My dad is also a fan of Collective Soul. I was surprised that he actually went to go see them live at a club on my university's campus. He tends to keep up with modern music better than most parents. He had Green Day's Dookie on CD before I did!

Sent by Curt | 9:09 AM ET | 11-15-2007

Inspiral Carpets - heh. Haven't thought of them in a long time.

fwiw, Collective Soul remains omnipresent on DC-area "alternative" stations. In fact, I'm pretty sure I heard them in the same block as some Pixies over the weekend. Not sure if it's just the DJs or the good people at Clear Channel. I have my suspicions.

Sent by andy carvin | 9:18 AM ET | 11-15-2007

I would say a band like the killers because like collective soul they have had more airplay and more hits and they're riding the tail of a popular scene in music which in the killers case would be the "The" band emergence in the early part of this decade

Sent by deli | 9:37 AM ET | 11-15-2007

Your dad didn't mention his daughter's band? Shame on him! hehehe just kidding. What the hell do dad's know about music anyway? They're too busy and it's not easy to find new music when you get older. I know I have trouble.

I recommend getting your Dad these CDs:

http://www.sonymusicstore.com/store/c/Various/LT_talent=402564/The-Buzz/CD/LT_sku=100140/
http://www.asseenontvmusic.com/tv59.html

I see the commercials for them sometimes and I know all of the songs...

Sent by Gary Drechsel | 9:39 AM ET | 11-15-2007

In addition to Nickelback-- Puddle of Mudd.

Also, I feel like Third Eye Blind is another band like Collective Soul. Maybe a few more hits.

Similarly, the Goo Goo Dolls. While their music is not entirely bad, they aren't doing anything risky or unique in music... merely spoon feeding the need for songs to be on the radio.

Also, I feel like the same teenagers who really liked Collective Soul when "Shine" came out (whose musical taste did not develop) would have really liked Fuel. Anyone remember Fuel? ...Anyone?
...And maybe Everclear too.

There was also a band out for a little while that had a singer who looked like Aaron Carter and a video that showed the band playing under a bridge or something. Someone help me out here.

Sent by Carla K. | 9:43 AM ET | 11-15-2007

This is interesting - indeed what's ubiquitous in one place (or one mind) is non-existent elsewhere (or for others). I have never heard of Collective Soul and have no idea if they had hits here in the UK. What's clear is that here the defining musical moment(s) of the 90s were probably grunge, the inexorable rise of dance music and Britpop.

For me personally I'd say 1994-1999 was a musical nadir with nothing of very much interest (with honourable exceptions going to PJ Harvey) going on. I sort of think of the 1990s as a musical gaping hole - in spite of some wonderful individual records - whereas the 1980s in which I spent my teenage years evokes a lasting resonance of nostalgia, familiarity and glee in the sheer cheek of all the tat that was produced. If you asked me what defined the 90's I'd pretty much have to shrug my shoulders and say 'dunno' so maybe Collective Soul, whoever they were are the perfect representation of that vacuum.

Sent by Julia | 9:43 AM ET | 11-15-2007

From the distant (european) point of view: From time to time (every year or at least every other year) some record company tries to promote a new american rock band (playing something labeled "modern rock" over here by just throwing in phrases like "No.1 on the Billboard charts" or "New Rock Sensation". The band goes on tour (really small venues, really pricey tickets, audiences consist mainly of guestlist people; sometimes an afternoon slot at a big festival) once and in some cases it works (Creed, Nickelback), in other it doesn't (Collective Soul, Our Lady Peace, Third Eye Blind - by far the majority) and you never hear of them again. Usually they have a small fanbase buying their albums as expensive import versions or now, much easier, on the internet, but they are by far not enough people to jusitfy another tour.
Back to the question: The band promoted this way right now seems to be Daughtrey (sorry if the spelling is wrong), so maybe they are the Collective Soul of 2007.

Sent by Carsten | 9:50 AM ET | 11-15-2007

The answer is under the glass counter at your local Goodwill, where piles of barely played Billboard magazine compilation CDs await in their cracked cases.

Sent by Doug W. | 10:14 AM ET | 11-15-2007

Augh. The band whose name I dare not utter.
[synonym: FiveCentsReturned]
[[Shame on you, Carrie, for allowing their name to besmirch this holy realm!]]
We can only hope that they will eventually go the way of Collective Soul. Or--better yet--one day they will spontaneously disappear; the curse will be lifted, and all former fans will comb their pockets, wondering what happened to all of their nickels.

