Alt-Riot is a blog featuring slternative and independent music from before the dot com boom.
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.
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.
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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Flux - Bardo Pond
Lapsed (Matador 1997)
Bardo Pond is a psychedelic space rock band formed in 1991. Their music is heavily drug inspired, album titles often being derived from names of psychedelic substances. Their sound is described as lengthy, deliberate sound explorations filled with all the hallmarks of modern-day space rock: droning guitars, thick distortion, feedback, reverb, and washes of white noise. Band members have participated in numerous side projects and collaborations with other musicians including Roy Montgomery.
Sounds like: Explosions in the Sky, Flying Saucer Attack, Acid Mothers Temple.
Half a Canyon - Pavement
Wowee Zowee (Matador 1996)
Pavement was one of the most influential lo-fi/indie bands of all time, being one of the first bands to stay signed to an independent label through the duration of their career. The band was formed in Stockton, CA by Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg (aka Spiral Stairs) in 1989 and dispersed in 1999. Malkmus went on to form Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks while Kannberg turned his attention to his side project Preston School of Industry. The band has announced a reunion tour for the autumn of 2010.
Sounds like: Guided by Voices, Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks, Yo La Tengo, Silver Jews.
As Good As New - Run On
No Way (Matador 1997)
Sounds like: Bettie Serveert, Wilco, Helium, Thinking Fellers Union Local 282.
Kid’s Allright - Bettie Serveert
Palomine (Matador/Guernica 1992)
Sounds like: The Breeders, Dinosaur Jr., Pavement
X - Bailterspace
Vortura (Matador/Flying Nun 1994)
Sounds like: Dinosaur Jr., Galaxie 500, Guided by Voices
