Bands that should have been bigger than they were
The music industry is a vast ocean of talent, where some bands float to the top and others remain hidden beneath the waves. Many incredible bands never achieved the commercial success they deserved, but left a lasting impression on the music scene.
In this article, we dive into the stories of these underrated bands, exploring their contributions and the unique sounds that set them apart from their peers.
Big Star: The Power Pop Pioneers
Big Star’s influence stretches far beyond their commercial success. Formed in Memphis in the early 1970s, they crafted a sound that combined the depth of rock with the catchy hooks of pop.
Despite their albums No. 1 Record and Radio City being critically acclaimed, they struggled with distribution issues, keeping them from mainstream success. Yet, their sound has inspired countless artists, from R.E.M. to The Replacements.
The Replacements: Punk Rock’s Unsung Heroes
Emerging from the Twin Cities in the late ’70s, The Replacements combined punk energy with heartfelt lyrics and a raw, unpolished sound. Albums like Let It Be and Tim showcased their knack for crafting songs that were both rebellious and deeply personal.
Despite limited commercial success, they are often credited with influencing the alternative rock scene of the 1990s, paving the way for bands like Nirvana and Green Day.
Love: The Psychedelic Innovators
Love, led by the enigmatic Arthur Lee, was at the forefront of the 1960s psychedelic scene. Their 1967 album Forever Changes is hailed as a masterpiece, blending folk-rock, orchestral pop, and biting social commentary.
Despite never achieving the fame of contemporaries like The Doors, Love’s music continues to be celebrated for its innovative arrangements and profound lyrics, capturing the spirit of a tumultuous era.
The Velvet Underground: Ahead of Their Time
The Velvet Underground, formed in New York City in 1964, were true pioneers of avant-garde rock. Their debut album, produced by Andy Warhol, was a commercial failure at first but later gained recognition for its experimental sound and candid themes.
With songs like ‘Heroin’ and ‘Venus in Furs,’ they broke musical and lyrical conventions, influencing countless genres, including punk, new wave, and indie rock.
Badfinger: The Tragic Story of Power Pop Legends
Badfinger, often hailed as one of the first power pop bands, had a promising start with hits like ‘Come and Get It’ and ‘No Matter What.’ Signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records, they seemed destined for greatness.
However, financial mismanagement and personal tragedies, including the suicides of two members, overshadowed their success. Their story is a poignant reminder of the music industry’s harsh realities.
Television: The Forefathers of Post-Punk
Television emerged from the New York punk scene in the mid-1970s, standing out with their intricate guitar work and poetic lyrics.
Their debut album, Marquee Moon, is considered a seminal work in post-punk, influencing bands like The Strokes and R.E.M. Although they never achieved mainstream success, Television’s artful blend of rock and poetry left a lasting legacy in the music world.
XTC: Masters of Melodic Invention
XTC, hailing from Swindon, England, evolved from a punk-influenced band into masters of melodic and complex pop music. Albums like Skylarking and English Settlement displayed their creative prowess and intricate songwriting.
Despite their limited commercial presence, XTC’s music has been praised for its originality and has influenced a wide range of artists, from Blur to Primus.
The Zombies: Baroque Pop Trailblazers
The Zombies, formed in the early 1960s, were known for their rich harmonies and sophisticated arrangements. Their album Odessey and Oracle is a baroque pop masterpiece, featuring the timeless hit ‘Time of the Season.’
Despite their initial breakup shortly after its release, the album gained cult status, and the band is now considered one of the most influential of their era, celebrated for their innovation and style.
The Stone Roses: Britpop’s Overlooked Icons
The Stone Roses, part of the late ’80s Manchester scene, played a pivotal role in the development of Britpop. Their self-titled debut album is often cited as one of the greatest British albums of all time, blending rock, dance, and psychedelic elements.
Despite legal battles and a lengthy hiatus stalling their momentum, their impact on bands like Oasis and Blur is undeniable, cementing their place in music history.
Big Audio Dynamite: The Clash’s Experimental Offshoot
Formed by former Clash guitarist Mick Jones in 1984, Big Audio Dynamite fused punk rock with diverse influences, including funk, reggae, and hip-hop.
Their innovative use of sampling and eclectic sound can be heard on tracks like ‘E=MC²’ and ‘The Bottom Line.’ While they didn’t reach the heights of The Clash, their experimental approach has been recognized as ahead of its time, influencing the evolution of electronic music.
Hüsker Dü: The Architects of Alternative Rock
Hailing from Minnesota, Hüsker Dü was a pioneering force in the American punk and alternative rock scenes. Their blend of melodic hooks and hardcore punk intensity on albums like Zen Arcade helped shape the sound of alternative music in the 1980s.
Despite their breakup in 1988, their influence can be heard in the music of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and countless other bands who followed in their footsteps.
The Jam: Mod Revival’s Leading Lights
The Jam, led by Paul Weller, were key figures in the late 1970s mod revival in the UK. With a sound that combined punk energy with the style and sensibility of 1960s mod, they produced hits like ‘Going Underground’ and ‘Town Called Malice.’
While their career was relatively short-lived, The Jam left a lasting legacy, influencing bands from Blur to Arctic Monkeys with their sharp lyrics and distinct style.
The Go-Betweens: Indie Pop Perfectionists
The Go-Betweens, formed in Brisbane in 1977, crafted a unique brand of indie pop characterized by poetic lyrics and jangly guitars. Albums like 16 Lovers Lane showcased their ability to blend melancholic themes with sunny melodies.
Though they never achieved widespread fame, their music has been celebrated for its depth and beauty, earning them a devoted following and influencing indie musicians worldwide.
Nick Drake: The Cult Figure of Folk Music
Nick Drake’s hauntingly beautiful music went largely unnoticed during his lifetime, but his influence has grown significantly over the decades. His introspective lyrics and intricate guitar work on albums like Pink Moon have resonated with audiences long after his untimely death in 1974.
Today, Drake is revered as a seminal figure in folk music, influencing artists like Elliott Smith and Bon Iver with his melancholic yet hopeful sound.
The Flying Burrito Brothers: Country Rock Groundbreakers
The Flying Burrito Brothers, led by Gram Parsons, were pioneers in blending country music with rock and roll. Their 1969 album The Gilded Palace of Sin is considered a cornerstone of the country rock genre.
Despite internal conflicts and commercial struggles, their innovative sound paved the way for future acts like The Eagles and helped shape the country rock movement, earning them a place in music history.
