The 411 Music Top 5 08.12.08: Underrated Bands
Posted by Blake Lauderback on 08.12.2008
This week we are looking at the most underrated bands in the world of music. Classic rock, alternative, metal, even a little prog polka. Okay, maybe not the last one, but we have quite the variety nonetheless.
Welcome back to the Music Zone Top 5!
Thank you to all of you that submitted your lists for the Top 5 Alternative Bands. After some careful consideration, the winner is Steveo. Here is his list.
Disclaimer: This list only includes alternative acts that have come around in my lifetime.
Honorable Mentions: Faith No More (best voice in Alt Rock), Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age (a wonderful gem undiscovered by many), Weezer (i'll be damned if they didn't get to me), Alice in Chains, Green Day, Radiohead, Soundgarden, Jane's Addiction, Oasis, 311, Sublime
Dishonorable Mentions: Buckcherry, Sugar Ray, Third Eye Blind, Nickelback, Stone Temple Pilots (for impersonating a grunge band...they just rub me the wrong way), Marilyn Manson (I just don't give a fuck about shock rock...at least Slipknot has better music)
5. Pearl Jam - These guys get the number 5 spot basically because of the album Ten. They've been fairly consistent aside from that and is really the only grunge band with a happy ending. It sends a message that Generation X can succeed.
4. Foo Fighters - One of my favorite bands. The only reason they're this low is because I acknowledge that nothing they've done is groundbreaking. They're just so damn fun though. Pumping out anthem after anthem to sing along to. It wouldn't be hard to find somebody who knows the words to Monkey Wrench, Learn to Fly, Times Like These, The Pretender, or my personal favorite, Everlong. Dave Grohl is the MVP of Rock and Roll in the past 20 years.
3. The Smashing Pumpkins - Lisa Simpson once said that making teenagers sad is like shooting fish in a barrel. These guys are responsible for the deaths of many, many fish. Really good band...who is still going to this day.
2. Nirvana - Are they overrated because of Kurt Cobains death. hell no. Are they talked about more because of it, hell yes. The Fact of the matter is that they released 3 Classic Albums (Bleach is a good album...not a classic). Realistically, they could have released god knows how many more classics. They are great because Kurt Cobain captured the image of Generation X perfect. He ultimately burned out.
1. Red Hot Chili Peppers - My Personal favorite. Album after album, rock solid. Every band member is extremely talented and irreplacable. They've been around since before i was born. Their career stretches out all through my life.....and they're still making classics!!!
So there you have it. Our very first inclusion from a reader. Would you like to have your list included next week? Then send it in!
The votes are in from last week's head to head battle between Jesse Coy and myself. The people have spoken and I am here to graciously say congrats to my fellow writer, as Jesse narrowly surpassed me. For those keeping score (me) that makes Jesse our first multiple time champion. Will he complete the three peat, or will someone else have their moment in the spotlight? It is up to you. Send in your vote for your favorite list!
This week we are taking a look at bands from all walks of life that we feel, for whatever reason, aren't given their due. Whether that means bands that no one has heard of, bands whose careers fell off the map, or maybe even bands that are quite famous but still don't receive their due, the message is the same. Check out the guys and gals, because there is a world of great music out there that has gone unnoticed, and criminally so.
5. Headpins - Headpins were a Canadian band that released three albums in the early to mid 80s. I suppose they got lost in the hair metal shuffle of the times, but this band was a step above most of their peers. They had two secret weapons going for them: Brian "Too Loud" MacLeod, who had previously played with the one-hit wonder band, Chilliwack, and Darby Mills on vocals. MacLeod was one of those rare guitarists who could shred with the best of them but generally played with taste and restraint. He wrote/co-wrote the majority of the band's material and was exceptionally adept at utilizing the volume knob on his guitar for some amazing solos. Darby on the other hand, was a whirling dervish of hair on stage. The fact that she was a chick singing hard rock/metal at a time when this realm was ruled by male singers probably did the band no favors, but Darby's multi-octave range put most male singers to shame (think Pat Benatar or Heart crossed with Judas Priest) and indeed, she could match Rob Halford's screams when needed. Currently their first two albums (Turn It Loud and Line Of Fire are available but the last one (Head Over Heels has never been reissued.
