Suggesting some of the not-so-popular bands that were invited to John Peel's sessions.
If you're into psychedelic, space, stoner rock, shoegaze, noise rock etc, check out Bardo Pond, Bailter Space, Band of Susans, Lush, Loop, Sonic Youth, Spiritualized, Stereolab, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Jesus Lizard, My Bloody Valentine (missing from the list)
Some other interesting bands: Broadcast, Galaxie 500, The Chills.
And of course there were a ton of popular bands worth checking out.
You're right. For example Nirvana became mainstream in 1991 with Smells like Teen Spirit. The happened to do a session in 1990. Pretty sure it contributed to their eventual success.
If you're into psychedelic, space, stoner rock, shoegaze, noise rock etc, check out Bardo Pond, Bailter Space, Band of Susans, Lush, Loop, Sonic Youth, Spiritualized, Stereolab, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Jesus Lizard, My Bloody Valentine (missing from the list)
Some other interesting bands: Broadcast, Galaxie 500, The Chills.
And of course there were a ton of popular bands worth checking out.