Nirvana is now retro-cool. Let that sink in. Few things make me feel older than seeing my daughter in a Nirvana t-shirt. Of course, I made the mistake of saying I prefer Pearl Jam, so because of teenage stubbornness she'll never allow herself the chance to hear Eddie Vedder's voice.

But today's post isn't about grunge, and I confess I never much liked the genre. To me it was punk redone with less style and self-awareness. In any case, it wasn't only grunge that sent people into the mosh pits in the early-to-mid 90s. In fact, much of the best music was only grunge-adjacent, or even grunge-remote. Here are five songs with some edge and energy, but which don't fit neatly under the grunge label. Or under punk (which I ought to do one of these Fridays), or industrial, which I've already done but may need to do again.

Jane's Addiction: Stop
Perry Farrell was one messed up dude.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwI02OHtZTg

The Cult: The Witch
The danciest metal that metal ever danced.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnyxEz4l70Q

Velocity Girl: Sorry Again
Some grungy distortion and noise, but a pop melody and smiling attitude. I almost would have guessed it was britpop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaMrivLS8bU

Prong: Prove You Wrong
Palate cleanser.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-88o8Mn6rP4

Primus: To Defy the Laws of Tradition
If I could steal one person's musical talent I'd be tempted to choose Claypool. The absolute highlight of Lollapalooza in 1993, even though I discovered Rage Against the Machine (which I probably should have included in this list) that year, and Front 242 had long been a favorite band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=231PT-5nKhY