June 6, 1992
It’s a big week on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart, with English pop veterans XTC retaining their spot at No. 1 for a second consecutive week with “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead.” The infectious, politically-tinged single has been a mainstay on college and alternative radio, holding strong in its sixth week on the chart.
Following close behind, The Cure maintains their grip on the No. 2 position with “Friday I’m In Love,” a jangly, upbeat tune that’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. The band’s new wave roots continue to evolve, earning them another hit as their recent album Wish gains momentum.
Rounding out the Top 3 is “Divine Thing” by The Soup Dragons, who continue to bring their brand of psychedelic dance-rock to the forefront in their seventh week.
The biggest mover of the week belongs to none other than Morrissey. His acerbic anthem “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful” jumps six spots to No. 10 in only its second week on the chart. The former Smiths frontman proves he’s still got the bite — and the fanbase — to make waves in the alternative scene.
Other notable climbers include The Jesus and Mary Chain, whose fuzz-drenched single “Far Gone and Out” rises from No. 7 to No. 4. Meanwhile, Material Issue makes a respectable move from No. 15 to No. 12 with “What Girls Want,” continuing their streak of guitar-driven power pop hits.
Debuts this week include “Sunshine and Ecstasy” from Tom Tom Club at No. 25, “Stone Me” by Wire Train at No. 29, and “Black Metallic” by The Catherine Wheel at No. 30 — all signaling fresh sounds entering the alternative rotation.
Elsewhere on the chart, grunge mainstays Pearl Jam climb to No. 21 with “Even Flow,” and Midnight Oil’s politically charged “Sometimes” moves up to No. 22. L7’s riot grrrl anthem “Pretend We’re Dead” also continues its ascent, rising two spots to No. 18.
With summer around the corner and a diverse mix of rock, pop, and punk lighting up the airwaves, 1992 is shaping up to be a landmark year for alternative music.
Stay tuned — with big names and new voices making noise, next week’s chart could look very different.
Transmission with Derek Nester 