Monday, October 3 2011
The 20 Most Memorable Songs of 1991
In a year when so much remarkable music was released, it's hard to choose just 20 memorable songs without a few omissions. Still, you'll be hard pressed to quibble with the picks of the PopMatters music staff and guest contributors.
Friday, September 30 2011
The Year Alternative Went Massive and Defined a Decade
Above all else, musically 1991 will forever be remembered as the year alterna-rock conquered the masses. PopMatters explores how alternative became the dominant form of rock music in the '90s.
Thursday, September 29 2011
Id N’ Ego Killed the Pop Metal Star… and the Alternative Rocker, Too
Grunge didn't kill pop metal, it merely succeeded it as the genre of choice as part of a logical progression. To understand the emergence of alt-rock, we need to examine why the tide turned against a wave of music that had once been so popular.
Tuesday, September 27 2011
Smells Like MTV: Music Video and the Rise of Grunge
MTV’s central role in delivering grunge to a national audience in the early 1990s demonstrated the network’s power as a creator and definer of culture, and the reaction of many of grunge’s iconic figures against the video medium revealed the gulf between principle and reality.
Monday, September 26 2011
Between the Grooves of Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’
Our stable of writers undertakes a track-by-track analysis of the most celebrated album of the last 20 years, from the surprise hit that brought grunge to the masses, to the hidden cacophonous noise-fest that may not even be included on your copy of the record.
Friday, September 23 2011
The End of R.E.M.
On Wednesday, R.E.M. -- one of the most important alternative rock bands of all time -- announced it was calling it quits. But with the group having been described as "important" for so long, it's possible that it's been all too often taken for granted.
Wednesday, August 31 2011
Company of Thieves: Running From a Gamble
Indie rock band Company of Thieves touches on a little of everything on their scattered sophomore effort.
Wednesday, August 24 2011
Flawed Element: Breaking the Silence
A retrospectively fresh take on the traditional nu-metal style, this is the album that will reward the hitherto unrequited patience that old Linkin Park fans have for their fallen idols.
Friday, July 22 2011
Shonen Knife: Osaka Ramones – Tribute to the Ramones
Shonen Knife is just too adorable and sweet of a band to really capture the true grit of the Ramones.
Tuesday, July 19 2011
Taking Back Sunday: Taking Back Sunday
Taking Back Sunday experiences revival through the reunion of their original lineup and creates their best work in years.
