Avril Lavigne: Let Go

I know that Avril Lavigne isn't really what you think of when you think of Alternative Rock, but hey, she is. Let Go is a fascinating debut album in that it's completely original and mostly talented. I can remember the first time I'd heard this album. I'd never heard of her, but my brother had a bootleg copy of Let Go which he'd let me borrow when I came home from my first year at college. At first I thought she was in her early 20's; a newer version of Alanis Morissette. When I learned she was barely a teenager, I was shocked. After all, she was so young and had such a powerful voice. I'm jumping ahead of myself though...

Let Go is one of my favorite albums by a female. Is it perfect, no. Is it without flaws, absolutely not. What it is, is a great representation of Avril the person and a wonderfully sung album. Songs like "Losing Grip" and "Unwanted" are Avril at her finest. They aren't lyrically the best she has to offer, but they set the listener up for all of the other "tough" Avril music. The songs are angry and annoyed... classic Avril. That was the image that she chose to portray in the beginning (see album cover) and it worked. Tracks like "Complicated" and "Anything but Ordinary" are quirky little pieces that are at times a little cheesy, yet they portray the lighter side to Avril's music. "Complicated" has a tremendously memorable chorus. "Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated" are lyrics that have been sung by moms and daughters alike, due to the song's popularity not only rock stations, but also on mix hits stations. "Anything but Ordinary" also has a memorable chorus where Avril shows off the higher side of her range in a tale about wanting to do things in a not-so-average fashion. And really... would we expect anything less from her?

The songs "Mobile" and "Tomorrow" are two of my favorite songs on Let Go. However, they have nothing in common except the previous. "Mobile" is a peppy, clever track about Avril's adolescence, but if not taken too literally is a moving for anyone. The happy feel that the song has to it, makes it stand apart from others on the album. If I'm not mistaken, this piece was featured in the romantic comedy, "Just Married". Yet another example of how cheerful the song is. On the other hand, "Tomorrow" is a pretty ballad that upon hearing the first couple of notes sounds as if it will be unjustifiably stupid. I mean, the song begins with the word "and" (i.e. "...and I wanna believe you, when you tell me that it'll be okay...") Why "and"? Did we come in on the song in mid sentence? That little annoyance aside, the song is a great one. Although slower than most of the others, except "I'm with You", this is definitely one of her most heartfelt and un-Avril tracks on Let Go ...and I love it!

There are some certain, and possibly personal, downfalls to this album. "I'm With You" is not one of my favorite songs. It's not that I feel it's a bad song, but I think it's very vague in it's meaning. I can't figure out for the life of me who she is singing to. The lyrics make her sound either like an abandoned orphan or a desperately lonely person. Either one is fine, but after 100+ listens, I still don't know the answer. She sounds pretty though as she's hitting those high notes. "My World" is cute, but doesn't sound anything like Avril. It sounds more like a combination of Hillary Duff and Meredith Brooks. Sure, the voice sounds like Avril, but the content and melody of the song is overly peppy... something we've come to know she's not. Again though, she sings it well - very well in fact, so I can't complain too much.

My only two huge complaints on the album are the two dumbest tracks on the album: "Sk8er Boi" and "Nobody's Fool". I feel like both songs speak for their own stupidity, but since this is a review and I have to assume the reader has not heard the tracks, I will expound. "Sk8er Boi" is goofy because it's all "punk" but the lyrics are pretty Disney. I suppose there's nothing wrong with it if you want to see "Zack and Cody" singing the latest from Blink 182. Avril is just as weird in this song. You can expect to see this one in the next Pixar film if, unbeknownst to me, it hasn't already made it there. As for "Nobody's Fool", someone should have told Avril that maybe flowing wasn't her forte. Yep, you heard me correct. She "raps" on the verses of this song. Yet again, this one is lumped right into the same lame, childish category as "Sk8er Boi". Doesn't she know that when she is a no talent rapper, it's not cool to say "damn"... it just becomes awkward. The only salvation for this song is that she has a nice sound when she sings the chorus. Definitely a young Alanis. So what on earth was her producer thinking when he said, "Oh yeah, that's a wrap on the rap" ? It makes me angry.

All in all, Let Go is great, though I know the males in my life would run in the opposite direction if I encouraged them to listen to this album from start to finish. At the prospect of risking my "mysterious, somewhat autonomous" reputation on Audio Overflow, I'd venture to say that this album is one of my favorites. It's not the best of the best, but it's a pretty good debut... and for a young teenager? Well, I just can't remember the last time I thought, "Man, if only I could get a copy of Lindsey Lohan's new album".

Key Tracks:
1. Losing Grip
2. Complicated
3. Mobile
4. Tomorrow
5. Anything but Ordinary

6 out of 10 stars

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

The Top 25 Alternative Rock Albums (Albums 5-1)

So after 4 weeks of counting down Audio Overflow's Top 25 Alternative Rock Albums, we've finally made it to the Top 5. Be sure to let us know what we should have added and what we should have taken off.

#5. Our Lady Peace: Happiness Is Not A Fish That You Can Catch (1999)
Erin says: "A lot of the songs on this album are really unique and I truly get into them. I believe that Our Lady Peace's uniqueness is what makes their music so entertaining and memorable. The majority of the songs on this album definitely fall into that category. "

Cale says: "This was one of the first albums that I can remember liking all the way through. Each song on it is fantastic and passionately performed by the band. They have not matched the heights reached on this album since."

#4. Bush: Sixteen Stone (1994)
Erin says: "When I first saw the movie "Fear", I remember thinking, "I want this soundtrack", when someone next to me said, "just buy Sixteen Stone". Well, I never did, but that never stopped me from listening to, singing to, and respecting the many wonderful works of Bush. Gavin Rosdale's voice is one of my favorites and seemed to almost embody the concept of alternative rock...Or at least every 16 year old girl's stereotype."

Cale says: "Totally agree with Erin on that one. Gavin's voice truly makes this album what it is. The amount of quality songs contained on it is nearly unparalleled in the genre. Still, if it weren't for Gavin, I doubt anyone would've ever heard of this band."


#3. Nirvana: Nevermind (1991)
Cale says: "I think that for the most part, Kurt Cobain is one of the most overhyped vocalists of all time. When it's all said and done, he was downright terrible at vocals. Still, Nirvana was a band that started a music revolution, and Nevermind was truly ahead of its time."

Erin says: "Well it's no big secret that Nirvana is not one of my favorite bands...so why would I nominate them for the top 25? Well it's simple. Grunge is one of the subgenres commonly associated with alternative rock and since Nirvana was a HUGE turning point away from hairbands of the 80's, I respect them and this album. If not for this album (and this is heavily debated) I believe that music today would be entirely different. They were pioneers in the music industry...definitely innovators."

