Top 5 Alt-Rock Pioneers
3. The Clash
Hold on...wait a minute. I know that the Clash have been heralded as one of the undisputed kings of the punk rock scene, but how are they alternative? While the Clash made some spectacular work in the punk rock genre, their flirtations with other genres helped set the standard for the alternative scene's love of experimentation.
Look no further than the band's most famous album, London Calling, where they take influence from styles like reggae, new wave, and even dance beats. There is still punk in there, but the Clash were always a band willing to push themselves forward with how they could deliver their message to the audience. This continued on the band's triple record Sandinista and even saw them branch out into pop success on later hits like "Rock the Casbah."
The band also exposed the power of music in the hands of the collective. The way they would incorporate political and social messages gave the listener the sense that the music was more than just a couple of chords. With alternative rock being a haven for artists who have something to say, the Clash are absolutely pivotal in shaping the entire scene.