Sensing that an element of stagnation had crept into their work, U2 stunned the music world by re-inventing themselves as a thoroughly contemporary outfit. This was well-and-truly the sound of "four men chopping down the Joshua Tree", even if it did cause some internal tensions for a brief time. The result was more than worth it.
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Transmissions from the Satellite Heart The Flaming Lips 1993 [Warner]
Outstanding indie rock outfit that makes a habit of getting their music onto really cool TV shows. Here guitarist Ronald Jones and drummer Steven Drozd join the lineup as the band plots a seemingly pre-destined course towards neo-psych stardom. For pure pop perfection it is hard to go past 'She Don't Use Jelly'. Absolutely brilliant.
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So Tonight That I Might See Mazzy Star 1993 [Capitol]
After Rain Parade and Opal, guitarist David Roback finally broke through commercially with this dream pop gem. The opener 'Fade Into You' was a surprise hit that found mesmerising vocalist Hope Sandoval in peak form. Roback's lilting production effort is a transcendent blend of folk, psych and shoegaze that doesn't miss a trick.
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Dummy Portishead 1994 [Go! Discs/London]
Although feigning the 'trip-hop' tag, this outfit is nevertheless best known as the main proponent of the Bristol sound. Beth Gibbons is an exceptional vocalist, turning everything she touches into a soulful confession. With its darker tones set against a backdrop of danceable hip-hop beats the album is holding up better than most of its genre.
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Maxinquaye Tricky 1995 [Island]
An NME Album of the Year, Maxinquaye is consider a trip-hop classic. With a remarkably diverse cultural background, Tricky (born Adrian Thaws) was well-placed to bridge racial barriers. Throughout his association with Massive Attack, however, he demonstrated a clear dislike of the music business and was never fully at ease with his fame.
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The Three EP's The Beta Band 1998 [Regal]
As the title suggests, this is a compilation of the first three EPs from the Beta Band. Noted as one of the most influential experimental jamming bands of its time, the music here is a harmonic blend of folk, electronica and trip-hopping. Following the group's demise in 2004 Robin Jones and John Maclean went on to form the Aliens.
Any band that names themselves after dope-smoking slang is sure to have at least a few psychedelic edges. Here Morcheeba moves beyond basic trip-hop into a sonic confluence of outstanding stylistic diversity. Elements of dub, jazz and lounge can be found nestled in a pleasing palette of electronic pop. Vocalist Skye Edwards is a standout.
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The Contino Sessions Death in Vegas 1999 [Concrete]
Capable English shoegazers with a distinctly psychedelic edge. The band has only two permanent members - Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes. Both the opening track 'Dirge' and 'Aisha' with Iggy Pop on vocals gained significant recognition. Unfortunately, over-hype left many who bought the album with unfulfilled expectations.
