Zencast #10 (Gazing at my Shoes)

The shoegazer movement of the 1990's was the UK answer to the Grunge scene in America. Both broke around the same time and both contained artists that were original followed by a lot of imitators who took the scene more seriously than the music. Those early bands, MY BLOODY VALENTINE, THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN and RIDE (pictured) set a tone and feel with their sound. They weren't interested in theatrics or flashy stage shows, just playing music that they felt passionately about. They all set out with the intent of pushing the boundaries of what guitar based music should sound like. Although most of these bands had critical success here in the States, many of them failed to make any commercial dent. Most bands today seem to shy away from this sound, opting for a more radio friendly mix of rock and pop that plays well in car commercials, which only seems to reinforce the unique nature of what these bands were doing. This podcast is just a small sample...

(mp3) Zencast #10 -- Gazing at My Shoes

Tracklisting

 

My Bloody Valentine -- Soft As Snow (But Warm Inside)

My Bloody Valentine -- Only Shallow

Ride -- Leave Them All Behind

Sonic Youth -- Dirty Boots

Spacemen 3 -- Take Me To The Other Side (Live)

Swervedriver -- Rave Down

Th' Faith Healers UK -- This Time

Slowdive -- Some Velvet Morning

Snowpony -- Easy Way Down

Catherine Wheel -- Salt

m83 -- A Guitar and a Heart

p.s.  here is a site with a great live show by RIDE from Italy in 1992. I think it's a great example of this style of music played live.