With The Lights Out
by Nirvana
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Nov 23, 2004
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 87
  3. Negative: 12 out of 87

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  1. FirstNameLastName
    Nov 5, 2006
    8
    The greatest comfort of Nirvana is that the music is so uncomfortable.
  2. Amory
    Jan 20, 2005
    10
    One word...the box set was pure Nirvana!
  3. Thom
    Jun 22, 2005
    7
    On the plus side, there was about 3 songs I'd never heard before and some alternative versions that were good. The DVD was pretty great as well. The downside was, there was about three songs I'd never heard before and too many live versions of songs and acoustic demos that: a. were incomplete b. should never have been heard by anyone as they were song check tools for Kurt. Also, On the plus side, there was about 3 songs I'd never heard before and some alternative versions that were good. The DVD was pretty great as well. The downside was, there was about three songs I'd never heard before and too many live versions of songs and acoustic demos that: a. were incomplete b. should never have been heard by anyone as they were song check tools for Kurt. Also, the big metal sheet on the front should be removed and replaced with a simple white lettering of "Nirvana - With the Lights Out". The heat sensitive backing is cool. Overall, too much time was spent getting songs for casual fans and not enough time was spent getting the real gems that are still hidden away. Oh, and a note to Geffen in case they plan to release anything else "We have enough versions of Polly, Nevermind, Incesticide, Unplugged and Wishkah was enough without trying to stick another 12 on With the Lights Out." That's another thing that annoys me, two versions of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" pointess considering one is the Nevermind version with the drums at different levels! Actually, these downsides are acceptable considering there is at least 2 audio discs worth of average to great material and a fantastic DVD. The book is a nice chronology too. In fact, I think the DVD and book alone are worth 4 of the marks with the other 3 coming from the 2 audio discs... but I'm really picky because I have bootlegs with more interesting live material and rarities.… Expand
  4. sanfordb
    Dec 5, 2004
    10
    it's easy to complain about what's missing from this box set (fecal matter, all the home demos that courtney love claims to have), but to do so is to look the gift horse in the mouth. there is a lot of great stuff here. the studio versions of verse chorus verse and old age are amazing, as are do re mi and the leadbelly covers. these are probably the high points of the set, but it's easy to complain about what's missing from this box set (fecal matter, all the home demos that courtney love claims to have), but to do so is to look the gift horse in the mouth. there is a lot of great stuff here. the studio versions of verse chorus verse and old age are amazing, as are do re mi and the leadbelly covers. these are probably the high points of the set, but the alternate versions of old favourites (especially the rio session) are also revelatory. they provide insight into the writing process of the most brilliant songwriter of, at least, the last 15 years. the rawness of some of the recordings (especially on the first disc) may be too much for some listeners, however, this set is a must have for any nirvana fan. this box set is just another reminder of what the world lost when kurt cobain took his life over 10 years ago. … Expand
  5. BrianK
    Jan 3, 2005
    10
    Amazing. If you like art, music, Nirvana this is for you. If you are like the '0' raters who never actually listened to it and would rather hear Corporate garbage from Metallica or Britney Spears, don't buy it.
  6. john
    Jan 4, 2005
    10
    Nirvana are probably the best band ever and some of The best songs ever were written and played by them. Peace Love and Empathy
  7. JosephA
    Jan 6, 2005
    9
    I think its really cool, I especially appreciate the chronological order of the material. The only reason I don't give it a 10 is because the make is sound like there and 68 never before heard songs, but its actually 68 never before heard "recordings", of songs you may or may not know. But regardless, its a great set if you're a fan.
