Apologies Abound – Slate Magazine
Welcome to Hit Parade, where we delve into pop chart history across the nation. I’m Chris Melanhy, your host, a POPC critic and chart analyst, curator of Slate’s acclaimed series, “Why Is This Song #1.” On today’s show, let’s rewind 30 years to early May 1995, when Live, a band from York, Pennsylvania, dominated the Billboard album chart with their sophomore CD, “Throwing Copper.” Just a year prior, Live was a run-of-the-mill band with a few minor radio hits. But in 1995, their track “Lightning Crashes” soared to the top of the modern rock chart and found its way into mainstream radio rotations, propelling their album to the number one spot. This once unassuming band had risen to prominence and was now at the peak of success.
The mid-90s marked a period where anything labeled “alternative rock” was a surefire ticket to chart success. Grunge guitars, raspy vocals, and eccentric lyrics covering topics from surreal imagery to oddities like chimpanzees and monkeys were all the rage. Bands like the Butthole Surfers, Smashing Pumpkins, and Screaming Trees showcased the diverse range of rock music that resonated with audiences. This era mainstreamed music that was once considered fringe or too bizarre for widespread consumption.
While Nirvana is often credited for revolutionizing 90s music, the grunge movement on the charts was more nuanced than commonly remembered today. Nirvana wasn’t the only driving force in alternative rock; other subgenres thrived on the charts, outperforming grunge in some instances. Post-grunge bands emerged, carrying forward the legacy of Nirvana’s music. Alternative rock soon became the new pop, transforming the underground into the mainstream.
The wave of alternative rock’s ascendancy in the 90s was epitomized by Nirvana’s iconic track “All Apologies,” which topped the Modern Rock chart in January 1994. This moment represented a shift in music culture, where the fringes of the dial had become the mainstream. Alt rock became synonymous with top 40 hits, influencing fashion trends and defining a generation.
Hit Parade has explored the evolution of alternative rock across various eras and subgenres, from punk and post-punk to new wave and college rock. Artists like the Ramones, Talking Heads, and R.E.M. have contributed to the diverse landscape of alternative music. We’ve also delved into gothic rock, neo-folk, and new romantic movements, highlighting the rich tapestry of sounds that shaped alternative rock’s trajectory.
As we reflect on alt rock’s co-optation and subsequent commercialization, we ponder the legacy of Generation X’s brief moment in the sun. From grunge to post-grunge, from indie labels to mainstream success, alternative rock’s metamorphosis continues to influence modern music. Join us on Hit Parade as we unravel the story of how alt rock redefined pop culture and left an indelible mark on the music industry.