ALT RIOT!

Sick of Goodbyes - Sparklehorse

Good Morning Spider (Capitol 1998)

As I’m sure many of you have heard, this morning Mark Linkous, aka Sparklehorse, was found dead after committing suicide. I’ve been listening to this band for years, so it’s kind of a shock to hear an artist you respect has taken his or her own life. I feel this song is appropriate for the day. Enjoy.

S.F. Sorrow - SF Seals

Truth Walks in Sleepy Shadows (Matador 1995)

SF Seals was Barbara Manning’s band in the mid-90’s. Their name was inspired by a San Francisco minor league baseball team.

Sounds like: Barbara Manning, Run On, The Spells.

Manta Ray - Pixies

Complete ‘B’ Sides (c. 1989)

Sounds like: The Breeders, Frank Black and the Catholics, Sonic Youth.

Good For You - My Bloody Valentine

Unreleased 1988

Sounds like: Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Slowdive.

Tuff Gnarl - Sonic Youth

Sister (SST Records 1987)

Sonic Youth is one of the most established and influential independent experimental rock bands. Sister was released a year before their monumental Daydream Nation and was a loose concept album inspired by Philip K. Dick, the title of the album a reference to Dick’s fraternal twin sister who died at birth and supposedly haunted the science fiction writer for the rest of his life.

Sounds like: Dinosaur Jr., My Bloody Valentine, Pixies.

Show Me the Way - Dinosaur Jr.

You’re Living All Over Me (Sst Records 1987)

Dinosaur Jr. is an alternative rock band formed on the East Coast in 1984, disbanding in 1997 and reuniting in 2005. You’re Living All Over Me was recorded under Dinosaur (their original name until a lawsuit forced them to change it) with Sonic Youth producer Wharton Tiers. Overall this album reflects their punk sound, but each song shows eclectic influences. Show Me the Way in particular diverges from what was considered typical Dinosaur sound.

Sounds like: Guided by Voices, Sonic Youth, Sebadoh.

Lucy - Helium

What’s Up Matador? (Matador 1997)

Originally called Chupa, Helium is an indie rock band formed in 1992. A few years later, prominent female artist Mary Timony of bands such as The Spells was recruited. Although Timony is often compared to Liz Phair for her pottymouth lyrics, Helium’s dissonant sound established the group as a distinct force in alternative and noise rock of the decade.

Sounds like: Sleater-Kinney, The Spells, Chavez.

Laugh Track - Chavez

Gone Glimmering (Matador 1995)

Chavez is a math rock band from New York. Their songs utilize pop styles with recognizable verse/chorus structure intermixed with complex rhythmic structures and swooping electric guitar. Gone Glimmering is their first full-length album.

Sounds like: Helium, Railroad Jerk, Bailter Space.

The Ballad of Railroad Jerk - Railroad Jerk

One Track Mind (Matador 1995)

Railroad Jerk is a bluespunk band based out of New York. They formed in 1989 and gained a prominent following in the Manhattan club scene before being signed to Matador in 1990. Although they never received much recognition outside of college radio stations, the band was an influential force in indie rock of their time.

Sounds like: Silkworm, Chavez, Helium.

Note: This song is being posted again due to problems with streaming the file. If this song doesn’t load correctly, please try again later.