| "Milk It" | ||
 | ||
| Song by Nirvana | ||
|---|---|---|
| from the album In Utero | ||
| Released | August 30, 1993 | |
| Recorded | February 13–26, 1993 at Pachyderm Studio, Cannon Falls, Minnesota, US | |
| Genre | Grunge | |
| Length | 3:52 | |
| Label | DGC | |
| Songwriter(s) | Kurt Cobain | |
| Producer | Steve Albini | |
"Milk It" is a song by American rock band Nirvana, written by vocalist and guitarist Kurt Cobain. It was first released as a B-side to the single "Heart-Shaped Box" in August, 1993. It was later released as the eighth track on the band's third and final studio album, In Utero in September, 1993.
Background and recording
"Milk It" was first recorded by Craig Montgomery at BMG Ariola Ltda in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during a three-day demo session for the In Utero album in January, 1993. It was later recorded by Steve Albini at Pachyderm Studio, Cannon Falls, Minnesota in February, 1993 and it was this version that appeared on the In Utero album.
Release and reception
In the United States, DGC issued the "Heart-Shaped Box" single to college, modern rock, and album-oriented rock radio stations in early September 1993. There were no plans to release a single for the song domestically. At the time, Geffen Records' head of marketing told Billboard that the label was not actively courting Top 40 radio, explaining "Nirvana didn't sell nearly 5 million [records] because of a hit single. They sold that many albums because of who they are".
The song entered the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart at number seven, and eventually peaked at number one on the chart. The song also reached number four on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. A single of the song was released in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number five on the UK Singles Chart. Issued in August 1993, the 7-inch vinyl and cassette formats featured "Marigold" as a B-side, while the 12-inch vinyl and CD editions added "Milk It".
Recording and release history
Demo and studio versions
| Date recorded | January 19–21, 1993 | February 12–26, 1993 |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | BMG Ariola Ltda, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
Pachyderm Studio, Cannon Falls, Minnesota, United States |
| Producer/recorder | Craig Montgomery | Steve Albini |
| Releases | With the Lights Out (2004) | Heart-Shaped Box (1993) In Utero (1993) |
Personnel
- Kurt Cobain: vocals, guitar
- Krist Novoselic: bass guitar
- Dave Grohl: drums