Sent by Zia | 10:30 AM ET | 11-15-2007

I promise you that I am not here to defend radio-ready "rock," but I promise that Collective Soul had one good album. I got the album Dosage for Christmas one year from my aunt who like to pretend that she was in touch with what the kids were listening to. I put it in one day and thought, "son of a bitch, this is actually really good." It sounds nothing like their other stuff, and has a very distinct sound throught, so it works as a cohesive album.

My point is this - were they by and large a lame band? Yes. Can I dismiss any band that seems lame on the surface without listening to everything they do? Umm, well, that's where what I like to call the Dosage Phenomenon comes in - where I feel guilty about dismissing a band based on the two terrible songs of their's I've heard on the radio 8,000 times. Maybe they have a "Dosage," too.

Except Nickelback - they DO suck.

I bet CS did have a good album, at least according to more than a few people. Maybe a CS fan (dad?) will write down a few reasons why they should be counted. -CB

Sent by Ian | 10:36 AM ET | 11-15-2007

Man. As soon as you pondered "who is the Collective Soul of today", I immediately responded (well, in my head, anyway...) "Oh. Nickelback." And then a couple scentences later? You used my best material :-)

Sent by Peter Bakija | 10:46 AM ET | 11-15-2007

My sister gave me a Collective Soul Cd for christmas one year... funny thing is I can't remember anything about them, I'm sure I listened to it at least once, but until you mentioned their name... who are we talking about again?

Sent by Tkb | 10:48 AM ET | 11-15-2007

Collective Soul was arguably the Metamucil of grunge, and I think that Sister Hazel and Better Than Ezra round out the trinity of pleasing, forgettable, everlasting groups of the 90's.

And it's funny that you should say that you don't think of Collective Soul when you think of bands of the 90's. Incidentally, '90's Mainstream' is actually a genre I created on my iTunes. When I think of bands I enjoy that made music in the 90's, I label them as the genre they belong to. But Better Than Ezra? Sister Hazel? Spin Doctors? Blind Melon? Their genre is 90's.

None of the bands you listed for when you think of the 90's I would label as '90's music.' I think that in itself is pretty telling of the sound. The Pixies? The Cure? R.E.M.? They have actually achieved genres.

The Collective Souls of each era are to me the bands that sound like they're trying to sound like other bands of the era, and end up just sounding like an era.

The bands I listed for the 90's were Nirvana, Soudgarden, Buffalo Tom, NIN, Beastie Boys, and Bikini Kill. Pixes, REM, The Cure I talk about as bands that are timeless but I didn't mean to imply the 90's were where they came from. Just wanted to clear that up. -CB

Sent by ljc | 10:54 AM ET | 11-15-2007

"So, who is today's version of Collective Soul? Or who was the Collective Soul of previous decades?"

-> I had this exact same question for years, but about underground local bands from other decades in remote and obscure places instead.

Sent by Carlos | 11:00 AM ET | 11-15-2007

My vote goes to matchbox 20. Apparently, they've got a hit single right now. Who knew?

Sent by c8ic8 | 11:13 AM ET | 11-15-2007

Hmm, remember Candlebox? For some reason I think of them when I read the word Collective Soul.

When the Bravery came out, a friend of mine said they were "this generation's Candlebox." Though, I don't think they've had the same presence as Candlebox, Collective Soul or Nickelback.

Don't start listening to Nickelback.

Sent by NickDean | 11:17 AM ET | 11-15-2007

The timeless Dolly Parton covered Collective Soul's "Shine" in 2001 and won a Grammy for it. If Dolly is listening, maybe we all should be, again. Or maybe we should just listen to Dolly.

Sent by Michelle T | 11:27 AM ET | 11-15-2007

anyone remember that band K's choice? you know - they had that one song?
weird...

Sent by tim | 11:57 AM ET | 11-15-2007

I had to youtube them to remember who the dickens they were too.

If Collective soul's singer started shouting while sounding like he was about to cry in every single line of every song, added an echo filter or something to make it sound bigger, and played their guitars louder and with more droning monotony, they'd actually sound exactly like Nickelback.

Nickelback is the depressed, impotently angry version of Collective Soul.

In other words, you're probably right.

Sent by Matthew Bernier | 11:57 AM ET | 11-15-2007

what a great question...
If you go back to the start of Rock... it seems theres always a few bands everyone knows... and a few that always forget to get mentioned... yet were just as good as the "greats"

Ive always found Chuck Berry and CCR to be great... yet no one ever mentions those to bands when talking about Elvis, the Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, Hendrix... and the rest...

But one thing the 90's have tought me...
what the "main stream" finds as the big thing at this moment... like Collective Soul with all those number 1's were... can just as quickly disappear as another "has been"...
There was a time Limp Bizkit was all anyone talked about... untill they started talking to Mr Durst... now? when was the last time someone talked about Limp???

