Alternative rock
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Alternative rock is a category of rock music that evolved from the independent music underground of the 1970s. Alternative rock acts achieved mainstream success in the 1990s with the likes of the grun
R.E.M., one of the first alternative rock bands, relied on college-radio airplay, constant touring, and a grassroots fanbase to break into the mainstream.
Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth performing in July 2005
Robert Smith of the Cure performing in June 2004
Nirvana's Kurt Cobain (right) and Krist Novoselic (left) performing at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1992
Shoegaze
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Shoegaze is a subgenre of indie and alternative rock characterised by ethereal soundscapes, obscured vocals, and extensive use of guitar effects and distortion. Rooted in Phil Spector's Wall of Sound,
Alternative rock
…1970s. Alternative rock acts achieved mainstream success in the 1990s with the likes of the grunge subgenre in the United States, and the Britpop and shoegaze subgenres in the United Kingdom and Ireland. During this period, many record labels were looking for "alternatives", as many corporate rock, hard rock…
Guitarist performing with an array of effects units
Often classified as dream pop, Scottish band Cocteau Twins paved the way for the shoegaze genre.
In 1990, Ride emerged as shoegaze's most prominent act.
Slowdive performing live in 1992.