Grapes of Wrath

Gifted and oft-overlooked purveyors of folk-influenced Jangle Pop. Since their 1985 debut with its Chronic Town-era R.E.M.-sounding single "Misunderstanding," to 1991's angst-blunted These Days, the band delivered moody guitar pop of consistently high caliber. Unfortunately, the band always enjoyed greater fame in homeland Canada than abroad; perhaps they were just a little too down-in-the-mouth for American audiences. Even though their vocals sometimes sounded a tad blase and overly precious, Kevin Kane and Tom Hooper's harmonizing abilities were top-notch, and their lyrical talents keen. The group disbanded in 1992, leaving behind an enduring legacy of canny, emotional songs.