There Was No Alternative: Generation X, AIDS, and the Making of a Classic Nineties Record

by Jeff Gomez

Grunge. Flannel. Generation X. In 1993, Seattle was the capital of the world, Nirvana was king, and slackers were everywhere. When the Red Hot organization, a group of activists dedicated to raising money and awareness of AIDS, released their third compilation CD featuring the biggest bands of the era--Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys, The Breeders, Nirvana and more it quickly became the touchstone of a generation.   Rolling Stone called No Alternative  a "jaw-dropping compilation of musical gems."  This book takes a look back at what happened to the bands involved with No Alternative . It includes new interviews with the musicians and others behind the record, and chronicles the downfall of an industry, the taming of a devastating illness, and the arrival of another global pandemic. It's about growing up, saying goodbye, and proving once more that you can't go home again (even if that's where you left all of your CDs).

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

220 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2023

Reviews

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting look at the No Alternative album from 1993, from the reasons and people behind its existence to the bands and songs included on the album, as well as its legacy. No Alternative was huge for me as a music fan in the early 90s, so it was a perfect book for me.

[Gerrod Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part musical biography, part cultural analysis, Jeff Gomez makes a strong case that the No Alternative compilation album, made for AIDS relief, is one of the defining touchstone for Generation X, the 90's, and the battle against the AIDS crisis. Despite how much ground Gomez covers, There Was No Alternative never loses its footing nor is there a single moment that teeters towards what could have easily become nebulous territory. Instead, Gomez makes a compelling argument for the cultural relevance of No Alternative as a tool for better understanding the ‘90s, even thirty years later, while also dispelling the disparaging myths often associated with Generation X.

[James Doughty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lives up to the titke

No Alternative was a legendary album in the early 90s, arguably the most crucial document of the state of alternative music at the time. In his chronicle of the album's conception and birth, Jeff Gomez sets a daunting task before himself and succeeds admirably. Every person who contributed to the creation of the album gets their due. Gomez also provides a helpful amount of background on the AIDS epidemic and how funds generated by sales of the album contributed towards AIDS related research and education.

[Bradthad Codgeroger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely detailed look at a moment in social history and the making of an important record. Also an unconscious example of the many ways Ivy Leaguers get as many chances as it takes to succeed, whether or not they deserve those chances.

[Len or Len · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, even if it’s a little too short. Jeff Gomez goes deep into the making of the classic Nineties compilation album, “No Alternative”. Great album and it was for a great cause- AIDS research. Lots of excellent detail and I read it quickly.

[Bradley Morgan]

My interview with the author for the New Books Network: https://newbooksnetwork.com/there-was...