#2. Pearl Jam: Ten (1991)
Jill says: ""Alive" was and always has been one of the most stiring songs ever. It's the benchmark for a deep, dark story and I never took the chorus for anything inspirational. Sometimes being alive can be such a burden. "

Erin says: "Just awesome! There's a reason why most alternative stations still play a good majority of "Ten's" songs on the radio. They are still great songs over a decade later! I can't think of one song on this album that I hate. I really feel like Pearl Jam and this album take home the prize for being the most unique."


#1. Live: Throwing Copper (1994)
Cale says: "Words cannot accurately describe the greatness of this album. It came out when I was in middle school, and I have revered it highly ever since. "Pillar of Davidson" is one of my all-time favorite sing along songs and "Lightning Crashes" still sends chills down my spine. The greatness of Throwing Copper is only heightened by the sad truth that Live was never able to put together an album as solid as this ever again. But if there was an album on this list that deserved to be considered the greatest Alternative Rock album of all time, I'm happy it could be this one!"

Erin says: "If you've read my retro review on this album, then you already know my opinion. If you don't like it, you probably don't have ears. Throwing Copper is capable of stirring up many thoughts during it's course of play time. I have yet to listen to it and not have an overwhelming appreciation of their talent. Definitely my favorite alternative album!"

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

The Top 5 Alternative Rock Bands That Should Have Never Existed

Just as a precursor to all of the greatness that you're about to read, I think I should note that I'm currently about the sickest I've ever been in my entire life right now.  If for some reason this post ends abruptly, it's most likely because my head has exploded into 347, 982 separate pieces and has completely ruined my MacBook in the process.  Anyhow, a few weeks ago, Erin listed 5 Alternative One Hit Wonders, and today I'd like to add to that list.  The following list is of 5 One Hit Wonders that were so bad that they never should have even existed!  What were we thinking?

5:  Fountains of Wayne - "Stacey's Mom" was a guilty pleasure for just about everybody back in the day.  And hey, who can blame you?  It was catchy, kinda funny, and the video featured Rachel Hunter in a bikini.  What's not to love?  Oh, I don't know...maybe the fact that the song is probably one of the most ridiculous pieces of music I've ever heard in my lie.  "Stacey's Mom has got it goin' on.  She's all I want and I've waited so long."  Really?  Thankfully, the band's other songs never caught on, and most of us never had to endure anything past this song.  Which is good, because that album was obscenely stupid.  I know because I owned it.  *sigh*

4:  Marcy Playground - I remember it being the summer of 1998 and doing this whole thing for marching band.  This jackass named Jeff is standing around singing this song ("Sex and Candy"), and I thought to myself, "Wow, he actually likes that song?"  That actually means a lot, because at the time I was into a lot of crappy music (The Offspring, mostly).  I don't know why I never liked this song, but as I'm listening to it on iMeem right now, I can't help but feel that I was right all along.  Here's a little snippet from the chorus for your reading pleasure:  "I smell sex and candy here.  Who's that lounging in my chair?  Who's that casting devious stares in my direction?"  Ahh, yes.  Such lyrical grace has only been seen on the rarest of occasions.  

3: Lit - I always love when those "Buzz" rock commercials come on and I get to hear 3 second clips of all the songs I used to love.  However, when Lit's "My Own Worst Enemy" comes on, I cringe just a little bit.  It's another one of those songs that was supposed to be funny, but just wound up being annoying.  "It's no surprise to me I am my own worst enemy, 'cause every now and then I kick the living shit out of me."  Oh, please do tell!  I'm so glad I didn't buy into this crap...I'm pretty sure my sister did though.  I wonder how she feels about that purchase today?

2:  Stabbing Westward - Funny story.  I'm walking through best buy about 4 or 5 years ago and I see Stabbing Westward's CD, Darkest Days, sitting there.  I thought, hey I remember them having that one song "Save Yourself" back in the day.  That song was cool!  So I bought it.  Bad idea.  As it turns out, "Save Yourself" is not a good song, and everything else on this album is even worse.  There's this running joke between me and my brother in law where I try to pawn this CD off on him.  He always refuses and it always goes right back on the CD shelf.  You know a CD is bad when you can't even give it away...

1:  Crazy Town - "Come my lady, come come my lady.  Be my butterfly sugar baby."  Oh, I can't even begin to tell you the depths of my hatred for this song and for the band responsible for it.  I remember watching an MTV interview with these guys around the time "Butterfly" came out.  The interviewer asked something along the lines of, "You released two singles before this song.  Did you know it would be such a huge hit." To which, the dude with the bleached blonde tips responded, "Oh yeah, we knew it would be huge.  But we didn't want to be remembered as the guys who made "Butterfly."  We wanted people to get into our other stuff too."  Hey, here's a question for everyone, name another Crazy Town song?  What?  You can't do it?  Don't worry, I doubt bleached blonde tips could do it either.  

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

Video of the Week - Week 64

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"

The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt, 1821

Things that creep me out: spider webs, spiders no matter the size, the idea of being consumed by some arachnid while sleeping. This video, which seems to capture all that and Robert Smith's voluminous black hair.

It's certainly a classic in my book.

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

The Wrens: "The Meadowlands"

There are certain albums or artists that cannot escape their backstories. Take, for example, the ever-elusive Jandek, who has released dozens of albums through the mail from a random Houston address and has only performed a handful of times in his career. Then there's M.I.A., whose father and mother are almost given more importance than the music she creates. In fact, more often than not, these stories sensationalize the artist, making their mediocre or downright awful music seem more artistic or important. The Wrens' 2003 album is one of those albums whose story has to be told. Fortunately, the album is also one that absolutely must be heard!

Forming in the late 1980s and releasing their first two albums via Grass Records, The Wrens were an indie band on the outskirts. They had a moderate following, but nothing too outstanding. After their 1996 release, Secaucus, Grass Records came under new leadership with a new vision of mass appeal, and even greater profits. The Wrens, whose raw underground rock sound didn't conform to the label's grand visions, refused to change their sound and were eventually left without a label. Grass Records soon became Wind-Up Records, home to huge successes like Creed, Finger Eleven, and Evanescence. The Wrens went silent. Without a record label, work on their next album went by slowly. Very slowly. By 2003 most of their small fanbase had moved on, but it was in this year, 7 years after their most recent release, that The Wrens returned with The Meadowlands; a masterpiece of indie and alternative rock.

The story is inspiring to say the least, but it is not the whole reason for appeal. The music contained on this album is absolutely breathtaking! Every track, every second is filled with memories of hope, regret, pain, and beauty. Songs range from heartbreaking ballads like "She Sends Kisses," - one of my absolute favorite songs, ever - to the uptempo, yet depressing thoughts on the process of making music ("This Boy is Exhausted"). Every song feels raw and unpolished, yet I can't find a single thing worth changing on the entire album. It is a testament to the 4 years of work that went into The Meadowlands.

