I could vote with total honesty for PJ Harvey, Portishead, Pavement, Björk, Sugar, and then cheer when all my picks advance to the next round, but that is not the reality that I’m living in this month. #5DebutAlbums9094

I started out thinking that POD (1990) would be my 🥇 strategically because The Breeders never seem to get their due in these polls, but I’m concluding that strategy isn’t required—it’s genuinely my favorite debut from these years. #5DebutAlbums9094

Liz! EXILE IN GUYVILLE (1993) is a bona fide classic debut and her sophomore-and-onwards slump only made it feel all the more special in retrospect. #5DebutAlbums9094

Another all-time favorite, The Spinanes’ MANOS (1993). Sometimes described as austere, but for me the sound doesn’t feel stripped down so much as incredibly focused, purposeful, really quite rich in using the resources they choose to deploy. #5DebutAlbums9094

I listened to the Versus debut THE STARS ARE INSANE (1994) so much — on both cassette and CD — that it may have altered me on a molecular level. One of thee iconic records of the era for me. And a deluxe vinyl reissue is due from Teenbeat this spring! #5DebutAlbums9094

Finally time for a close listen comparing Velocity Girl’s COPACETIC (1993) to the 2024 mixes on ULTRACOPACETIC. I never minded the sound of the original. A few tracks sound a lot better now, a few slightly worse, the rest pretty similar. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’ll keep ‘em both! #5DebutAlbums9094

NOWHERE / NOW HERE (1994) from The San Francisco Seals, the debut from one of national treasure Barbara Manning’s many projects. Haunting tunes and then one long track that literally sounds like poltergeists. #5DebutAlbums9094

Halifax Pop Explosion! Jale’s DREAMCAKE (1994) made me want to visit Nova Scotia, something I still haven’t done, but their 7th Street Entry show with Versus is one of the gigs from that time that’s etched in my memory. #5DebutAlbums9094

A bunch of the songs on Archers of Loaf’s ICKY METTLE (1993) sound like they should have been hits during the heyday of alternative rock - I was surprised that they didn’t get bigger at the time. #5DebutAlbums9094

I will concede that I may be excessively fond of Butterglory, but someone has to be, right? CRUMBLE (1994) is catchy as hell and has just the right amount of scruffiness to be permanently endearing. #5DebutAlbums9094

Clattering and caterwauling and having a ball with Guv’ner’s HARD FOR MEASY FOR YOU (1994). One thing I love about this period in US (and especially NYC) indie is all the bands with men and women playing together and trading lead vocals… a Sonic Youth legacy? #5DebutAlbums9094

A double feature of Swedish pop perfection, obviously The Cardigans’ EMMERDALE (1994, their best), also the great, undervalued Komeda’s POP PÅ SVENSKA (1993). This stuff was such a breath of fresh air when it made its way over here. #5DebutAlbums9094

Cycling back to their debuts after recent listens to their 2025 releases, Stereolab’s PENG! (1992) and Superchunk’s s/t (1990) are already substantially Stereolab and Superchunk in classic form. #5DebutAlbums9094

For decades I thought that THE PROBLEM WITH ME was Seam’s full-length debut, and then Numero Group reissued HEADSPARKS (1992). Embarrassing, considering how much I love Seam, but also a treat to have more Seam, plus the surprise of a Sarah Shannon guest vocal! #5DebutAlbums9094

Unwound’s debut, FAKE TRAIN (1993), was the second album they recorded, having shelved their first until a few years later. Good move as FAKE TRAIN makes a more auspicious impression, layering atmosphere onto the blistering dissonance. #5DebutAlbums9094

I already played Red House Painters’ DOWN COLORFUL HILL (1992) last week but #slowcoresunday requires me to cue it up again today. #5DebutAlbums9094

Slowcore-adjacent at least thanks to touring with Low though I never really found the slowness essential to Ida. Subgenres aside, TALES OF BRAVE IDA (1994) is another beautiful debut. #slowcoresunday #5DebutAlbums9094

Not really slowcore, and not as sad as advertised, but Damon & Naomi are hemming me keep the general vibe going with MORE SAD HITS (1992). Also reminds me to add Luna’s LUNAPARK (1992) to my listening list. #slowcoresunday #5DebutAlbums9094

Fastest tempos I’ve heard this morning with Bedhead’s debut, WHATFUNLIFEWAS (1991), #slowcoresunday #5DebutAlbums9094

Going colder and louder now with Codeine’s FRIGID STARS (1991). #slowcoresunday #5DebutAlbums9094