Alternative Rock Music Is Part of Who I Am

When I was growing up, there were all kinds of popular styles of music, from heavy metal to hip hop to country and western, but one that will always have a special place in my heart is alternative rock music. This was the music of my generation, and when people ask me what I listed to when I was growing up, I will always point to those special bands that made up this unique and wonderful musical genre.

I think the first time that I realized my great affection for alternative rock music was when I heard the song "Stand" by the group REM. There was just something about the song that drew me in and I was hooked. One of my all-time favorite songs is REM's "Everybody Hurts." I think it is one of the most poignant songs I have ever heard. I also loved "Losing My Religion."

Another band that epitomized that era was The Cure. The Cure really sort of helped pave the way for later bands, such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, and had a number of great songs themselves. "Boys Don't Cry" was a song that I personally have always liked. I think it has a good message, and it one that I always took to heart.

Even though Nirvana and Pearl Jam can be considered grunge, I think it is important to remember that the grunge movement was an offshoot of alternative rock music. Pearl Jam seemed to put out hit after hit, and I always remember watching the video for "Jeremy" and being fascinated. I don't know why I found it so intriguing, but I would always stop whatever I was doing and watch it when it came on.

Of all the groups from that period, Nirvana, for me,was the band that made the movement. I was just starting high school when they came to prominence, and I bought every album they ever made.

I know that the song "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is routinely voted by music experts to be among the top 10 songs ever written. The best part for me is to hear younger people, or even older people, listen to a Nirvana song and talk about how much they like it and want to hear more. It always makes me feel good that a musical group from my generation is held in such high regard.

Sometimes I will think about my father and how he used to talk about "our music," referring to the music from his and my mother's generation. My wife and I have come to realize that alternative rock music is "our music."

Read more about author at: kitchen cabinet doors and car seat covers