Random Album Clash - 1990

I guess it depends on what you listen to. 1990 for me was probably a better year than 1989. I could list dozens and dozens of albums I love from 1990.

For a start, the spotlight was just starting to hit Seattle, and Sub Pop was making the most of it. As well as releasing some pretty good albums that year, it also saw a wave of compilations that would have been the first time a lot of people were able to easily buy/listen to earlier recordings from bands like Soundgarden, Mudhoney and Green River. My favourite Sub Pop release from 1990, though, is probably Mark Lanegan’s debut solo album. Sub Pop were already extending their feelers beyond Seattle, and it was the success of L7’s Sub Pop release in this year that got them a major label record deal. Also from Seattle, Alice in Chain’s debut was released, and Mother Love Bone’s Apple, among others.

On the other coast of the US, the indie and collage rock scene in New England and New York was also having a good year, with albums from Blake Babies, Breeders, Galaxie 500, and Lemonheads. And across the world, and closer to home for me (my hometown, in fact), the NZ indie scene was also having a good year, with albums from The Bats, The Chills, The Clean, Straitjacket Fits, and The Verlaines, among others.

Heading back to New England and New York, but switching musical scenes, there were some great albums from Blues Traveler, Extreme, Living Colour, and Lou Reed & John Cale

Other albums I particularly enjoy from 1990 were released by Adrian Belew, Cocteau Twins, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Jane’s Addiction, Sinéad O’Connor and Neil Young. And I have no doubt there are others, too, which I could mention if I put my mind to it.

It’s funny how a dry year for some, can be a golden one for others! 🤗