  8. BrandonS
    Nov 23, 2004
    7
    Thank goodness this is in basically in chronological order, so I can skip the first disc just like I almost never listen to "Bleach." ... This is more interesting as a story than as a collection to listen to again and again. Listening to Nirvana develop their sound is quite fascinating. I can't help but think this is what the story of The Replacements should have been, had they Thank goodness this is in basically in chronological order, so I can skip the first disc just like I almost never listen to "Bleach." ... This is more interesting as a story than as a collection to listen to again and again. Listening to Nirvana develop their sound is quite fascinating. I can't help but think this is what the story of The Replacements should have been, had they struck it big and not self-destructed in their own way. After all, the sound Nirvana goes through is punk-era-Replacements turns into hard-rock-Pixies turns into the unique Nirvana sound. Listening to this happen in this box-set presentation is what this collection, ultimately, is all about.… Expand
  9. JimS
    Nov 23, 2004
    8
    I love Nirvana, but somehow I don't think I'm gonna end up listening to this very much. DVD is cool though. They should have put You Know You're Right (electric) on here.
  10. WinN
    Dec 23, 2004
    10
    This box set is wonderful in that it allows the music to be represented in the pre-Nevermind production sheen. It is raw, it is in its natural state, and that is Nirvana. If "Smeels Like Teen Spirit" stirred you, this collection will show you what stirred Nirvana.
  11. BenS
    Nov 21, 2005
    9
    Yep, got to say it, kurt would not have liked this being released but hey, lets just sit back and soak in the music, and thats what really matters. No, kurt was not one of musics greatest musicians, his guitar playing could definately not beat for example, hendrix. But kurt had THAT thing, that unquestionable thing that makes a song really work. 'teen spirit' for example is not Yep, got to say it, kurt would not have liked this being released but hey, lets just sit back and soak in the music, and thats what really matters. No, kurt was not one of musics greatest musicians, his guitar playing could definately not beat for example, hendrix. But kurt had THAT thing, that unquestionable thing that makes a song really work. 'teen spirit' for example is not exactly a musical masterpeice but it is what we WANT to hear, shortish, sharp, perfect for air drums, headbanging riff, neat solo, perfect air guitar opening, perfect. Of course as the cds prove they were no 1 trick pony, yes ok we dont need all the slightly pointless versions but listen to the REAL songs and just marvel at it. Nothing particurlarly complicated, just rock in its purest form, delicious melodies, headbanging riffs, searing choruses, superb. The DVD is awesome as well, all in all brilliant music, a lot of tracks are forgettable but the wealth of pure classics stuns you, kurt will always be missed and krist and dave should also be considered legends. ROCK ON… Expand
  12. JasonB
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    nirvana music is PURE music
  13. DylanV
    Jan 24, 2005
    8
    In all, with the light's out is a great box set for the general nirvana fan. It includes some rare and unreleased demos, outakes and acoustic songs and is really a time line for thier music. The dvd is a nice bonus. Although some of the footage is pure shite, it is still interesting to view, especially for the people like me who weren't there when it happened. It is amazing to In all, with the light's out is a great box set for the general nirvana fan. It includes some rare and unreleased demos, outakes and acoustic songs and is really a time line for thier music. The dvd is a nice bonus. Although some of the footage is pure shite, it is still interesting to view, especially for the people like me who weren't there when it happened. It is amazing to hear the developement in thier the musical style. Early songs such as Mrs. Butterworth show influences by Black Flag, and Pen cap chew sounds very influenced by the melvins. Latter songs such as Marigold and Doh Re Mi hint at REM. In all this is a very good collection for the nirvana Fan, definately not a starting point though.… Expand
  14. a?????
