90’s Alternative returns! What is it that draws us to the music of our youth? Apparently it is strong enough to wake up several artists from their deep sleep. (Example: Smashing Pumpkins ad Fiona Apple both have new albums coming out next week.) Is it that they hear masses of mud covered, Doc Martin wearing Alterna-teens (now adults) calling for a musical revolution? Maybe. However, it seems new young faces are also jumping into the Alternative genre again like never before.
I have read a few articles in regard to the new Smashing Pumpkins album “Oceania” recently. Yes, there are a slew of people living in the past glories of Billy Corgan that are only willing to remember buying Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness from the local record store. There are also a lot of people that are appreciating the spirit of the Smashing Pumpkins and the return to the album format. Maybe new listeners are responding a bit to a collection of songs with depth? The new Smashing Pumpkins album “Oceania” is streaming on iTunes now for free. I recommend checking out the Smashing Pumpkins Oceania Playlist above to get a feel for the new stuff live. Fiona Apple also has a new album coming out the very same day as the Smashing Pumkins record. (Tuesday, June 19th) Her record is titled, “The Idler Wheel is Wiser than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Chords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do.” Fiona Apple is opting for a FREE stream via NPR. Check the long titled Fiona album by clicking here. The first single from the record, “Every Single Night” has a new video that includes Fiona Apple and an array of brains and squid activity.
I think both of these artists have not compromised how their art is done. Sometimes fans are along for the ride. As a fan of most of the cutting edge 90’s, I am excited to see these artists return and grow in the new media world. It may not be the age of zines and record stores for most. However, I see a resurgence of these 90’s artists coming back with a story to tell. New musicians and music fans alike should take an ear to what they have to say. 2012 also expects new albums from, Soundgarden, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails side project “How to Destroy Angels” to name a few. Alernative fans rejoice!