The band's lyrics are often pretty disjointed fragments that you have to put together yourself. It's as if you're given a puzzle that's missing some pieces and it's your job to imagine what goes in the empty spaces. There are songs about breakups that you can't shake, feeling trapped in your own life, silly sexual encounters, and pointless relationships. The remarkable thing about every one of them is the amount of musicianship that goes into it all. Each song maintains a certain amount of sing-along-ability, with absolutely infectious vocal melodies. Some less so than others, sure, but everything here is worth listening to, worth making a big deal about.



I have been purposely vague in my review of The Meadowlands (yes, it is one of my worst), as I don't find it to be an album that one could not accurately portray the greatness of through words. My purpose in writing this review, then, is not to paint you a clear picture of what the album is all about, but rather to pique your interest and encourage you to listen for yourself. Unlike many, perhaps all of the albums that we've chosen to feature in our Top 25 Alternative Rock Albums list, The Meadowlands has absolutely no sentimental value to me. I first heard this album in its entirety just over two years ago, and there are no personal anecdotes or memories that accompany each listen. It is just an incredibly solid album that will endure beyond the music of the artists that Wind-Up Records kicked The Wrens to the curb for, and beyond most everything else made in the last decade or so. That's not too bad for a little band that no one believed in. And while the story of how The Meadowlands came to be may be a nice one to tell every now and then, it pales in comparison to the stories that the band tells through their music.

Key Tracks:
1. "She Sends Kisses"
2. "This Boy Exhausted"
3. "Thirteen Grand"
4. "Boys, You Won't"
5. "13 Months, In 6 Minutes"

10 out of 10 Stars

Buy from Insound | Buy from Amazon

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

The Top 5 Alternative Rock Albums (Albums 10-6)

We've made it to the Top 10! In case you're just joining us, here are some links to get you caught up.

Albums 25-21
Albums 20-16
Albums 15-11

#10 - Radiohead: Kid A (2000)
Cale says: "Kid A was probably the first big release of the internet age in music. As such, it's often remembered as one of the first albums that absolutely everybody downloaded - song by song, from Napster. Good times! Personally, I remember the album for other reasons: dark, late night road trips, relaxing in bed, making a fool out of myself at some random stoplight in front of perplexed onlookers. Kid A is a brilliant album, and my personal favorite by Radiohead. It definitely deserves a spot on this list!


#9 - Stone Temple Pilots: Purple (1994)
Erin says: "Purple was one of the first alternative albums that I bought, but definitely one of the best. They had several hits from this album and it's well deserving of its place in the top 25. My only complaint is that their following albums were not as awesome. "

Cale says: "There are a couple of really great songs on this one that just define alternative rock better than any other could. "Vaseline" and "Interstate Love Song" are obvious favorites that have never gotten old at all.

#8 - Beck: Odelay (1996)
Jill says: "I love it because it's different yet average and doesn't get to the spectacular point until the end when you're treated with "High 5 (Rock the Catskills)" and "Ramshackle.""

Erin says: " Beck, what can I say? You're Where It's At...the New Pollution...with a Devil's Haircut in my mind. OMG that's not only the cheesiest thing I've ever said, but also the most incoherent statement I've ever made. Somehow it seems appropriate. I love Beck and Odelay is fantastic! ...and did I mention...Beck's a musical and lyrical genius?"

#7 - Cake: Fashion Nugget (1996)
Erin says: "Who ever though that speaking most of your words to a background of music could be so popular? Well, Cake did, and their fans agreed. Fashion Nugget is not only one of the most fun albums to "speak" along with, but it's also super entertaining and a really great contribution to the entertainment industry."

Jill says: "I don't know what's better: "Stick Shifts and Safety Belts" with its lyrics that make me think of cars in a whole new way or "I Will Survive", a version of a classic anthem I like better than the original."

#6 - Fiona Apple: Tidal (1996)
Jill says: "Tidal is my essential break-up album. It has been since the first time I heard it. Soulful, sexy, angry, deep. It's good for the girl anger."

Erin says: "This chick can sing. True the music on this album is not as "trendy" as some of her other music, but it's all really real, well thought out, and well performed. She not only has an amazing voice, but her lyrics are to her music like syrup is to waffles. One without the other would seem a little strange, but both together leave you wanting more!"

The top 5 will be announced next Saturday. See you then!

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

Top 5 Friday: 5 Movies with semi-decent Alternative Soundtracks

5. Clueless:

I love it when people don't realize that Clueless is basically Jane Austen's novel Emma. It's one of the few Alicia Silverstone movies I'll watch and the irony of the entire thing never fails to amuse me. Under that clueless, vapid exterior lies a smart, witty, sensitive Cher that makes a few lifestyle and spiritual changes at the end all orchestrated by a great soundtrack. You've got some Cracker, some Lightening Seeds, the Counting Crows, some Radiohead. There's lots of what I would consider some one-hit-wonder Alternative songs in here, which are the standout tracks for me: Jill Sobule's "Supermodel" and Luscious Jackson's "Here". It's a charming soundtrack, much in the way the movie is, and nice for when you want a little randomness mixed into your regular listening habits, whatever they may be.


4. The Wedding Singer:

To borrow a quote from Empire Records, shock me, shock me, shock me when I discovered the other day that someone turned The Wedding Singer into a Broadway musical. We all know of my love of musicals but my first question was "Why??" I had to rewind it to make sure it wasn't a joke and my question still stands, why?

It's your charming, typical love story of a Cater-Waiter and a really bad wedding band front man engaged to other people who meet and eventually realize that they were meant for each other. (Hello basic plot-line of chick flicks.) The Wedding Singer has a great soundtrack though...The Presidents of the United States of America, The Culture Club, New Order, The Thompson Twins...while it's not an entirely Alternative soundtrack, its great for those songs that are oddly peppy and make you want to sing along. (I mean really, who doesn't love singing along to Adam Sandler belting out "somebody kill me please..." while in the car with the windows down?) Standout tracks are "Everyday I Write the Book" by Elvis Costello and "China Girl" by David Bowie, but you really shouldn't miss or dismiss Ellen Dow plus the Sugarhill Gang doing "Rapper's Delight". No, it's not Alternative, but it's amusing and well worth the listen.



3. Empire Records:

"This music is the glue of the world Mark. It's what holds it all together. Without this, life would be meaningless."

