Live At Reading
by Nirvana
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Nov 3, 2009
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Uncut
    60
    This is a fierce live performance by a band who didn’t always manage to hold things together onstage. It catches Nirvana at maximum intensity, aware of, but not disabled by, the contradictions that tormented Cobain and would eventually tear him asunder.

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Album of 2009
67
#67 Most Discussed Album of 2009
33
#33 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 163 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 150 out of 163
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 163
  3. Negative: 11 out of 163
  1. FrankieB.
    Dec 10, 2009
    10
    Whenever something gets critical acclaim on this site im a little bit skeptical, but i have to say that metacritics rating is completely on Whenever something gets critical acclaim on this site im a little bit skeptical, but i have to say that metacritics rating is completely on the money. Nirvana in my opinion is the second best alternative rock band of the 90's (Helmet i consider the best overall 90's alt rock band, my criteria putting value on how much music they influenced, the bias of how well they speak to me as an individual, and the inevitable bias of "how popular they were". I understand Nirvana sold over ten times as much as Helmet but for some reason to me Helmet has a little more power). The ENERGY of this disc is FUCKIN AMAZING. Prior to hearing Live At Reading, it was AWHILE before i felt genuinely invigorated by a rock album. I was actually feeling depressed about the music industry in general until i heard this cd. When i heard the frenetic energy of this music, and Kurt Kobain's agonized, quirky delivery, I felt as rebellious and pissed off as i did when i was 15, and i mean that as the highest praise i can think of. I also recognize "School" as one of the most cathartic rock anthems ever made. All the material covered on this, which is mostly from Bleach and Nevermind and a handful of tracks from In Utero, are performed at the pinnacle of cathartic intensity.… Full Review »
  2. LukeG.
    Nov 16, 2009
    10
    Amazing, that's all I can say.
  3. JoseC.
    Dec 17, 2009
    10
    A Perfect Capturing of a Moment in Time in which Nirvana Captivated the World with their music, and we Forever knew no peer to Cobain.
See all user reviews »