echolyn - As the World After releasing two albums on their own, this Philly area progressive rock group hit the "big time" with this 1995 Sony release. Or so they may have thought. Soon things turned sour and apparently Sony and the band were at odds with the musical direction the band should seek. Sony refused to promote the album and soon tensions within the band brought echolyn to it's end. At least temporarily as they would reform in 2000. Anyway, a highly recommended release for progressive rock fans.
Saigon Kick - The Lizard - 1992 This was one of my Columbia House selections when I (unbeknownst to my parents) signed us up for the service, and to this day it remains one of my all-time favorite rock albums that only I seem to like. It was the twilight of hair metal and this had that vibe somewhat, but it was much deeper in scope and had some incredible riffs and harmonies throughout. I was only 12, so I can't speak to this thing's popularity (or lack thereof) with any authority, but I think "Love Is On The Way" - the sappy ballad - became a big hit which cannibalized this album's sales (in other words, was their version of Extreme's "More Than Words"). This hard rock album is impressive, especially for its time.
Echolyn - As The World. A truly great Progressive album of 1994. Full of great playing and great melodies, with influences from everything from Gentle Giant to Yes.
Agree whole heartedly with this. What an amazing record, a good one for people to check out that think nothing worthwhile came out after 1975. Not that it's retro or anything just that it is timeless rock n roll.
This was some Denton, TX friends from other bands working together. They ultimately got a Geffen deal then Geffen got sold and the next effort got gobbled up into the mahem. If you liked Mercury Rev and before that Wire, probably worth listening.
A true lost classic here, some great singles associated with this album too. The followup, What's On The Outside might be even better. They have an unbelievable number of unreleased gems too, some of which have been recorded by other artists.
OK, my turn to play scold: just where were these albums overlooked? They were the major label debuts for both bands and were fairly high-profile. Heck, Helmet's album may be the one we can ultimately pin a good chunk of the "nu metal" thing on.
Bablylon Minstrels: http://www.amazon.com/Babylon-Minstrels-Minstrals/dp/B000008D3Q/ This is a collaboration between WG Snuffy Waldon and Bennett Salvay (lots of soundtrack work) and Julian Raymond (guy behind Glen Campbell's last couple of albums, among other things). Lush, interesting pop. Not sure if they sold a single copy, and my guess is that Hollywood only released it as a favor to Raymond, who was a staff producer for them. Highly recommended.
Real good record, great band. Saw them 3x around this time. ('94.) Different lead guitar player every time, always good. I would also recommend In The Presence of Greatness and Free Expression.
The Grays - Ro Sham Bo fantastic album - most Jellyfish fans know this album, but I've played this one for many folks and usually get a Wow! response.
My vote goes to any of the D Generation albums: D Generation, No Lunch and Through the Darkness. 3 albums, all on major labels, 2 with big name producers, and still they sold nothing. I thought they pulled together several different strands of NYC/NJ rock 'n' roll, with a little Dolls influence, a chunk of Ramones, and some Springsteen thrown in for good measure. Even in the midst of the commercial punk wave in the mid-90s the band fell flat. At least Jesse Malin still soldiers on and makes great albums.
OK, I could do this all day, but here are some off the top: Vulgar Boatmen - Please Panic Eggstone - Somersault, Vive La Difference Motocaster - Stay Loaded Antenna - Hideout Ass Ponys - Electric Rock Music Jawbox - s/t Too Much Joy - have to upset the 20-year-old me by saying that they didn't have a wall-to-wall undeniable record, but Son Of Sam I Am, Cereal Killers and Mutiny each have a number of strong tracks Ron Sexsmith - Other Songs Grifters - Crappin You Negative Grapes Of Wrath - These Days Compulsion - Comforter
