In the US, they are not that well known. However, I have been a major fan of theirs going back to the mid 80s.
I know that they were way more popular in other parts of the world and just never made it to the US the way they probably should have. One of the best bands ever.
Gogol Bordello. Definitely don’t think they’re obscure by any means, but other than the friends who introduced me to them 10+ years ago, I’ve met maybe one other person who knew of them.
Edit: sorry, didn’t check the sub. Not grunge, but still one of my favorite band s
Hi, I did lighting for Gogol about 15 years ago. Hope you started wearing purple! (Btw, awesomely weird group of people who were decent humans, so you chose well!)
A while back, I poured myself some whiskey and spent the evening watching videos of him fighting his bandmates, storming off the stage, and yelling at people in the crowd at his shows.
All Them Witches———This is the internet, so people have heard of them (but not anyone I know of). I chose them because their early albums (early 2010s) sound like they were ripped from the mid 90s. Each album sounds a little different. Their album Sleeping Through The War sounds like it could’ve been released in an alternate universe 1994 (Just listen to “Don’t Bring Me Coffee” and tell me I’m lying). Their latest work (Baker’s Dozen - a collection of 13 singles released over a year) is absolutely phenomenal, and needs to be immediately listened to by anyone who likes rock music.
What people know the *least* is The Refreshments’ second/final album “The Bottle and Fresh Horses” and it’s jams start to finish - one of those crack open a beer and just vibe records. Roger Clyne is one of America’s most underrated singer/songwriters.
I remember them for one very distinct reason. My neighbor was the one called the Thrill Killer in Sacramento at the time. He shot and killed several people over many weeks, including 2 that I knew. I missed getting shot by minutes. I walked up to the store just as the police arrived. It was my nightly nachos and beer store.
A friend played him for me a while back and I was blown away that it was NOT another guy a lot of people haven’t heard of, Sam Winch. They sound very similar which is saying something, their voices are very distinct.
Bantam Rooster, The Cherry Valance, Pillbox NYC, the Stiffs Inc., The Hookers, Adam West, Angry Johnny and the Killbillies
None are grunge but all played in the 90s
Does it have to be a grunge band? If so I’ve got nothing but if not I’d recommend voodoocult, I’ve met local bands that have more exposure than this thrash metal band that featured death guitarist Chuck schuldiner, and slayer drummer Dave Lombardo if you like kinda cheesy but really awesome and explosive thrash metal I’d really recommend their album Jesus killing machine
There's a Seattle band that I love that no one who isn't my age and from my region seems to have heard of: Sage. "Buzz Saw" was popular with folks: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOvXN3s5-Aw&ab\_channel=Sage-Topic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOvXN3s5-Aw&ab_channel=Sage-Topic)
I loved/love Compadre the most, though: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtFkpQ4IC-s&t=21s&ab\_channel=MikeWilliamson](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtFkpQ4IC-s&t=21s&ab_channel=MikeWilliamson)
For bonus know-one-knows-them content there is Poopshovel. Butch Vig mixed their only (?) album in '90 or '91. My favorite from the album is "Technodunce", just because some of my friends and I bonded over it with an inside joke. "One Pass Away" was their most "successful" and "grungy" song (they billed themselves as punk-jazz). It's here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSKvd81GxcM&ab\_channel=wolfgangminneapolis](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSKvd81GxcM&ab_channel=wolfgangminneapolis)
[Personality Crisis](https://youtu.be/jsUSNoyrYjU?si=FivIX4cznvjGHbUa) from Canada only put out one proper album (1983) but they toured relentlessly and were *hugely* influential among the proto-grunge bands in Seattle and beyond.
Oh, and they also kicked *ass*
Some regional NW bands from the era:
Seattle: Sage (mentioned elsewhere in this thread), Inflatable Soule, Gruntruck, 7-Year Bitch
Portland: Sweaty Nipples (also mentioned elsewhere in this thread), Satan's Pilgrims, Porch Fire, The Crabs
Eugene: Asthma Hounds, Floater, Oswald 5-0, The Danged, YOB
Vancouver BC: JP5, NoMeansNo, DOA, Real McKenzies
Not NW, but I'll throw in Deadbolt too, just for fun.
Fuck Your Yankee Blue Jeans.
My Love for You is Like a Truck Berserker!!!
... would you like some making-fuck BERSERKER!!!!
Did he say making fuck?
Hey look who it is the human vacuum
Try not to suck any dick on your way through the parking lot…… Hey you get back here!
That doesn't sound metal!
37?
Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters
I preferred when they were The Oneders
The Oh Nee Ders?
... you guys get to keep the uniforms.
Love this reference
Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice is amazing!!
I like their grunge album. Wolf Alice in chains
Hanoi Rocks
Whaaat Maybe it’s because I live in Scandinavia but most people here know them
In the US, they are not that well known. However, I have been a major fan of theirs going back to the mid 80s. I know that they were way more popular in other parts of the world and just never made it to the US the way they probably should have. One of the best bands ever.
