Let's try to reminisce first, when the '90s were over, and with them
the seemingly endless supply of one-hit wonders. And as the new
century rolled in, hip-hop/rap and pop began their domination of the
charts and even the poppiest alt rock groups had to claw their way
into focus. Here are a few of the casualties who got a few thumbs up
but you still may not know them.
Baby's Got A New Revelation – The
Exies
Well The Exies were for the most part
the late-comers who just missed out on the '90s, what would have been
a decade of fame for them. However, they arrived on the scene in 2000
with their self-titled album featuring “elegant melodies, graceful
chord progressions, and some fancy-sounding guitar effects”
(allmusic.com). Among a few standouts is “Baby's Got a New
Revelation” with all the catchy beats, melodies, and guitar hooks
someone could wish for. It's worthy of some minor headbanging and
singing along.
Been There Lately – Slash's Snakepit
Thinking about the second album by
Slash's Snakepit, I can't believe it isn't praised by hard rockers
everywhere. Yet, somehow, reviews bashed the album for its
immaturity, poor songwriting, lack of chemistry, and lack of Slash.
Is it immature? Hell yeah it is. And the songwriting? Well the lyrics
aren't exactly poetic but that's not what they're going for. Vocalist
Rod Jackson brings new life to the band in their sophomore effort,
especially showing in “Been There Lately”, and all the
instrumentals induce some major air guitar. And Slash's slick guitar
work is as “sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll” as ever.
Toys and Flavors – The Hellacopters
The raw '70s rock power of the
'Copters is evident more in the album High Visibility than any other
in their discography. And out of these tracks, “Toys and Flavors”
is the catchiest and equipped with one hell of a solo. Plus, the
funky bass and energetic percussion only enhance the song. These
rockers should never get ignored from any fans of loud Hendrix-esque
guitars and dance-worthy rhythm sections.
New Blood – Pinhead Gunpowder
In 2000, pop-punk powerhouse Green Day
had just released what many would consider their least successful
album, Warning. But this was not frontman Billie Joe Armstrong's only
release of the year. His side project Pinhead Gunpowder, had released
a self-titled EP with four tracks guaranteed to satisfy any punk
rocker's tastebuds. “New Blood” is an especially great song and a
breath of fresh air for those who reminisce of Green Day's Kerplunk
days.
Cradle Rock – Joe Bonamassa
Although now considered one of the
greatest guitarists of the modern era, Joe Bonamassa was new to the
scene when his debut solo album, A New Day Yesterday, was released in
2000. The bluesman was still an amateur vocalist, but his performance
was jaw-dropping. And although he was a constant force in the
Billboard's Blues Charts, his music has never hit the mainstream
radio playlists. Any fan of music will enjoy and largely respect
Joe's work.