4. Riot - Riot was a no-frills, meat and potatoes hard rock band hailing from New York. Formed by guitarist Mark Reale, they put out three albums with original singer Guy Speranza that culminated with 1981's Fire Down Under. This album brought them some decent recognition in hard rock circles and is considered their creative peak. However, when Speranza left, he was replaced by Rhett Forrester and they released what I consider to be their peak, Restless Breed. This was followed by a live EP and another studio album, Made In America. Rhett's vocals were a bit bluesier than Speranza's, almost channeling Paul Rodgers at times. However, Rhett could also wail if needed and that combination with the Judas Priest/Thin Lizzy-influenced dual guitar work of Reale and Rick Ventura made for a potent combination. They were one of the first American metal acts to adopt a speedy and melodic style that was in the same lines as thrash and the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal years before each would fully develop into their own genres. Sadly, Reale broke the band up shortly after Made In America only to reform it a few years later as a speed metal band. While they've had success mostly overseas, they never really caught on in America. Pick up Restless Breed, now reissued with the live EP as bonus tracks, for a dose of pure hard rock unlike anything you'll hear today. Interesting footnote – both original lead singers are now dead. Speranza died of pancreatic cancer in 2003 and Forrester was murdered in Atlanta in 1994.
3. Kings Of The Sun - An Australian band somewhat modeled after AC/DC, Rose Tattoo and Cold Chisel, KOTS put out three albums in the late 80s/early 90s. Fronted by brothers Jeffrey Hoad on vocals and Cliff Hoad on drums, KOTS had the same snotty sound and attitude as their influences. Their music was a cross between stomping riff-based bar rockers and high-speed but simplistic metal ably propelled by Cliff's over-the-top, Keith Moon style of drumming. They had moderate touring success supporting well-known bands and even had Eddie Kramer (Hendrix, Led Zep) produce their first album. Their downfall began when they supported Guns N' Roses in Sydney and Jeff managed to pull a Jim Morrison by dropping his pants in front of the crowd and then proceeded to bad-mouth Axl and company, causing the Aussies to turn on the band. After that, they never recovered publicly but they still tour in Australia from time to time. All the albums are out of print, but worth seeking out, especially the self-titled first album.
2. Michael Hedges - This guy never gets the love he deserves. Hedges got his start on the Windham Hill label, primarily known as haven for new age artists. Hedges was so much more than that as he utilized his own tunings and ideas on music theory to create some of the most unique styles and songs on an acoustic guitar that have ever existed. Hedges had a degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory and Eddie Van Halen even commented at one time about how he would like to play like Mike. His style has to be seen to be believed and I recommend checking You Tube for some of his videos. His self-described style of "violent acoustic" or "heavy mental" is certainly unique and the man had a knack for completely reinventing well-known songs such as "Come Together", "Like A Rolling Stone", "Gimme Shelter" and even Hendrix's "I Don't Live Today" and making them his own. Add to that, his use of the harp guitar and that most everything he did was on some sort of acoustic instrument and you get a one-of-a-kind musician. Oh yeah, and he could sing with a very expressive yet humorous delivery that made his interpretations of the cover songs that much more unique. His album Taproot was nominated for a Grammy and he actually won one for his album, Oracle. Sadly, Hedges died in a car wreck in 1997 and other than a couple of best of releases and an album he was working on at the time (Torched, which was completed after his death), nothing has come out of the vaults. No commercially released video footage exists at this time other than a segment on a Windham Hill compilation and a hard to find hour long documentary entitled The Artist's Profile. Check out Breakfast In The Fields, Aerial Boundaries and Taproot for a taste of his unique style.
