## Kitchen Sink: A History of the Song and Its Many Covers
**Introduction**
Released in 1991, “Kitchen Sink” by Dinosaur Jr. has become an iconic anthem for generations of music fans. With its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and fuzzed-out guitars, the song has resonated with listeners around the world. However, the enduring legacy of “Kitchen Sink” extends beyond its original creators, as the song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, each adding their own unique interpretation to the classic track.
**Original by Dinosaur Jr.**
“Kitchen Sink” was written and recorded by Dinosaur Jr., a Massachusetts-based alternative rock band led by singer-guitarist J Mascis. The song was released on the band’s critically acclaimed album, “Green Mind,” and quickly became a fan favorite.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Mascis, are a stream-of-consciousness meditation on the mundane and the profound, capturing the everyday experiences of boredom, frustration, and longing. Mascis’s signature drawled vocals, combined with the band’s wall of sound guitar distortion, create a hypnotic and immersive listening experience.
**Early Covers and Influences**
In the years following its release, “Kitchen Sink” began to gain traction on college radio and independent music circles. As its popularity grew, so too did the number of cover versions.
* **Sebadoh, “Kitchen Sink” (1994):** The Boston-based indie rock band Sebadoh released a cover of “Kitchen Sink” on their album, “Bakesale.” Their version is a more stripped-down and intimate interpretation, with a focus on the song’s lyrical content.
* **Jawbox, “Kitchen Sink” (1997):** The Washington, D.C.-based post-hardcore band Jawbox included a cover of “Kitchen Sink” on their compilation album, “Jawbox: 1991-1997.” Their version is a more up-tempo and aggressive take on the song, with a driving rhythm and distorted guitars.
* **The Get Up Kids, “Kitchen Sink” (2001):** The Kansas-based emo band The Get Up Kids recorded a version of “Kitchen Sink” for their EP, “Out of Reach.” Their interpretation is a faithful and heartfelt rendition, capturing the song’s raw emotional energy.
**Notable Covers**
As “Kitchen Sink” gained wider recognition, more established artists began to record their own versions of the song.
* **Spoon, “Kitchen Sink” (2005):** The Austin, Texas-based indie rock band Spoon recorded a cover of “Kitchen Sink” for the compilation album, “Dead Man’s Bones: Good Time Music for Bad People.” Their version is a more psychedelic and experimental interpretation, featuring layered guitars and ethereal vocals.
* **Frightened Rabbit, “Kitchen Sink” (2010):** The Scottish indie folk band Frightened Rabbit released a cover of “Kitchen Sink” on their album, “The Winter of Mixed Drinks.” Their version is a hauntingly beautiful rendition, with stripped-back instrumentation and Scott Hutchison’s evocative vocals.
* **Foo Fighters, “Kitchen Sink” (2011):** The American rock band Foo Fighters performed a cover of “Kitchen Sink” during their “Wasting Light” tour. Their version is a high-energy and anthemic interpretation, with Dave Grohl’s powerful vocals and the band’s stadium-ready sound.
**Who Else Sings “Kitchen Sink”?**
In addition to the notable covers mentioned above, numerous other artists have recorded their own versions of “Kitchen Sink.” These include:
* **Sebadoh, Jawbox, and The Get Up Kids** (mentioned earlier)
* **Ted Leo & The Pharmacists**
* **Alkaline Trio**
* **Less Than Jake**
* **Superchunk**
* **The Mountain Goats**
* **Saves the Day**
* **Brand New**
* **Cloud Nothings**
* **Waxahatchee**
**Conclusion**
The enduring legacy of “Kitchen Sink” lies not only in its original incarnation by Dinosaur Jr., but also in the countless covers that have followed. Each artist has brought their own unique interpretation to the song, exploring its themes of boredom, frustration, and longing in their own way. From the stripped-down intimacy of Sebadoh to the anthemic power of Foo Fighters, the song has taken on a life of its own, becoming a timeless anthem for music fans of all ages.