Music That Mattered was a radio series played on Edge102 in Toronto hosted by Alan Cross. this is what it was about:

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Music That Mattered:
The Top 25 New Rock Performers of All Time A radio series in 14 episodes

The alt-rock/modern rock phenomenon is now in its fourth decade. When adventurous musicians broke away from the herd in the 1960s, a new type of rock'n'roll began to be made. A new sub-scene was created. It was based on an attitude and approach to rock that was both refreshing and powerful. Then, thanks to a series of complex events, this music finally broke through in the early 90s and quickly took over the world.

Over the years, a number of performers left indelible stamps of the evolution of new rock/alternative music. They were the pioneers, the risk-takers, the innovators. Some became rich and famous beyond their wildest dreams; others toiled in relative obscurity, satisfied by the fact that their music had made a difference.

Who were these people? That's what the Music That Mattered series set out to explore.
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so, what are your opinions? who'd he leave off on his list? who do you totally disagee with? who do you think should be number one? who do you think really mattered?

*those listed in the poll were the Top 25 New Rock Performers as chosen by Alan Cross in descending order [#1David Bowie-> #25Jonathan Richman]. this list was publised in 2000.

Well, I voted for R.E.M. just because they're my favorite band of all time.

I think the list is pretty accurate but I would have added The Talking Heads. Could be subjective on my part but I think David Byrne is a genius and they were phenomenal.

Oh and I'm not familiar with Skinny Puppy so I can't say whether or not he's correct in that instance.

some artists that didnt make that ithink deserved mention [or would now]:

Ryan Adams- one of the most prolific singer/songwriter of ours or any time, Adam's is quickly becoming one the best and bringing far more attention to alt/country . if this list were done today Ryan Adams would definitely hav to be considered

Björk- a huge oversite. Björk is simply one of the most original and amazing artists to ever come along.

Nick Cave- one of those artists who has toiled away juste beneath the surface, yet has been extremely influential to many of those who hav gone on to reach those heights which hav somehow always eluded him.

Perry Farrell [Jane's Addiction/Porno For Pyros]- truly one of the greatest artists, leading the west coast rock movement in the 80's into the 90's.

P J Harvey- one of the greatest female rock performers ever.

Marilyn Manson- often overlooked and his credit is given to Trent Reznor

Massive Attack/Tricky- their debut, Blue Lines, is the record mostly resposible for the rise of the new genre of trip-hop.

Morrissey- credit is given to The Smiths but yet again Morrissey's solo work is over looked. its like including Joy Division but not New Order. even if Morrissey shared a spot with The Smiths [which ithink would be fair] Moz should be given his due.

Pavement- arguably the best band of the 90's, although never achieving enormous commercial success like some.

Portishead/Beth Gibbons- along with Massive Attack, they brought trip-hop to the masses with their two albums in the 90's, Dummy and Portishead. Beth Gibbons latest release, Out Of Season is another excellent offering reminding us why Portishead were and are sucha big deal.

Radiohead- although this list is published before Kid A, Amnesiac and Hail To The Thief, and had it been published now ithink Alan would place them in, ithink Radiohead were already deserving by 2000 wih the 90's releases of The Bends and OK Computer.

The Stone Roses- Paving the way for, if not directly influencing, all of the great British bands of the 90's including Oasis, Radiohead, Blur, Pulp, The Charlatans and more. their debut is considered of the greatest debut records ever and theyre impression on music is still felt strongly today.

I went with the Velvet Underground because they are one of the biggest influences on a lot of new rockers. They practically invented that indie/lo-fi sound.

Impossible question... So many great bands in that listend, they all mattered very much

god, yeah, it seems so hard..
but a bad decision is much more better than none,
so iLL go for Depeche Mode, (not because i'd be a bad decision )
Oct30,01 was a great night, last concert of the exciter tournement,
great show, glamorous, electronic, rock via a DM-blend...
considering my live witness and the ones on TV, DM is ace on live shows!!
is that all there is ?!?

missed out on 2 huge influences there...

Alice Cooper

Frank Zappa

we're talkin new/alt rock performers, not thier influences. if we were talkin influences we could go back to before elvis.

neither alice cooper or frank zappa iwould consider to be whats considered to be alternative.

Velvet Underground are new? David Bowie?

Alice Cooper and Frank Zappa were as alternative as you could get.

I don't understand this "new" thing. Most of the bands on he list are pretty "old" if you think about it.