When you think about music and television, most would agree that there was a striking dynamic between the two right around the time this show became a fixture on MTV. Music was incredibly powerful then.
Music today is good, but very different; moreover, the method it is marketed is far changed from the days of Alternative Nation.
Alternative Nation was very important to its loyal viewers. It was about marketing the new "it" bands, but with less focus on pushing them on us as it is today. It was much like a book club - analyze the new subject matter, and discuss.
I miss this show and many others on MTV back it this time period. Others would include Beavis and Butthead, 120 Minutes (when it was in its hey-day), Liquid Television, Headbangers' Ball (right when the grunge scene was becoming known), and pretty much anything else before MTV moved to Times Square.
In case you didn't know, the move to Times Square marks the turning point in music culture. MTV lost its soul to money, marketing, and ambition. Much like a politician.
Anyways, I miss these years. And it's funny because I'm too young to really remember them. I was only about 10 when it really hit its stride. But I was a watcher, and I reveled in its cultural relevance.
Such a sad state of affairs today. Forever disappointing.