In my house, all things stop and no opportunity is lost to watch Empire Records if it's on television. With commercials, without commercials, in Spanish...it doesn't matter. Empire Records is an important movie in my household and around here, you stop what you're doing to watch it, no matter when it started. And you also know what "Happy Rex Manning Day" means should it be said randomly. We've never been able to figure out why, exactly, we have such a great love for the movie, but we do. Independent music store, smart-alecky employees, Rex Manning, and an Atlantic City putting the store at risk of being sold to a large chain all make for a quirky good time. The music is fitting for the movie and it's got a sort of laid back, relaxed, almost sad Alternative vibe to it. Standout tracks include "Liar" by The Cranberries and "Ready, Steady, Go" by The Meices. What really makes me love this soundtrack, though is "Sugarhigh" by Coyote Shivers, on the soundtrack sans Renee Zellweger. It's jump-around-on-my-bed goodness that describes a mood I can often be found in.


2. Pretty In Pink:

Okay. Let's just get this out of the way: did anyone really buy into the idea that James Spader and Andrew McCarthy were young enough to be high school boys? Molly Ringwald and John Cryer were a bit more believable in their roles as Andy and Ducky, but really. James Spader as a high school senior? Even in 1986 he looks so...old. Like 2 packs a day old, but I digress.

I admit it Pretty In Pink isn't the greatest movie ever. It didn't really stand the test of time, as it were, for me. I loved it when I was in high school because Andy was just so cool and I desperately wanted to distance myself from the real life Steffs and Blanes that I knew. And she wore a lot of pink, which really, is never an issue for me. What did stand the test of time, though, is the soundtrack. Made up of songs that I loved then and still love now. If I drop off "If You Leave" by Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, which I loathe, it's probably my most favorite movie soundtrack ever. It uses the less popular "Shell Shock" by New Order and "Pretty In Pink" by The Psychedelic Furs is still an Alternative standard for me. There's Suzanne Vega, there's Belious Some, there's Echo and the Bunnymen creating an atmosphere of love, longing, and the awkwardness of not managing to fit in anywhere, even with those that are your own "kind." The soundtrack ends with probably the saddest Alternative song ever, "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" by The Smiths...so simple. So heartbreaking. Exactly perfect for the movie and exactly perfect for pretty much everyones lives.

I can do without seeing Pretty In Pink anymore, but I'll never give up the soundtrack.



1. Cruel Intentions:

Oh, how I love Cruel Intentions. Everyone always remembers it for it's famous in the park kissing scene, but it's really the dramatic, sad event towards that always gets me. It's dark, it's amusing in it's own way, it's explicit verging on socially unacceptable, it's unexpected, it's sexy. It's evil. It's got a perfect soundtrack.

This is one of those soundtracks that seemed to be tailor made for the movie in every way. The songs picked were appropriate for the scenes they played in, meaning plot and music manage to go hand in hand. The Counting Crows "Colorblind" manages to capture the sad trek Ryan Phillippe makes and "Bittersweet Symphony" from The Verve brings you out of the emotional tension the movie pretty much puts you through. It's a soundtrack that I think best sums up the emotional parts to movie, the Alternative genre especially...it's got a mix of (musical) acts that talk about love and sex and obsession and the darkness that is sometimes life. If those are the main themes to Alternative music, then I don't know what is. There's nothing upbeat about this soundtrack, not really, not even the peppiest of songs manage to cast a happy light to the whole thing.

Standout tracks, even though they all standout in their own ways, must not be missed: "Every Me, Every You" by Placebo and "Comin' Up From Behind" by Marcy Playground, which is so, so much superior to their "Sex and Candy" single. As far as Alternative soundtracks go, you absolutely cannot go wrong with the Cruel Intentions soundtrack.

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

Moods - Forgotten

Coming up towards the end of our salute to Alternative Rock, I flip idly through the records I keep of every MP3, cd, and vinyl album I have. Thousands upon thousands of listings, in alphabetical order of course, serve to remind me of something: there's a lot of forgotten music in the Alternative genre.

They come to me in snippets sometimes, these songs that I always catch the tail end of while flipping radio channels or when I catch "Pretty In Pink" on some forgotten cable channel. I always had much love for Iona and could never buy into the idea that James Spader was a high school boy, but the soundtrack always made up for that. These forgotten Alternative songs pop up while I'm watching those "teen dramas" I sometimes favor. There's Joan telling Adam she's not crazy even though she sees (and talks to) God on Joan of Arcadia while The Flaming Lips play in the background and Grant Lee Phillips popping up at least 4 times a season on the Gilmore Girls. It's apparently hip and very retro to use Alternative Music in shows like that and I when I hear them, I always say to myself "I totally forgot about that song."

My problem is I never remember to seek them out and give them another listen. Not today, though. I've been keeping a list this entire month of songs I've forgotten but wanted to give a listen to again. Some of them I still love, like The Cardigan's "My Favorite Game" and "Closing Time" by Semisonic. Some of them I wish I'd never heard, like "Dead Man's Party" by Oingo Boingo and "Laid" by James. People forget that Alternative Rock covers so, so much musically and to overlook them is almost criminal. Just because you hear it on a Soft Rock station doesn't mean it's Pop, not every time.

I'm just waiting for the day when it's official that these songs are considered "Oldies" and take the place of Elvis Presley and The Byrds on Oldies stations across the country.

There's a lot of greatness out there and I'm confident I'll rediscover it as time marches on. Hopefully, this play list will inspire you to seek out those songs you've forgotten and give them a whirl to see if they do stand the test of time...

Forgotten, as defined by Websters:

1. to cease or fail to remember; be unable to recall
2. to omit or neglect unintentionally
3. to leave behind unintentionally; neglect to take
4. to omit mentioning; leave unnoticed
5. to fail to think of; take no note of
6. to neglect willfully; disregard or slight

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

Video of the Week - Week 63

So after my first two video choices had "Embed disabled by request" (damn you Universal Music Group!), I decided to pick this one.  Not because it's particularly memorable or anything, but just because I like the song and the whole retro vibe going on.  Hell, if it weren't for Scott Weiland's stupid dance moves, I'd probably watch it more often.  But I don't, and hopefully you don't either.

"Big Bang Baby" by Stone Temple Pilots, from the album Tiny Music.

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

Cake: Fashion Nugget

So here we meet for yet another Alternative Retro Review, and this week, the musical pioneer is the famous "talk rock" band, Cake. Fashion Nugget, released in 1996, was truly one of the first of it's kind. True there had been other bands who'd done the same thing a decade before, but none had tapped into this genre or attained quite the success as Cake. With their hit, "The Distance", this album spread like wildfire. I know within my little high school freshman click of 5, we each had a copy (dumb I know, but I like to throw a touch of personals into everything I write). It was the album to have. It was trendy to adults and teens alike and much different than other bands out there. So, without further ado, please embark with me on the journey known as Fashion Nugget.