Music has, in my mind, become to popular... to spread out... too many bands, and too many ways to find/listen to them...

Its just amazing if you were to look at my CD collection... and see how many CD's I now have, that can be related to Pearl Jam... be it from side projects, or opening bands...

on last thing...
2 nights ago...
I saw Neil Young in concert...
that man still has... IT whatever IT is...

Keep on
R.I.T.F.W.

Sent by Kramer : AKA MadTIGERmaN | 11:59 AM ET | 11-15-2007

Cake !

Sent by Julie | 12:24 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Good music has a tendency to sneak up on people, no matter their age and/or usual musical tastes.

My Grandfather ended up liking the Beatles and my own Mom bought Nirvana's Unplugged.

Sent by JM | 12:24 PM ET | 11-15-2007

carrie ~ 'then I should probably start listening to Nickelback.'

...Or Collective Soul even. By no means is that a knock to your dad. My old man had all of the Eagles LP's.

Well if you must, but may I recommend something more apt for your more personal and obviously esoteric tastes? (Actually with your network you'd probably have more of a chance to enlighten me with a plethora of current output.)

I luv how one of the tags below your story is linking "Nostalgia." Yeah time does move at such a seemingly faster pace in the technological age. At least we lived a part of a well deserved musical revolution. Today younger fans of the '90s alterna explosion obviously embrace what existed and hold to it like little germs of ideas stuck on them. While rapt with pleasure, and the hope of something with which they may witness first hand, to call their very own. Other than the constant feed of shutterbugs, and the encroaching hoards of paparazzi on the recording artists of the era who are thrust in the limelight without a speckle of actual songwriting ability. Eh, a new wave will usher in something on the horizon. Just hope it's original, and not regurgitated, has substance, and a vision.

Good title, btw.

Sent by Brian | 12:39 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Is his name Chris Dowtry or Chris Doughty? Isn't he today's biggest rock star? Or is it Nickelback? I vaguely remember seeing something about him selling the most rock records. Either way it's a toss up between him and Nickelback? Although we can all name that famous Nickelback line....."This is how you remind me.....

Sent by thor | 12:43 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Whitesnake was definetly the Collective Soul of the 80s, and Matchbox 20 is the Collective Soul of the 2000s.

Sent by Luke | 12:44 PM ET | 11-15-2007

I second what zia said. Oh please, can we just stop saying their name? I see the 90s as a strange period in popular music, but a fantastic time for underground music. Out of the nineties came PJ Harvey, Blonde Redhead, Bikini Kill, a lot of really influential music.

I try not to focus on the popular monster clawing its way into our stereos and televisions. It scares me.

p.s. my mum also likes "the-band-we-do-not-mention" I think it has something to do with the sweeping feel-good sound it procures. They sing about god sometimes too. That always goes over well with parents, right?

Sent by nico | 12:49 PM ET | 11-15-2007

JM ~ 'My Grandfather ended up liking the Beatles and my own Mom bought Nirvana's Unplugged.'

It is a little weird when that happens. The very thing with which Kurt wanted to do was to alienate listeners whom didn't fit a certain ideal within his own scope that was dear to him. Though I'm sure your mom can just appreciate the barren soul, and the striped down quality with no facades present to Nirvana's Unplugged sessions. That disc is totally timeless within itself even though it was highly representative of the man's whole being, and what he created, and borrowed from in a short while.

Sent by Brian | 12:52 PM ET | 11-15-2007

I lump Collective Soul and Candlebox in with the Toadies -- how 'bout that one? "DOOOOO YOOOU WANNNA DIEEEEEE!

Today's equivalent. Silversun Pickups, perhaps?

Sent by Joel | 12:52 PM ET | 11-15-2007

NickDean: I did the exact same thing, and only when you made the distinction between Candlebox and Collective Soul did it dawn on me that while reading the blog I was actually thinking of Candlebox.

Perhaps that's the most indicative trait of an equivalent band for this decade, that their music and characteristics - after much description - still make people think of another band? I've always blended Matchbox 20 and Third Eye Blind together, but they were peaking in that very polarizing (and brutal) stint of music from '97-03 where everything was bland, overly aggressive, or quickly disposable, so perhaps there needs to be a more recent example.

Someone will revisit this matter in about five years, where we'll have a better perspective on the issue for our current decade, but I can't help think that somehow Black Eyed Peas will be in the conversation.

Sent by brad | 12:54 PM ET | 11-15-2007

It would seem to me that today's Collective Soul is whatever band or bands doing what's necessary to appear on the largest stage for the longest time - whether it's all the singers on American Idol (or that newer "great american band" show that I've seen only bits of) or the more traditional bands with the PR machines pushing them in our faces until you can't help but be surrounded by their music for the season.

