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The Story of the Come As You Are Riff
Nirvana, Killing Joke and beyond
The bass riff from American grunge band Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” is one of the most iconic sounds of the 90s. But where did it come from?
Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain wrote “Come As You Are”. However, many claim Nirvana slowed down the riff from English band Killing Joke’s 1984 song, “Eighties”.
Anyone who listens to both songs will certainly hear the similarities. But is it just a coincidence? And what other songs feature a similar riff?
A few, in fact. There’s Garden of Delight’s “22 Faces” from 1984, The Damned’s “Life Goes On” from 1982 and the earliest version I could find, Bauhaus’ “Hollow Hills” from 1981.
Could any of these songs be considered the “Come As You Are” original?
Pre-Eighties 80s songs
All the songs mentioned above have a very similar-sounding riff. But I think “Eighties” bears the closest resemblance to “Come As You Are”.
Although we know it’s a different song with different lyrics this article explores if “Eighties” can be considered the “Come As You Are” original. First, though, let’s look at the earlier songs.
“Hollow Hills” comes from Bauhaus’ second studio album, 1981’s Mask. It also features on their 1982 live album, Press the Eject and Give Me the Tape. The bass riff is recognizable, albeit slower.
The Damned’s “Life Goes On” appears on their fifth studio album, 1982’s Strawberries. The riff is very similar to “Eighties” and “Come As You Are”. Yet the song itself has a quite different sound. This is an English post-punk song, not an American alt-rock tune. To me, “Life Goes On” has a sort of happy Smiths vibe.
Founded in 1982, Garden of Delight were one of Norway’s first goth rock bands, possibly the first. The almost all-female band, unusual in a time of male hegemony in the Norwegian music scene, sounded a little like early Cure.
