"On The Ropes" by The Wonder Stuff

While successful in their native UK, the alternative rock band The Wonder Stuff never achieved the breakthrough they deserved in the US. Rising to fame in the late 80s and early 90s, the band's leader and lyricist Miles Hunt challenged listeners to think while enjoying the crafty hooks of their choruses.

1993's "Construction For The Modern Idiot" is one of my favorite records of the decade. Like a lighthouse in a sea of grunge, this record showed that you can still sing biting lyrics without compromising melody. "On The Ropes" was the lead single and remains one the finest songs in their catalogue.

"Into The Lavender" by Rubyhorse

Taking their name from a song by The Wonder Stuff, the Irish band Rubyhorse never quite found an audience in the US despite relocating to the Boston area in 1997, and then Los Angeles after inking a deal. 

Their major label album, "Rise," from 2002 earned the band some press and spots on TV, but this didn't translate into any charting singles. They also somehow got George Harrison to play slide guitar on the song "Punchdrunk."

"Into The Lavender" is the standout track from "Rise," and showed great promise for this underrated band.