The album begins with a snazzy and jazzy track called "Frank Sinatra". It's a fun one, with quirky lyrics and lots of personality, a characteristic very common with many of Cake's songs. There's also a good use of horns in this song, which give it that jazzier element. Don't let the title fool you though... I've never found this song to be remotely about Frank other than the brief mention of the late singer's name performing, "Stormy Weather". I think it's purely one of the random things that cake chose to do. It's a great song that is one of my favorites on the album. "The Distance" speaks for itself. Most people have heard the song at one point or another and some of you, like me, have probably played it endlessly upon opening your copy of Fashion Nugget. It's a funky track that seems to be about "being in a race", though things are not always what they seem (as Cale noted in his Sia Concert Review, about the song Lentil). This song is all "talk rock" except for the background vocals, which is so cool to me. I've listened to, and loved "The Distance" so much, I'd almost forgotten, that lead singer John McCrae never sings a single note in the entire song. Crazy...

"Friend is a Four Letter Word" is a slower track that's a little more solemn, but still very memorable and fun to sing to. In fact, I hadn't heard this album in probably 2 years, but when I put it in the other day and sang along with every word to this song, it was as if I'd listened to it every day. The chorus is comprised of the lyrics, "To me, coming from you, friend is a four letter word. 'End' is the only part of the word that I heard, call me morbid or absurd, but to me, coming from you, friend is a four letter word." Nope, I don't know what it means, but I like singin' it. By this point in this album, you know that the trumpet is not only a one song feature, but it's practically an additional band member, it's used so often. It's also a great addition to this song. "Open Book" is another one of my favorite songs on the album, because it's quite similar to going the distance, as far as musical sound. There's no "talking" in this song, but the overall musical feel is identical. It's got similar guitar effects, percussion, and goofy lyrics. My favorite part of this song is during the chorus, when McCrae says, "You may think she's an open book, but you don't know which page to turn to, do you, do you, do you?" It may not read like much, but when executed, it's a nice effect. There's also some abrupt dissonance in the chorus, which I find super cool. Did I mention that the beginning of the song almost makes me feel like a high hippie?

"Daria" is an interesting song, but not one of my favorites. It's got some good things working for it, like good lyrics, some new percussion, and a lot of changes in general sound throughout the song. I just feel like, overall, they have more entertaining tracks on Fashion Nugget than "Daria". However, "Race Car Ya-Yas" is a fantastic song on this album, probably the best if you're into Cake's talk rock feel. The entire song, a 1:21, is "The land of race car ya-yas. The land where you can't change lanes. The land where large, fuzzy dice, still hang proudly, like testicles from rear view mirrors". Just because this song is spoken, don't feel like it's identical to "The Distance". The trumpet has some crazy sounding solos, the guitar has a very different sound to it, and the percussion is not similar at all. Not to mention, this song is completely hysterical, which adds to the entertainment factor. "I Will Survive" is of course, a cover, but it's a well done cover. It follows the same path as the original, just with McCrae's vocals and the addition of, "I should've changed my f&@#in' lock". Other than that, it's a well done cover with a good guitar solo right in the middle...oh and you won't be ashamed of singing this one out loud.

"Stickshifts and Safetybelts" has a country feel to it because of the guitar melody and peppy percussion, but it's most definitely entertaining. It's a cute little track about how the driver of the car feels like stickshifts and safetybelts get in the way of his "baby" sitting next to him when he's driving. It's another one that I really like a lot on this album. "Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps" is a little bit overrated in my opinion. The trumpet is excellent in this song, but I think the lyrics are a little on the dull side. Musically, except for the trumpet, it's not too entertaining. You can do better on this album. I feel exactly the same way about "It's Coming Down", except for in this song, I think the background vocals are great. If the song was simply background vocals, I'd love it, otherwise, see the previous song's description and omit "trumpet".

...and we're back to Cake's talk rock again with "Nugget". This song is also funny, but slightly awkward to listen to in front of the parents and/or preachers. Every other word in this song is f@$#...and it's not subtle. I'm not sure what this song is about though, because the lyrics in this one are way random. If you don't mind the overly used word f@$# in this song, it's actually pretty entertaining and the music itself is good too. "She'll Come Back to Me" is another song with a country-flair feel. In fact, with it's sad, yet hopeful lyrics, I think that if this song had a different vocalist, you might hear it in a country bar. This song also makes good use of the trumpet in a few spots, and though it's a sad song, the music remains fairly light. The steel guitar just makes me want to have a beer or something... "Italian Leather Sofa" is a cheerful song that I generally find myself listening to rather than singing along with. My complaint about this song is that it's too freakin' long for them. All of their other songs average 2-3 minutes, but this one is almost 6 minutes long. I like the song enough, but not for 6 minutes. Musically, it's not bad though. "Sad Songs and Waltzes" is a slow track that is instrumentally sparse and it seems like a strange way to end their generally upbeat album. However, it's a good one with nice lyrics and some good harmonies.

Fashion Nugget was a success for Cake and it still remains one of my favorite Alternative Rock albums of the 90's. It was just so unique back then, and now, over 10 years later, it's still just as unique. I feel like if you didn't own this album in the 90's you missed out, and if you still don't own it, you should definitely add it to your collection.

Key Tracks:
1. Frank Sinatra
2. The Distance
3. Open Book
4. Race Car Ya-Yas
5. Stickshifts and Safetybelts

7 out of 10 stars

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

The Top 25 Alternative Rock Albums (Albums 15-11)

#15 - The Cure: Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (1987)
Jill says: "Quite simply, the lyrics of track 16, "A Thousand Hours": 'A thousand wasted hours a day/Just to feel my heart for a second/A thousand hours just thrown away/Just to feel my heart for a second...'"



#14 - New Order: Substance (1987)
Jill says: "I could write volumes about New Order. I could write a novel about this album. I have every single New Order and Joy Division album there is to have. I have it on cd, I have it on vinyl, I have it on rare, very expensive bootleg vinyle. I paid an exorbiant amount to see them live. It's dark, it's deep, it's dirty, it's clever in it's hidden messages. I am not a "Blue Monday" and "Bizarre Love Triangle" kind of girl. To find me on that album, you have to look elsewhere: "Everything's Gone Green", "Thieves Like Us", "Procession", "1963", and the song that ranks 2nd on my list of all time favorite songs, "Perfect Kiss"."

#13 - The Flaming Lips: At War With the Mystics (2006)

Cale says: "The Flaming Lips have a career that spans the life and death of several genres. 80s metal, hair bands, new wave, grunge rock; the list goes on and on. Through it all, the band has remained true to their psychedelic rock roots while remaining as innovative and entertaining as ever. They experienced sort of a rebirth in the late 1990s and since then have created some of their strongest albums ever. In my opinion, it is their most recent album, At War With the Mystics, that tops them all! Every second of this album is breathtaking, filled with such dense compositions that you're bound to catch new things you've never heard before with almost every listen! It is an amazing achievement for any band, much less a band that's been around for over two decades.

