Rockin with 90s grunge-song by song

[Jenny]

So guess what was on sale for 3.99 at FYE today? The soundtrack to the 1991 classic film Singles. Okay, the soundtrack was probably better known, however, I'd say this album's perfect for dreary months like January.

1) Would-Alice in Chains: I'll be honest:I'm not a big fan of these guys and sort of perfer the standard fair of Nirvana and Pearl Jam. That said, Layne's gruff, projective vocals make this song really good. It really puts you in the setting of a rainy late afternoon in Seattle.

2)Breath-Pearl Jam: I think Vedder's vocal talent is better displayed in songs like Evenflow, Better man, and my personal favorite, Alive. Here it sounds a bit off key to me. Excellent guitar solo at the end though.

3)Seasons- Chris Cornell: Very nice, zeppliny acoustic number here that is contemplated nicely by Cornell's echoy,blues vocals. It's like the 90s version of Going to California. In fact, I'd love to hear him do a cover of that song.

4) Dyslexic Heart-Paul Westerberg: Okay, this was sorta the reason I bought this album. My heart will always belong to Husker Du,but The Replacement's Let it Be and Tim are damn fine pieces of work, thus I was curious about Paul's solo stuff. Well, this number's a bit too bland. I enjoy power pop and all,but this just drags.

5)Battle of Evermore-The Lovemongers: Speaking of Zepplin, this cover really lacks the melodic vocals of Plant that made it good. Here it feels empty. Sorry Ann and Nancy,Barracuda and Crazy for you were better.

6)Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns-Mother Love Bone: This sorta sounds like Yes' vocals combined with 80s era Roxy Music melody. Not my favorite,but I'm glad that there's diversity of sound here here.

7) Birth Ritual-SoundGarden: Cornell sounds a bit like a Dio, Ozzy, Axl Rose mix here. This is a nice example of how grunge has a bit of early metal roots

8) State of Love and Trust-Pearl Jam: Ahhh here we go, not too heavy,but it's got a nice catchy hook

9)Overblown-Mudhoney: Probably the most punk-like tune on here. I don't care what Steve Albini says, this is another good Mudhoney song.

10) Waiting for Somebody-Paul Westerberg: Argh. Sorry Paul,but this sounds too much like the type of song you'd hear in your uncle's car as you drive to the beachhouse he rented.

11) May this be Love-Jimi Hendrix: Very relaxing, lovely break courtesy the guitar master himself and a nice example of grunge roots.

12) Nearly Lost You-Screaming Trees: The other actual grunge sounding song on the album,but not as great as Soundgarden or Mudhoney.

13) Drown-Smashing Pumpkins: A quiet finale, Not the best that I've heard from em though.

So, in Summary:

Best song: Seasons

Most grunge like: Birth Ritual, State of love and trust,Would, Overblown.

Best guitar work: Breath

Overall, this album's a nice overview of early 90s music if you're curious about the culture back then. I admit,I probably gotta listen to it a few more times to get fully into it.

[SarahJayne]

Ahhhhh, the 90s! My era.... for better or worse.

[Jenny]

Yeah, I was only three when Nevermind made it big, so I missed out on all the grunge, the cool years of Mtv and Nickeoloden(Ren and stimpy just ain't exactly the same when you watch it on dvd)

[swt]

I was a big fan of the late '80s-early '90s Seattle scene. I was only 38 when Nevermind was released.

My son, who will be 17 next month, just loves it though. His band even covers "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and does it justice.

The only stuff that still excites me from this batch though, and the only band still around making good music is Mudhoney.

[Jenny]

Cool! tell his band I wish em luck.