March 9th, 2023
’90s Music
If you love 1990s music, take your ears back in time and give these two albums a listen. The Lonesome Crowded West (1997)by Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse has had a varied career in their over 25 years on the scene. Chances are you’ve heard their megalithic track “Float On,” by far their most popular song. It’s upbeat and positive, almost kind of pop-ish; a far cry from the contents of Lonesome Crowded West. In contrast, the album has way more angst and anger for society. The entire album is tied together through its anti-consumerism ideas, targeted mainly at strip malls and what they stand for. The instrumentals are fairly bare-bones in terms of gear, mainly only lead guitar, bass, and drums, but by God, the band really does put their heart and soul into the music, laying down a sound that would help define the late ’90’s indie-rock scene. Being a double album, it is a bit on the longer side, but the balance of the tracks remedies this quite well. At times, it’s fast, active, and in your face. Other times, it’s slow, melancholic, and introspective. The album stands as a snapshot of a bygone era, whose messages still ring loud to this day.
Everybody Else is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? (1993)by The Cranberries
In 1993, the Irish rock group The Cranberries created the melancholic yet vibrant Everyone Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? This was the band’s first full-length album, and it reflected influences of rock and dream pop. Beginning gently, this album proceeds to lift the mood by the second track, “Dreams,” which is one of The Cranberries’ most successful singles. This band is known for their alternative sound, stunningly distinct vocals by Dolores O’Riordan, and their post-punk presence, especially with their popular music videos on MTV. “Linger” provides a bridge between the slower, and more mysterious songs.The final songs in this album seal all the genres together, leaving listeners with a mystical feeling as the acoustic sound blends light and dark moods. This 40-minute album began the success of The Cranberries as an internationally touring band. The Cranberries attracted the attention of college-aged kids and young adults as they were drawn in by their music on radio stations in addition to their music videos.In 2018, following the passing of their fellow band member and lead vocalist, Dolores O’Riordan, the remaining band members agreed to no longer perform. The last release, In the End, was finished and released less than a year later and provided the final treasured album by the band. My favorite song is “Dreams,” because of its shimmery, upbeat sound and the way it complements the calmer songs.