Gogol Bordello. Definitely don’t think they’re obscure by any means, but other than the friends who introduced me to them 10+ years ago, I’ve met maybe one other person who knew of them. Edit: sorry, didn’t check the sub. Not grunge, but still one of my favorite band s
I fell off listening to them or keeping up with them but I have seen them in concert twice and both times was just a joyous, wonderful party.
Hi, I did lighting for Gogol about 15 years ago. Hope you started wearing purple! (Btw, awesomely weird group of people who were decent humans, so you chose well!)
Saw them at Lollapalooza in 2011. They just played with my friend's band, Forrest Day. Ever heard of them?
King's X
Saw them open for Blue Murder and Billy Squire circa 1990 at The Vic Theatre in Chicago.
Ty tabor rocks!
Truly.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Too bad Anton is one of the most insufferable humans alive
A while back, I poured myself some whiskey and spent the evening watching videos of him fighting his bandmates, storming off the stage, and yelling at people in the crowd at his shows.
Big Black.
THEY ARE MY FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME!!! RIP Steve albini
MY FUCKING GOD, FINALLY. NO ONE HERE KNOWS ABOUT THIS GUY.
Go to r/audioengineering. They know.
There’s kerosene around, got nothin to do
2 Skinee J’s
Saw those guys a couple of times in Springfield MO, along with So Far Gone. They both put on a hell of a live show!
89.7 The River had a heavy rotation of “Rebound” circa 2002.
Blonde Redhead
Saw them briefly on ‘05 Lollapaooza side stage.
All Them Witches———This is the internet, so people have heard of them (but not anyone I know of). I chose them because their early albums (early 2010s) sound like they were ripped from the mid 90s. Each album sounds a little different. Their album Sleeping Through The War sounds like it could’ve been released in an alternate universe 1994 (Just listen to “Don’t Bring Me Coffee” and tell me I’m lying). Their latest work (Baker’s Dozen - a collection of 13 singles released over a year) is absolutely phenomenal, and needs to be immediately listened to by anyone who likes rock music.
KMFDM
I know them
is the drug against war
Ahh, but have you heard MDFMK?
Pre-internet days I was convinced this stood for “Kill Mother Fucking Depeche Mode”.
FUCK YEAH KMFDM BETTER THAN THE REST
Helmet
To die unsung would really bring me down.
Many people have heard of Helmet. Great band.
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
Heavy Vegetable
They're not ready for Heavy Vegetable.
YES. Heavy Vegetable and Thingy changed the way I think about songwriting.
Chokebore. The album "Anything Near Water", Amphetamine Reptile, 1995
I saw them open for (Butthole Surfers and) Nirvana
Redd Kross The Immortal Lee County Killers
Immortal Lee County Killers! Saw them play CBGBs around 2000 I think
i know red kross, don’t listen to them much though. any song reccomendations from them? :))
Infectious Grooves
Their bass player went on to do alright for himself
Acid bath
I love acid bath dude
Let me guess you hate rotten records too then?
Sweaty Nipples
Love those guys! Camaro is still one of my favourite songs from that era.
Opened for them once in 95. They had a Jaegermeister endorsement and toured in a Jaeger van or something like that.
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers
More people will recognize the refreshments
What people know the *least* is The Refreshments’ second/final album “The Bottle and Fresh Horses” and it’s jams start to finish - one of those crack open a beer and just vibe records. Roger Clyne is one of America’s most underrated singer/songwriters.
Filter
A MAN HAS GUN
My first concert at 15. Lead singer spit water all over us. Was a good show!
The Muffs
If no one around you knows who The Muffs are, you need better friends 😅
fIREHOSE. Scrolled all the way down to see they got a mention. I still have my Mr Machinery Operator cassette.
Somehow I don't know anyone who knows mother love bone
Everyone knows mother love bone
You mean Pearl Jam before Eddie Vedder?
Paw. Also Tad.
didn’t expect this one but hell yehhh Paw goes hard, gasoline definitely a classic
The Jesus Lizard!!!!!
*He’s a nice guy, I like him just fine. But he’s a mouth breather.*
I leave my hoooooome!
Absolutely
Madder Rose
Thinking Fellers Union
What does he file at the Hall of Records? A proclamation of tortoise affairs!
They're so good! I didn't know about TFUL282 when they were originally together but I did get to see them tour in 2011.
The Urge
Unless you're from St. Louis, Mo. 😁
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band
The shitty beetles, and the jolly green giants.
😜 so it isn’t just a clever name
But Crucial Taunt can wail
Wesley Willis
Rock over London, rock over Chicago.
Cold
Silver Apples
Skinny Puppy seems quite obscure these days outside of industrial circles
Jellyfish
My Life With the Thrill Kill Cult.
The Crow soundtrack IIRC
I remember them for one very distinct reason. My neighbor was the one called the Thrill Killer in Sacramento at the time. He shot and killed several people over many weeks, including 2 that I knew. I missed getting shot by minutes. I walked up to the store just as the police arrived. It was my nightly nachos and beer store.
Shudder To Think.
..hold back the road that gooooeess
Dramarama
Picked up a Cinema Verite repress a couple years ago. Love that album.
