Where it started, where it went and how the hell did it end up there
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club had the misfortune, early in the group’s career, of being forcibly attached to a number of genres. None of the comparisons stuck. Yet, even unhyped, the band’s fans remained loyal. When the dust settled, a fairer way to label Black Rebel Motorcycle Club was simply as one of the greatest alternative rock bands ever.
The present doesn’t much give a damn about heroes, no matter their achievements. Time, however, is usually kind to their memory. Screaming Trees is one of the greatest alternative rock bands. Indeed, this is also one of the most underrated bands in the genre.
Weezer was the alternative-rock band that, once and for all, proved that it’s the quality of the songs, above everything, that allows musical artists to have a long-lasting career. The group was a dorkier Nirvana, with poppier songs and the good manners to hang around. Weezer is one of the most alternative rock bands of all time.
Ronnie James Dio was obsessed with role-playing game-type fantasy, work-obsessed, and capable of outsinging a good majority of rock vocalists. He made over-the-top rock records. Dio, his solo vehicle, is one of the greatest heavy metal groups of all time.
The world is a tough, unfair, unforgiving place that just remembers the winners. Despite this, there are some who correctly point to Supergrass as one of the greatest alternative rock bands ever.
Morrissey isn’t a cult singer, but rather a cult leader. Fewer fans are more dedicated to the music of one single pop star. And while he’s also outspoken, controversial, and plain wrong at times, some of his solo work, just as that with The Smiths, is of tremendous importance to pop culture. Morrissey is one of the greatest indie artists of all time.
The Band suffered little in the way of self-confidence, hence the gutsy name. In fairness, this was an already legendary musical combo that had backed Bob Dylan by the time it recorded its legendary debut album. Yes, The Band is one of the greatest bands of all time.
The Sisters of Mercy are a gothic-rock institution. Not that singer and band leader Andrew Eldritch would ever be content with that. Andrew Eldritch has fought hard against typecasting. Perhaps it’s more accurate to call the Sisters of Mercy one of the most influential bands in alternative music.
Warren Zevon, early in his life, faced with the choice between of becoming a genius or a smart ass chose the latter. But his songwriting, naturally, blended the two. Colorful language, excellent playing and endless gallows humor flesh out his songs. Warren Zevon is one of the greatest rock artists of all time. I think that title would suit him.
Depeche Mode was initially a synth-pop group that courted fame. As years went on, the musical complexity of the group increased. As more years went on, the group adopted a darker, gothic-tinged aesthetic and sound. None of these changes diminished the success of Depeche Mode, one of the greatest bands of all time.