1. Ozark Mountain Daredevils - OMD's catalog is brief, coming in the years 1973-1980. There are only six main albums and one live album representing their output and of those, the strongest material is scattered over the first four. With that said, the self-titled first album, It'll Shine When It Shines, The Car Over The Lake, and to a lesser extent Men From Earth, are an excellent blend of country and rock at it's finest. OMD had an incredible amount of talent and with five lead singers, they had an incredible amount of diverse material. While they primarily drew inspiration from country and mountain music, their output fell more in the lines of The Eagles or Firefall (this was probably helped by the fact that Glyn Johns, who produced The Eagles, worked with them on their first album). You may recognize their two AM radio hits, "Jackie Blue" and "If You Wanna Get To Heaven" but those were almost flukes compared to what's buried deeper in the albums. Their vocal harmonies are on par with any band that I've ever heard and these guys are long overdue for some sort of tribute treatment. Almost all of their material is now in print, thanks to a reissue campaign a few years back, and most have bonus material included and upgraded sound. OMD is still alive and kicking and playing to a small but rabid fan base. Last year, they recorded a two-night stand at the Gillioz Theater in Springfield, MO, and released it this year as a DVD. It's an excellent show and while time may have faded their voices somewhat, the fact that they are playing on home turf to an enthusiastic crowd and performing material that covers their entire career more than compensates for any shortcomings. Check out any of the first three studio albums.
Ben Czajkowski [All You Cannot Live Without, News, What's Rockin']
Honorable mentions: Gin Blossoms, ::wumpscut::, VNV Nation, Finger Eleven, Live, Nothingface, HORSE the Band, etc.
I find it hard to talk about underrated bands because, for me, these 5 are not underrated. They're in my top bands list. Some of the time, they're bands people have never heard of or just didn't get into. So, this is not my best work, but I've tried to list a couple reasons why I think they're underrated. In the end, though, I love them, no matter if you do or do not! These are in no particular order:
5. Sponge - One of those post-grunge bands from the early 90s, you're still going to hear some Sponge on the radio today. The band never saw much recognition beyond "Plowed" and "Molly (Sixteen Candles)" from Rotting Piñata, however. In my opinion, I've always loved Vinnie and company. I grew up with them, and anyone who is a fan of "Empire Records" would probably agree.
4. Garbage - Oh, Shirley Manson, where have you gone? Some of you may remember this band from the 90s, but they've been around since then. I swear! I'm not really quite sure what to say, other than that they're better than most people are going to give them credit for. The name does not dictate the band!
3. Mindless Self Indulgence - This crazy-ass band is one that I wish more people could hold at the end of their tongue. I love their quirky lyrics and unique sound. If you love outside of the box, un-mainstream bands, MSI is really one of the ways to go. They are not for everyone, though.
2. Sevendust - I don't know if it's because they never got the recognition they deserve or poor push from their label, but Sevendust has been in my top bands for a decade or so. The band can be heavy, soft, amusing, and, ultimately, captivating. I love the lyrics, and I'm actually listening to them right now, as I write this! They're straight rock, by my terms, and I think they got lost in the nu-metal downfall. Regardless, these guys are way above the generic, mainstream rock you're going to hear on the radio.
1. Barenaked Ladies - Yeah, they pulled a Stunt on us way back when, but people just label these Canadian rockers as "one hit wonders". They've released so many CDs since "One Week" hit the charts. While I don't generally like to condone things from Canada, I will give BNL sans cocaine charges a huge thumb up.
[Underrated? Of course, it's another highly subjective term. So my rules are simple, here are a number of bands from various genres that you may or may not have heard of, who also consistently issued albums and I believe merit attention, underrated and underappreciated.]
5. Warrior Soul - my definition of grunge is quite broad, and maybe this band wouldn't want to be lumped into such a category, yet if you can, track down their debut Last Decade Dead Century, looking specifically at "Losers," and tell me that's not a great anthem, akin to what Soundgarden or Mother Love Bone or Alice in Chains was doing at the time. But forget about the "g" word. These guys were intelligent hard rockers, with a bit of punk here and a bit of metal there, who issued five very strong albums.
4. Pigface - among industrial lovers, perhaps this band is not so underrated or underappreciated. But usually when the term industrial is thrown out, maybe Nine Inch Nails (overrated), Ministry, Skinny Puppy, or KMFDM come to mind. Pigface might be lesser known. Helmed by Martin Atkins, this group is fascinating in the fact that its face is and was meant to perpetually change. Musicians from which bands have served time under the Pigface banner? Well, Jesus Lizard, Rollins Band, DK, PIL, NIN, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool, Skinny Puppy, Shonen Knife, and on and on.