Sent by Jason | 12:56 PM ET | 11-15-2007

This is everything that I can recall about Collective Soul:

~They had a song called "Shine" sometime in the early to mid 90's.

~I am positive that I heard "Shine" on the radio and that I saw the video for the song.

~I don't recall anything about the video for "Shine" and I couldn't hum a few bars of the song or tell you any of the lyrics from the song.

~Within the last few years, I was channel-surfing and I saw what I think was Collective Soul performing a live concert with, if I remember correctly, a symphony. The crowd seemed to be really excited and passionate about Collective Soul.

Just who are the people that get passionate about Collective Soul? They seem to me to be one of those bands that puts music out for people that have only a passing interest in music (Hootie and the Blowfish; Train; Matchbox 20; Third Eye Blind). Nobody who really LOVES music gets into Collective Soul.

Sent by Mick (not "Mick") | 12:58 PM ET | 11-15-2007

In Canada, the radio stations are required by the federal government to play 30% Canadian content, which results in far, far too much Nickelback. Even before their charity single.

Also, the band being referred by Carla K, are you talking about The Calling? They had that one song, "Wherever You Will Go." Or, the Ataris, who did that cover of Don Henley's "Boys Of Summer". Those lead singers vaguely resemble Aaron Carter...

Sent by Kirie | 12:59 PM ET | 11-15-2007

As far as the 80s are concerned, I think Toto would fit the "shadowy giant, immense and invisible bands" category. A band that I rarely think about but once their name is mentioned I immediately remember how popular they were and it usually takes a minute to recall their songs. Then the jukebox in my brain starts to flip through its musical carousel until it lands on Rosanna, then it flips to Africa, at which point I start to think about the musical genius of Air Supply. For some reason this leads me to 38 Special. Thank you, now my whole day is shot. Please make it stop.

Sent by East Coast Terry | 1:06 PM ET | 11-15-2007

i learned how to play drums (on a plastic toy ping pong paddle) by drumming along to collective soul's "december." what. a. loser. pretty sure my dad listened to them as well. he tried to get me to listen to crosby, stills, nash and young in the car the other day.

Sent by Lauren | 1:14 PM ET | 11-15-2007

I've never heard of Collective Soul. I've heard of Nickelback, but never have I knowingly heard Nickleback. Am I lucky or do I need to get out more?

And Carrie, shouldn't your bio say "She IS a member of the critically..." etc? After all, the band's just on hiatus, right? Right?

Sent by Piggy | 1:20 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Wow, I was thinking Nickelback before you said it. Collective Soul was never as soul-crushingly offensive to me though.

Let's see. I would say Foo Fighters have become that band. Very classic rock and blander by the album. If not for Dave Grohl they would be otherwise forgettable.

As far as dad-rock goes, maybe the White Stripes? Certainly too hip but mining the same fields as Led Zeppelin. Not faceless enough though...

I would put some money on Linkin Park. That sounds silly, but it won't be long before the hip hop generation hits retirement.

Geez, maybe that means that it would be Nelly.

Sent by Jeef | 1:28 PM ET | 11-15-2007

"I should probably start listening to Nickelback."

don't even joke around like that!

have you heard this?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4258547

Sent by Karissa | 1:34 PM ET | 11-15-2007

While I never bought a Collective Soul CD and agree with many of the sentiments expressed here, I actually saw them live more than once and was entertained. Yes, it's true. A friend pleaded with me to accompany her to a show in the mid-90s. So I went and didn't quite regret it. And when they came back around again and the pleading resumed, I relented and was again amused. Their songs were...bouncy... for lack of a better word. The singer was engaging. And for their encore they wore Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys, which endeared us to them that much more, despite the blatant arse-kiss that it was.

As a Canadian I humbly submit that the success of Nickleback has embarrassed the nation. And I fear that the '80s version might well be another Canadian band: Honeymoon Suite. Or else Huey Lewis & the News.

Sent by Kevin | 1:42 PM ET | 11-15-2007

As someone who is old enough to be your dad (man, I fucking hate to say it, you must have noticed us geezers at all those S-K shows over the years), I was esp. intrigued by this: "Collective Soul ... brought his musical tastes into the contemporary realm; they made him aware that there were bands putting out albums in the present tense."

When aging boomers find their tastes incompatible with the latest music (I'd mark punk and rap as the two genres that had the biggest effect in this regard), they fall back on their Byrds albums and thank the lord for Tom Petty. Gradually, you lose any sense of connection with contemporary popular music, and since boomers associate pop music with youth, and since boomers hate to get old, this can be frustrating ... when you realize you don't like X-Ray Spex or the Geto Boys, you have to admit you are getting old whether you like it or not.

