NEW YORK – In a historic move that signals the mainstream’s growing fascination with the “left of the dial,” Billboard magazine has officially launched its Modern Rock Tracks chart today, September 10, 1988. This new weekly tally is designed to track the airplay of cutting-edge artists who have long been the darlings of college radio but are now finding a home on a burgeoning network of commercial alternative stations.
The Inaugural Number One: Peek-A-Boo
Claiming the very first #1 spot is Siouxsie & The Banshees with their experimental, accordion-laced single “Peek-A-Boo.” The track, built around a reversed drum loop and a brass sample, is a bold choice for the top of the charts, proving that the “Modern Rock” format is willing to embrace the avant-garde.
The chart’s debut is dominated by a diverse mix of British post-punk veterans, reggae-pop crossover acts, and rising indie stars. Big Audio Dynamite, led by former Clash member Mick Jones, enters at #2 with “Just Play Music!”, while The Primitives secure the #3 spot with their shimmering pop-punk anthem “Crash.”
International Influence and New Talent
The inaugural Top 30 reveals a heavy international presence, particularly from the UK and Australia:
- The Psychedelic Furs (#7) and The House of Love (#11) represent the moody, guitar-driven British contingent.
- Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers (#5) and UB40 (#4) showcase the format’s openness to reggae rhythms.
- Australia makes a strong showing with Paul Kelly (#16), Hunters & Collectors (#18), and Icehouse (though not on this specific week’s list, their presence in the scene is noted).
September 10, 1988: The Top 10 Modern Rock Tracks
| TW | Artist | Title |
| 1 | Siouxsie & The Banshees | Peek-A-Boo |
| 2 | Big Audio Dynamite | Just Play Music! |
| 3 | The Primitives | Crash |
| 4 | UB40 | Breakfast In Bed |
| 5 | Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers | Tumblin Down |
| 6 | Shriekback | Intoxication |
| 7 | Psychedelic Furs | All That Money Wants |
| 8 | The Escape Club | Wild Wild West |
| 9 | 10,000 Maniacs | What’s The Matter Here? |
| 10 | Information Society | What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) |
The “College Rock” Connection
While many of these artists, like 10,000 Maniacs (#9) and Tracy Chapman (#24), have already seen some success on the pop charts, the Modern Rock Tracks chart provides a dedicated space for the “Alternative” genre to be measured on its own terms. With debuts from The Sugarcubes (#17), featuring the enigmatic Björk, and Edie Brickell & New Bohemians (#21), the chart appears poised to be the ultimate tastemaker for the coming decade.
Transmission with Derek Nester 