You Know You're Right, recorded in 1994 just three months before the band's lead singer Kurt Cobain killed himself, was broadcast on radio stations in the US this week after reportedly first appearing on the internet.

It may not be the best song they ever did, but it's probably in the top 10

Charles Cross, Cobain biographer

Cobain's widow Courtney Love and surviving Nirvana members Dave Grohl and Krist have been involved in legal action over the band's legacy, including rights to songs.

Love sued the pair in May 2001 to block the release of a boxed set including the song, which she wanted released later.

Separate court action

It is not clear if the case has now been settled and the legal action was due to reach court on Monday but that hearing has now been cancelled.

Radio stations in Los Angeles said the track was first found on the internet.

Love has been embroiled in legal action

A separate court action involving Love and her record company, Universal Music, is also said to be close to a settlement.

Fans of Nirvana have welcomed the release of the song, which is already earning praise.

"It may not be the best song they ever did, but it's probably in the top 10," Cobain biographer Charles Cross said.

"At the time, people were saying Kurt was over, and that's what's so significant about this song - it's the last great Nirvana song."

In a recent interview with radio presenter Howard Stern, Love said she had made up with the surviving band mates Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic.

"We love each other. We're getting along. We worked it all out," she told Mr Stern, adding that "lots and lots and lots of money" held helped the group reach their new understanding.