Alt-Riot is a blog featuring slternative and independent music from before the dot com boom.
Lull - Polvo
Can I Ride (Kitchen Puff 1990)
Polvo is a noise rock band considered to be the standard bearer of the math rock genre. The band has toured with acts such as Sonic Youth, Pavement, and Superchunk. This album was released as a limited edition double 7” in the 90’s.
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.
Turn It On - Sleater-Kinney
Dig Me Out (Kill Rock Stars 1997)
Sleater-Kinney was one of the most influential punk rock bands of the past two decades. They formed in the riot grrrl scene in Olympia, WA in 1994 by Corin Tucker (Heavens to Betsy) and Carrie Brownstein (Excuse 17). Janet Weiss (Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks) later joined the line-up. While their music has strong anti-establishment themes reminiscent of original punk music, the band gained much popularity for utilizing the freethinking ideals of 90’s alternative rock. Much to the chagrin of indie music lovers, the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2006.
Sounds like: The Spells, Helium, Mecca Normal.
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.
Make It Go Away - Barbara Manning
One Perfect Green Blanket (Heyday 1993)
Barbara Manning is perhaps one of the most neglected independent female singer/songwriters of the 90’s. In addition to her solo career, she was a frontwoman and lead guitarist or numerous bands, including S. F. Seals. Currently she is the host of a weekly radio program called Radio Detour in Chico, CA.
Sounds like: Liz Phair, S. F. Seals, Mecca Normal.
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.
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