachyderm Studios, 1993
6.Milk ItDemo4:351993
7.Moist VaginaDemo1:571993 (later "Tourette's")
8.Gallons of Rubbing Alcohol Flow Through the StripB-side7:341993
9.The Other ImprovDemo6:251993
10.Serve the ServantsSolo acoustic1:361993
11.Very ApeSolo acoustic1:531993
12.Pennyroyal TeaSolo acoustic3:301993
13.MarigoldB-side2:341993
14.SappyB-side3:271990 recording, released 1993
15.Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a SunbeamRehearsal demo3:58January 1994, Seattle
16.Do Re MiSolo acoustic4:251994, Seattle
17.You Know You're RightSolo acoustic2:311994, Seattle
18.All ApologiesSolo acoustic3:33Undated

DVD

The DVD presents a chronological video anthology from 1988 to 1994, blending professional live footage, amateur home videos, and TV appearances to illustrate the band's evolution. Early clips include 1988 performances at The Cruise venue in Seattle and KAOS radio sessions; mid-period features 1990–1991 shows like the Northwest Music Awards and Saturday Night Live; later segments highlight 1992–1993 tours, including the Reading Festival in 1993 and additional SNL footage, with interspersed home videos of Cobain. The selection draws from archival sources, emphasizing unreleased visuals from the band's raw beginnings to its peak fame.[26][27]
No.TitleLengthNotes
1Love Buzz2:32Live, February 1988, The Cruise, Seattle
2Scoff0:47Live, February 1988, The Cruise, Seattle
3About a Girl3:05Live, February 1988, The Cruise, Seattle
4Big Long Now4:22Live, February 1988, The Cruise, Seattle
5Immigrant Song1:57Live, February 1988, The Cruise, Seattle
6Spank Thru3:07Live, February 1988, The Cruise, Seattle
7Hairspray Queen2:05Live, October 1988, KAOS radio, Olympia
8School2:48Live, 1989, Pine Street Theatre, Olympia
9Where Did You Sleep Last Night4:25Live, 1989
10In Bloom4:16Live, 1990, Northwest Music Awards, Seattle
11Lounge Act2:47Live, 1990, Motorvision taping, Seattle
12Come as You Are4:03Live, 1991, Paramount Theatre, Seattle
13Lithium4:39Live, 1991, Paramount Theatre, Seattle
14Drain You3:41Live, 1991, Saturday Night Live, New York
15Silver2:15Live, 1991, Reading Festival rehearsal, England
16Breed3:08Live, 1992, Paramount Theatre, Seattle
17In Bloom4:35Live, 1992, Saturday Night Live, New York
18Heart-Shaped Box4:55Live, 1993, Reading Festival, England
19Rape Me3:07Live, 1993, Reading Festival, England
20Home Footage ExcerptsVariesVarious dates, 1983–1994, including Cobain home videos

Personnel

The personnel for the recordings compiled in With the Lights Out primarily feature Nirvana's core members, with variations reflecting the band's evolving lineup across its history from 1987 to 1994. Kurt Cobain served as lead vocalist and guitarist on all tracks, Krist Novoselic played bass on nearly all group recordings, and drummers included Aaron Burckhard and Dale Crover on early 1987–1988 material, Chad Channing on 1988–1990 tracks such as those from the Bleach era, and Dave Grohl on 1990–1994 selections including Nevermind outtakes and In Utero sessions.[5] Additional musicians appeared on select recordings, including Jason Everman on second guitar for 1989 live and demo tracks, and Pat Smear on rhythm guitar for 1993–1994 material.[5] Production credits spanned multiple eras and collaborators. For Sub Pop-era sessions (1987–1989), Jack Endino produced and engineered early demos and singles like "Love Buzz," while Greg Babior engineered some 1989 recordings. Nevermind outtakes (1991) were produced and mixed by Butch Vig, with additional mixing by Andy Wallace on tracks like "Smells Like Teen Spirit." In Utero and later material (1992–1994) involved Steve Albini as producer for sessions including "All Apologies," Scott Litt for mixes on "All Apologies" and "Pennyroyal Tea," and Barrett Jones for engineering on home demos like "Do Re Mi." Other producers included Steve Fisk for select 1989–1990 work and Ian Beveridge as co-producer on 1993–1994 acoustic tracks. The entire audio content was mastered by Bob Ludwig and Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering Studios.[5][28] For the accompanying DVD, video credits included direction by Lance Bangs for rehearsal and live footage from 1988–1993, such as the band's first show and MTV Unplugged segments; Kevin Kerslake for home video compilations like "Big Long Now"; Steve Brown for the "In Bloom" Sub Pop promo; and John Kessler for 1991–1992 clips including "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Pennyroyal Tea." Editing was handled by Guy Wagner for several Kessler-directed pieces, with additional footage sourced from Robert Novoselic as camera operator on early 1988–1989 videos.[17][29]

