My Bloody Valentine

Although My Bloody Valentine formed in 1984, their renowned sound didn't coalesce until four years later, with the album ISN'T ANYTHING. Initially a revved-up rock band that featured core members Kevin Shields and Colm O'Ciosoig, MBV truly came into their own with the additions of Debbie Googe and Bilinda Butcher. The group's combination of breathy male/female vocals and woozy, distorted sheets of guitars defined them and led to the label of "shoegazer", which was then applied to peers such as Ride and Lush. My Bloody Valentine reached their peak with 1991's acclaimed LOVELESS. After a few singles and compilation tracks, the band faded away (largely due to Shields' perfectionist studio ways), but their influence remains strong.

• rock
• pop
• alternative/indie