#12 - Tears for Fears: Songs from the Big Chair (1985)
Jill says: "Honestly, don't dismiss Tears for Fears the way I did for so long. "Shout" is the most recognizable but not the best track. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" is fantastic but it's "Head Over Heels/Broken" that is the true gem. It's a live track but that doesn't take away from the simple genius of it. I used to not like Tears for Fears, but the older I get, the more I realize they are truly quiet a talented pair."

Cale says: "I don't think there has ever been an album cover that screams "Alternative Rock!" more than this one. And who could argue with the fact that "Shout" is the most rockin' song this side of Metallica? Only a fool, friends. Only a fool."

#11 - Depeche Mode: Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993)
Jill says: "It is one of the few albums I will listen to from beginning to end without skipping over anything. "Walking In My Shoes" is by far my favorite, "In Your Room" is so sexy it makes me blush, and "Higher Love" just makes me want to start the entire thing over again."

Erin says: "Depeche Mode never gets old and neither does Songs of Faith. I'm pretty sure that I'll be singing these songs when I'm well into my twilight years, but hey, they're that good."

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

The Top 5 Alternative Hits by One Hit Wonders

So, in lieu of the missed Retro Review last week, Cale and I agreed that I would take charge of Top 5 Friday so that I could get over an illness and grace you with my opinions, yet again. Therefore, this week, as the headline states, it's my favorite alternative hits by one hit wonders. While I'm a huge fan of successful artists who produce multitudes of life altering albums , I must also pay homage to those who have fallen. Thus I present you with the magic...please behold.


5. Nine Days - "Absolutely (The Story of a Girl)"
I know what you're thinking...and you're right. It is a bit of the lighter side of alternative rock. A little more pop and a little less, "with the lights out it's less dangerous". I get that. However, the lighter side is exactly why I love this song. I can't tell you the number of times it has popped into my head and stayed there for days...ironic, huh? It's a great piece that tells about the solemness of this girl that lead singer, John Hampson, is truly fond of, and even as he lays out all her "imperfections", he claims to "absolutely love her when she smiles". "Absolutely (The Story of a Girl)" is a happy song that takes me back to fond memories of listening to and singing this song in my first car. It's cheesy, I know, but memories often play a huge part in musical selections and is the reason for this song being brought to the forefront of my mind. BTW, in case you're planning on checking, Wikipedia will list them as having 2 hits. "Absolutely (The Story of a Girl)" and some track called "If I Am"... Let's be honest, has anyone ever really heard it, and more importantly, would you remember it?

4. Spacehog - "In the Meantime"
I gotta be frank with you all... I know nothing of this band. Nada. What I do know is that "In the Meantime" is one of my absolute favorite songs ever. It's one where you may understand the lyrics as being one thing, while I'm hearing words that are completely different. It's a song where I've probably given it entirely new lyrics. However, lyrics aside, it's a great song for several reasons. The vocals are so unique that I feel if we'd ever heard more from Spacehog, it would've been easily identifiable. The song has great hooks, verses, chorus, bridge, ending...I mean, it has unbelievable structure. The ending is totally separate from this vocal/guitar driven song in that it scrapes away all other musical factors, save the piano, and plays what could almost sound like an adult lullaby. It's a beautiful melody that will always stand out in my mind as being a perfect ending to an amazing song. Seriously, if I could give "In the Meantime" a true rating, it would be an easy 10.

3. The Proclaimers - "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)"
I assume that when one thinks of Alternative Rock, the bands Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. come to mind, but what about it's predecessors. Sure The Proclaimers (please don't confuse with The Pretenders) don't pop out as significant, or maybe even alternative rock, but you can't deny that "I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)" didn't break the mold from other bands that were around in 1988. This song was so different from anything out there at that time and was so original, that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to honor the Scots. "I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)" is a brilliantly talented, goofy song that was featured in the film Benny & Joon (why does that feel like it was 10,000 years ago?). The song is an upbeat and lighthearted display of complete devotion. The patterns of "when you do this, I'm gonna do this" make up the spirited song and make it easy to sing along with and easy to fall in love with. And let's face it...you'll never forget the lines "and I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more" and the composed chorus of "duh duh duh duhs" that make this song worth remembering and/or hard to forget.

2. The Verve - "Bitter Sweet Symphony"
I do feel slightly guilty for listing The Verve in this category, because to be fair, I believe they've had several hits in the UK. However, if you glance up to the address bar on your screen, you'll notice we're not in Kansas anymore and being an American based musical opinions blog, I'm exercising my right to add them. I'll say this..."Bitter Sweet Symphony" is not only an awesome song, but the video is great too. I love to watch him plow through literally every person he passes down the street like they're not even there. Being that this is about the song, not the video, I'll move on. "Bitter Sweet Symphony" was not even close to being an instant favorite of mine. In fact, it wasn't even until I heard Lucas Rossi perform it on "Rockstar Supernova" that I even appreciated it as a good song, much less a favorite of mine. However, when I heard it under a different voice, I realized what an intricate composition it is, both vocally and instrumentally. It has the ability to be vocally ornamented, which is exactly what Rossi did with it. Once I heard his version, I went back and reexamined my feelings for the original...I loved it. I listened with a fresh set of ears and it was as if I'd heard it for the first time. It's a beautifully written alternative rock song that makes you feel melancholy and malicious at the same time. If you're having doubts about appreciating "Bitter Sweet Symphony", I would encourage you to find a version of Rossi's and then reevaluate The Verve's masterpiece.

1. Tracy Bonham - "Mother Mother"
So while this is my fav, it's hard for me to lump Tracy into this category because I love more of her music than just this one song. A few of them even got air play, but it's "Mother Mother" that brings home the bacon. "Mother Mother" is a sarcastic tale of a girl and her phone conversation with her mother in which she makes small talk, asks some questions, and recalls some unexpected details. In the chorus, she sings/screams "I'm hungry, I'm dirty, I'm losing my mind, everything's fine". The song's use of guitars and strings, which come prior to the chorus, don't even set you up for when she goes berserk during the chorus. It's a great surprise! Bonham is a phenomenal vocalist and with a hit like this and a voice like hers, it's a travesty that she's being classified as a one hit wonder. She's truly masterful and "Mother Mother" proves it. This song is also one of the first tracks where I had ever heard a female vocalist scream, as it was very uncommon for women during that period in music. I remember loving how pissed off Bonham seemed, especially since I felt I could relate in all my teen angst. I always swore up and down that if I was in a band, I would cover this song, as have The Veronicas. "Rockstar Supernova" alum, Dilana even performed it on the show (though not by choice) and killed it (in a good way). It's a fabulous song that deserves every bit of recognition it gets and more. It is my hope that you will enjoy it along with me.

