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It Almost Takes ‘Forever’ for Belgian Indie Rockers Teen Creeps to Pick Their Favourite ‘90s Albums

Atlanta songwriter Nadia Vaeh talks candidly about the inspiration behind her recent single, “Spellbinding”. Read the interview here.

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Belgian indie rockers Teen Creeps recently released their second album Forever, the follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut Birthmarks. As heavily inspired by the ‘90s classic alt-rock era as their debut was, we decided to get the band to take a trip back to an era where the rock landscape shifted dramatically, and pick ten of their favourite albums. After much deliberation, the band finally agreed on their ten favourites, and you can see their choices below.

Said the band, “When we were asked to pick our ten favourite albums of the 1990s, we immediately came up with 20 records. Then 30. Because we are obviously big fans of a lot of music from that decade. So we decided not to include any defining alt-rock bands of the era. That means no Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Pavement, Radiohead, or My Bloody Valentine. Because you already know those records. Instead we came up with ten albums not as well known or as easily linked to Teen Creeps. Enjoy.”

1. dEUSWorst Case Scenario (1994, Universal/Island)

“In Belgium this band is huge. Their hits are classics and they can fill up a small stadium. They should have been that big everywhere and it’s a shame that didn’t happen. dEUS sounded effortlessly original in the ‘90s. All their albums from that era are good, but this one has the most classics on it.”

2. SilkwormFirewater (1996, Matador Records)

“Very underrated band. Indie rock the way it should be. Their best song, ‘Couldn’t You Wait,’ is actually on another record, but this album is our favourite as a whole. Recorded by Steve Albini, of course.”

3. American FootballAmerican Football (1999, Polyvinyl)

“Perfect record. They were pioneering a sound without even knowing it. Which makes it even more pure and sincere. Even when the emotions are already very explicit. Also, love the twinkly guitars and trumpets.”

4. SuperchunkFoolish (1994, Merge Records)

“This is the best Superchunk album, in our opinion. The energy is so infectious, but the band also shows off their soft side. All the songs are all killer. They recorded everything in like three days, which is insane. Legendary and yet underrated band.”

5. RefusedThe Shape of Punk to Come (1998, Burning Heart Records)

“Again a perfect record. Visionary and ambitious but also just an album full of energy and unexpected twists and turns. It never gets bogged down by the concept behind it. All the songs still hold up.”

6. Elliot SmithEither/Or (1997, Kill Rock Stars)

“One of the greats. His vulnerable singing immediately pulls you. The songs keep you there. Big fans of his guitar playing. He is truly missed.”

7. The Van PeltSultans of Sentiment (1997, Gern Blandsten Records)

“Only discovered this ‘90s gem recently. Somewhere between slowcore, indie rock, and emo. Love it. Has a real vibe.”

8. EelsElectro-Shock Blues (1998, DreamWorks Records)

“We grew up listening to a lot of Eels, especially this record. As teenagers the music and the use of samples really clicked. Being a bit older, you realized the lyrics were on par as well.”

9. The Flaming LipsThe Soft Bulletin (1999, Warner Bros)

“A sonic masterpiece! Melancholic and weird, a frenzy of distorted drums and weird string synthesizers. We were absolutely blown away when we first heard it and can still discover new things about that record every time.”

10. Slint – Spiderland (1991, Touch And Go Records)

“Ok, maybe this one is pretty iconic. But still. Such a great record we couldn’t not include it. The rhythms and bass lines, the dark and menacing vibe, the quality of the songs. What’s not to like? Fun fact, this was not produced by Steve Albini.”

Artwork for ‘Forever’ by Teen Creeps

I have an unhealthy obsession with bad horror movies, the song Wanted Dead Or Alive and crap British game shows. I do this not because of the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll lifestyle it affords me but more because it gives me an excuse to listen to bands that sound like hippos mating.

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