For some time now it seems that emo has been a dirty word to a lot of people. It is the genre that wishes it wasn’t. Now I'll readily admit that much (most) of what is now considered emo is total crap, but the emo of the mid-nineties that I was raised on (however) is a much different animal.

Emo is short for “emotional" music or more specifically emotional hardcore. It’s roots can be traced back to Washington DC bands like Rites of Spring and Embrace that eschewed the tough-guy hardcore of the day in favor of more personal and (yes) emotional lyrics. They blazed a trail and provided a loose blueprint for the groups that followed them. While I am not going to focus on those DC pioneers, there is no denying their importance in the evolution of emo.

I’m going to feature all the heavy-hitters of the genre as well as some lesser-known players that I am a huge fan of. These songs were the soundtrack to a time that will not be forgotten and in looking back at these so-called emo groups, they do seem more real and their sounds less forced than many of groups that followed and imitated them. For those kids who never got to experience this music during it's heyday, pay attention and take careful notes. Now to begin...

Texas Is The Reason was an amazing band that existed from 1994-1997. Their official releases include their self-titled EP and their one and only full-length Do You Know Who You Are? (both released on Revelation Records) as well as a split 7" with The Promise Ring on Jade Tree Records. From the start you knew they were something special. Their sound (as familiar as it may be) is hard to describe and even harder to imitate. They broke up (much too soon) citing personal differences and after being courted my numerous major labels. Members of the band did (however) go on to play in bands like Jets To Brazil, New End Original, and The New Rising Sons. Sadly though, all those bands have also called it quits.

Everyone probably knows (and either loves or hates) Milwaukee's The Promise Ring. Formed by Davey vonBohlen after he left Cap'n Jazz, TPR started as a typical emo band but honed their sound into something much more by the time the sun set on their summer careers.

They released a slew of singles and EP's as well as three proper full-length albums all on Jade Tree Records. They released their final album Wood/Water on Anti. My two favorite albums by TPR are their middle two Nothing Feels Good and Very Emergency. I know Jacob will disagree but I really don't like their last record much at all. They changed a few members and (to me at least) left behind almost everything that made them great. Davey now fronts Maritime. Have a listen.

One last note: If you have any suggestions for emo bands that you think need to be included here, comment or drop me a line.

MP3 | Texas Is The Reason - If It's Here When We Get Back It's Ours ST
MP3 | The Promise Ring - Red And Blue Jeans Nothing Feels Good