"Next Big Thing" by Material Issue

One of the greatest bands to never crossover into the mainstream was Material Issue. This rocking trio from Chicago quickly made a lot of fans with the release of "International Pop Overthrow" in 1991. Filled with powerpop gems, many named after girls, all eyes were on them to break big with their sophomore effort, 1992's "Destination Universe."

Needless to say, "Destination Universe" flopped, despite wonderful radio-friendly cuts like "What Girls Want," "Who Needs Love," "Don't You Think I Know," and the earnest acoustic ballad, "Everything." I guess their brand of melody and harmony was no match for trendy grunge and slacker rock. "Destination Universe" remains one of my favorite records from the decade - it's an oasis among the dark and gloomy releases comprising the musical landscape at the time.

The group returned in 1994 to release a solid follow-up, "Freak City Soundtrack," but it didn't help get the band noticed. After being dropped from their record label the following year, lead singer and songwriter Jim Ellison committed suicide. The band released some songs they were working on before he took his life on 1997's "Telecommando Americano." A tragic end to a most talented and underrated songwriter.