Six Overlooked Records Show How 8 Grunge Albums Deserve Better Credit

Early Seattle Foundations

Soundgarden had been active since the 1980s, releasing Ultramega OK in 1988 before Louder Than Love arrived in 1989. The latter blended heavy metal and blues, with Chris Cornell’s voice at its center.

Green River’s only album, Rehab Doll, came out through Sub Pop in 1988. The band included future Mudhoney frontman Mark Arm and future Pearl Jam members Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament; its anti-war song “Swallow My Pride” was singled out as a standout.

Bands Beyond The Big Four

Tad toured with Nirvana in late-1980s Seattle, and released Inhaler as its major-label debut. Led by Tad Doyle, the group added pop elements to a heavier sound, especially on “Throat Locust” and “Grease Box.” Stone Temple Pilots faced accusations of being San Diego grunge imitators, but their 1994 album Purple became a major hit after the success of Core. Released two months after Kurt Cobain’s death, it included the radio staples “Vasoline” and “Interstate Love Song,” with Scott Weiland emerging as a prominent voice of his generation.

Distinctive Voices And Sounds

Screaming Trees released Sweet Oblivion in September 1992, during grunge’s peak. Mark Lanegan’s deep vocal style helped define the record, which included “Nearly Lost You,” featured on the Singles soundtrack, as well as “Shadow Season” and “Dollar Bill.” Kansas band Paw brought a country tint to grunge on its 1993 debut, Dragline. Opening track “Gasoline” begins with a riff likened to Alice in Chains, while Mark Hennessy’s vocals shift from restrained delivery to forceful screams.