Every music lover has their list of bands and albums that missed the limelight.
This columnist knows several ’90s bands that never caught on with the general public.
Now they can at least receive some recognition, which is long overdue.
Dinosaur Jr. offers grunge textures, addictive tunes
This is probably the first time many people have heard of this noise rock band that inspired Nirvana.
In fact, Dinosaur Jr. was better than Nirvana.
The Dinosaur Jr.’s songs were more grunge-like and less polished than Nirvana’s.
Their oeuvre was composed of catchy tunes that could grow on most people quickly.
If Kurt Cobain was the Bob Dylan of Grunge, then J. Mascis is the Jimi Hendrix of Grunge. Thankfully, the band is still going strong with its last studio album Farm.
Grunge freaks should check out Dinosaur Jr.’s ‘Feel The Pain,’ ‘Start Choppin’ and ‘Freak Scene.’
True fans help an unknown album earn spotlight
Many are familiar with these geeky rockers and their singles, but there is definitely more to Weezer than ‘Buddy Holly’ and ‘Say It Ain’t So.’
Weezer’s sophomore album Pinkerton, released in 1996, originally went tragically unrecognized.
Thanks to diehard fans, this album finally got its well-deserved recognition in the new 21st century.
Give a listen to ‘Pink Triangle,’ ‘The Good Life,’ and ‘Across the Sea.’
Some bands have no luck
Mellow pop band Travis’ best album was released in ’99, but it more than warrants mentioning this list.
Since pop culture embraced the mellow rhythms and dramatic lyrics of the ’90s-born
Coldplay, it is shocking that this similar band didn’t catch on.
Travis’ album The Man Who simply outclasses Coldplay’s debut album, Parachutes, with catchy delicate melodies, wonderful crooning and vocals that can only be described as infectious.
Turn your friends on to this ’90s treasure by adding ‘Writing to Reach You,’ ‘Turn,’ and ‘Why Does It Always Rain on Me?’ to your playlist.
Individual albums need love too
Most people were probably expecting Radiohead to make it on this list, but for the wrong reasons. In fact it is surprising that the radio never took to Radiohead’s The Bends.
This album features great pop-influenced songs that definitely could have broken into the top 40.
If America had caught onto the album, perhaps Radiohead’s masterpiece OK Computer could have received the recognition it deserved.
Listeners can trip out on pop tunes such as ‘Fake Plastic Trees,’ ‘Just,’ and ‘High and Dry.’
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