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

Video of the Week - Week 62

So there was this whole thing...I didn't realize that the video of the week I'd chosen in honor of our salute to Alternative Rock had already been used this past January...and I'm now replacing it...

So what do you do when you make an error like that? You skip over all the other obvious choices and go right for the Alternative Rock icon you should have gone with right from the start: Jane's Addiction.

As music lovers, we have a lot to thank Perry Ferrell for. He taught us that it's okay to be wicked weird. He was long ahead of his time when it comes to cosmetics and showed us that even men can wear black nail polish with dignity. He brought us Jane's Addiction, Psi-Com, and Satellite Party. He brought us our first taste of the carnival like aspect that is a multi-act touring show...that's right...the man gave us the Lollapalooza.

It was a genius idea, really, putting together this festival line up of acts ranging from Ice T and Body Count to Sonic Youth to The Roots to Metallica to The Ramones to Orbital to Incubus and I could go on and on for hours recounting every act that ever graced a Lallalooza lineup. It was cancelled, it was brought back, it went from a touring show to a one time thing in Chicago, but none of that matters. What matters is Perry Ferrell brought us to a new way to see live music.

While there's all that, the nail polish, the weirdness, the rock icon status, there's still a bit of mediocrity about Jane's Addiction. They aren't the best band ever and they aren't the worst band ever. I'm actually hard pressed to find another song they had. If it weren't for Lollapalooza they'd be just another Alternative band...

One that gave us the genius ode to shoplifting. Dogs barking, the girlfriend with the bad eye shadow, the security camera views, using a common produce aisle pillar as a stripper pole...they're all here (and more) in a simple, catchy tune with a great guitar rift about how great it is to just take what you want when you want it.

Even shoplifters need an anthem.

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

Incubus: "Morning View"

It's Monday, and according to logic - and the weekly schedule here at Audio Overflow - this "Retro Review" for Incubus' 2001 album, Morning View should have been posted yesterday. So when Erin, who usually writes these reviews, "called in sick" yesterday, I hurriedly sat down and typed out what will go probably go down as the single greatest thing that has ever been written. It was more poetic than Maya Angelou, more profound than Moby Dick, and more insightful than Plato. But that's just me being meek. Unfortunately for you and the present and future of humankind, some freak accident caused the entire thing to be deleted just as I started typing in the key tracks. The greatest review ever forged was lost in the annals of history.

The original introduction to my review had significantly more to do with the album. It read a little more like this:



One could effectively make a case either for or against Incubus. I know this because I'm currently torn over them. Back in High School, they were my favorite band. Since their 2004 album, A Crow Left of the Murder, I've steadily grown out of love with them. Brandon Boyd is truly unparalleled as a rock vocalist, though as a lyricist he's sometimes laughably flawed. Likewise, Mike Einziger often wavers between guitar god and spirited amateur. Incubus has their moments on every album where they simply blow you away, and for that, they deserved to be listened to. It is Morning View, however, that remains their most impressive LP to date! It varies between loud, distorted, rock jams and introspective ballads, but does so effortlessly and sometimes unnoticably.

Morning View's cover depicts a picturesque California coast; a peaceful, secluded patch of beach. The brilliant thing about the album is that every song, regardless of style, feels like if would be a perfect accompaniment to such a place. The album's first single, "Wish You Were Here" makes you want to close your eyes and picture yourself on that distant coast; the wind ripping through your hair, and your arms outstretched in a "With Arms Wide Open" music video type of way. If you could put music on a postcard with the phrase "Wish You Were Here," this would be it! Boyd's lyrics beautifully capture this moment as well, singing, "I lean against the wind, pretend that I am weightless, and in this moment I am happy."

But Morning View is not all pretty, happy moments. Songs like "Mexico," or the beautiful, "11am" drip with regret and remorse. Boyd softly sings, "7am. The garbage truck beeps as it backs up and I start my day thinking about what I've thrown away," and you can immediately empathize with him. Both songs have a very somber, slow tone to them and brilliantly counter the intensity of the album's opening moments. Others such as "Blood on the Ground" or "Under My Umbrella" feature a defiant sound, more in line with the band's earlier funk-punk influenced albums.

But more often than not, the tone of Morning View is one that is rather complacent. "Are You In?" is such a blissful, jazzy song that it's hard not to fall in love with it. Brandon Boyd sings in a carefree falsetto throughout a large portion of the song, noting that "It's so much better when sea foam green is in fashion," which is dumb, yes, but also strangely satisfying. "Just a Phase" features similar lyrical blunders but finds the band experimenting with different sounds and using silence to effectively heighten a moment of increased volume in a way that I've yet to hear done quite so convincingly. And then there's always the zen-like experience that is listening to "Aqueous Transmission," the album's peaceful closer. At over 7 minutes long, it takes the listener on a journey. Again, Boyd paints a beautiful picture that is brilliantly conveyed with the music. He sings, "I'm floating down a river...Lying face up on the floor of my vessel, I marvel at the stars and feel my heart overflow." Sounds of crickets, frogs, and other noisy creatures add ambiance to an already surreal track. Such a song could only appear on this album, and Incubus has never really made a song that rivals this one.

It has been over 6 years since Morning View first released. A lot has changed since then. Music has come and gone, and my tastes have changed significantly. The constant throughout all of that has been this one album. I can listen to it today just as I did 6 years ago; blaring through my speakers, me singing at the top of my lungs, air drumming, guitaring, etc. It is my go-to album for karaoke, a mainstream rock must-own, and by far Incubus' most solid and impressive peace of work. If you've yet to hear Morning View (who are you?), or would like to get reacquainted with it, I highly recommend giving it a listen. It has not disappointed me yet after (literally) hundreds of listens. Have fun with it!

Key Tracks:
1. "Circles"
2. "Just a Phase"
3. "11am"
4. "Under My Umbrella"
5. "Aqueous Transmission"

9 out of 10 Stars

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

The Top 25 Alternative Rock Albums (Albums 20-16)

Welcome back to week two of this 5-week countdown of the Top 25 Alternative Rock Albums. Last week's list included albums 25-21. This week, we'll pick up where we left off. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out the rest of our Alternative Rock related posts in observance of Alternative Rock Month here at Audio Overflow!


#20 - Incubus: Morning View (2001)

Cale says: "Incubus had already released two great albums by the time their third major-label LP, Morning View, was released. It was this one, however, that has gone down as their masterpiece. Filled start to finish with quality songs of varying styles, Morning View is an absolute blast to listen to, sing along to, or rock out with - depending on which song you choose to listen to. Listen to the whole thing without stopping, now that's the real treat! It is one of the best mainstream rock albums of the 21st century, or hell, any century."

#19 - 10,000 Maniacs: Our Time in Eden (1992)

Jill says: "I still very happily wear my 10,000 Maniacs tee shirt from the tour supporting this album. White, with the cover on the front, and on the back, lyrics from "Stockton Gala Days". "That summer fields grow high. We made garland crowns in hiding, pulled stems of flowers from my hair." An album that is the best use of Natalie Merchant's unusual voice and probably the only thing they produced worth listening to. "

#18 - The Smashing Pumpkins: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995)

Cale says: "It's hard to believe that an album like this ever existed, and that it was as good as it was. How many double-albums do you know of that feature quality songs on every track? How many double-albums do you know of that go own as the best in an artist's catalog? It doesn't happen very often, or ever for that fact. The Smashing Pumpkins' 1995 masterpiece was the height of their career. It's almost as if they put everything they had into this one effort. Perhaps that's why everything that has come since has been somewhat of a disappointment."

#17 - Radiohead: OK Computer (1997)

Cale says: "Widely considered to be the best alternative rock album of all time, OK Computer is a true work of art in music form! It was the album that transformed Radiohead into a talented band into the "saviors of rock and roll." Their future efforts would try to distance themselves from the style that they perfected in this album, but few of their efforts can hold their own against such a great record.


#16 - Alanis Morissette: Jagged Little Pill (1995)

Erin says: "Freakin' Awesome! I love this album and still know EVERY WORD to EVERY SONG! It's truly a shame that her best songs from this album were mostly hidden to radio stations, but her fans loved them. This will always be one of my favorite alternative albums!"

Jill says: "People don't get this, but I only like one Alanis Morrisette song. "Wake Up." That's it. Her kind of girl anger just doesn't do it for me. I can't identify, I can't make it my own. I will say this, though, she makes a great God. "

Tune in next week for picks 15-11.

Click to Read More...

Summary only...

Top 5 Friday: My Favorite Favorite Female Voices of Alternative Rock

Let's face it, the women of the music world are sometimes overlooked in favor of their more popular counterparts. When you get into a genre like Alternative Rock, as we are this month, it's the men that come immediately to mind. I'll be honest, it took me a few minutes to come up with a list of women in Alternative Rock that I even liked. I'm slightly disappointed by this, but I do think I came up with some gems.

5. Sleater Kinney: Are they Indie? Are they Alternative? Some people have them on one list, some people on the other, and a few have them on both. Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein broke up with the bands they were in (which are so unnotable I don't even know what they are) and formed Sleater Kinney in 1995. They put out 7 albums in 10 years and are no longer a group. That's pretty much all I know about them. I admit, I am not the biggest Sleater Kinney fan in the world. They've always been a take it or leave it kind of band for me. Seeing them live really helped bolster my opinion of them, though, so now every so often I find myself dragging out a few Sleater Kinney albums for things like house work and really angry painting sessions. Sometimes they fit into that need for angry girl music that isn't something like Tori Amos or Ani diFranco; something that's got a lot more of a rock edge to it. "All Hands On the Bad One" is a great album, but it's the single "Jumpers" from 2005's "The Woods" that makes me really happy. Writing this I realized what Sleater Kinney is for me: a female version of Rage Against the Machine. Only a little tamer.


4. Liz Phair: I remember when Liz Phair made a little bit of a mainstream splash when she released her album "Liz Phair" in 2003. I saw her on Letterman doing "Why Can't I?" and it just seemed to go downhill from there for her. She was no longer an Alternative darling for the media and was labeled as a sell out. That's what happens when you go with a production team, it seems, that puts out albums for people like Avril Lavigne and Hillary Duff. "Liz Phair" wasn't that great of an album, but if you go further back and dig out "whitechocolatespacegg" or "Exile in Guyville" you'll find some true pieces of art. "Polyester Bride", "Fuck and Run", "Gunshy", "Only Son", and "Go On Ahead" are my Liz Phair staples. She's bold, she's honest, and she's got a humorous approach to otherwise touchy subjects.


3. Siouxsee Sioux: Her name is really Janet. She helped form Siouxsee and the Banshees in 1976 and then broke them up, as many female lead singers are wont to do, in 1995. (And apparently got them back together for a reunion tour this year because reunion tours are big money.) But that wasn't before she netted herself some critical praise and put out nearly 15 albums. As a teenager, I was so in love with Siouxsee's voice and her look. The bright pink dresses coupled with the heavy black eyeliner and nail polish. The dyed dark black hair. And her voice...deep, sultry, commanding, dark. She sings as if she doesn't care what the world thinks of her and she does a cover of Iggy Pop's "The Passenger" that to this day sometimes still gives me goosebumps. (And does it far better than Iggy Pop ever did it.)


2. Dolores O'Riordan: After I submitted my list of my favorite Alternative Albums to Cale, like two days after it was made official, I was kicking myself for a glaring omission: The Cranberrie's "Everyone Else Is Doing It So Why Can't We?" I always forget about The Cranberries, even though "Zombie" pops up often on my iPod. (Is random really so random if it's playing the same 50 out of 14,000 songs?) The firs time I heard Dolores O'Riordan I said "Wow. Her voice kicks ass" and that's a sentiment I hold to this day. She's got this distinctive voice that somehow never managed to lose the Irish accent the more she sang. She can screech with the best of them and she has the ability to draw you into her voice and keep you there until she's done with you. "Linger" is such a poetic song driven by her vocals and who doesn't love the chorus of "Zombie"? My favorite though, and always has been, is "Liar". Genius lyrics and you really get a taste of that amazing Irish accent.


1. Natalie Merchant: There's a lot to be said about 10,000 Maniacs and that'll come at another time. This moment belongs to Natalie Merchant. I have a very vivid image of her live and this sums it up best: I should have just tacked her picture up on the wall and played her cd's on a loop. She doesn't move, she doesn't have much stage presence, and she just belts out one song after another. Oh. And in person, Natalie Merchant is so incredibly striking it's startling. If it weren't for the voice she has it would have been a total waste of money to see her live. She's got a voice like no other and she knows how to use it. There are songs like "San Andreas Fault" and "Ophelia" that have a very lullaby quality to them and when she sings about pioneer women moving across the country via covered wagon, her voice really puts you there. Natalie Merchant manages to tell a story with her lyrics and uses her voice to illustrate it. For me, Natalie Merchant can make me weepy, make me happy, and she never fails to make me want to hear more. Her voice is just so different that if you haven't sought her out, you really should. Natalie Merchant is an Alt Rock goddess and should not be ignored.

Click to Read More...

Summary only...