3. Christian Death - Sex, Drugs, and Jesus is an awesome album. I have no idea why I didn't dig into this act's later albums until so recently, but in doing so, I was blown away. NIN and Marilyn Manson are crap compared to Christian Death, and considering the release dates on some of Christian Death's albums, I wouldn't be surprised if Trent and Marilyn were listening in, taking notes and a slightly less controversial approach to the style, which I guess might be called gothic industrial rock, although Christian Death are far more interesting. You'll find many haters of this band, because there were two Christian Death's for a while. I'm talking about Valor's Christian Death here, not Rozz's Christian Death.
2. MDC - Speaking of Christians, how about Millions of Damn Christians, or Millions of Dead Cops, or Metal Devil Cokes, or just plain MDC. No one included them on their best punk bands list, but they should've been there. I was trying to include punk from various regions and eras, which was why I overlooked MDC. But really, they are on par with the Dead Kennedys, and were compatriots at the time. Do yourself a favor and dig up "John Wayne Was a Nazi" by MDC, but don't stop digging there. Their satire is hilarious at times, poignant at other times, very underrated.
1. Fishbone - of all the bands I listed, this act may be the one that more people know of. They had their popularity, and then beyond that, at either end, consistent appreciation from their fans. You sometimes wonder what might have been, if one band did something a little differently or if luck ran the other way, because by all rights, these guys, who predated the Red Hot Chili Peppers by several years, could've and should've been where the Red Hot Chili Peppers are now. Fishbone is somewhat more interesting musically to me than the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Both were banging about the same scene at the same time, and both had their breakthrough albums hit at the same time, as alternative was the buzzword. Yet Fishbone sort of got passed by. Doesn't matter though, great music, far underrated.
DISCLAIMER: I am sure that there are "better" bands out there than some of the ones on my list, but each of these is personal to me for various reasons, and I would encourage you to check them out if you haven't already.
5. The Toadies - Many of you may still know them from their biggest hit, "Possum Kingdom," which is a great single, but there is a lot more to these guys. Since I grew up in the same area that produced these guys, I was fortunate enough to be brought up with a rock station that appreciated their post-grunge greatness, and it really depressed me when I started to realize that other areas around the nation weren't as fortunate. It is truly a shame that not everyone has had an opportunity to appreciate their raw and powerful sound. So, the next time you are cruising for songs to download on iTunes, grab a couple from this North Texas band. I would recommend "Tyler," "I Come From the Water," and "Backslider." Yeah, those should get you hooked.
4. The Nixons - There is nothing truly innovative about this band. They didn't change the course of history without anyone realizing it, and I doubt that they really influenced that many brilliant artists. However, if you want some straight up solid post grunge music to nod your head to and sing along with, this is the band you have always dreamed of. A few of you will remember them for their one hit, "Sister." While I don't deny the strength of that song, it is not that indicative of their sound. I am eternally grateful to the buddy of mine that handed me a CD and told me to enjoy. That album was Latest Thing, and it was one of the most complete albums I had heard from that era. As I said, if you want to expand your mind… stick to the Floyd, but if you just want to roll down the windows and rock out. Check out these guys.
3. Guster - So one day I am sitting there flipping channels and I come across MTV2 (back when there was music on the channel instead of it being a catchall for the crap MTV couldn't cram in) and there was a video featuring a somewhat nerdy looking band with acoustic guitar and hand percussion. It was catchy as hell, and well… good. I have continued to pick up anything released by these guys and I have yet to be disappointed. Just some great laid back music from a talented band. Also, I if you like what you hear, I highly recommend catching them live, as they put on a beast of a show musically.
2. The Animals - I can understand why a great band could get lost in the shuffle of the British Invasion, but it is still a shame that these guys have been forgotten considering their success at the time. They might be one of the biggest "Oh my god, I didn't know THEY sang that!" bands of all time with songs like "House of the Rising Sun," "Boom Boom," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Spill the Wine," and many others. These guys not only brought a little of the edge and gloominess to the Invasion, but Eric Burdon was also a tremendous influence on the future of front men.
