Candy / Molly's Lips

Candy %2B Molly's Lips cover

Candy / Molly's Lips is a split single by the American rock bands Nirvana and The Fluid. Released in January 1991, this record was part of the promotional series for the influential independent record label, Sub Pop. The series, known as the Sub Pop Singles Club, was a monthly subscription service that delivered exclusive 7" singles directly to subscribers. The Nirvana/The Fluid split single is particularly notable for featuring two bands that played pivotal roles in the development of the grunge music scene in the early 1990s.

Overview

The single features the song "Candy" by The Fluid on one side and "Molly's Lips" by Nirvana on the other. "Molly's Lips" is a cover of a song by The Vaselines, a Scottish alternative rock band that had a significant influence on Kurt Cobain, Nirvana's frontman. Cobain often cited The Vaselines as one of his favorite bands, and Nirvana covered several of their songs throughout their career. The version of "Molly's Lips" featured on this single was recorded live at a BBC session, showcasing Nirvana's raw, energetic performance style that would soon catapult them to global fame.

Release and Reception

The release of the "Candy / Molly's Lips" single was limited to subscribers of the Sub Pop Singles Club, making it a sought-after collectible among record collectors and fans of the bands. The split single exemplified Sub Pop's strategy of promoting its bands through limited-edition releases, which helped build a sense of exclusivity and community among fans of the burgeoning grunge scene.

Critically, both songs received positive reviews for their energy and fidelity to the spirit of punk and indie rock. Nirvana's cover of "Molly's Lips" was praised for its simplicity and catchiness, while The Fluid's "Candy" was noted for its gritty sound and compelling vocals. The single further cemented both bands' reputations as leading figures in the alternative rock movement of the early 90s.

Legacy

The "Candy / Molly's Lips" single holds a special place in the history of grunge and alternative rock. It represents a moment in time when Nirvana and The Fluid, along with other Sub Pop bands, were at the forefront of a musical revolution that would soon sweep across the globe. The single is not only a collector's item but also a testament to the vibrant music scene in Seattle during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Nirvana's success would soon eclipse that of The Fluid and many of their contemporaries, with the release of their second album, Nevermind, later in 1991. However, the "Candy / Molly's Lips" single serves as a reminder of the band's roots in the indie music scene and their connection to other influential bands of the era.

Track Listing

1. "Candy" – The Fluid
2. "Molly's Lips" (Live) – Nirvana

See Also

• Sub Pop
• Grunge
• Nirvana
• The Fluid
• The Vaselines