The Greatest American Rock Band Bracket!
Sweet 16, Indie/Grunge/New Wave Division
R.E.M. (1) vs. Pearl Jam (5)
College Rock pioneers versus Grunge survivors
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R.E.M.:
"R.E.M. marked the point when post-punk turned into alternative rock [and] sparked a back-to-the-garage movement in the American underground. Combining ringing guitar hooks with mumbled, cryptic lyrics and a D.I.Y. aesthetic… the band simultaneously sounded traditional and modern. R.E.M. had an identity and sense of purpose that transformed the American underground. Throughout the '80s, they worked relentlessly, releasing records every year and touring constantly, playing both theaters and backwoods dives. Along the way, they inspired countless bands, from the legions of jangle pop groups in the mid-'80s to scores of alternative pop groups in the '90s, who admired their slow climb to stardom." --AllMusic.com Popularity
Influence:
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Pearl Jam:
"Pearl Jam rose above the legions of grungy alt-rockers littering the early '90s to become the most popular and enduring American rock & roll band of their time. In an age defined by irony, they were unflaggingly sincere. Much of this earnestness stemmed from Eddie Vedder, a lead singer of uncommon charisma and passion who helped the group's arena rock moves seem intimate. Vedder's emotional acuity remained a touchstone for Pearl Jam throughout the years, giving the band's unpredictable business moves, such as their mid-'90s battle with Ticketmaster, and embrace of controversial causes genuine heft. The group [maintains] an enormous and devoted cult that allow[s] the band the freedom to experiment while remaining true to their rock & roll ideals. " --AllMusic.com Popularity
Influence:
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