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With The Lights Out - Nirvana
User Score
7.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 60
  3. Negative: 11 out of 60

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  1. FirstNameLastName
    Nov 5, 2006
    8
    The greatest comfort of Nirvana is that the music is so uncomfortable.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. PacoY.
    Sep 18, 2007
    4
    I was a HUGE Nirvana fan, and while I've listened to them to death, I still do have a huge affinity for all of their albums, especially In Utero (their very underrated best all around album). I have owned 3 bootlegs, 2 live shows (Rome, and a rather poor sounding Seattle show) and 1 set of their besides (like Marigold, Marijuana, etc) and I was extremely excited when this set first came out. But then I heard it and instantly realized why this stuff was left for dead on the shelf....it's just not very good. Kurt was a genius, no doubt, but it took him a while to harness his genius. THis set is mostly filled with ineffective projects, rough playing, poor singing, and bad sound quality. Had Nirvana released this stuff on their albums, their impact would have been greatly reduced. While it's nice that some of this has seen the light of day, I'd say of the 3 disc set only about 40 minutes of it is truly memorable, and maybe 30 minutes is good and maybe 20 minutes is fantastic This basically should have stayed on the shelf. If they had uncovered some of the Michael Stipe tapes, etc, or released some of Kurt's versions of the "Live Through This" material, then it would have risen this to maybe a 5-6 even with the filler. If you want "raw" Nirvana, stick with Bleach, a fantastic all around record, besides the overly cheesy Big Cheese. Don't waste your money. I'm a former HUGE nirvana fan (still like 'em...but have listened to them to death) and I'd say there's better music out there for your money. Plus the DVD isn't all that exhilarating either. The critics want to rate this high because of what Kurdt did to the music biz, but this set isn't worth more than a stretched 6/10. I feel like I'm stretching giving this a 4/10.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. Amory
    Jan 20, 2005
    10
    One word...the box set was pure Nirvana!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. 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, 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. BillS
    Aug 4, 2005
    1
    So tired of Cobain being classed as a musical genius. Quite a joke considering he knew 3 chords and couldn't hold a vocal note. As far as I'm concerned a Nirvana box set encapsules the historical demise of rock music through the 90's!
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  6. StevenT
    Nov 26, 2004
    3
    Nirvana is one of the most overhyped and overrated bands of all time. This extensive collection of castoffs is only for the devoted. Babes In Toyland did it a lot better.
    • 0 of 2 users said yes
  7. 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 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. JonH
    Feb 2, 2005
    5
    They say that the b-sides of a great band are better then the A-sides of lesser bands, not the case with Nirvana.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. 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 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. ChrisG
    Nov 24, 2004
    6
    As much as I love Nirvana, this box set was a bit of a disappointment in the sense that I know all these songs, heard them all, perhaps not in the way they recorded it here. Those who think this is new, never heard before material will be greatly dissapointed...as I am starting to get the more I hear this set.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. davidmac
    Dec 10, 2004
    0
    nirvana r crap and couldnt make any good material so why buy an overated peice of junk that this crap band made
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  16. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. 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 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. FredR
    Nov 3, 2005
    0
    I just bought Sliver, The Best Of The Box, and I cannot wait for the reviews to write my opinion, I have to vent! If what I bought is the best of this box-set then I sincerely feel bad for anyone who spent actual money on this drivel. I'm a huge Nirvana fan and I do not buy boxed sets by anyone because I've had bad luck with them, they never seem to get it right. But Sliver should have a warning sticker on it, something that says, basically, THIS CD DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY MUSIC THAT WAS MEANT TO BE RELEASED COMMERCIALLY. I mean, seriously, I want my money back, and not because I need it, because I feel ripped off. If Francis Bean really needs money for college I guess it ok to rip off Nirvana fans, but c'mon, this is a disgrace to even the memory of a man who suffered tremendously for his art and expression. Thank GOD the expression "turning over in his grave" is just that, an expression. I think Kurdt would be pissed. Maybe he's somewhere (I don't believe that mystical magical malarky, but just humor me here) better... and glad he's dead. This is... ARGH... DON'T BUY IT... I'll send you mine.… Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  19. JasonB
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    nirvana music is PURE music
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. 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 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. a?????
