No Alternative is a compilation
album that was released in the Autumn of 1993 by Arista Records and
was funded by the Red Hot Organization. The Red Hot Organization is a
non-profit organization that has released over a dozen album and
raised over 10 million dollars towards AIDS-research. No
Alternative is a various artists
compilation of several leading lights of the mid 90's alternative pop
movement. This was the age of MTV's 120 Minutes
and Alternative Nation,
when clueless major labels signed any and everything vaguely
“alternative”. This made for an interesting time as bands who
weren't given the time of day (before Nevermind
by
Nirvana introduced Modern Rock and Alternative to those who'd
otherwise had never been exposed to it) were suddenly given the keys
to the kingdom.
In
tandem to the record's release, MTV produced and hour-long No
Alternative
special which was later released on home video. To celebrate it's
twentieth anniversary, it was reissued on 180 gram vinyl and was
issued on RECORD STORE DAY in 2013. Like other alternative comps of
the day (i.e. DGC
Rarities Volume One, Born To Choose and
the Singles
OMPS)
No Alternative
was something of a staple of the Alternative Music Lover's collection
and thus has something of a 90's relic status.
The
inherent problem with compilations like these, is that no one artist
ends of bringing their best material to the table. There are several
live versions of songs and covers as well. Stars of the day include
Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins and an unlisted track by Nirvana.
Established acts like Bob Mould, Sonic Youth, Beastie Boys, Jonathan
Richman and the legendary Patti Smith. Bands on the cusp of their
stardom like Matthew Sweet, Goo Goo Dolls, Sarah McLachlan and Soul
Asylum. And indie stars like Pavement, Uncle Tupelo, Buffalo Tom and
The Breeders.
Obviously
there's going to be plenty of hit-and-miss per individual listener.
But my personal favorite tracks are “Superdeformed” by Matthew
Sweet featuring the fantastic Ivan Julian of the Voidoids and the Outsets on lead
guitar and the legendary Nicky Hopkins on piano, “For All To See”
by Buffalo Tom, “Can't Fight It” by Bob Mould (recorded just
before his stint with Sugar) and “Unseen Power Of The Picket Fence”
by Pavement. That's not to say that the Goo Goo Dolls cover of The Rolling Stones' “Bitch” isn't amusing as it features the late Buffalo
lounge singer The Incredible Lance Diamond on lead vocals or Sonic
Youth's take on their early track “Burning Spear” isn't worth an
precarious listen or the Beastie Boys live take of “It's The New
Style” isn't flat-out great.
That's
for you to decide.
Dedicated to: The Incredible Lance Diamond
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