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Research Into Alternative Rock

Definition: Alternative rock, additionally known as alternative music, alt-rock or simply alternative, is a genre of rock music that was developed from the independent music underground of the 1980s. Becoming widely popular in the 1990s and 2000s through bands such as Nirvana, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Foo Fighters. Specifically, the word alternative refers to the genres division from mainstream rock music. The original definition before popularity was more widespread, referring to a generation of musicians unified by their collective debt to either the musical style or simply the independent, self-made ethos of punk rock, which in the late 1970s laid the foundation for alternative music.

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Key Moments in Alternative Rock:

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The Seattle area gave provided the world with many popular alternative rock musicians that rose through the underground such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The sound of alternative rock bands such as these influenced the alternative rock scene during its underground periods. The Seattle bands were known for their brutal honest lyrics with a straight up delivery without pretence. Additionally the majority of the Seattle groups preferred a more simplistic approach towards their audience, making them more recognised for their authenticity and ability to produce music that mimicked their live performances also. The rise of alternative rock groups in Seattle was a key turning point within the alternative rock scene as it brought it out from the underground and really pushed talented bands out in the limelight. Allowing them to gain the recognition they deserved, forming some of the most iconic musicians we look up to today.

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Nirvana - Come As You Are (Reading 1992)

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit (Reading 1992)

Oasis - Some Might Say (Manchester 1996)

Iconic Albums of Alternative Rock

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