"These guys will never make it"

We've seen threads about favorite artists that you just couldn't believe never broke through to a widespread audience.

How about the opposite notion: an artist whom you were convinced, upon first listen (or even first sight), would never make the big time ... only to realize you had been seriously mistaken?

I remember hearing the first Stone Temple Pilots album when I was reviewing records for Pop Culture Press and thinking, "No one will fall for this blatant bandwagon jumping grunge lite." I should've known better. It was an important lesson in never underestimating the commercial potential of the dilution of a then-hot "alternative" trend.

Right around the same time, I reviewed the Gin Blossoms record New Miserable Experience (in its original blue cover) and, again, thought that kind of old-fashioned power pop, especially married to lyrics of such abject misery, would ever break through to more than a cult audience. How wrong I was. (And there are those that might argue that it's another example of watering down an alternative rock style for the masses, though power pop wasn't trendy at the time.)

That's when I gave up ever trying to predict what will be popular. I obviously haven't the knack for it.

I saw NIN open for the Jesus & Mary Chain in Nashville in '89 at the Canning Factory and was sure it was the first and last time I'd see that little guy.

For me, two names come to mind: Van Halen and Pat Benatar. Based solely on the debut albums from both artists, I honestly thought they'd never make it. Don't ask me why — I plead total insanity.

well I guess he's making me regret saying that "that singer dude from KILLDOZER is never going anywhere!"

Coincidentially, I'm gonna see Killdozer this weekend at Fun Fun Fun Fest. I've never seen 'em before and haven't listened to their music in years. I'm hoping for something reasonably revelatory.

"reasonably revelatory"--you gotta love that. I'd take that any day!

Any bands reading this board that wanna take "reasonably revelatory" as an album title, feel free!

Wow, is Gerald still with them?

Now I'm even more impressed, if he has his day job and still Dozes... Let us know how it is, I'd be interested - the 80s never get further away it seems.

Gerald is still with 'em, yes. In fact, I think it's the original lineup.

You're right about the 80s. Also at Fun Fun Fun Fest this weekend: Bad Brains, the Dead Milkmen (a one-time reunion, or so they say), the Adolescents, D.O.A., the Cro-Mags, Kevin Seconds, Kool Keith (in his Dr. Octagon guide, admittedly) and the Cynics.

In all fairness, most of the acts at F4 are fairly contemporary (the National, Tim Fite, centro-matic, Trail of Dead, Islands, Magnetic Morning, Spinto Band, St. Vincent, the Black Angels, lots of hip hop and comedy acts). But Bad Brains and the Milkmen are headling Sunday and Saturday respectively.

I sure would get a kick outta seeing that guy singing "You call this a cup of coffee?!? I'd rather drink from the dick of a goat!"

Playlist for Brian Turner - November 4, 2008:

w/ live set from KILLDOZER

better link:

Killdozer at WFMU on Election Day



Post Edited (11-07-08 14:14)

Robert Christgau, reviewing an MC5 show, 1969:

"The warm-up was the Popcorn Blizzard (good), the Psychedelic Stooges (awful), and some blather about a religion called Zenta (weird)...I escaped to the weekend coffee house in the church annex during the Stooges, but even at that distance they managed to give me a psychedelic headache."

Eek!!

nice pitch del,

all those bands on the gilman st. compilation.

I remember going to see Iggy Pop when Alice In Chains opened for them (blanking on the year) and agreeing with my friend when she dismissed them as a "boyfriend's high school band" or something like that.

And I'm not saying that I didn't think they were good (I still swear by the Lookout stuff) but when I used to see Green Day play to a quarter-full crowd at Gilman I had NO idea that they would become as massive when they did.

>
> How about the opposite notion: an artist whom you were
> convinced, upon first listen (or even first sight), would never
> make the big time ... only to realize you had been seriously
> mistaken?
>


smashing pumpkins
nirvana
pearl jam
semisonic
everclear
bright eyes
britney spears
marilyn manson
soundgarden
red hot chili peppers

The NME were all over The Verve (then just Verve I think) before giving 'History' Single of the Week in 95.

Pretty much the same thing happened with Killing Joke. Around the time of their first album, the NME were pretty relentless. It's funny to think of their ultimate longevity and their influence on Metallica and Fear factory and the like. Coleman's house in New Zealand was paid for by Metallica's cover of The Wait.



Post Edited (11-08-08 21:21)

Not that they've 'made it', but that the Demolition Dollrods still exist, absolutely amazes me. Their 15 min. extended no doubt by Plaster Caster, which by the way, is one of the most demented websites ever.

Mtv furthering it's irrelevance to actual music...

Best Act Ever - Rick Astley

Wow, Rick made it...

MTV

Mulch Television