10 years after most people really stopped caring about them, which "grunge" band from Seattle holds up as the best? There are a few factors to consider. Iconography: Nowadays, largely thanks to his suicide, Kurt Cobain is the poster boy for the grunge era, but people forget that back in the day it was actually the brooding Eddie Vedder who was most closely identified with the genre. Cobain has since become a legendary figure while Vedder toils away in near-obscurity. Layne Staley of AIC also died a tragic death from heroin addiction, but died quietly and alone years after the grunge fad faded. Chris Cornell, of course, still tours the world as the frontman for Audioslave, typically outshined by the notoriety of his bandmates. I can't even remember the Mudhoney guy's name. Talent: Musically speaking, Soundgarden was probably the most inventive of the "big" groups and also went through the greatest musical evolution. I'd rank AIC next, then Pearl Jam, with Nirvana trailing at a distant last. I'm pretty sure "Come As You Are" is the new standard "first easy song I learned on my guitar." Classic tunes: Teen Spirit vs. Jeremy vs. Rooster vs. uhhh... let's say Fell on Black Days. Each still gets radio play, but Teen Spirit probably has to get the nod here, largely boosted by its classic video. Jeremy had a huge video, too, that catapulted Pearl Jam to the undisputed top of the heap for a couple of years before the Ticketmaster fiasco. Enduring legacy: Nirvana will likely always be remembered first in association with grunge, thanks of course to the suicide, but they have a dense batch of hits that will get radio play for a long time, as well. Pearl Jam's legacy has faded badly, going from grunge poster boys through a series of lineup changes until now. They still produce albums and tours and do quite well, but are far from mainstream these days. They're one step away from the classic rock circuit, but IT MUST BE SAID that Vedder has had more influence on 21st Century rock vocalists than probably anyone else. AIC has little legacy to speak of at this point and Soundgarden is in much the same boat, sadly. Everyone probably has their own favorite; mine is AIC with Soundgarden a close second. I can barely stand to listen to Pearl Jam on the radio anymore and Nirvana isn't nearly all they've been purported to be, IMO. Discuss!
I don't think Nirvana was really grunge. There have been a bunch of Pearl Jam / AIC wannabees, but no Nirvana. They don't really fit in with the rest of them, except maybe for Mudhoney. I never really got into any of them, but it was a fun time.
I like all of these bands, especially Soundgarden and Nirvana but I would have to say Nirvana is the best of these 4.
Regarding Pearl Jam's lineup changes, the only member who was not originally with the band is the current drummer, Matt Cameron (formerly of Soundgarden). The only other change was to replace the former drummer. Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Eddie have been around from Day 1.
Nirvana is the most overrated band of the century. And this is coming from a grunge disciple (for lack of better terminology). There were plenty of bands that would have carried the torch into the mainstream had Nirvana never existed. Their creativity waned and Grohl went on to a better band upon their demise. Bleach was a strong, crunchy, look into the band. Nevermind was the perfect mixture of grunge and pop that allowed MTV to catch up to the counterculture. The rest of their releases were poor attempts to hold onto the spotlight thrust upon them. Soundgarden's masterpiece "Badmotorfinger" set the bar imo, but I was let down as they let the softer side shine through. Black Hole Sun may be the most overplayed song ever. Pearl Jam had to epic releases followed by mediocrity. To me, the grunge title must be handed over to my man J. Mascis. Dinosaur Jr. blended the elements that made grunge popular without ever bowing to the necessity of making their music radio friendly. "Greenmind" is to imo, the best album the grunge scene ever produced. that is all.
Nirvana became so cool, it was almost cool not to like them.... ...but i do. Was listening to Nevermind the other day. It's still a good record. So they get my vote.
Well, nevertheless, they were still all lumped in together since they all wore the same flannel/ripped jeans look and had crunchy guitars. As far as wannabes, that Puddle of Mudd guy is trying pretty hard.
All none of them. Seriously, the only thing I liked about grunge music was that it thankfully knocked Guns & Roses into musical oblivion.
Agreed on all points, especially PJ. They got weaker with each album, In my opinion. Interesting fact: I think Soundgarden was the only group that didn't get their own "MTV: Unplugged" special.
No vote. I thought all of these bands were the same. I can't tell the different. LONG-HAIRED singer, drug addicts... yeap. The same...
I never was impressed with Nirvana. Their music just didn't sound like it required much talent to write or perform. Same for Soundgarden, but worse. I never liked the sound of Chris Cornell's vocals (and still don't, even in his work with Audioslave). Alice In Chains.... blech. Of the four listed, my vote goes to Pearl Jam. But overall I, too, was not a big fan of grunge. I agree with RMT.
from the time I've spent in Seattle it seems to me folks around there give Nirvana & Kurt all the props and Pearl Jam is treated as a second fiddle.
