From Fecal Matter to Glory: The Untold Story of Nirvana’s ‘Spank Thru’
Nirvana’s meteoric rise to fame is well-documented, but the story of their early years is often overlooked. Before Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl stormed the charts with Nevermind, they honed their sound in the underground grunge scene, leaving behind a trail of passionate demos and captivating live performances.
One such gem from this era is the song ‘Spank Thru’, a track that showcases the raw energy and experimental spirit of Nirvana’s earliest incarnation.
The Genesis of ‘Spank Thru’
Before Nirvana became a household name, Cobain explored music with various projects, including a band called Fecal Matter. This short-lived group left behind a demo tape called Illiteracy Will Prevail featuring early versions of songs that would later find their way into Nirvana’s repertoire, including ‘Spank Thru’.
Recognizing the potential within these raw tracks, Cobain, Novoselic, and drummer Chad Channing decided to re-record ‘Spank Thru’ as a demo for aspiring label Sub Pop.
A Failed First Impression
The initial demo of ‘Spank Thru’, however, didn’t impress Sub Pop founders Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman. Pavitt found the arrangement "a little too busy" and criticized the track for having "a lot of different changes." Despite its musical merit, ‘Spank Thru’ failed to land a spot on a Sub Pop release.
A Second Chance and a Breakthrough
Embracing the feedback, Nirvana revisited the song and recorded a revised version with producer Jack Endino. This rendition, captured with greater focus and sonic clarity, finally captured the attention of Sub Pop, leading them to sign the band.
‘Spank Thru’ appeared on Sub Pop 200, a compilation showcasing the label’s burgeoning talent, and paved the way for ‘Love Buzz’, Nirvana’s debut single on the label.
While ‘Spank Thru’ never made it onto a studio album and soon faded from the band’s live setlist, its story serves as a reminder that even iconic bands face challenges and setbacks on their journey to success.
‘Spank Thru’ remains a hidden gem for die-hard Nirvana fans, offering a glimpse into the band’s formative years and the raw talent that would eventually propel them to global stardom.
