I was watching a band at Sidekicks on Argus Drive in the early ‘90s when I first heard about it. In between sets, the guy running sound put on a cassette of Mother Love Bone. Two stools down, two partially inebriated dudes launched a discussion on the merits of the Seattle Scene, Soundgarden, and flannel. Somewhere during the conversation, I heard the term “Grunge”.

“Grunge” was originally just a term to describe the musical movement in the Starbuck’s City which started around 1985. Bands influenced by Alternative, Punk and Heavy Rock created their own blend that ran counter to the very popular pretty-boy Hairbands. Along came Nirvana’s Nevermind, Pearl Jam’s Ten, along with Alice in Chains and some more Soundgarden and MTV had a trend to embrace.

I’m hoping that thrift stores and Janesville-based Farm and Fleet had an increase in flannel sales before Madison Avenue took over and flaunted lumberjack wear on fashion runways. Grunge was an important musical evolution and produced some great music. Soon though, Alternative wasn’t the alternative anymore. I’m crossing my fingers that Americana doesn’t follow this path.