    Jul 20, 2005
    10
    come on y is like no one voting?? nirvana r so good!!!!! rip. kurt
  15. JonD
    Apr 8, 2006
    9
    This is true nirvana... ok it might not be what kurt wanted nirvana to be because its not what we want to hear, but nirvana was grunge... dirty, sad, emotional music not for the people that want to listen to music to be amazed. the lyrics have multiple meanings and the songs are very addictive once you learn what nirvana was about. And to Bill S Kurt was a musical genious because he This is true nirvana... ok it might not be what kurt wanted nirvana to be because its not what we want to hear, but nirvana was grunge... dirty, sad, emotional music not for the people that want to listen to music to be amazed. the lyrics have multiple meanings and the songs are very addictive once you learn what nirvana was about. And to Bill S Kurt was a musical genious because he started a type of rock music that changed the world of music, he could hold notes just he didnt in most songs because it went with the song better, in the cd unplugged listen to some of the songs and you will hear a voice that wont crack a single time because he wants to hold teh voice. kurt wasnt a bad guitarist he was better then some and he knew what he was doing. nirvana was a true rock milestone and too see how they built that stone buy this box set if you dont want to learn about the band because ur to naive to understand the band then go ahead dont buy it... its for nirvana fans not for nirvana haters.… Expand
  16. JohnW
    May 29, 2009
    10
    This was a great idea after Kurt's untimely death...murder... I'm a Cobain relative and I didn't have some of this stuff. It's good this stuff is being released, and for $20, 81 songs, a book, and a DVD isn't bad.
  17. Sloaneraced
    Jul 23, 2009
    10
    The album/Dvd was the best investment i've made in A long time, i completely suggest you purchase the set. although the dvd makes me wish kurt was still alive more and more it was still GREAT, from the first set that included smells like teen spirit to the release of unplugged. not to give anything away but the dvd also includes nirvanas days as a litteral garage band taped as a home The album/Dvd was the best investment i've made in A long time, i completely suggest you purchase the set. although the dvd makes me wish kurt was still alive more and more it was still GREAT, from the first set that included smells like teen spirit to the release of unplugged. not to give anything away but the dvd also includes nirvanas days as a litteral garage band taped as a home video at kurts cobaines parents house..... A MUST BUY.… Expand
  18. DanGrunge
    Nov 21, 2004
    7
    Its abit of a mixed bag. Theres some great moments like old age and Do Re Mi and an interesting progression on Scentless Apprentice. But theres alot of listen once type tracks, which is why the low score. Great Band though!
  19. dribblemcdoogle
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    move over terry jacks. i bought this just for seasons in the sun.
  20. MichaelR
    Nov 25, 2004
    8
    Most of the material on this set can be found in the Outcesticide bootlegs, among various others, but With the Lights Out is mixed better and easier on the ears than the bootleg versions, which are in many cases much rougher.
  21. AllenD
    Nov 25, 2004
    10
    Just simply amazing at what it achieves. Something for every young musician to compare themselves to the BEST grunge rock back..end of story! For those who really appreciate Nirvana, and Kurt Cobains painting of this world.
  22. BenjaminS
    Dec 10, 2004
    10
    Loved it. I was truly shocked, and pleasently surprised by the quality of the box set. As a fan for nearly a decade, and a member of the online Nirvana community for about that long, I had sky high expectations for this set. I thought sure they'd drop a crap-fest with nine alternate versions of Been A Son on it and the ultra-rare Scott Litt mix of Pennyroyal Tea...but they got all Loved it. I was truly shocked, and pleasently surprised by the quality of the box set. As a fan for nearly a decade, and a member of the online Nirvana community for about that long, I had sky high expectations for this set. I thought sure they'd drop a crap-fest with nine alternate versions of Been A Son on it and the ultra-rare Scott Litt mix of Pennyroyal Tea...but they got all that out of their system on "Nirvana", the greatest hits album. This is for us, the fans, the die-hards. Finally.… Expand
  23. BrendanR
    Dec 19, 2004
    9
    i will always love nirvana and well this box set is just great :) even found one track i never heard before :)
  24. JamesN
    Dec 30, 2004
    8
    While there is no question whether or not I like the music, you have to wonder: is the Nirvana box set in the true sprit of Nirvana? If Kurt Cobain were alive today, would he put out a bunch of his old stuff for $60/pop? I mean, I love Nirvana. Consider this, though: one of the major arguments of the music industry against music piracy is that buying new music helps support the artist, so While there is no question whether or not I like the music, you have to wonder: is the Nirvana box set in the true sprit of Nirvana? If Kurt Cobain were alive today, would he put out a bunch of his old stuff for $60/pop? I mean, I love Nirvana. Consider this, though: one of the major arguments of the music industry against music piracy is that buying new music helps support the artist, so they'll make new music. But Nirvana is dead, so why are we still buying their music? Okay, I'll break: I -did- buy the box set. And I enjoyed it. And I enjoyed its expensive packaging. It was a guilty, guilty pleasure for me because I realised that it was the same kind of consumerism and mass media that Nirvana hated.… Expand
  25. nicks
    Nov 21, 2004
    10
    fcuking amazing, takes the work out of finding all of the outcesticide's, and gives you a dvd extra
  26. BennyV
    Nov 24, 2004
    10
    This box-set is truly geared to dedicated Nirvana fans. Otherwise you should think before you buy it. Most of the b-sides are ok, but there are few of album quaility. The DVD is a must have and puts this box-set over the top.
