Sub Pop Records

I graduated in 1991, and that following fall Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” hit the airwaves and put Seattle, long johns and Sub Pop on the map. But for some of us, it was old news. We were already into our Mudhoney, Soundgarden. The Fluid and Afghan Whigs records. And once I got out west I got to connect all the new stuff discovered in Portland like Hazel and Pond, as well as the Supersuckers, Codeine, Dwarves, Screaming Trees, Velocity Girl, Rein Sanction, L7, The Monkeywrench, BIg Chief and Sebadoh to the label.

But I have to say…my favorite grunge band back in the day? That’s an easy one to answer: TAD! Burly tunes for burly men. Shit still rips. TAD!

So every time I whip through the Seattle airport, I head over to the store to catch a little glimpse of this graphic. I keep waiting for it to go away! I get a Super Fuzz in my Big Muff every time I see it.