Best Mainstream "Alternative" Band?

[ludwigb]

I was going to say "grunge" or "pop-punk" but I find both labels can be applied derogatorily. And by "alternative" I don't mean "indie rock", because that would take us into realms of obscurity. On the other hand, I'd also love to hear about good obscure indie rock bands, so perhaps I'll start another thread. I

In "hard-rock" alternative music (that is, the kind of thing Nirvana et. al were trying to do) the Pixies were probably the best. As far as I know they've never been surpassed. In terms of "softer" alternative stuff, it varies according to my mood--Mazzy Star stands out, as do Belle & Sebastian, but there are many. Radiohead may be the best well-recognized band still around that I know of in this category.

Is there any group out there that can stand next to, or even beat the Pixies?

[SlavesandBulldozers]

1. Tool

they have critical and popular acclaim. yet somehow they still seem below radar - its part of their trick.

[Sorwen]

24. I love Tool

and Maynard's other band A Perfect Circle. I would probably put Tool second only to Pearl Jam.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

2. i have just had a pixies revival as of late.

and no, i don't think anyone comes close to the originality, simplicity, and coolness of the pixies. i don't know what it is about their music and their weirdness but it sure does work.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

3. Air, Radiohead, Belle+Sebastian, Franz Ferdinand.

but no one matches the Pixies for power-pop mayhem (en espanol)

[Fenris]

4. Have you heard "Talkie Walkie" yet?

Good stuff. There's a great DVD that comes with the disc that features a live version of La Femme D'Argent.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

5. Cool. My ownership of the album is legally invalid.

So maybe I'll pay for it.

[cosmokramer]

10. Kim Deal is my...

...next door neighbor.

[Whitacre D_WI]

11. She's back in OH?

For a while there, she was living in LA....

Still in Oakwood? (not that you need to disclose your location, or anything, just asking ;))

[cosmokramer]

12. Yep, Oakwood...not home now, though.

She is hardly ever home though. The last time I saw her was around New Year's. Might be lucky to see her half a dozen times a year.

[Whitacre D_WI]

14. Well, the Pixies are getting ready for a West Coast tour right now,

then off to Europe, then (hopefully) a North American tour. You probably won't see her for a while.

[cosmokramer]

16. She mostly...

...is home around holidays, but that is pretty much it. Last year Kelly and a few friends were staying at Kim's house for a few weeks. My husband and I own a pro audio company, and every now and then she will stop in, but not much.

Kinda kool when she is in town because there is often some great music thumping from her basement! LOL

[cosmokramer]

17. That reminds me...

...I didn't know she was back with the Pixies.

[Whitacre D_WI]

18. Yep.

"Reunion tours" usually bug me, but the only time I saw the Pixies the first time around, I was too drunk to remember -- so I'm excited.

[cosmokramer]

19. I hope you have a fantastic time!

:hi:

[ludwigb]

20. That is awsome...

Won't be missing that. I've only been able to see Frank Black and then The Amps.

[Whitacre D_WI]

22. I saw the Amps when they were called "Tammy and the Amps"

At Canal Street Tavern in Dayton.

Kim was so liquored-up that she kept falling off the stage. It was funny.


on edit: the "Tammy" part of the name came from Kim always wanting to be named Tammy when she was in school -- the Tammys were the popular girls!

[Search Party]

6. FLAMING LIPS

[Screaming Lord Byron]

7. MERCURY REV

[Whitacre D_WI]

9. FLAMING LIPS + MERCURY REV

"In a Priest Driven Ambulance" -- that's got what's-his-nuts from MR producing and playing guitar, right?

[cosmokramer]

8. Radiohead, Dispatch

[Khephra]

13. The Talking Heads would probably qualify

[tigerbeat]

21. i would second the heads....

.....even though they came perilously close to the best "alternative mainstream band" with "true stories".

a close second is XTC.

[bif]

15. Doves. Eels.

[hippiechick]

23. FOO FIGHTERS

I don't care what the category is, they're da bomb !!!

:hippie:

[mvd]

25. For "hard rock" alternative..

Pearl Jam's hard to beat IMO. Nirvana had the classic "Nevermind," but Pearl Jam has had a slew of classics or near-classics.