Alice Donut

During the late '80s, if you were told that alt rock would soon infiltrate the mainstream, chances are you'd probably assume either funk metal (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Living Colour, Fishbone) or art rock (Jane's Addiction, Faith No More, Alice Donut) would be the 'barrier breaker.' As we all know, it wasn't either style that blossomed in the '90s (that would be grunge, remember?). While the other aforementioned bands did eventually have various degrees of chart success, Alice Donut never got a major label shot, but it didn't prevent them from churning out some of the most challenging (and underrated) rock of the era. To the delight of fans, the group reunited in 2003, and a year later, performed a one-off show at England's Camden Underworld, which has been documented on their first-ever DVD, London, There's a Curious Lump in My Sack. Despite the eight-year layoff, the Donut boys (and girl) have picked up right where they left off, as proven by this 70-plus-minute long performance. While a few newer songs are included ("Kiss Me"), the majority of the set list is comprised of classics ("New Jersey Exit," "Son of a Disgruntled X-Postal Worker," "Egg," etc.). Also included are such 'special features' as an interview with the band, videos shot by fans, and a few tracks from their homecoming reunion show at CBGB's. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide