The latest trend: 90s bands getting back together

What the heck has been going on lately? Have you been noticing a trend of bands getting back together, mostly of that delectable decade known as the 1990s?

We had the mind blowing reunion of Rage Against the Machine at Coachella which sent all of their Che Guevara thumping fans into a frantic mouth-foaming state of shock.

The Smashing Pumpkins have made their amazing return with a new album, Zeitgeist, presenting four versions with a different bonus song in each.

Weezer is back again as well, but I have to admit that last album really didn't do much for me (did they say they were done?). Don't get me wrong, the majority of my college years were spent packed in a teeny dorm room with twelve other people for Weezer sing-a-longs, but their new material will never replace the perfection of their earlier albums.

Did I mention that Squirrel Nut Zippers will release a new album? With everything going on right now is the world REALLY ready for the third coming of swing???

Also, I just read that the Spice Girls have reconciled for an 11 city tour and a greatest hits album.

"Girl power is back, we're going on the road, we're touring the world," Emma "Baby Spice" Bunton said according to a Reuters article about the group's recent announcement.

Good God, all these bands getting back together is like middle school all over again!!!

A recent note from my "soul brother" and fellow journalist David Castro reminded me that British rockers, The Verve, have reunited for a brand new album and are going on tour.

Since splitting in 1999, The Verve have been quiet, even though the droopy jowls of "Mad Richard" Ashcroft have continued to moan and howl through a number of solo albums.

Their 1997 mega hit, Bitter Sweet Symphony was celebrated with much critical acclaim as well as making number 382nd in Rolling Stones 500 greatest songs of all time.

It's difficult to forget Ashcroft's tumultuous stare as he recklessly treads down the streets ignoring the ruckus of the city singing, "But I'm a million different people from one day to the next, I can't change my mold."

Why are all these 90s bands getting back together? Is just a seasonal trend that will be in-and-out like parachute pants or is it just the result of being broke?

According to their newly launched website, the band is "Getting back together for the joy of the music."

Unfortunately the success of Bitter Sweet Symphony was bitter sweet in itself. After using the Andrew Oldham Orchestra recording from The Rolling Stone's song "The Last Time", former Stones manager Allen Klein sought out royalties.

"We were told it was going to be a 50/50 split, and then they saw how well the record was doing," said Verve bassist Simon Jones in an interview. "They rung up and said we want 100 per cent or take it out of the shops, you don't have much choice."

Ashcroft responded by saying that Bitter Sweet Symphony had been the Stone's "biggest hit they've had since 'Brown Sugar' probably.'"

The Verve will play six shows in the UK this fall. Guitarist Simon Tong will be the only member of the band to not join the reunion.


HEY Sports fans, Read David Patrick Castro's hard hitting and brilliant blog at Life in the DPC!!!
This guy knows where it's at.