If this list proves anything, its that "alternative rock" has always been a nebulous concept—especially by 1996, when grunge was already long deemed dead. Then again, many of the tracks here remain some of the weirdest slices of rock to ever see regular airplay (Butthole Surfers! The Presidents of the United States of America!). But its still a little silly to hear Jewels half-yodeling coffee-shop acoustic pop sit alongside Porno for Pyros crunchy, psychedelic riffs, or 311s reggae-infused rap next to Sleater-Kinneys snotty feminist punk and Underworlds euphoric, bubbling trance. But thats exactly how alternative rock radio operated at the time—all of these sounds actually made sense together, because all of them have that Gen X angst baked right on in em. (I dare you to find one track that doesnt have at least a little cynicism or sarcasm raging through it.). Even the "Weird Al" polka parody that kicks this list off takes from some of the decades darkest alternative hits (and, seriously, whats more depressing than a polka?).