1. Thin Lizzy - Yeah, like anyone that reads my column is surprised by this. Here is the deal, these guys are far from "unknown," but I think it is a shame that they are not given a great deal more respect for both their solid career's worth of music and their influence on the following generations. How many people have tried to emulate their signature dual solo sound? These guys are truly brilliant and deserve a great deal more credit, and more specifically, a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The campaign for Thin Lizzy in '09 rolls on. Hop aboard everybody.
All right kiddos, that ends another week of the Music Zone Top 5. I hope that you enjoyed your stay with us, and that you even picked up an idea or two for your next music purchasing spree.
Don't forget to drop me a line with your votes for your favorite author and your underrated bands list.
Join us back here next week as we'll be taking on the Top 5 Albums that Let Us Down. I am sure there will be plenty of remorse to go around.
Yes! ... I feel the same way about Sevendust, they can rock hard, soft, and in between. I catch them anytime I can, glad to see they got back to their old type style.
Posted By: Guest#4719 (Guest) on August 11, 2008 at 11:03 PM
5 -the 13th floor elevators
4- the thought criminals
3-dead moon
2- the big boys
1-radio birdman
Posted By: lloyd mongul (Guest) on August 11, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Sevendust rocks completely!
This is all I have to say, goodbye.
Posted By: Captain_Cinnamon (Guest) on August 11, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Here are a couple of my favs that haven't gotten mucj in the way of mainstream attention.
Iced Earth: A very solid metal band that sounds like blend of old school Metallica and Iron Maiden, with some of the best riffs out there. These guys would have been huge in the 80's, but for now they're still a pretty solid outfit.
Savatage: Some might know this band as the one that led to the formation of Transsiberian Orchestra, but fewer have heard the days when they were truly metal. Back then, Criss Oliva was a guitar god that was simply awesome, no matter what the song was. Even when the music was incredibly cheesy, he managed to shine through anyway. Although Savatage soldiered on without him after his death in 1993, they were never quite the same (although still awesome in their own right).
Great White: It's a shame that their main legacy will be the RI fire because they have an impressive body of work. Sure, there is Once Bitten Twice Shy, but how about a killer rocker such as Rolling Stoned? Or a great ballad such as Save Your Love? OR the ultra-sultry Old Rose Motel? Perhaps one of the best from the hair metal band era, and definitely worth checking out if you have not done so yet.
Posted By: Michael L (Guest) on August 11, 2008 at 11:28 PM
I love that we all took a different approach to our definition of "underrated." Good showing, gents :)
Posted By: Ben Czajkowski (Registered) on August 11, 2008 at 11:35 PM
"Lisa Simpson once said that making teenagers sad is like shooting fish in a barrel."
No that was Bart FAIL
and FAIL at the DIShonorable mentions as well MANSON RULES
Posted By: The Rev (Guest) on August 11, 2008 at 11:55 PM
SEVENDUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: SofaKing (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Christian Death Isn't even CLOSE to the NIN or Manson style it's just at best decent English Goth punk than industral.
and the lyrics aren't even close to Manson and Trent either Dumbass
Posted By: Twigverd (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 12:14 AM
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are by far the most underrated and underappreciated band. They have been going strong for 25 years now, despite losing band members via drug overdose or drug addiction. They have always maintained an incredible live performance, even now, with 3/4 of the band members being over 40 years old.
Posted By: Brian (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 01:13 AM
Sevendust haven't been the same since Animosity unfortunately...they can dominate live anytime though!
Posted By: OneofaKind! Justin (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 01:35 AM
how about the Afghan Whigs?
Posted By: tzmission7 (Registered) on August 12, 2008 at 01:38 AM
Major points on Hedges. I think he's also vastly underrated. Eleven Small Roaches is my favorite of his.
Posted By: Kee (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 01:58 AM
My personal list would be this:
1.QOFTSA
2.Alice In Chains
3.Ill Nino
4.Sevendust
5.Deftones
Posted By: K-DOG (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 02:00 AM
Thank the gods there's someone else who remembers Garbage is still out there. Bleed Like Me was a great, GREAT album, and I'm always jazzed when I can hear more from them.
