>> Minutemen

With short, searing songs, the Minutemen crank out left-wing hardcore with a spin few in the genre can compete with. Incorporating nontraditional elements into their style such as jazz and funk, the band crafted a highly creative sound. After the death of Minutemen guitarist in 1985, the remaining band members, including influential rocker Mike Watt reformed as fIREHOSE. After slowly peetering out, Watt would again launch a solo career, finding much critical success.