15 Years Ago Today #4 - 10/18/96

As the alternative rock era continued on, the genre's diversity showed more than ever, as eels' "Novocaine For the Soul" took the top spot despite its bleak lyrics and odd, offbeat (literally) strings. The band's first single, it is the only eels song to date to top the chart, further demonstrating that even unsung heroes like eels could find success through talent and not just hype.

Elsewhere on the list, 311 continued their dominance with "Down", Sublime starts on the near-inexplicable continued popularity they would enjoy for the next 15 years and The Wallflowers get their first chart appearance before they blew up the next year.

Back on the diversity of the popular songs of the era, on this chart alone there are 2 songs that could be considered "adult alternative", one "rap-rock", one "industrial pop" and R.E.M.'s hauntingly beautiful "E-Bow the Letter," which featured Michael Stipe reading a rambling love letter over feedback and acoustic guitar and featuring Patti Smith on guest vocals. The song, 15 years later, remains as unusual and moving as the first time I heard it. 

Here's the Top 10:

1. eels - "Novocaine For the Soul"
2. 311 - "Down"
3. Sublime - "What I Got"
4. Soundgarden - "Burden In My Hand"
5. R.E.M. - "E-Bow the Letter"
6. Social Distortion - "I Was Wrong"
7. Better Than Ezra - "King of New Orleans"
8. Sheryl Crow - "If It Makes You Happy"
9. Republica - "Ready to Go"
10. The Wallflowers - "6th Avenue Heartache"

Whatever.