Posted By: Jeremy Thomas (Registered) on August 12, 2008 at 02:10 AM
It twas Bart who said that...
Lisa: It may be bleak, but this music is really getting to the crowd.
Bart: Eh, making teenagers depressed is like shooting fish in a barrel.
And that's one of my favorite episodes... Homerpalooza.
Oh and one little thing, Spill the Wine was from Eric Burdon's between variations of the Animals, War. But they still had some great songs and were definately underrated.
Posted By: Kung Fu Janitor (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 02:11 AM
A nod for the "Garbage" mention. I miss 'em too.
My list would be:
1)Tesla.
2)Skid Row.
3)Great White.
4) Slaughter (Such a pity that these guys are barely on the radar for most people).
5)Cinderella.
Also, Nirvana is fucking overrated no matter what anyone says. Why? Rewind back by a decade or so and remember just how many teens were talking about how "Cobain felt the pain" and how "great" his music is.
Posted By: synn (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 02:47 AM
Hmmm, good to see Sevendust getting some love... but since im Australian I better pimp out some of them...
*blank*
Oh well
Mine...
#1 Sevendust
#2 Alice In Chains
#3 Finger Eleven
#4 Iced Earth
#5 Lordi (yeah the Eurovision dudes)
Posted By: Brad (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 04:49 AM
Who considers Buckcherry and Marilyn Manson to be alternative. To me they are more in the hard rock and metal categories. Specially with Buckcherry,theres not many that i know of,alt rock bands that sing about how good a girl fucks.
Of course the meaning of alternative music was supposed to be ,music that was alternative to what was popular. So does that mean when an alt band starts selling millions of albums thay arent alternative anymore?
some more underratted bands=Saigon Kick(listen to their other songs) Galactic Cowboys,Kings X,and I MOther Earth
Posted By: gutter (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 06:36 AM
How exactly are bands that got enormous radio play and sold millions of albums underrated? What more do you want a shrine on every corner and Sunday worship services?
Oh and some of you guys seriously need to listen to music produced before 1990.
Posted By: opinionsarelike... (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 08:34 AM
great mentions here including Sponge and CD, but Blake wins by far with his mention of the Nixons and the Toadies-one of my favorite bands ever and criminally underrated... if your a fan be sure to check out the Burden Brothers, Vayden Todd's post-Toadies band. Also amazing, they are a sort if A Perfect Circle to the Toadies Tool in terms of lyrics and style...
oh and what the fuck is with the first list!?! was that the ONLY reader submission?? Seriously, Nirvana? UNDER rated? Chili Peppers?!? Pumpkins?!? EVERY band on this list gets plenty to way to many props- again I ask -W T F!?!
Oh and new TOADIES NEXT WEEK-! there is a god.
Posted By: SteamPUNK (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Riot was and still is a great band
Posted By: jsr3219 (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Posted By: synn (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 02:47 AM said:
1)Tesla.
2)Skid Row.
3)Great White.
4) Slaughter (Such a pity that these guys are barely on the radar for most people).
5)Cinderella.
Also, Nirvana is fucking overrated no matter what anyone says. Why? Rewind back by a decade or so and remember just how many teens were talking about how "Cobain felt the pain" and how "great" his music is.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!
hahahahahaehehehahhahahahahaaaahhhaa
gasp...
skid row
great white....
OMG GJALJBLKJAAWHBBWAHAHAHAHAAAAAAHAHAHAA
Christ, some of you guys are pathetic.
underrated.
L
O
L
Posted By: banger (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 10:23 AM
1.Faith no more From Mike Patton Patton to JIM Martin this band runs circles over the chilli peppers. I read where that Keidis guy thought faith no more was stealing his stick and had them kicked off a festival. Now Patton can out sing that Hak anyday
2.Ratt ! Yes ratt the EP and out of the cellar Has the tightest riffs and awsome hooks, Solid musically.
3.Faster Pussycat Wake me when its over should of been bigger.
4.Cinderella(night songs and heartbreak station is killer)
5.veins of Jenna ( Cool band bringing sleeze rock back), do a review on them instead of the EMO crap you all love soo much.