The Collective Souls of the music world are a godsend at times like that. You can listen to new music, feel a part once again of the current zeitgeist, and bask in your eternal youth.

Not saying this describes your dad ... I hope it doesn't describe me, either, although anyone who looks at my MOG will notice a lot of 60s music in my playlists. But it's a tendency I've seen in my friends pretty much since punk arrived in the mid-70s.

Sent by Steven | 1:58 PM ET | 11-15-2007

I still hear that Primitive Radio Gods song with the freakishly long title, "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand", on the radio. Apparently they've been releasing albums since then (with their latest one in 2006).

Sent by Adam @ NPR | 2:04 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Did you forget Pavement for the 90's? They are possibly the most influental band of the decade. Yes acts like nirvana, fugazi, and others paved (no pun intended) the way for others. Pavement did the most for indie though.

I DID forget Pavement, at least in this entry. And you are completely right about their sphere of influence. I love The Jicks too. -CB

Sent by Devin Rodgers | 2:18 PM ET | 11-15-2007

I was hoping to read about songs one would want to listen to as he/she was being booked in jail.

There were so many collective soul type bands (goo goo dolls, everclear, third eye blind, matchbox 20, fuel, filter, stone temple pilots, etc) that I think we are now on a break. Go back a couple of years, and maybe Creed? That was a "dads who listen to rock" band.

Sent by adopted | 2:18 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Here in the midwest, Tom Petty might be one of those shadowy giants of the 80's -- between his own work and with The Traveling Wilburys. But I wouldn't want to say that as a criticism -- his sound, or at least his voice, is distinctive (unlike a lot of the forgettable 90's alt-rock bands) and many of his albums are pretty good.

Sent by Greg Tsunado | 2:21 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Its all about "ies" bands - The Pixies and the Beasties.

Sent by Michael | 2:24 PM ET | 11-15-2007

I trick my dad into listening to new music by getting him new Bob Dylan related CDs. I just got him the soundtrack to "I'm Not There" which he likes a little better than the Dylan-in-different languages of the "Masked and Anonymous" soundtrack.

Sent by Andrew in Chicago | 2:36 PM ET | 11-15-2007

I moved to Montana in the mid-'90s and blissfully lived through narrow indie-rock blinders, finding new music through the great local record shop. The two bands I DO remember from the strange Top 40/classic-rock radio of the small town of Missoula were Hootie and the Blowfish and someone called Days of the New. Both had some huge hits, and while I can (embarrassingly enough) hum some Hootie hits, I swear I can't remember a thing about Days of the New. The look, the sound, the scene -- nothing. Anyone?

Sent by dan | 2:51 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Here's something to kick-start your Nickelback listening spree.

I'm sure most people have already looked at this, but it made me laugh for a while:

http://www.thewebshite.net/nickelback.htm

Sent by Celeste | 3:15 PM ET | 11-15-2007

~ Brian "It is a little weird when that happens. The very thing with which Kurt wanted to do was to alienate listeners whom didn't fit a certain ideal within his own scope that was dear to him. Though I'm sure your mom can just appreciate the barren soul, and the striped down quality with no facades present to Nirvana's Unplugged sessions. That disc is totally timeless within itself even though it was highly representative of the man's whole being, and what he created, and borrowed from in a short while."

Yeah, once you took away all the distortion and screaming, Cobain's songs weren't all that different from the stuff that came before and managed to stand the test of time. Once you get past the "the music of my age is better than anything older (or newer)," your paradigm shifts radically. It's ironic that my "unhip" (or so I thought) Mom taught me about appreciating newer music and keeping an open mind about such things. Still, I get a kick out of imagining what Kurt Cobain'd think about my 55 year old Mom going to get the groceries and listening to his Unplugged CD on her station wagon!

Sent by JM | 3:27 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Do not forget we will always have Hootie and the Blowfish.
Soon enough we will look back and forget all about Creed, Hoobastank. Remember bands from the 80's like the Hooters, Hall & oates (although some songs get my feet a tappin).

Sent by Luis | 3:56 PM ET | 11-15-2007

East Coast Terry - start huning te melody from "the Girl from Ipanema". Apparently, this is the only known cure for removing Air Supply songs or other unwanted songs stuck in one's head. Well, that or a screwdriver to the frontal cortex...

I'm curious, do Canadian radio stations still play LoverBoy songs? Those guys "ROCK!"

Sent by ike | 4:06 PM ET | 11-15-2007

+1 on Goo-Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty.

If you want to discover who the latest shadowy giant bands are, consult the iTunes Music Store. Find a band you've never heard of that has a 'Live in [insert city here]', acoustic, or greatest hits collection and you have yourself a shadowy giant winner.