  27. HankScorpio
    Nov 24, 2004
    9
    I enjoyed this set, there are quite a few songs I've heard before but never in this quality of audio. Bonus points go to the DVD for the early band footage. If your a fan you should probably pick it up!
  28. JasonS
    Nov 25, 2004
    7
    Definitely more of a story than a CD collection. It's a story worth listening to though. First disc is, like someone said, only worth it for the 'wow, they turned this stuff into Nevermind?!' factor. Second disc is where most of the good stuff comes in, including a couple that really should've been on a Nirvana album. Third disc is 'what could've been,' Definitely more of a story than a CD collection. It's a story worth listening to though. First disc is, like someone said, only worth it for the 'wow, they turned this stuff into Nevermind?!' factor. Second disc is where most of the good stuff comes in, including a couple that really should've been on a Nirvana album. Third disc is 'what could've been,' a collection of stuff that would've been great had Kurt lived to finish the job. DVD makes it well worth the $28 I paid for it.… Expand
  29. jaredb
    Dec 17, 2004
    10
    Absolutely wonderful everthing I had hoped for and more!
  30. JamesD
    Dec 21, 2004
    10
    Nirvana is GOD! Probably one of the best box sets i have ever heard.
  31. MarcoM
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    Pure Genius
  32. Nicole
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    This is absolutely brilliant!! Well at least for Cobain fans! I've been reading many of the reviews and they all seem to say "Only for hard core fans." Well no fucking DUH! I just kinda heard of Nirvana and i think they're okay....so let me buy their box set! Let me quote the great Cobain: "Humans are DUMB!" You should only get this box set if you really love Nirvana and find This is absolutely brilliant!! Well at least for Cobain fans! I've been reading many of the reviews and they all seem to say "Only for hard core fans." Well no fucking DUH! I just kinda heard of Nirvana and i think they're okay....so let me buy their box set! Let me quote the great Cobain: "Humans are DUMB!" You should only get this box set if you really love Nirvana and find beauty in all of Cobain's work. IF you are just a "Smells Like Teen Spirit" fan....then you are aren't even worthy of listening to this masterpiece. Nirvana is not for all, so that why there may be some bad reviews. But for people, like myself, who can see through the agony and the pain, you will find the beauty that is like no other! This box set is for the select intellegent ones that can see this genius and truly understand what music is about!… Expand
  33. KamachoMcSagget
    Jul 29, 2011
    7
    Basically just Nirvana fanservice. A lot of these tracks were unreleased for obvious reasons. There are still quite a few gems among them, and you'll be getting a lot of bang for your buck, even though most songs and the DVD have a very unfinished quality to them. It's worth getting if you like the band, even if it's as a collector's item.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2004
46
#46 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Austin Chronicle
    89
    For the fan-atic, WTLO's scrapbooklike discography unveils both a gold mine of (still) unreleased material and the Seattle trio's penchant for dashing off B-sides, tributes, and noise at the smash of a guitar.
    Read full review
  2. Dot Music
    90
    It’s the way “With The Lights Out” fleshes out the plot that makes it so compelling.
    Read full review
  3. Stylus Magazine
    60
    There isn’t a doubt in anyone’s mind that this collection plays it way too safe to satisfy the über-devoted.
    Read full review
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