Before Nevermind: 5 bands that led to Nirvana

 

Before Nevermind....

by John Brenner

 

 

It’s now been 30 years since Nirvana’s Nevermind changed the music landscape as we know it. But “Alternative Music”, as MTV coined it, didn’t come out of nowhere. R.E.M. obviously broke through a few years earlier, but like the great movie Field of Dreams said “There were others, you know”.  So let’s take a look at those others. The bands that made independent rock an American thing. I chose 5 to talk about…

Hüsker Dü

Taking their name from a Danish board game, that translates to “Do You Remember?” is only fitting. Since we’re on the subject of Nirvana (they definitely remember), let’s take a look at what some members of that band had to say about the Dü: Bassist Kris Novoselic once said “What Nirvana did was nothing new. Hüsker Dü did it before us.” And the most famous of members of Nirvana (not named Kurt), Dave Grohl has famously said “No Husker Du, No Foo Fighters.” But enough about Nirvana, the question is why didn’t Hüsker Dü land with mainstream audiences? They were the first major indie act to sign with a major label. My thought is America in 1986 wasn’t ready for a 3 piece that had 2 gay members in the band. It’s either that, or they were just too ahead of it’s time. Regardless, if you have a functioning ear, you’ll be down with Hüsker Dü. 

The Replacements

What else can be said about Hüsker Dü’s cross-town rivals, other than that they were arguably America’s greatest Rock N’ Roll band. Load up a van, play in front of a devoted crowd, and (decide if they wanted to) deliver an amazing show. They were the darlings of hungry major label execs, and the “Mats” wanted no part of them. Their antics are now legendary.  But so was Paul’s songwriting. The evolution of this band is seriously something to behold. Why didn’t they make it? They basically chose not to.

Sonic Youth

Girl power, before Girl Power was cool. While founder, Thurston Moore’s contributions to the band cannot be denied (he’s a genius), it was his ex-wife, Kim Gordon that caught everyone’s attention!  They did have some moderate radio hits in a post-Nevermind world. Bull in the Heather comes to mind. But their 80’s discography is so strong, and paved the way in  massive form.

 

 

 

Dinosaur Jr 

When you have an absolutely introverted musical genius with an ego, you get Dinosaur Jr. A band that should’ve been ripe to usher in the 90’s, but for whatever reason it didn’t happen. When they did FINALLY become major label viable, it was after J Mascis got rid of the original band. Thankfully the OG 3 piece has been back for years now, and continue to put out amazing records, and even better shows. It’s been one of the better reunions in rock history as far as I’m concerned.

 

 

 

 

The Pixies

Probably the closest outside of Replacements, to hit the mainstream, as far as this conversation goes. Like Sonic Youth, they had rad women in the band. But more importantly, they had amazing songs. And like the other bands, right when they were on the cusp… shit hit their fan… They’re still playing. Unfortunately, without Kim. But still great. But we can still see her in the Breeders. 

So while we should all celebrate what Nirvana’s contributions did, we should also remember where this world came from. 

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