Sent by craig | 4:49 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Hmmmn... I'm not sure how Matchbox 20 can be the Collective Soul of today when the vast majority of their hits happened around '97-'98 - I think that just makes them the other Collective Soul of the the '90s. I'd lump Bush into that category as well. Nickelback is a fine selection for the Collective Soul of the 2000s, but you could also cite Linkin Park or Jimmy Eat World out as early 2000s contenders, and Snow Patrol as current contenders. It's not bad music, really (I still ike that song "The Middle" from Jimmy Eat World), it's just not anything transcendent or even terribly new. Some would probably put Coldplay here too.

Interesting to me that you mention Lollapalooza as a defining gathering for the '90s, but do not mention Jane's Addiction as a defining band. Presumably because they disbanded around '91/'92, but I'd argue they kicked down the door to mainstream accessibility that Nirvana then walked through. Weezer has also had a surprisingly massive influence. Where do Lush and My Bloody Valentine fit into this scheme? Or do they suffer from same "are they really the 90s" problem?

Sent by Matt B. | 4:59 PM ET | 11-15-2007

I kind of like the fact that we have a good stock of 'waiting room music' on our radios. I really don't want to have to associate Wilco with waiting for the next available representative, or getting the bejeezus scraped out of my gums. Vertical Horizon playing in the background allows me to discern that they haven't disconnected me, and helps to drown out that intimate 'scraping the bejeezus out of your gums' noise.

Although, that would be humorous if PA's in dentists' offices simply projected, 'Please stay in the chair for the next available hygenist. Your teeth and gums are important to us.'

And as much as I love certain indie music, the blanket 'indie' genre label is one I associate with all of those songs that sound vaguely innovative but not very durable. What do you think the longevity will be for most of the bands reviewed by P-Fork daily? Probably not much better than Top 40, percentage-wise.

Sent by ljc | 5:07 PM ET | 11-15-2007

YES! the calling. Thank you.

I agree with who ever said Creed... but I think they are too much of a punchline to be a band.

Also, train and matchbox twenty, indeed.

Sent by Carla K. | 6:21 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Whoever said Cake might be on to something.

Sent by Jack | 6:44 PM ET | 11-15-2007

...'concomitant', yup, had to look that one up. not playing scrabble with you.

these are all bands that i've heard of and probably a song or two and am surprised that not only do some still exist but can probably sell 12-15,000 tickets in any given city:
Korn
Maroon 5
Barenaked Ladies
Incubus

and nickleback is why people don't like americans. and they're canadian.

Sent by Jason M. | 7:06 PM ET | 11-15-2007

"...I should probably start listening to Nickelback."

Don't do it, Carrie!

Sent by Dan G | 7:17 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Protestors in Georgia dispersed by "acoustic weapon". Amnesty International fires off strongly worded letter to the UN that it's inhumane to play Nickelback at any volume-fark.com

Sent by leeann | 8:01 PM ET | 11-15-2007

My mother sometimes calls me with band questions. She'll hear a song on the radio (which she rarely listens to anymore to begin with) and will call me up on the phone and ask what she might have heard. Surprisingly, I almost always know which song she is referring to even if she can only recount two words, a general theme, or in this most recent case, a possible artist name.

"Do you know someone who has a name with Gray in it?" Macy Gray? "No, not a woman." David Gray? "Yes, that could be it. Do you know him? Do you have any of his stuff?" Yeah, mom, but the cd I have is from 1999. "Oh, well I liked it."

And this is not uncommon. Most of the bands she asks me to name are older and long off my radar.

I wouldn't be surprised if she too started to sing Collective Soul and asked me I have heard of them.

Sent by Sarie | 8:44 PM ET | 11-15-2007

hmmm. tough question. i'm tempted to agree with the killers, but i'm holding on to hope that people will forget all those "screamo" bands. ugh. maybe the entire genre.
on the other hand, how come everyone forgot about Pure or even The Pursuit of Happiness. man, i STILL love those bands and they haven't done anything in a long, long time. sad, i know.

Sent by Peejay | 9:25 PM ET | 11-15-2007

Someone above was asking about Days of the New. Their lead singer was Travis Meeks, who looked like a baby Chris Cornell. If memory serves, the rest of the band fired him and started a new band.

At work I listen to an Internet radio station that plays a mix of music from the 60s till now. I never realized how many Collective Soul songs there were until I started listening to that station. And based on its playlist, I'd nominate Coldplay for the Collective Soul of the 2000s. It's a good station though--perfect background music for a child of the 80s.

