Ticket 2 Ride

I noticed online that The Lemonheads were going on tour, which coincides with a new album and the memoirs of founding Lemonhead Evan Dando. How can it be 30 years since I first heard this band?

The early 1990s were refreshing in the simplicity and earnestness of the songwriting and performance. The indie rock genre shared a lot with the early 1970s, it was also the return of the singer/songwriter as indie folk artists popped up in bars, coffeehouses, bookstores and downtown corners.

Here are a few that I like, mixed in with a few I just discovered.

Paul Westerberg was the driving force in The Replacements. After that band stopped performing together, Westerberg as a solo artist released a string of accomplished albums. One of those, 14 Songs, bristles with pop energy and uncomplicated melodies. “Runaway Wind” is one of his best.

The Breeders featured sisters Kim and Kelley Deal. Kim was a member of The Pixies. Last Splash was The Breeders’ second album and is quite a collection of eclectic rocker. “Cannonball” was a very big hit.

The Lemonheads, featuring Evan Dando, had a whipsmart, folkie-rock style with a grungy “I don’t give a fuck” attitude. Dando has been the constant, a self-destructive kamikaze, who can’t quite shed his success. “It’s About Time” from Come On Feel the Lemonheads, is infectious in its simplicity.

Matthew Sweet released a number of albums in the 1990s that blended smart power-pop riffs with darkly personal lyrics. 100% fun followed that style, with “Sick of Myself” one of his best tracks.

The Sundays released three albums then stopped. Their second album, Blind (1992) featured several really smooth, melodic songs, including the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses” which might be better than the original.

The Cranberries burst onto the music scene. “Dreams” is from their 1992 debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? Dolores O’Riordan died much too soon.

The Boo Radleys were known for their bright Brit-pop as much as for the Harper Lee band name. “Find the Answer Within” is pure sunshine, from the Wake Up! Album.

Modest Mouse was just getting their feet on the ground. They would have much greater success in the 2000s, but “Jesus Christ Was an Only Child” from The Lonesome Crowded West (1997) showed their daring, funny and melodic side. Don’t be fooled by the aggressiveness.

Flaming Lips “Waitin’ For a Superman” from 1999’s Soft Bulletin signaled a change of direction for the band. They didn’t shed the goofy, outrageous and often loudness, but they figured out channeling melody into songs that a wider audience might embrace.

Lisa Loeb became a successful singer-songwriter even before she had a record deal. “Stay (I Missed You)” appeared in Reality Bites, which opened the door to her recording career. She has enjoyed a musical career, is a published author and business woman.

Jewel’s “Who Will Save Your Soul” from her album, Pieces of You (1995).

Elliott Smith had a short life. In a few short years he created some sad, but enchanting music. A singer-songwriter, Smith’s story is one of what could have been. “Miss Misery” was featured in the film Good Will Hunting.

Neutral Milk Hotel were an eclectic group that didn’t overstay their welcome. “Holland, 1945” from the Aeroplane Over the Sea (1998) shows off their unique, quirky style.

Cocteau Twins had been around since the 1980s yet hadn’t broken through. I include them here with an album that knocked me over. “Know Who You Are At Every Age” from Four-Calendar Café (1993) is a prototype Cocteau Twins soundscape. Swirling and ethereal, this band is still on my radar.