Must-Listen Alternative Rock Albums Of The 1990s

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While most younger millennials will quickly associate the 90s with grunge and stripped-down music devoid of the excesses of glam rock, it is also the decade that saw the rise of what we now call alternative rock. The umbrella term should, of course, cater to grunge as well. But grunge has its own distinct sound, while alternative is more eclectic. Let’s look at some of the best albums from the alt-rock pioneers of the decade.

Rage Against the Machine The self-titled debut album of RATM changed the landscape of alternative and rap, fusing these genres in rabid, politically charged anthems like “Killing in the Name” and “Take the Power Back.” It helped the band’s image immensely that never use any samples nor synths, relying on the guitar mastery of Tom Morello.

Siamese Dream This 1993-released second album by then rising act The Smashing Pumpkins would pave the way for the band’s global success. Yes, it’s the 1995 Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness that would make the band a household name, but that won’t happen without the heavy airplay and dream-pop appeal of singles in Siamese Dream, specifically “Today” and “Disarm.”

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Dummy U.K.-based Portishead would be a key player in the rise of Electronica, and the moog-driven synths and noir feel of this debut album would catapult the group to international stardom. Vocalist Beth Gibbons croons some of the most painful and cutting lyrics in songs like “Glory Box,” “Roads,” and the hit single “Sour Times.”

My name is Alton Ingram and I’ve been into alternative rock music since high school. I’m currently pursuing my college studies, but I still come back to the best bands in the genre. For more on my other interests, go to this link.

Why 'Frasier' Was Possibly The Greatest Spin-Off Ever Made

“Cheers” was one of the funniest shows on television. It won numerous awards and launched the careers of a number of its stars. When that sitcom about a bar in Boston ended, one of its characters was given a new lease on life with a spin-off series of his own. Little did anyone know that this spin-off would go on to surpass “Cheers” in almost every way. The show was of course, “Frasier.”

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“Frasier” tells the story of a renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Frasier Crane who has left his life in Boston behind and has since become a radio personality in Seattle. His little brother, Niles, also a psychiatrist but one with a lot more quirks, asks Frasier to take in their disabled, retired police officer of a father, Marty Crane. A physical therapist from Manchester named Daphne Moone to look after Marty. Rounding out the main cast is Roz Doyle, Frasier’s radio show producer.

Now, this sounds like a boring premise, but it’s the cast and how they breathe life into their unique characters that elevate this show above almost every other sitcom of the era. The jokes are elitist, self-aggrandizing, self-deprecating, humiliating, smart, and most of all hilarious. All the characters complement one another and the fact that they keep up this quality of work for 11 laughter-filled seasons just goes to show how “Frasier” has done probably more than any other television spin-off has ever achieved.

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My name is Alton Ingram. I love football, and I used to play competitively up until high school. I’m also a huge fan of comedy shows. Learn more about me here.

Loud and proud: The most intimidating football stadiums in the U.S.

Many people who’ve been there would testify to watching a football game live in a stadium as the ultimate American sports experience. The exhilaration combined with the chaos of tens of thousands of people screaming their lungs out makes for quite the moment. With amazing traditions being upheld by franchise faithful in stadiums all across the United States, attending a game can be akin to being at a rock concert with the loudest and baddest rock bands in history. 

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There are two stadiums in America though, with fans so loud, they intimidate even the players of visiting teams. Here they are. 

CenturyLink Field

For the past few decades, CenturyLink Field has been the home to the proud Seattle Seahawks and quite frankly, one of the most vocal and fiercest fan bases in all of mankind. Seahawks fans are so loud that the CenturyLink Field has been named the loudest stadium in the National Football League multiple times. The fans are some of the most passionate in the western United States that they’re often referred to as the 12th man. 

Arrowhead Stadium

One stadium that rivals CenturyLink Field is the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, home to the Kansas City Chiefs. Visitors and guests of the city know only too well the ferocity and love Chiefs fans share by the loudness of their combined cheers. In fact, Chiefs fans have been recognized by none other than the Guinness Book of World Records as having the loudest recorded single roar in the history of American football. 

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Hi there! I’m Alton Ingram. I love football, and I used to play competitively up until high school. I still follow the game itself with near-religious fervor, keeping myself updated on developments from my favorite teams. I’m also into movies and rock music. Learn more about me by visiting this page.