    Jul 20, 2005
    10
    come on y is like no one voting?? nirvana r so good!!!!! rip. kurt
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. 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 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  23. FollowTheNoise
    Dec 27, 2008
    2
    Check this out: There's a sort of useless book that comes along with this box set. ON THE BOOK COVER you will find a bunch of "headlines" or what seems like headlines from Nirvana in newspapers. But if you look closely, there's THREE OF THEM printed upside down. The smallest one reads: "Smells like a way to make a fast buck off Nirvana fans" One reads:"Nirvana's newest stuff is old, dull stuff" And Another one reads:"Smells like mean spirit". If you keep looking, there`s one in spanish which translates to "the truth behind the house of the name nirvana" which could mean anything, but why would this be a flattering headline? Or a major one that would be key to their story. It's all a very strange insult. Or a warning that we're getting ripped off big time. Or might even be art designers trying to sneak one past Geffen. To sum up the songs that are worth listening to in this... I think its something like perhaps 15 in 40. Good material...good b-sides ...good covers. But the remaining about 35...total useless. Some old recordings were interesting if you wanted to hear how his Aunt's 2 track recorded sounded. And get this. about 3 different mixes of rape me. The exact Smells Like Teen Spirit off Nevermind. The exact In Bloom off Nevermind. Come on! That's another insult here. Finally the DVD. Um....There's what...Half an hour of stuff on there? Interesting stuff, but you have to really try if you want to put this little in there. The menus are looping videos that look cool and would have been better off in a chapter of their own. The menu music is more interesting than most of the songs in the whole box set. I WANTED TO HEAR THESE SONGS NOT A BUNCH OF CRAP I ALREADY HEARD BEFORE. Final summation. I don't get it. Why am I the only one on the internet so far to have found all these problems with it??? Or am I the only one provoked by it all? I don't care how much I paid for the shit. Even if it was 20$ I'd still be here complaining about the lack of respect these people have for Kurt Cobain/Nirvana's artistic expressions. Like some said, the packaging was a clue. If it's supper clean and glossy like a Seether album...it's not Nirvana.… Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  24. Samuel
    Aug 28, 2008
    0
    This box set is complete trash. I have Nirvana several bootlegs that are better than the garbage on With the Lights Out. In this box set, there are also pressing errors that weren't even on the material in trading circles. For example, on "Opinion" there are some clicking noises that weren't on the original bootleg. Aside from that song, I'm certain that 90% of the rest of the songs were culled from the Outcesticide bootleg series. Do not buy this box set. You'd be paying top-dollar for a bootleg. My advice: Just download "If You Must", "Blandest", and "Ain't it a Shame" for free online. Those are the only interesting songs on the box set (notice how I didn't call them "good").… Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  25. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  26. 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 video at kurts cobaines parents house..... A MUST BUY.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  27. 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!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  28. dribblemcdoogle
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    move over terry jacks. i bought this just for seasons in the sun.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  29. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  30. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  31. 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 that out of their system on "Nirvana", the greatest hits album. This is for us, the fans, the die-hards. Finally.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  32. tobyr
    Dec 10, 2004
    0
    crap
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  33. 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 :)
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  34. 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 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  35. polly
    Jan 15, 2005
    6
    it could be better than it is. I don't know about you, but I had the most part of the contents, and the only thing that has "surprised" me, is the dvd. so I feel a bit stupid, because I was waiting for this moment a long time ago, and i think that this box would be more dedicated to the real fans who obviously had more material than the songs that appears on their legal cd's. on the other side, it's Nirvana, and i had built the box until only appears one rarity. i'm not rating nirvana, i'm rating the contents. Nirvana is the best band of the world!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  36. MichaelB
    Jun 13, 2005
    5
    All the good stuff on this compilation of mostly crap (i have the right to say that considering how much it costs) could have been put on one disc. There is a reason however why most of this stuff wasnt released commercially before, and that's because it's crappy and Kurt did not want it to be heard obviously.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  37. nicks
    Nov 21, 2004
    10
    fcuking amazing, takes the work out of finding all of the outcesticide's, and gives you a dvd extra
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  38. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  39. 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!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  40. 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,' 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  41. jaredb
    Dec 17, 2004
    10
    Absolutely wonderful everthing I had hoped for and more!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  42. JamesD
    Dec 21, 2004
    10
    Nirvana is GOD! Probably one of the best box sets i have ever heard.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  43. MarcoM
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    Pure Genius
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  44. 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 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  45. 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.
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critics

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
See all critic reviews »