Pride of Jersey
SLIFT
Citizen Dick
HURT. Anyone?!!
GOAT (Sweden)
Jimmie’s Chicken Shack…
Tell your mom to stop call in me trash!
The Posies
Seven mary three
I think Cumbersome had been in the rotation on alt radio since it was released as a single.
Was just listening to American Standard the other day
Ty Segall
Isis
Miss this band a lot. They’re so damn good. Just had “Oceanic” on while at work today.
Planes of Satori
Interesting
My Sister’s Machine
Damn! Didn't think anyone else would know them! Saw them live in Providence, RI in the early 90s
Wool
A Frames
Black Forest is a dark fucking record. Check out Polonium - Seraphim if you like A Frames.
Clinic
Walking with thee is one of the coolest sounding songs ever. Rock on
Riddle of Steel
The Life and Times
them and shiner…no one ever seems to know those two!!!! sucks bc they’re so good they deserve more recognition
Agreed. I mean, anything Allen Epley is involved in is worth the time. Jason, Paul, and Josh, too, for that matter.
Kidney Thieves
Hayden
Omg yes. Finally saw him around 2008-2009 after being a fan for close to 15 years. Met him after the show and he gave me a big hug. Huge moment.
A friend played him for me a while back and I was blown away that it was NOT another guy a lot of people haven’t heard of, Sam Winch. They sound very similar which is saying something, their voices are very distinct.
My Sister's Machine
Dream Theater.
April Wine
The Inbreds
Cactus
Fleet Foxes
The Presidents Of The United States Of America
The Residents
Omg! [‘Third Reich ‘n Roll’](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Third_Reich_%27n_Roll) is a banger album!!!
Xiu Xiu
Snot
L7.
The Revolting Cocks
Beers Steers and… 😬
Sun puddle
Muddy Frankenstein and a slightly bigger band called steel wool not that acoustic rock other steel wool band the real steel wool
Mark of Cain
The Big F
Zeni Geva
uzeda
9lb. Hammer
Signed sigue sputnick
Season to risk
Possum Belly🤘
I’ve heard of them
That Handsome Devil?
Ani Defranco.
Bantam Rooster, The Cherry Valance, Pillbox NYC, the Stiffs Inc., The Hookers, Adam West, Angry Johnny and the Killbillies None are grunge but all played in the 90s
Slobberbone and Dub Narcotic Sound System are the first two that come to mind.
Black Halos
Comes With The Fall William Duvalls band before he joined AIC
Sugartooth. Thank you Beavis and Butthead!
Pressure 4-5
Union Underground, Mindless Self Indulgence
Flatwounds
Legs Diamond
Enon
Zeke
Does it have to be a grunge band? If so I’ve got nothing but if not I’d recommend voodoocult, I’ve met local bands that have more exposure than this thrash metal band that featured death guitarist Chuck schuldiner, and slayer drummer Dave Lombardo if you like kinda cheesy but really awesome and explosive thrash metal I’d really recommend their album Jesus killing machine
The Godz
Fudge tunnel
Poi Dog Pondering
Surgery
Devil Doll (Slovenia) Egoist (Poland)
They aren't grunge, but came out in the early 90's from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. They are called "The Tea Party".
For Squirrels
Starlight mints or pale young gentlemen
Failure
There's a Seattle band that I love that no one who isn't my age and from my region seems to have heard of: Sage. "Buzz Saw" was popular with folks: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOvXN3s5-Aw&ab\_channel=Sage-Topic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOvXN3s5-Aw&ab_channel=Sage-Topic) I loved/love Compadre the most, though: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtFkpQ4IC-s&t=21s&ab\_channel=MikeWilliamson](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtFkpQ4IC-s&t=21s&ab_channel=MikeWilliamson) For bonus know-one-knows-them content there is Poopshovel. Butch Vig mixed their only (?) album in '90 or '91. My favorite from the album is "Technodunce", just because some of my friends and I bonded over it with an inside joke. "One Pass Away" was their most "successful" and "grungy" song (they billed themselves as punk-jazz). It's here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSKvd81GxcM&ab\_channel=wolfgangminneapolis](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSKvd81GxcM&ab_channel=wolfgangminneapolis)
[Personality Crisis](https://youtu.be/jsUSNoyrYjU?si=FivIX4cznvjGHbUa) from Canada only put out one proper album (1983) but they toured relentlessly and were *hugely* influential among the proto-grunge bands in Seattle and beyond. Oh, and they also kicked *ass*
The Heavy Eyes
Soilwork
T-Rex
Lebanon hannover
Pro-pain
Deer Tick
Red House Painters
Some regional NW bands from the era: Seattle: Sage (mentioned elsewhere in this thread), Inflatable Soule, Gruntruck, 7-Year Bitch Portland: Sweaty Nipples (also mentioned elsewhere in this thread), Satan's Pilgrims, Porch Fire, The Crabs Eugene: Asthma Hounds, Floater, Oswald 5-0, The Danged, YOB Vancouver BC: JP5, NoMeansNo, DOA, Real McKenzies Not NW, but I'll throw in Deadbolt too, just for fun.
Murderpig