Sent by Laura E. | 10:02 PM ET | 11-15-2007

I may be east coast biased but I have a few Collective Soul cds. Shine is burnt into my brain and most radio listeners due to radio overplay and I'm sure there are tons of people who have screamed YEAH along with them at least once. They were safe. Very radio friendly. Now they are self producing and not so radio anything.

But I did happened to catch Collective Old I mean Soul live unintentionally this summer posturing for a crowd that came to see Seether, Three Days Grace, Silvertide, Breaking Benjamin, and Live. Thanks to WMMR, it was an odd but somewhat entertaining mix. My friend said...."wow I didn't know Collective Soul had all these hit songs....wait were they hit songs?."

maybe:
Barenaked Ladies
Matchbox 20 which became Matchbox Twenty
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Smashing Pumpkins
Radiohead
Cake

But what baffles tonight is that Duran Duran has a new cd and its rather updated.

Sent by rockynotbullwinkle | 2:13 AM ET | 11-16-2007

Just a few hours after reading this, I was walking back from Powell's with my headphones blasting some Northwest music, and I was feeling entirely overcome with joy about the fact that I have recently moved to... Portland, OR! That magical place where everyone likes marvelous music, books, and the environment.

My moment of sheer happiness was destroyed by a Nickelback teeshirt.

It's true- I saw, for the first time in my life, a Nickelback teeshirt. And it happened to be on the very day I read this article.

I'm sure I will find this very same Nickelback shirt in a Goodwill within the next few years, because really, while someone was apparently inclined to buy a Nickelback shirt, it is certain that NO one will treasure it as a keepsake.

Sent by Alex Hebler | 4:14 AM ET | 11-16-2007

Collective soul only had a hit in Europe. The were never that big here...

Sent by krach | 4:25 AM ET | 11-16-2007

I was actually listening to Collective Soul yesterday, funny...

I do think it's interesting that Collective Soul's type of music doesn't encapsulate the 90s for you (like someone else said above). Maybe this is a product of me having grown up in the 90s, but when I think of listening to my local radio stations that's precisely who I think of. Well, and the Spice Girls, whom I unashamedly will say that I still love.

I think music snobbery is a factor in making these bands "invisible," and I'm guilty of if myself, so I mean no offense. There are a lot of bands that I take one look at and dismiss because of any number of reasons -- too mainstream, too teeny-bopper, too emopop, whatever. But there have been plenty of times that I go back, in a moment of boredom, and give some of this stuff a listen, and you know, sometimes they/he/she becomes one of my favorites. It will never be genius music, but that doesn't change the fact that it's catchy and fun and just enjoyable to listen to.

As to who the Collective Soul of today is, well, I immediately thought of Boys Like Girls. But I don't listen to the radio anymore so I've no idea how much airtime they get. Also maybe their music is smarter than I think it is.

Sent by Emily | 5:22 AM ET | 11-16-2007

Bands such as Collective Soul, Hootie, Matchbox 20, and countless others that nobody reading this really listens to all fall into one giant box. That box is then driven to the local used record store where they sit orphaned until they become 99 cent specials, and finally they are thrown into the trash or converted into a clever DIY project proposed by Readymade Magazine.

I'm surprised nobody has touched on the commercial commodification arm of creative media. Collective Soul is the case and point as is Limp BizKuT or any other such American Idol. The goal is to turn a profit, the AR dudes see what the kids are into these days and promptly find some guys with long hair, mohawks, grills or what have you and arrange them into a band. Think Sugar Ray. Think Fall Out Boy. These pawns are usually adequate musicians. Their Achilles heel generally fall into one of of three categories: A) They really just want to be rock stars and their egos eclipse any kind of artistic merit that might award them such a title, B) They are really young and naive and just don't know any better, C) They are getting older, had banked on this musician thing being their career and need to make it happen.

No. They will not go down in history. Nobody will write about them in the context of musical genius or effectively making a mark on the progression of any form or ideology in music. People will buy their records and in two years throw them away. Those who don't are dads.

Sent by KM | 9:23 AM ET | 11-16-2007

my coworker and i were sending 90s videos to each other earlier this week via youtube and she definitely sent me collective soul. she also sent me "breakfast at tiffany's" and other long forgotten 90s gems. that kind of music (better than ezra, gin blossoms, etc.) and alternative-lite rock goes down in 90s nostalgia with college rock, riot grrrl, and grunge.

Sent by trish | 10:02 AM ET | 11-16-2007

Noooooooooooooooooooo!!! Not Nickelback!!! Stop now! Save yourself!!!

Sent by Marissa | 10:17 AM ET | 11-16-2007

Musically, the Collective Soul of today is probably one of the current glut of contemporary "new country" artists. Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, Kenney Chesney, etc. In the mid 90's, this music was the perfect antidote for people in their mid to late 20s who were raised on classic rock and didn't connect with the grunge/post grunge, rap, or r & b that was dominating the top 40 at the time. Sonically, it's very similar to the Eagles. Jon Bon Jovi has actually followed his fans from rock to country. He's doing stuff on CMT with some female "new country" artist.

