Today in rock history: on this date in 1994, two of the most important and significant albums of the 1990s were released. Pioneering electronic and industrial music group Nine Inch Nails released its second album, The Downward Spiral. A concept album that details the demise of its central character, the album was considerably harder in sound and darker in lyrical content than its predecessor, 1989’s electro-synth classic, Pretty Hate Machine. The album made Nine Inch Nails and its leader, Trent Reznor, one of the most admired and revered acts of the 90s. Featuring the singles “March of the Pigs” and “Closer,” the album was a tremendous success and it debuted on Billboard’s pop albums chart at No. 2. Topping it was another substantial 1990s release: Superunknown, the fourth album from Seattle, Washington’s hardworking rock band Soundgarden debuted at the #1 spot on the same album chart and wound up being the band’s most successful album. The album served as the band’s worldwide breakthrough and featured several hit singles including “Black Hole Sun,” “Spoonman,” “My Wave” and “Fell on Black Days.” Led by the multi-talented lead singer and songwriter, the late Chris Cornell, Soundgarden reached unprecedented heights with this stunning album which has gone on to sell more than ten million copies worldwide since its release.
QUIET CHRIS
Chris Cornell delivers an extended acoustic set at Mahaffey Theater
Today in rock history: on this date in 1965, Bob Dylan released his single “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” Clocking in at just under two-and-a-half minutes, the memorable song became Dylan’s very first top 40 single in the United States. Released as the lead single from his remarkable fifth album, Bringing It All Back Home (which was released two weeks after the single) the song was a substantial hit in England where it made it into the top 10 on British singles charts. The song is probably best known and most associated with its black and white accompanying promotional film that was created to promote the single. A single camera shot of Dylan rapidly flipping through a series of hand-written cue cards has become iconic in pop culture and is considered one of the first promotional films created to accompany a pop single, predating the advent of the music video. The clip was filmed in London and cue cards were created by Dylan, fellow folk singer Donovan and beat poet Allen Ginsberg.
Today in rock history: on this date in 1958, electronic music pioneer Gary Numan was born in Hammersmith, London, England. Serving as the leader of the new wave band he formed in the late 1970s, Tubeway Army, Numan found success with the band and particularly with its second album, the highly successful Replicas which was a No. 1 success in England. After breaking away from the band, Numan continued as a solo artist and, with his first solo release, 1979’s The Pleasure Principle, Numan scored his breakthrough hit that fared well all around the globe, the new wave classic “Cars.” Numan has continued his solo career while amassing a loyal, devoted following. Numan has been cited as being a major influence on electronic and industrial music and has remained relevant thanks to fine albums like his last effort, 2017’s Savage (Songs From a Broken World). The groundbreaking and admired artist celebrates his 60th birthday today.
Today in rock history: on this date in 1945, George Michael Dolenz, Jr. was born in Los Angeles, California. Better known by his more familiar stage name, Micky Dolenz, the musician and actor started his career as a child star thanks to the television show Circus Boy where he starred on when he was only 10 years old. Dolenz continued to act and eventually landed the role of the wisecracking drummer in the made-for-television rock and roll band sitcom, The Monkees. The band was enormously successful and became one of the best-selling musical acts of the 1960s. Dolenz was credited with handling lead vocal duty for some of the band’s biggest hits including “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m A Believer” among many others. Dolenz has released a series of solo albums and continues to tour and perform and has just announced plans to embark on a tour with his fellow former Monkees bandmate, Michael Nesmith.
This article appears in Mar 8-15, 2018.
