10 Perfect Rock Albums From The LA Alternative Scene
4. Queens Of The Stone Age: Queens Of The Stone Age (1998)
Josh Homme, along with his original group, Kyuss, all but created stoner rock. After Kyuss split, Homme spent several years in the literal and metaphorical desert. He briefly toured with grunge group, Screaming Trees, before eventually forming Queens of the Stone Age. Together they honed a sound, that became known as desert rock.
Admittedly, Queens of the Stone Age were somewhat removed from the central alt-rock LA scene. Hailing from Palm Desert, California, they embodied the ethos of a bunch of musical renegades. As its name would imply, Palm Desert, is surrounded by arid mountains and desert wasteland. This informed the group's vibe to no end. With nothing to do in the wastes - other than get royally baked - Homme and his band, perfected their sound through long-form, sludgy, jam sessions.
Although the brilliance of Queens of the Stone Age was not fully realised on their debut, it's nevertheless one hell of a record. Homme didn't have the same vocal confidence he does now; his lyrics sat way back in the mix, hidden by swirling gritty guitar leads. But, that's just fine, this record is all about the guitar. The unbridled, unrefined and hypnotic nature to this sound will have you transfixed.