Posted By: sleeze rock (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 11:26 AM
1. Faith No More - the band I would like to see reunite more than any other
2. Alice In Chains - a million times more talented than Nirvana ever was
3. Kings X - the most underrated power trio ever
4. Queensryche - see them live and you won't be laughing at the inclusion of them on this list
5. The Cult - the second most underrated power trio ever.
This is the first thing I have written on 411 in over two years...go me!
5.
Posted By: Rhett Walker (Registered) on August 12, 2008 at 11:55 AM
How about these for underrated? I have a few more, but i really feel they'd fall into undiscovered more than underrated (jeff buckley, chris stills, jose gonzalez, etc.)
Squeeze (much more than just Tempted)
A-Ha (not a big fan myself, but they're still huge in Europe)
Counting Crows (somewhat forgotten about, but still cranking out quality music)
Gin Blossoms
Toad the Wet Sprocket (Glen Phillips solo stuff is good too)
Posted By: Droppinknowledge (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Sevendust and Mindless Self Indulgence aren't underrated, they just suck really bad.
Posted By: CharlesBronson (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 12:42 PM
That first list was the reader's submission on last week's top alternative bands. You guys might want to actually read everything on the page before you totally rip the guy apart for something you got wrong.
Posted By: Mark (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Super Furry Animals
Local H
Moody Blues
Nada Surf
Placebo
Posted By: Guest#0249 (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I will let facts back up my choice.
Collective Soul had the most #1 hits in their genre during the 90's. Although many people still talk about them, I still feel they have lost the mainstream status that red hot cp's still have. So they are my pick for most underrated band.
Posted By: stuart (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Even though their new album isn't all that great, I gotta through The Fratellis on this list. Costello music is one fine album. Simple, but very effective.
Posted By: Bahb (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 01:50 PM
The Wildhearts are wildly underrated if you ask me. Their last record wasn't even released in America, but it was awesome! Too bad people prefer bands like Linkin Park when there are bands that really put great music out like Sevendust.
Posted By: Frank (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 02:06 PM
I'm going with Coy here. Especially on the MDC and Fishbone nods.
And really...why no fucking ACID BATH?! They're probably the single most varied heavy band of the 90's...so listen to them, already!!
Posted By: AndrewCrow (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 03:00 PM
YES!!! Finally some Nothingface love.
I wasn't a huge fan of pacifier aside from breathe out, or every day guide to audio atrocity with the exception of I, Diablo but seriously their last two albums rocked out. Skeletons and Violence got heavy play in my car for a good long while and still do from time to time.
Also, Thin Lizzy is criminally underrated. JailBreak is easily one of the best songs to blast on the road home.
5. Mastodon
4. Lamb of God
3. Pearl Jam
2. Linkin Park
1a. Smashing Pumpkins
1b. Avenged Sevenfold
Also, another idea for a list would be a WTF Happened to...top 5.
I'm talking about bands that were just flat out awesome when they first came out and just jumped in the suck tank and drowned. Ie. Korn, Incubus, Bizkit, etc.
Posted By: Jbone (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Wait, I'm confused by "winning" list. Is it suppose to be serious or some kind of sarcastic joke. He states that Pearl Jam and Nirvana are 2 of the most "Underrated" bands, when they are easily 2 of the most overrated bands. Chili Peppers are kind of sucky too. Most of these list are full of disgusting garbage rock that nobody really cares about except some loser stoners stuck in the 90s.
Posted By: matrix1004 (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Wow, some of you really, really suck at reading comprehension. Let's take it slowly for you guys - the....first....list....is....the....reader's...choice
...for...Top...5....Alternative....Bands. It's a response to last's week's column. The "Underrated" lists start beneath that list. Stay in school, kids.
Posted By: Rob (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 03:59 PM
I realize this is an American website and an American(or British?) writer, but the Barenaked Ladies are WAAAAAY too huge in Canada to be considered underrated. Unless the list was "underrated U.S. bands", in which case, their mention would be fine.
But they're massive here.
Posted By: JCullen (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 04:35 PM
ween. ween. one thousand times ween.
Posted By: mr. (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 05:51 PM
You really got me there matrix1004.
I guess all those bands aren't really underrated.
Don't i look dumb.
And my definition of alternative rock is bands that are played on the 90's Alternative and Grunge Channel on Sirius. Basically...lollapolooza bands.
And you guys are right about Bart saying it. I guess i just assumed Lisa said it because it sounded a little whiny.
Posted By: steveo (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Well, BNL are not "way too huge" here.
Posted By: Ben Czajkowski (Registered) on August 12, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Ok, I hate to say this, but it wasn't just rock bands called in this. I gotta put up there Tech N9ne, Kottonmouth Kings, and Twiztid in those underrated.
Posted By: Kaos Karma (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 06:27 PM
I vote for:
Sweet, Glam rock pioneers
Kix, Poison stole their entire act
Kings X, I love harmony
The Outlaws, See above
Triumph, Power Trio
Deep Purple, Awesome
Steve Winwood, Awesome body of work
The Cult - WOW
Posted By: jhath (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 07:11 PM
yeah, there was music before 1991 and after 1997, you should check it out
in no particular order and in my humble opinion:
Warrant (jani lane, despite being a fuck up, is a fantastic song writer, cherry Pie as an album is fun as hell, but Dog Eat Dog is even better)
Kix (90% of the late 80's glam scene stole something from these baltimore boys, including the above mentioned Warrant)
Marvelous 3/Butch Walker (how Butch isn't more famous I'll never know, best non kiss concerts i've ever seen)
Winger (another band screwed by the industry that they made millions for, great chops, Kip played bass for Alice Cooper, Reb Beach is amazing, rod Morgenstien was a prog rck drummer before this gig)
jackson browne (great song writer, great singer, a bit too political at times, but "Running On Empty" could be the soundtrack to one hell of a rock n' roll road movie)
Posted By: josh (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 08:01 PM
The most underated band to me would be Faith No More. The Real Thing album was a album full of greatness, and was always suprised that they never really got any play except for Epic and Falling to pieces. I guess they came to the party a couple of years too late with that album. Mike Patton and the boys deserve a comeback...
Posted By: piperfan01 (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 08:21 PM
As far as overrated goes:
Oasis- Will never understand their popularity, bland.
Posted By: piperfan01 (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Wow, garbage, sevendust, Bare Naked Ladies and Sponge all had gold or platinum records and substansial Mtv and radio play at some point in there career...there is no way to look at these bands as underappreciated from any angle... Warrior Soul, yes underappreciated.
Posted By: Electrichotdog (Guest) on August 12, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Hey Bangy, why don't you post a list of some bands that about 20 people know?
Oh wait, "Nobody gives a damn" is not the same thing as "Underrated" now, is it?
Just sayin'.
Posted By: synn (Guest) on August 13, 2008 at 12:07 AM
shit..apologies then...yes reading comp suffers under the weight of crippling hangovers- might've helped too if i caught last weeks article *removes egg from face* well upon proper inspection- decent list- lol
Posted By: SteamPUNK (Guest) on August 13, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Totally in agreement that the Ozark Mountain Daredevils are for sure one of the all time Under rated Bands. I realize some folks only go either hard or soft and in their specific genre. Im personally all over the map, excluding some 80s hair bands, even though there is the exceptional song here and there.
Give the Dares a listen (as mentioned there first 4 albums/CDs)if you are not too restrictive, you Will be Amazed !!!
...Mike
Posted By: Kamikaze Cossey (Guest) on August 13, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Nirvana as underrated? I don't quite agree with that. Critics and fans alike are still in awe of them. Not saying I don't like Nirvana, because I love them, but to put them in top five list of "underrated" bands seems like a bit of a stretch to me.
Posted By: Vanessa Willoughby (Registered) on August 13, 2008 at 02:01 PM
oh and props for mentioning garbage!
Posted By: Vanessa Willoughby (Registered) on August 13, 2008 at 02:07 PM
No one put them on an underrated list. That list, that you think is underrated, is actually the list of Alternative bands from the previous week.
Posted By: Ben Czajkowski (Registered) on August 14, 2008 at 12:35 AM
