I love unique voices. From Michael Stipes mumbling slight twang to the nasally whines of Gordon Gano from the Femmes, Jeff Mangum from Neutral Milk, and Colin Meloy of Decemberists. The voice is the glue that makes or breaks bands for me.

But if I can indulge and push the envelope of what is “alternative” a smidge, one of my very favorite voices of all time loves to sing of love and fantastical environments, who feels almost genderless and ethereal, and whose music rarely dipped into the mainstream (just once or twice). Is prog alternative? Probably not, but it ain’t mainstream.

So many songs to choose from that I love so much, but I’ll narrow it to 3.

A beautiful song with one of the best bass drops in history from what’s considered one of their best albums Close To The Edge: “And You And I” - https://youtu.be/IwpB6b6mhUM?si=rUuD9jr7hr7e7ovu

A massive sprawling epic overshadowed by the song “Close To The Edge” called “Awaken” - https://youtu.be/59feSG8U5EQ?si=snZJT9xbatKJBt32

And finally, a much later epic from Keystudio, a song called “Mind Drive” which dips toes into almost-jazz fusion jam - https://youtu.be/zvBknHFa8PQ?si=ocB4VViT1RH71sjS

Har Mar Superstar - Lady, You Shot Me

A few years ago, Har Mar had a Me Too moment. I was disappointed (especially with his non-apology), but not terribly surprised. If you ever saw him live years back, it would be hard to be shocked. And while no excuse, I hope that age and sobriety have changed him enough to be better.

I gave up on listening to this album for a long time afterward, but fuck…it’s so good.

Three people come to mind right away:

Lauren Mayberry for Chvrches

Karen O for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

And while she’s not an alt artist per se, this is a cover of an alternative song, so I’mma post it anyway, lol. I love Brandi and Catherine Carlile’s version of Closer to Fine

Dolores O’Riordan for me

any song’ll do

I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME - Razzmatazz

I am in constant awe of the talent of Mike Patton, not in his vocal range and stylistic range.

Dillinger Escape Plan f. Mike Patton - When Good Dogs Do Bad Things

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