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The Beatles - 'Meet the Beatles' - This album by the Fab Four made an impact on Cobain during his formative years. He was particularly fond of John Lennon.

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David Bowie - 'The Man Who Sold the World' - A reference for many musicians, David Bowie also influenced Cobain's work. Nirvana covered 'The Man Who Sold the World' in their 1993 'MTV Unplugged in New York' album.

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Iggy and the Stooges - 'Raw Power' - Released in 1973, this proto-punk classic was produced by both Iggy Pop and David Bowie. It's arguably one of the greatest albums in the history of rock.

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Sex Pistols - 'Never Mind The Bollocks' - The album that catapulted British punk rock to the mainstream is listed as one of Kurt Cobain's top albums. Cobain was a huge fan of punk rock in general.

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Aerosmith - 'Rocks' - This album inspired countless artists, including Guns N' Roses and Metallica. So it doesn't come as a surprise that it also influenced Kurt Cobain.

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The Clash - 'Combat Rock' - Another great punk rock album, 'Combat Rock' included hits such as 'Should I Stay or Should I Go' and 'Rock the Casbah.'

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R.E.M. - 'Green' - The alternative rock band lead by Michael Stipe also played an important role in Kurt Cobain's sound.

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Pixies - 'Surfer Rosa' - Pixies' influence on Nirvana's sound is clear, and Kurt Cobain always cited them as a band he looked up to.

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Sonic Youth - 'Daydream Nation' - Sonic Youth clearly inspired Nirvana to get creative and explore new sounds. The two bands went on tour together in 1991.

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Black Flag - 'My War and Damaged' - The godfathers of hardcore punk, Black Flag, are also listed as an influence. Both Henry Rollins and Kurt Cobain's music resonated with the youth of the time.

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Mudhoney - 'Superfuzz Bigmuff' - One of the most influential bands in the Seattle music scene also struck a chord with Kurt Cobain. Truth be said, there would be no grunge without Mudhoney.

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Public Enemy - 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back' - The only hip-hop album to make the cut, this classic record by East Coast rappers Public Enemy features hits such as 'Bring the Noise' and 'Don't Believe the Hype.'

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PJ Harvey - 'Dry' - Polly Jean Harvey's debut album, 'Dry' was released in 1992. Cobain listed it as one of his favorites.

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Lead Belly - 'Lead Belly’s Last Sessions Volume 1' - Cobain also listed the late blues musician as an influence. Nirvana covered 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night?' at the band's 'MTV Unplugged' session in 1993.

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The Vaselines - 'Dying For It EP' -

Cobain loved this Scottish alternative rock band. So much so that Nirvana covered two of their songs: 'Molly's Lips' and 'Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam.'

(Photo: Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Butthole Surfers - 'Butthole Surfers EP' and 'Locust Abortion Technician' - The punk band from Texas is listed as one of Cobain's favorites. These were his two albums of choice.

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Public Image Ltd - 'The Flowers of Romance' - Nirvana's late front man really liked this album by PiL, a band fronted by John Lydon (also known as Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols).

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The Knack - 'Get the Knack' - The album, best known for the hit single 'My Sharona,' also influenced the way Cobain wrote music.

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Fang - 'Landshark' -

Cobain loved his hardcore punk, and this 1982 album was part of his playlist.

Photo: Wikimedia / CC BY 3.0

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Mazzy Star - 'She Hangs Brightly' - The dreamy sound of Hope Sandoval's voice made an impact on Kurt Cobain, who listed the band's first album as a favorite.

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The Breeders - 'Pod' - The debut album by the band fronted by Kim Deal (Pixies) and her sister Kelley Deal is also listed as an influence.

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Bad Brains - 'Rock for Light' - DC punk rockers Bad Brains also influenced how Kurt Cobain wrote music.

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The Raincoats - 'The Raincoats' -

Cobain was a fan of the British post-punk band, and this was his favorite album of theirs.

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Gang of Four - 'Entertainment!' - Another British band on the list, Gang of Four fit well with Cobain's taste for post-punk acts.

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MDC - 'Millions of Dead Cops' -

The fast hardcore punk album from the Texan act MDC is also listed as a favorite.

(Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Scratch Acid - 'Scratch Acid EP' -

Scratch Acid was David Yow's former band. Nirvana released a split 7" single with his new band, The Jesus Lizard.

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Saccharine Trust - 'Paganicons' -

This is the LA band's debut EP. Kurt Cobain listed it as one of his favorites.

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Half Japanese - 'We Are They Who Ache with Amorous Love' -

The art punk act's album is also listed as one of Kurt Cobain's favorites.

Photo: Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Young Marble Giants - 'Colossal Youth' -

Cobain liked some obscure post-punk acts, and this trio from Wales also makes the list.

See also: Young artists who tragically died before their time.

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