Jellyfish — The best band that didn't make it

And why don't you know them?

As you’ve probably seen, I'm very familiar with doing lists, and most notably Top 5s. It’s funny — as a 50-plus-year-old guy, at first, I could never figure out TikTok. Or, let’s say, maybe it couldn't figure out me. There was at least a year there with very few likes, except my first ever TikTok of Kylie Jenner and Justin Bieber, which got over 4 million views when I had one follower. Maybe TikTok just pushes out the content they like.

Until I started doing what most people do, giving people 30-second increments of content they could consume easily and not have to think too deeply about, my content was going nowhere.

I then discovered the Top 5. In doing so, it made me realize that there is knowledge here. If anything, the reason I like social media is the discoverability factor.

Hell, the NYC scene episode we just released was initiated by Ryan Gentles, former manager of the Strokes, and by the videos of the NYC scene and “Meet Me in the Bathroom Part 2” content I saw everywhere.

I’ve asked many guests on the show and some of my friends what the top underrated band of all time is. When I’ve brought up Jellyfish, most have agreed with me. I think they’re the most underrated, talented, and “ahead of its time” band around.

What made this band so special? Not sure if it was the kooky, HR puff-and-stuff image they had, take it or leave it. However, I am sure that its the pop songs, the musicianship, and the hooks! It’s like if you took the Beach Boys, Cheap Trick, Queen, the Beatles, and Fountains of Wayne and put them into an AI blender.

Jellyfish’s complexity still astounds me, and I'm not sure why this band wasn't massive. Perhaps it was a bit too complex for its time. The band only made two records, 1989’s Bellybutton and 1993’s Split Milk. I remember liking their first album, but Spilt Milk was most definitely their masterpiece. Nirvana could've killed their chance to succeed too. Who will ever know?

Plus, I can’t recall another band where the drummer was also the lead singer and put his kit upfront and center stage. Strange, but true.

Go back and check out some of their epic covers too, like “Jet.”

I don't think we’ll ever see a reunion. Andy Strummer apparently doesn't do much these days, except for soundtracks, and Roger Manning and Jason Falkner are in Beck’s band.

With that, it begs the question — What's the best band ever that never really made it?

For me, that answer is clear. Have a listen, and let me know if you agree.

Let us know what you think.

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