As my high school years coincided with the height ot the Alternative music scene, coupled with the fact that I grew up in an area that gave birth to bands such as The Replacements and Soul Asylum, I can't help but have a passion for music.  Even though my musical talent consists of a mean "Hot Cross Buns" on the recorder, music is something I feel I can talk about with anyone.  I mean really, what brings more people together than a good conversation about music, favorite bands, songs, etc.  Since my musical tastes are stuck in 1994, I present to you my top 5 "forgotten" songs of the 90's.  These are songs that are meant to make you go...."Holy sh**!  I remember that song!".  I'm throwing some YouTube links up there in case you want to give them a listen.  If you feel compelled to comment, what are some of those other "forgotten" songs you'd like to remind us of??? 

Enjoy!

BigLucka

 

5) Sugar - "Helpless"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUf1sObmhr8

  • Got to start with the Minnesota influence.....  Former Husker Du front man Bob Mould formed Sugar in 1992, releasing the album "Copper Blue" that same year.  While the album itself was critically acclaimed, their success was short lived, with the group disbanding four years later.  Bob Mould, however, still puts out some great solo work.  Honestly, there were probably 4 or 5 songs I could have picked from Copper Blue, but "Helpless" is my favorite.....

4) Everclear - "Heartspark Dollarsign" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9Pop985sJQ

  • The third single off of the platinum album "Sparkle and Fade" never reached the heights of their hit single "Santa Monica", "Dollarsign" is one of the most underrated songs on the album.  Art Alexakis shows off his ability to create a powerful message through song.  The lyrics relating to the struggles of a young interracial couple offer a glimpse of Alexakis' talents that eventually reach a broad audience with songs such as "Father of Mine" and "Wonderful".  They just don't make them like this anymore....

3) Hum - "Stars"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=legOdkkUzP0

  • Released in 1995, "Stars" was the only hit for Hum, who effectively disbanded in 2000.  Granted, the video is a bit odd, but the song just makes a person want to lift heavy objects or have a fistfight with a grizzly bear.....

2) Baz Luhrmann - "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

  • Released in 1999, this spoken word track was orignally attributed to a MIT commencement address given by Kurt Vonnegut.  In reality, it was a column written by Mary Schmich of the Chicago Tribune in 1997.  While not typical of the driving riffs and disaffected lyrics of other "alternative" music, that's exactly what makes it great.  It was something completely different and unexpected, especially as alternative music was beginning to be replaced by the Limp Bizkit's of the world as far as airplay was concerned.  Besides, it's a damn good speech/column.....

1) Urge Overkill - "Sister Havana"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFlPdHt1Gk

  • Released in 1993, this single released by the Chicago-based trio reached #6 on the US modern rock charts.  While the band is probably better known for their cover of Neil Diamond's "Girl You'll be a Woman Soon", featured on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, "Sister Havana" actually reached a higher spot on the US Modern Rock charts.  It's just a great song with a great riff.....enough said.