Made Loud — Indie Underground Bands, Music, Downloads, Community

The 1990s will always be a nostalgic time for me. It’s the decade when I grew up and discovered the world. Most of all, it’s the decade when I became passionate about music. Looking back now, it’s easy to forget all the great bands that made the jump from the UK to America, and who would go on to influence many of the bands who are part of today’s Indie scene. The following is by no means a comprehensive list – look at it as a jumping off point.

10. The Verve

Yes, they are about as close to a one-hit wonder as anyone can get without actually earning the moniker. If it wasn’t for a couple of early successful EPs and albums released before Urban Hymns, they’d be right there with Harvey Danger or Chumbawamba. That said, Bitter Sweet Symphony was one of the most popular songs of the 90s, and for that, they earn a spot on the list.

9. Pulp

Ok. So technically, Pulp was formed in 1978, but they experienced most of their commercial success during the 90’s, so they earn a spot on the list. Plus, the material they produced during this period would be heavily influential on bands that came to prominence in the late 90's and early 2000's.

8. Stereophonics

While only receiving limited commercial interest state-side, the Stereophonics are one of the most commercially successful UK bands of the last 15 years. Their brand of alternative rock has influenced countless others, including Travis and David Grey.

7. Massive Attack

Massive Attack pretty much created the Trip Hop genre with their 1991 album, Blue Lines. For the first time, Jazz, Hip Hop, Rock and Soul were merged into one delicious sound. While it’s hard to place their contribution to music at large, it’s safe to say their music has influenced many of today’s genre bending artists.

6. Blur

Blur received most of their fame from the I-just-OD’d-on-caffeine-and-made-a-rock-song stadium anthem, Song #2. (A.K.A. – the “woo-hoo” song) That said, they had a slew of hits (Coffee & TV, Girls & Boys, Country House, Charmless Man) just not on a commercial level. Even though they haven’t been active since 2003’s Think Tank, I continue to hear their Brit Pop sound influencing today’s Indie acts.

5. Jamiroquai

Most casual fans tend to associate Jamiroquai with the 1996 hit, Virtual Insanity. And this shouldn't come as a surprise – Travelling Without Moving happened to be the most successful US release for the English band. Jamiroquai remained successful into the 2000’s with popular singles like Canned Heat making appearances on several movie soundtracks, including Napoleon Dynamite and Center Stage.

4. Chemical Brothers

The Chemical Brothers have probably had more of an impact on commercial pop culture then on music at large, which is saying a lot for an electronic duo who’s career has spanned 16 years, and is still going strong. Originally part of the big beat electronic dance genre (The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim), The Chemical Brothers would find their songs being used in major commercials and films for most of the 90’s.

3. Oasis

Arguably one of the most successful and controversial bands to come out of Britian in the 1990s, Oasis achieved success with their first 3 releases; Definitely Maybe, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory and Be Here Now. While Oasis has yet to repeat the initial success of those albums, constant strife between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher and comparisons to The Beatles continue to keep them in the spotlight.

2. Belle & Sebastian

When I think of Indie Rock, Belle & Sebastian are usually at the top of the list. The Indie pop band was formed in 1996 in Glasgow, Scotland. Belle & Sebastian have inspired countless Indie acts with their brand of melancholy yet glistening pop.

1. Radiohead

Do they even need a description? Few realize that Radiohead started as a pretty typical early 90’s alt rock band with their debut release, Pablo Honey. It wasn’t until their 3rd release, Ok Computer that they began to incorporate the experimental sound that would forever change the alternative and indie music landscape.