90s Stand Out Singles: Spacehog, “In the Meantime”
As much as I loved the music of the 80s, a lot of it was ridiculous. I don’t regret a single moment (except maybe the fact that I thought I looked cool in Jams), but it’s hard not to look back on all the synthesizers, neon spandex and Aqua Net and shake my head a little bit. Towards the end of that decade, though, there was a feeling in the air that the amphetamine fueled decadence of the 80s couldn’t sustain itself forever. So when Nirvana helped usher in the next phase of popular music in 1991, the clothes changed and the vibe changed almost over night. All of a sudden music fans began embracing stark reality over fantasy.
But as the pendulum swung hard in the opposite direction, it seemed we might be in danger of taking ourselves too seriously at times. With all the shoe gazing music that was geared to “mean something”, more than a few bands forgot to have fun. That always struck me as a bit of a shame. So I really enjoyed it when a band like Spacehog would pop its head up to remind us that rock and roll doesn’t have to be that complicated, and being ridiculous isn’t a crime.
“In The Meantime” was released in 1995. It was a sizable hit for Spacehog and their only one. You might not remember the song offhand, but give it a listen and I’m sure you will. It’s got a great intro and build that explodes with a more than memorable guitar riff and vocal line.
After the single was put into heavy mainstream radio rotation, Spacehog made hay. They turned that success into opening slots on tours with Pearl Jam and the Black Crowes. In 1998 they joined R.E.M. as they toured in support of their album “Up”. And it was at the R.E.M. concert at The Meadows Amphitheater in Hartford, CT where I met Spacehog in person for the first and last time.
Spacehog was not the featured act, but that didn’t stop them from commanding the stage. They drew in elements of Spinal Tap and played their set with utter joy. It was hard not to get caught up in the moment and think, how refreshing, a band that’s simply out to have a good time. They closed their set with this song and blew the doors off the place. Then they waved goodbye and left the stage. A half hour later, I heard an awesome set by R.E.M. So yeah, it was a pretty good night.
