FINALLY, A DEBATE ON THE ISSUES THAT MATTER

Matt Yglesias has started a Nirvana vs Pearl Jam debate.

Let's break this down, shall we?

Best campy cover of an old song: Nirvana's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" from Unplugged tops "Last Kiss" by a nose.

Best song about being a kid: Nirvana wins again, with "Sliver". Eddie's pretentious "I'm Open" lingers far off in the distance.

Best awkward entry into politics: Eddie's Nader-rally serenades are trumped by former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic's aborted campaign for Lt Governor of Washington as a Democrat. (The incumbent was a Dem. Oops!)

Looks like Nirvana's taking a lead. But look out, the fearsome fivesome from Seattle (and San Diego) is quite resilient!

Best worst drummer: Jack Irons, he of the complete inability to press down on the hi-hat, beats Chad Channing's hackery on the 1989 Nirvana album Bleach. Think Meg White with no style.

Best song someone else in the band sings: Stone Gossard's wretched "Mankind" is still better than Dave Grohl's forgettable "Marigold".

Best hidden track: I have a soft spot for "Endless Nameless", the rocker hidden at the end of Nevermind. But the clear winner is that odd Eastern European-ish waltz that closes Pearl Jam's 1998 album Yield.

And we're tied, 3 to 3!

Best abortion-related statement: In this corner, you have Eddie Vedder scribbling "Pro-Choice" on his arm during a performance of "Porch" for MTV Unplugged. And in the other corner, there's the "Heart Shaped Box" video. Two thirds of Nirvana's fans probably didn't get it, and just thought it was weird. Thus, we still have a tie!

Ok double bonus round...

Best shotgun marksmanship: Courtney Love. =P

Still tied...

Best shirt worn by lead singer:
Eddie - "Free the West Memphis 3!"
Kurt - "Kill the Grateful Dead", alt. entry "Corporate Magazines Still Suck"

I'll let you make up your own mind. Goodnight! More politics tomorrow!