Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the \"Bigtime\"
 

(Somewhat inspired by Dom's thread about great bands that get no respect)

Which bands seem like they're always on the verge of a major breakthrough into the mainstream, but never quite get there? My pick: The Old 97's. They are terrific when they play live, have a couple outstanding albums in "Fight Songs" and "Satelite Rides," and generally speaking write thoughtful, intelligent, fun, and surreptitiously catchy songs you can find yourself singing without realizing it.

They have a strong following and almost always sell out their shows. Despite all this, you will never hear them on any average Top 40 or Rock stations. All the ingredients are there, but for some reason Superstardom has failed to materialize. Anyone else besides the 97's fit this bill?

Re: Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the \"Bigtime\"
 

I'm not sure if this counts, but I think The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion is a good candidate for this. I've only heard a couple of their albums, and never seen them live, but I know they have a devoted following. Orange is an excellent album. I'm sure their concerts kick ass, their drummer rocks the [censored] out of the drum kit.

Re: Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the \"Bigtime\"
 

ozomatli

Re: Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the \"Bigtime\"
 

Clutch. One of my favorite bands to see live. They have some really good albums and have been together for years but have somehow never reached the next level.

Re: Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the \"Bigtime\"
 

Guster, one of my favorites. They keep getting so close.

Re: Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the \"Bigtime\"
 

The Tea Party.

Re: Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the \"Bigtime\"
 

[ QUOTE ]
Guster, one of my favorites. They keep getting so close.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good band, but may not qualify. They've had a couple radio singles.

Modest Mouse - however I just heard one of their songs on the radio a few weeks ago.

Re: Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the \"Bigtime\"
 

I think Sunny Day Real Estate is a great example of this.

Re: Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the \"Bigtime\"
 

[ QUOTE ]
I think Sunny Day Real Estate is a great example of this.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I really liked Diary.
Grant Lee Buffalo is another band that fits the bill.

Re: Terrific Bands not quite able to break through to the \"Bigtime\"
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Guster, one of my favorites. They keep getting so close.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good band, but may not qualify. They've had a couple radio singles.

Modest Mouse - however I just heard one of their songs on the radio a few weeks ago.

[/ QUOTE ]

Modest Mouse also has songs in car commercials or some crap like that.