Active between 1987 through 1994, Uncle Tupelo was an alternative country group from Belleville, Illinois.  When this band split up on May 1, 1994, Farrar formed Son Volt with Heidorn and the remaining members formed Wilco.  This group drew its inspiration from sources as diverse as hardcore punk and the country harmonization of the Carter Family and Hank Williams.   Although they never had commercial success, the band did become a byword in alternative country.

On October 5, 1993, Uncle Tupelo’s fourth studio album Anodyne was released.  Having just listened to this album for maybe the first time and while recognizing the band’s influence over an entire genre, Aloha Promises Forever can at best give this album a six out of 10.  There just isn’t all that much originality or startling level of musicianship here.  Still, it’s influence on alternative country simply cannot be denied.

You may listen to Anodyne here: