*Written and published for AUX

Today we learned of another, let’s say ‘mature’ band set to re-release one of their older more popular albums as a deluxe edition. Whether it is an easy cash grab, an indication the band is on its last legs or just out of sheer boredom, Weezer will put out a deluxe edition of their sophomore album Pinkerton and join the list of other bands to shed light on their ‘90s glory…although they’ve done it already for what people simply refer to as ‘the blue album.’ Critical reasoning aside, the music is what really matters and if you’re that uptight about it you can just illegally download it, although that’s not something we encourage at AUX. Anyway, here’s a list of albums that came out in the ‘90s that are due for a special treatment release.

Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream

Having been labeled as ‘the next Nirvana’ after Nevermind blew people’s minds, the Smashing Pumpkins’ sophomore album Siamese Dream, released in 1993,  did not have the same in-your-face sound as the aforementioned album even though it was also produced by Butch Vig. The album was recorded when the band was dealing with drug addiction, depression and love lost, but upon its release it sold over six million copies worldwide and brought out the tracks “Today,” “Disarm,” “Cherub Rock” and “Rocket.” Pisces Iscariot, a collection of b-sides and unreleased songs from Siamese Dream and their first album Gish came out in 1994.

Green Day – Dookie

Third studio album, major label debut and quite possibly the best 40 minutes anyone will ever spend listening to a Green Day album. Those hoping the punks they once knew who performed at 924 Gilman Street would say the band sold out with this album. Perhaps they were right if you look at the clan bands that adopted the pop punk formula, but for its time Dookie was awesome. It was loud, fast and easy to sing along to. Who can forget the first time they heard “Long View?”

Soundgarden – Superunknown

Undoubtedly Soundgarden’s most successful album, Superunknown was perfect for people who weren’t too psyched about the band’s heavy metal influenced sound on their previous albums. Clocking in at just over 70 minutes long, the album released the singles “The Day I Tried To Live,” “My Wave,” “Fell on Black Days,” “Spoonman” and “Black Hole Sun.” The disc, their fourth, kick started their fame and is probably why longtime fans prefer Badmotorfinger or Louder Than Love.

The Offspring – Smash

From the intro where the gentlemen tells you its time to relax and put your feet up, to the first three seconds of “Nitro,” The Offspring’s third album Smash, released in 1994, pulls you in, lets you shout and swear and jump around and then tells you to relax again. Much of the swearing and jumping around may have been done by pre-teen boys alone, however the album still has some of the most memorable songs of the decade. “Self Esteem,” “Come out and Play,” “Bad Habit,” are just a few off what is now the band’s most popular album.

Rage Against The Machine – Evil Empire

Taking their time between first and second albums seemed like a wise thing to do for Rage Against The Machine as their sophomore record Evil Empire succeeded their self titled debut with a fresh batch of songs removing them from just combining rap and rock music. “Bulls On Parade” is easily one of the best anthems and could even get your grandma pumped up with Tom Morello’s scratching guitar sound. The title of the disc is taken from a phrase used by former President Ronald Reagan when describing the former Soviet Union.

No Doubt – Tragic Kingdom

Another third release gem, No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom turned out to be the band’s most popular record at the time fusing punk, pop and third-wave ska. The disc was recorded in 11 different studios around Los Angeles and was released in 1995. The single “Don’t Speak” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay.