The alternative rock charts are followed regularly by fans. The popularity of this music was an ever growing phenomenon for more than three decades. The typical alternative rock band includes a vocalist as well as guitar, bass and drum players and the occasional keyboardist. In its early days, alternative rock was not yet present in the mainstream music industry.
At what point did this genre, along with the alternative rock charts, become so hugely popular? The name “alternative” rock was frequently used around 1990. Even before the term emerged, a similar type of music was given a few different names. In the late 1970s, the Vice President of A&R for Elektra Records referred to a variety of rock groups as “alternative music.” Later in the 1980s, college radio brought about the term “college” rock.
Prior to the phrase “alternative rock” and “alternative rock charts,” cutting edge music was often referred to as post-modern or new music genres. DJs and promoters during the 1980s believe that the term was first coined by American FM radio stations as far back as the 1970s.
The alternative rock charts have also been around for quite a long time. Early in the 1980s, numerous small record labels grew out of punk subculture. During this time, Sounds, NME and Cherry Red publications presented the alternative charts, which focused on smaller record stores. By January of 1980, the first national chart was distributed, referred to as the indie chart.
Today, a variety of bands have been included in alternative rock charts. The genre has grown immensely from its underground roots to become a popular mainstream category. Although the band make up may vary and the original sound was born out of punk rock, there are usually a few common themes found throughout the genre. These usually focus on the rejection of mainstream culture and its commercialization.
The alternative rock charts include a large variety of sounds, from those found in Britpop to gothic rock, grunge and twee (or indie) pop. In the late 1980s, bands including Public Image Limited, the Sugarcubes and New Order were touring the United States, marking the growing popularity of alternative rock. In the meantime, the British version of alternative rock could be described as more pop sounds with a focus on British issues in lyrics.
The 1990s saw an enormous growth in the alternative rock genre. Well known bands including Faith No More, Dinosaur Jr., Jane’s Addiction and R.E. M. began to guide the direction of the genre. Arguably the most notable of them all was Nirvana, which brought on the grunge movement with Smells Like Teen Spirit. Today, the alternative rock charts have seen a number of greats including Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog and Alice in Chains.
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