Thou...Shall...Rock!

While shuffling through my iTunes library today, I came across one of my favorite albums from back in the day Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Listening to each song brought back a nostalgic feeling of the late 90's and early 2000's when rock and alternative music was commercially at an all time successful. Since I was a little kid in the 90's, I have been a fan of the band, thanks to late nights staying up watching their videos on MTV. After listening to one of their most successful albums, I started thinking about the rock bands of the past (90's) that have not changed their style/sound and are still making music today. Some of the bands that stuck out the most to me were Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Incubus, and Green Day. So I dedicate this post to the throwback bands that continue to provide audio crack for the inner rocker in us all. 

 Red Hot Chili Peppers:

Although many bands originate and claim California, no group is more well known for their love of the 31st state than Red Hot Chili Peppers. Comprised of members Anthony Kiedis, Michael "Flea" Balzary, Chad Smith, and several changes in guitarist, they have maintained together for over twenty years. First formed in Los Angelos in 1983, this alternative rock band didn't reach commercial success until their album Blood Sugar Sex Magik was released in 1991. At first they were more of a hard rock band with some funk elements, over the years their sound has progressed mixing sounds of punk rock, psychedelic rock, and hip-hop. With each album they take the listener on a journey of self reflection, discovery, and the effects California has had over the mindset of many Americans. Their album Californication further delves into this theme of California living and is the groups 2nd most successful album. They are still making hits to this day with their latest album  I'm With You and it was announced that they will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April of 2012.

"Give It Away"

"Other Side"

"Californication"

"Zephyr Song"

Green Day:

 

Green Day, consisting of Billie Joe Armstong (lead vocalist and guitarist), Mike Dirnt(bassist and backing vocalist), and Tre Cool(drummer; replaced Jeff Kiffmeyer in 1990), were one of the pioneers of punk rock in the 90's and today. Formed in 1987, they reached commercial success in the mid to late 90's with their multi-platinum albums Kerplunk, Dookie, and Insomniac. Although some may not be a fan, many of their memorable hits like "Basket Case," "When I Come Around," and "Good Riddance(Time of Your Life)" can be heard any many pop and rock stations all over the country. What sets this group apart from most is the iconic voice of their lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and distinct punk rock sound. In the late 90's to early 2000's, Green day's commercial success began to dwindle but they soon reclaimed critical acclaim with their "punk rock opera" themed album American Idiot (2004). This album was one of their most successful, 2nd to Dookie, and spawned hits "American Idiot", "Boulevard of Broken Dreams", and "Wake Me Up When September Comes", as well as a musical of the same title. They later released 21st Century Breakdown in May of 2009 to positive reviews from fans and critics alike and continue to work on new material for their 9th studio album.

"Basket case"

"When I Come Around"

"Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)"

"American Idiot"

Incubus:

Many bands of the past, such as Linkin park and Sugar Ray, found success in mixing the sounds of funk, hip-hop, punk, and rock in the past. One of the most successful and interesting groups to accomplish this was Incubus. Formed in California in 1991 with lead vocalist Brandon Boyd, lead guitarist Einziger, drummer Jose Pasillas, bassist Alex "Dirk Lance" Katunich (later replaced by Ben Kenney), and Gavin "Dj Lyfe" Koppell (later replaced by Dj Kilmore), are one of my favorite bands from the 90's. With multi-platinum singles as well as commercial and critical success, I feel Incubus paved the way for bands like Linkin Park. Although Incubus is considered an alternative rock band by most, their sound is ever changing as they experiment with different element of music. From techno, trip hop, hip-hop, jazz, heavy metal, electro, funk, rap metal, funk metal, to soft rock, they have managed to produce hit after hit with deep, powerful lyrics and distinct vocals from lead singer Brandon Boyd. One of their most recognizable tracks "Drive" was the groups most successful, reaching number 1 on the billboard charts and was later followed by other hit singles "Wish You Were Here," "Nice to Know You," and "Warning." Recently they have released a new LP titled If Not Now, When? and are currently working on new material for the new year. 

"Certain Shade of Green"

"Pardon Me"

"Drive"

"Wish You Were Here"

"Promises, Promises"

Foo Fighters:

If Heith Ledger's Joker' phrase "Why So Serious" applied to any band then it would Foo Fighters motto when their first album Foo Fighters debuted in 1995. After the tragic suicide of Nirvana lead vocalist and guitarist Kurt Cobain, drummer Dave Grohl formed Foo Fighters as a solo band and later recruited bassist Nate Mendel, drummer William Goldsmith(later replaced by Taylor Hawkins) , and guitarist Pat Smear (later replaced by Franz Stahl then rejoined in mid 2000s). Chris Shiflett later joined the band as lead guitarist in 2002. Although they went through all the changes in rotation, the groups sound still remained unique with slight influences from the sound of Nirvana in the soft vocals and heavy choruses. What set this group apart from others during its time was their melodic and catchy singles coupled with hilarious parody videos. They really took advantage of the music video age of the late 90's, but delivered great songs like "Learn to Fly" and "The Pretender." The band still remains together, releasing their latest album Wasting Light in April 2011 and broadening their sound by embarking on an acoustic tour. 

"Learn To Fly"

"Best Of You"

"The Pretender"

"Long Road to Ruin"

Source: Wikipedia.org