Bands like Collective Soul are (somewhat)interesting because they manage to be commercially successful on a large scale and completely anonymous at the same time. They had/have no real identity as a band; no lasting cultural footprint. Zeitgeist something something. Their seven #1 songs are forever relegated to those "hits of the 90's" compilation albums. Musically, they're very similar to Hootie & the Blowfish, but without the "novelty" of a black frontman. I see lots of similarities to Matchbox 20, but Rob Thomas has somehow managed to distinguish himself in the public eye. Hanging out with Santana and whatnot.

I have a very strong negative reaction to Nickelback.

Sent by Scott | 10:59 AM ET | 11-16-2007

Responding to those who hope Nickleback will disappear (honestly I've never heard them). I once thought I would take on the task of ridding the world of every copy of the Fine Young Cannibals' "She Drives Me Crazy." I didn't get far, but all through Jr. High and High School I would rid people of the CD if I found it in their homes. From CD/tape rack to the trash surreptitiously.

Sent by Elizabeth | 2:08 PM ET | 11-16-2007

My dad really likes Jimmy Eat World.

On a different note, you should check out freerice.com. I think you'd like it.

Sent by Jaime | 3:27 PM ET | 11-16-2007

PAPA ROACH!! haha

Sent by Tim | 3:36 PM ET | 11-16-2007

My mom rocks. She was listening to an eclectic spread back in the 80's when I was growing up - Moody Blues and Beatles, yes, but also Jacques Brel, AC/DC, Talking Heads, R.E.M., and Siouxsie & the Banshees.

I think most people just aren't really INTO music. Thus, as they age and youthful enthusiasm fades, people practically stop discovering new music and instead keep on listening to whatever froze into place by 22 years old. I love the web in part because it makes continuous music discovery so damn easy.

Sent by EmilyF | 5:37 PM ET | 11-16-2007

I had corneal transplant surgery in my one good eye on July 12, 2005. I had been putting it off for a couple of years because I had high anxiety about having such a surgery on my remaining eye with vision.

The day of my surgery, as my dad drove me over the Bay Bridge to San Francisco, my mom riding in the back of the rented mini-van, I popped a cd into the stereo.

It was "Dosage" by Collective Soul. I still remember very distinctly the feeling I had as I looked through my blurry eye at the beautiful city of San Francisco as it approached hearing the lyrics of the song "Slow."

"Mornings like this make me feel like I never could float."

I didn't dare read all of these comments bashing Collective Soul. And yeah, they're a pretty mediocre band. But that album saved my life that day. I will never forget it.

P.S. I really, really enjoy reading this blog and all of the comments. Thank you.

Sent by Eagle Eye Smith | 7:16 PM ET | 11-16-2007

I'm going to nominate Maroon 5. And second Train and Matchbox 20/Twenty.

Blech.

Sent by olly | 3:26 PM ET | 11-19-2007

Wait, Carrie, isn't your dad a big fan of The Thermals?! He even lent me his CD!

(I used to work where your dad worked. Thankfully I left before he did.)

He is! I think they are his favorite band right now. But when I asked him about the last 30 years at the office, CSNY and CS were his answers. Oh well. -CB

Sent by Ryan | 9:27 PM ET | 11-20-2007

http://www.cover-vs-original.com/song-83.html
dolly parton's version of shine is great and that's the only thing i think about when i hear collective soul.

Sent by mc | 11:27 AM ET | 11-28-2007

Apparently Seung-Hui Cho the Virginia Tech shooter obsessed over the C.S. song Shine. check this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seung-Hui_Cho#Relationship_with_students

Sent by CSfan4lf or michael | 12:27 AM ET | 11-29-2007

Yeah, I remember listening to Collective Soul back in the days. I was 6th grade or 5th grade when I heard December from their self-titled album. The self titled one had hits such as December, The World I Know and Where The River Flows. Of course I liked Shine, but my Collective Soul moments range from the hits from the self-titled album ( December, World I Know), to the Discipline Breakdown album ( Precious Declarations) and from the albums Dosage and Blender, which is the only album I managed to buy . Singer Ed Roland was cool for me back then and I didnt know about what cool meant. My favorite band was Pearl Jam and other than that, I just listened to the radio and the TV. I was young, not that idealistic about music yet. I don't listen to Collective Soul as much, but I used to. I'll probably re-listen to them. Maybe I'll see what I've missed

Sent by Francis Aguilar | 11:23 AM ET | 12-05-2007