The music industry is often a cruel and mysterious mistress, luring budding potential into its sweet embrace before spitting them out without fully digesting them. Weird analogy I know but it’s been quite a weird day. Here’s 10 bands I think should be (or should have been) more appreciated by the industry they pursued careers in.
10. Prefab Sprout
Hailing from County Durham in Northern England, Prefab Sprout rose to prominence in the 1980’s with their groovy brand of new wave. Formed in 1978, the band built up a solid and committed fan-base in their native country- even enjoying some exposure stateside with their 1985 sophomore release ‘Steve McQueen’, which breached the Billboard 200 upon its release. Although still active, little has come of the huge potential the band possessed in their heyday, maybe it’s the name?
9. Hanoi Rocks
Encapsulating the playful raucousness which became famous amongst hard rock bands in the 1980’s, Hanoi Rocks established themselves as one of the early pioneers. Coming together in Helsinki, Finland- in 1979- the band soon set about constructing their unmistakable sound. Fusing the gimmicky nature of Slade with the solid backbeat principles of T-Rex and Bowie- it looked as though Hanoi Rocks could potentially become something huge upon the commercial interest they garnered in the UK, US and Japan. Evidently it wasn’t to be, they still make a living however.
8. Afghan Whigs
Mostly overlooked as a mere footnote upon the extensive American alternative rock scene of the 1990’s, Afghan Whigs failed to rise to the dizzy heights of peers such as one time Sub Pop label mates Nirvana. Enjoying a committed and steady fan base during these early years however, the band carried on undeterred- creating some of the most influential and progressive music of the era. Despite having a few breaks along the way, they’re still toiling it out- having now safely reached cult status.
7. Annihilator
Canadian thrash metal merchants Annihilator arose as part of the unmistakable first wave of North American thrash bands- alongside the likes of Exodus, Slayer and Metallica. Back then in the 80’s it looked as though the Ontarians would go on to a similar level of success as aforementioned stage sharers. Whether or not they did however is debateable- despite still enjoying the representation of a major record label- the bands notoriety amongst new metal fans is a longshot from the likes of Metallica. Unjust?
6. Super Furry Animals
Welsh songsmiths Super Furry Animals were formed in 1993 and have stayed at the same relative about-to-break level pretty much ever since. Despite possessing a fan base not only committed and loyal but spread all over the globe- SFA’s have not yet given the mainstream a run for its money. The music that they create is certainly capable of doing so in my opinion, fusing beautifully elements of rock and roll swagger with delicate electronic hooks and melodies. The band has released an incredible 9 albums in their time together, which makes this lack of praise all the more surprising.
5. Failure
Active between 1990 and 1997, Failure made their own place amongst the big bands of the time- namely Soundgarden, Nirvana and Bush. Taking a perhaps more classic and gentle approach with their angsty alt-rock, Failure were quickly snapped up by a label and shipped off to record a debut in 1992. Several support tours followed for the group, as is normal for a band at that stage in their career. Two more LP’s followed in 1994 and 1996 respectively, both of which were well received, however they called it quits in 97’, which was a real shame.
4. Venom
Formed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England- in 1979, Venom is a famous name amongst the metal community- due to their reputation as the first band to write songs carrying the genre traits of what is now known as ‘black metal’. Their initial run from 79’ to 1993 saw some 8 studio albums being released- further confirming the extremely hard work ethic of metal bands during this era. With their disbandment in 93’ however- much of Venoms momentum was halted, with other bands using their would-be invention to rise to prominence within the genre during their absence. Though reforming in 1995 and still enjoying a relatively successful career, they could have been huge.
3. Mudhoney
This Seattle based band has been active continuously since their formation in 1988, cutting albums, touring the world in the same vein now as 20 years ago. Kudos to them for this effort, as although they do make a living more than healthy from what can only be imagined as their most pure of passions, Mudhoney are definitely one of the lesser known groups from the scene which spawned them. Though lead singer Mark Arm cut his teeth as part of ‘Green River’, the Seattle ‘grunge’ band which many cite as being the first of the rest- Mudhoney would not go on to find the same huge success as the projects of other Green River members.
2. The Music
English alt-rockers The Music only recently called it quits after a 12 year career which saw the well-received release of 3 albums. Though more talked about in their earlier days, there was little to signal The Music could become anything but huge at the time of their dissolution. Maybe they were simply disheartened by the unstoppable rise of peers such as Coldplay following similar beginnings in the early 2000’s .
1. Neutral Milk Hotel
The poetic, almost hymnal song writing capabilities of this band- in particular their lead singer/leader Jeff Mangum, are something to behold. Blending graceful, jaunting melodies with the nerdish obscurity associated with the best of indie bands- Neutral Milk Hotels influence upon the many who would follow in their steps is little less than seminal. Active from 1989-1999, the band only released 2 studio albums- a fact which surely must be one of the 20th centuries most crushing tragedies. Released 4 years apart, ‘On Avery Island’ and ‘In the Aeroplane over the Sea’ are both lo-fi journeys into the netherworld of NMH’s collective consciousness. Tackling beauty, unity, sex and death with equal measure.
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