Author Archives: tacopepper

     Today begins a double-header of massive grunge albums, as we kick it off with the huge debut album from Pearl Jam, “Ten”.  After the band Mother Love Bone had dissolved following the death of vocalist Andrew Wood, inspiring the recently discussed Temple of the Dog album, Eddie Vedder was invited to audition for theContinue reading “Pearl Jam “Ten” (1991)”

     As I entered the 1990s, both my lifestyle and musical interests were evolving significantly.  Realizing that I could listen to more than Led Zeppelin, the Neville Brothers and U2, I spent a lot of the early ‘90s exploring new avenues of music and looking for alternative music wherever I could find it.  Latching onContinue reading “Toad the Wet Sprocket “Fear” (1991)”

     The explosion of grunge rock music, emerging primarily from the Seattle region, takes an interesting turn today with the supergroup Temple of the Dog and their self-titled album.  One of the more interesting factors is the timing of the release of this record, from a band that contained Chris Cornell from Soundgarden and EddieContinue reading “Temple of the Dog “Temple of the Dog” (1991)”

     If there was any doubt R.E.M. was moving closer and closer to mainstream success with each album, that doubt was erased with the release of “Out of Time”.  Two massively successful hit singles lifted them fully on the perch of most successful bands in the rock-pop world, sitting side by side with U2.  I’veContinue reading “R.E.M. “Out of Time” (1991)”

     Another big name from the world of hip-hop emerges today, with the 4th album from LL Cool J, “Mama Said Knock You Out”.  Short for Ladies Love Cool James, LL Cool J has never been my favorite MC but there are some good moments on this album, which is rated #246 on Rolling Stone’sContinue reading “LL Cool J “Mama Said Knock You Out” (1990)”

     As we head into a 1991 that was full of big releases, no artist had more success on the charts than Mariah Carey and her self-titled debut album.  Stepping into the forum of female megastars, Mariah and her infamous five-octave range is on full display on this first album.  The first single of theContinue reading “Mariah Carey “Mariah Carey” (1990)”

     As we begin the onslaught of grunge music today, we have who I consider to be perhaps the most interesting and unique of all of these bands with the debut album from Alice in Chains, “Facelift”.  A great kickoff to this evolution of rock music, “Facelift” is rated #8 on loudwire.com’s Top 10 GrungeContinue reading “Alice in Chains “Facelift” (1990)”

     Today I have my next bonus pick from my son, an unusual act and album from a band called Uncle Tupelo, who are labeled as “alternative country”.  I think I would rephrase it as alternative with an occasional flavor of country.  Their debut album was “No Depression”, and I would definitely compare them toContinue reading “Uncle Tupelo “No Depression” (1990)”

     Of all of the hip-hop albums I will listen to during this journey, none is more familiar or personal than today’s pick, “Fear of a Black Planet” by Public Enemy.  It may seem odd that a privileged white kid from the relatively affluent suburbs could relate to and fully appreciate this album, but inContinue reading “Public Enemy “Fear of a Black Planet” (1990)”

     We kick off the 1990s with a band I would naturally associate much more closely with the new wave revolution of the 1980s, Depeche Mode.  In early 1990, they released “Violator”, named in jest as a goof on the British metal acts of the ‘80s, and although the title may have been a bitContinue reading “Depeche Mode “Violator” (1990)”