I guess I'm into repeating other posters:
1. Jeff Buckley - did anyone ever see Duncan Sheik on that VH1 best list show? He listed a Buckley tune as the 2nd best song of the 90's. (Radiohead's Fake Plastic Trees was his #1, I think). He won major points with me with that list. See previous comments about Jeff burning himself out, else he would be the definitive vocalist of the generation, and widely respected as one of the best guitarists and a pretty damn good songwriter too.
2. Elliott Smith - needn't say anymore. I know he has fans here too.
I was gonna say something line with Urge Overkill, Afghan Whigs, Dinosaur Jr., etc, but honestly, those bands had their shot and didnt capitalize. They were media darlings for a while. Same with folks like Matthew Sweet (who aped the Big Star popwer pop sound to great effect), Belly/Tanya Donnelly and dozens more.
I dont know how anyone can say a band like Blind Melon, Nirvana & Live. Live sold millions of records, sat on top of the alt-rock universe for a year or so, and then surrendered their spot like a hundred bands before them. Yeah Shannon Hoon (BM) and Kurt Cobain died, but not before their bands were famous.
Re: TOADIES
Yes, TYLER was an amazing song that still resonates. I wasnt a huge fan of their other stuff, but Tyler was just f$cking awesome. Chillingly dark and absolutely r0xx3rS j0o!!
I stumble in the hallway
outside her bedroom door
I hear her call out to me
I hear the fear in her voice
She pulls the covers tighter
I press against the door
I will be with her tonight!