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release, With the Lights Out garnered generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its role in illuminating Nirvana's evolution and Kurt Cobain's raw creativity. Pitchfork awarded the box set a 6.3 out of 10, noting the value in tracks showcasing Cobain's songwriting talent like "If You Must" and "Old Age," while critiquing the lack of overlooked gems, subpar demos, and poor-quality recordings that make it feel padded.[30] AllMusic gave it 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting the authenticity of the raw demos and B-sides, which capture the band's unfiltered energy and historical significance in grunge's formation.[31] Some responses were mixed, acknowledging the collection's completeness while critiquing its excesses. NME noted that the abundance of rarities bordered on overkill but ultimately valued the set's comprehensive nature as a humanizing document of Cobain's influence on music. Rolling Stone appreciated the emotional depth of unreleased lyrics that underscore Cobain's tortured genius, though it pointed out the variable audio quality of early boombox recordings as a drawback for casual listeners.[4] Critics frequently discussed broader themes, such as the outtakes' demonstration of Cobain's innovative songwriting and their contribution to grunge historiography by chronicling Nirvana's shift from underground punk to mainstream phenomenon. The emotional impact of hearing unfinished lyrics and intimate sessions was a recurring point, with Entertainment Weekly describing the material as "raw" and surprisingly resonant, evoking the band's fleeting intensity. Uncut called it a fulfillment of hardcore fans' dreams through its cathartic portrayal of Cobain's boundless talent. In long-term reassessments, the box set has been affirmed as essential for understanding Nirvana's legacy.

Commercial performance

Upon its release in November 2004, With the Lights Out debuted at number 19 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The box set was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on December 17, 2004, denoting shipments of 1,000,000 units.[32] It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Top Music Video Sales chart, reflecting strong demand for the included DVD component. In 2005, the set ranked number 180 on the Billboard 200 year-end chart.[33] Internationally, With the Lights Out entered the UK Albums Chart at number 56 and spent four weeks on the listing.[34] It received a Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on June 12, 2015, for 60,000 units shipped.[35] In Australia, the box set reached number 28 on the ARIA Albums Chart, holding the position for seven weeks.[36] The commercial momentum from With the Lights Out also propelled the related single-disc compilation Sliver: The Best of the Box, enhancing its chart performance through shared promotional visibility.[37]

Sliver: The Best of the Box

Development and release

Sliver: The Best of the Box was conceived in 2005 as a single-disc compilation offering a more affordable and digestible selection of rarities from Nirvana's 2004 box set With the Lights Out, targeting fans unable to purchase the pricier multi-disc collection.[38] The album features 22 tracks, comprising 19 highlights from the box set—such as early demos, live recordings, and outtakes like "Spank Thru" and "Sappy"—alongside three previously unreleased songs: a 1985 home demo of "Spank Thru," a studio version of "Sappy," and a boom box rehearsal of "Come As You Are."[39][40] The track selection prioritized accessible and representative examples of Nirvana's early material to introduce rarities to broader audiences, with the compilation remastered for cohesive playback. Released on November 1, 2005, by Geffen Records, it was issued primarily on CD, with digital formats available shortly after, priced between $10 and $15 to underscore its budget-friendly positioning against the original box set's cost exceeding $50.[41][42] It debuted at No. 103 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 100,000 copies in the US.[43] Promotion efforts focused on leveraging the box set's momentum, including radio specials, promotional posters for in-store displays, and bundling options with remaining With the Lights Out inventory to boost sales among existing fans.[44][45]

Artwork and track listing

The cover art for Sliver: The Best of the Box reuses elements from the With the Lights Out box set, featuring a black-and-white photograph of Kurt Cobain taken by Michael Lavine, with the album title "Sliver" overlaid in white text across the top and the subtitle "The Best of the Box" below.[46] The design, handled by art director Robert Fisher, maintains a minimalist aesthetic consistent with Nirvana's posthumous releases, emphasizing Cobain's image to evoke the band's raw origins.[46] The album is packaged in a standard jewel case format, containing a single CD without the DVD component of the original box set, making it more accessible for casual fans seeking a condensed overview of Nirvana's rarities. Included is an 8-page booklet with selected black-and-white photographs from the band's early sessions, along with abbreviated liner notes adapted from the With the Lights Out set, crediting writers like Charles R. Cross for contextual details on the recordings.[47] This simplified packaging contrasts with the deluxe multi-disc box, focusing on affordability and ease of entry into the material.[48] Several tracks on Sliver received fresh mixes to enhance audio clarity and listenability, distinct from their versions on the box set.[39] These adjustments aimed to make the compilation more appealing for standalone playback, bridging early demos with later outtakes.[39]

Track listing

The compilation features 22 tracks spanning Nirvana's career from 1985 to 1993, drawn primarily from the With the Lights Out box set, with three previously unreleased recordings: "Spank Thru" (a Fecal Matter demo), "Sappy," and "Come as You Are" (a boom box rehearsal). All songs written by Kurt Cobain unless otherwise noted. Durations and recording details are as follows:
No.TitleRecording detailsLength
1"Spank Thru"1985 Fecal Matter demo (previously unreleased)3:45
2"Heartbreaker" (Led Zeppelin cover)Live, 1987 (first concert)2:57
3"Mrs. Butterworth"1988 rehearsal4:05
4"Floyd the Barber"Live, 19882:34
5"Clean Up Before She Comes"Solo acoustic home demo, 19892:00
6"About a Girl"1988 rehearsal3:49
7"Blandest"1989 studio demo3:56
8"Ain't It a Shame" (also known as "The Priest They Called Him")1989 studio demo (with Mark Lanegan and Mark Pickerel)4:23
9"Even in His Youth"1990 studio demo3:08
10"Polly"Live, 19882:37
11"Breed"1990 home demo3:06
12"Dive"1990 studio session (Smart Studios; remixed for this release)3:56
13"Sappy"1990 studio session (previously unreleased)3:27
14"Sliver"1990 solo acoustic (remixed for this release)2:11
15"Drain You"1991 rehearsal3:31
16"Something in the Way"1991 rehearsal4:02
17"Heart Shaped Box"1993 band demo4:20
18"All Apologies"1991–1992 home demo3:25
19"Come as You Are"1991 boom box rehearsal (previously unreleased)4:25
20"Scentless Apprentice"1993 rehearsal demo3:30
21"Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle"1993 demo2:45
22"Rape Me"1992 band demo3:23
Total length: 1:14:15.[47] The sequence progresses chronologically, highlighting the evolution from raw punk demos to polished grunge outtakes, with sources noted in the booklet for each track's origin (e.g., home recordings, live shows, or studio sessions).[48]

References

  1. https://www.amoeba.com/with-the-lights-out-box-set-cd-nirvana/albums/785825/
  2. With The Lights Out [3 CD/1 DVD Box Set] - Nirvana
  3. https://shop.udiscovermusic.com/products/nirvana-with-the-lights-out-box-set-4dx
  4. With The Lights Out - Box Set - Rolling Stone
  5. Nirvana - With The Lights Out
  6. With The Lights Out - LiveNIRVANA.com
  7. NIRVANA's 'With The Lights Out' Becomes Fastest-Selling Box Set In ...
  8. Courtney Love and Nirvana in Lawsuit - ABC News
  9. Nirvana legacy erupts in Love and loathing | World news
  10. Courtney Love, former members of Nirvana settle suit
  11. Ownership of Nirvana Part Two
  12. Love Sues Nirvana - Rolling Stone
  13. How Courtney Love Lost Her Leverage, Settled Suit
  14. https://nirvanafanclub.com/get.php?section=info/wtloinfo/thestranger.htm
  15. LOVE CONQUERS ALL: COURTNEY'S SUIT BLOCKS NIRVANA ...
  16. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2002098092_nirvbox23.html
  17. Nirvana - With The Lights Out
  18. EXCLUSIVE – NIRVANA BOX SET DETAILS CONFIRMED - NME
  19. Nirvana: The 2004 Cover Story, 'The Ghost of Saint Kurt' - SPIN
  20. Nirvana Turn On "Lights" - Rolling Stone
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/5444027-Nirvana-With-The-Lights-Out
  22. The Specialty Ink Market - Ink World magazine
  23. https://www.discogs.com/release/3691119-Nirvana-With-The-Lights-Out-Disc-1
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/7775770-Nirvana-With-The-Lights-Out-Disc-2
  25. https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/nirvana-with-the-lights-out-box-set-track-listing-revealed
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/7775769-Nirvana-With-The-Lights-Out-Disc-3
  27. https://www.discogs.com/release/32187471-Nirvana-With-The-Lights-Out
  28. Live Nirvana DVD Guide | With The Lights Out
  29. Nirvana - With the Lights Out Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius
  30. Nirvana: With the Lights Out (Video 2004) - IMDb
  31. Nirvana: With the Lights Out Album Review | Pitchfork
  32. With the Lights Out - Nirvana | Album - AllMusic
  33. Nirvana: SPIN's Original Album Reviews, Collected
  34. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Nirvana#search_section
  35. WITH THE LIGHTS OUT by NIRVANA sales and awards
  36. WITH THE LIGHTS OUT – NIRVANA - Official Charts
  37. Nirvana :: Charts & Sales History - UKMIX Forums
  38. australian-charts.com - Nirvana - With The Lights Out
  39. Nirvana Box Track List Revealed - Billboard
  40. Nirvana : Sliver: The Best of the Box - Treble
  41. Nirvana: Sliver: The Best of the Box Album Review | Pitchfork
  42. Nirvana - Sliver: The Best of the Box Lyrics and Tracklist | Genius
  43. https://www.discogs.com/release/8507612-Nirvana-Sliver-The-Best-Of-the-Box
  44. Sliver - The Best of the Box - www.LiveNirvana.com
  45. NIRVANA 2005 sliver long 2 sided promotional poster Flawless New ...
  46. Picked up this weird Nirvana promo CD — “Sliver: The Radio Special”
  47. Nirvana - Sliver (The Best Of The Box)
  48. Sliver: The Best of the Box - Nirvana | Album - AllMusic
  49. Sliver - The Best of the Box - Nirvana
  50. Jack's Nirvana FAQ - Jack Endino
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