Grunge music is often recognized for ending the hair metal era, yet a particular band from the 1990s, which is not typically associated with that genre, still holds a lingering resentment towards one of the pioneers of grunge who dominated the music scene in the early ’90s. This band is the Spin Doctors, and their lead vocalist, Chris Barron, has openly expressed his lack of admiration for Pearl Jam, primarily due to their overwhelming success and the impact it had on the promotional opportunities available to his band under their label.

Now, the Spin Doctors are making a significant comeback with their latest album, Face Full of Cake, marking their first new release in over 13 years. Reflecting on the early days of their career, they emerged in a competitive landscape of music in 1991 with their debut album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite, which introduced their unique sound to the world.

Despite the album achieving remarkable success, landing at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart and receiving five platinum certifications, Chris Barron believes their potential for even greater success was hindered by their record label’s preference for promoting Pearl Jam during that time.

Chris Barron’s Candid Thoughts on Pearl Jam’s Dominance

In a recent appearance on the Rolling Stone Now podcast, Barron shared his unfiltered feelings regarding Pearl Jam. He disclosed that even after all these years, he struggles to embrace Pearl Jam as a fan, feeling that his band was consistently placed lower on their label’s list of priorities.

“I still can’t listen to Pearl Jam,” Barron candidly stated. “No offense to anybody who likes Pearl Jam, but I just can’t do it,” he added, reflecting on the enduring rivalry between the two bands.

He elaborated on his sentiments, reminiscing about their early tours. “We would arrive in a new town, and back then, local publications would feature music events. I would open up the local paper, and there would be a full-page advertisement for a Pearl Jam concert and their latest album. In contrast, there was hardly any mention of the Spin Doctors. At the record store, you’d see an extensive display for Pearl Jam and only one copy of our album. It was incredibly frustrating and disheartening.”

Comparing the Success of Ten and Pocket Full of Kryptonite

In 1991, the Spin Doctors experienced considerable success. They were featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, performed as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live in 1992, and their music video for “Two Princes” received extensive airplay on MTV, which propelled them into the limelight.

Their debut album produced five major singles, including hits like “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues,” “What Time Is It?” and “How Could You Want Him (When You Could Have Me?” Each of these tracks enjoyed substantial radio and television play during the height of their popularity.

READ MORE: Why 1991 Had the Best 6-Month Release Period in Rock + Metal History

As previously mentioned, the album achieved a Top 5 position, peaking at No. 3, and became a multi-platinum success, with the RIAA currently certifying it at over 5 million copies sold, demonstrating its lasting impact on the music industry.

However, it is important to acknowledge that Pearl Jam’s Ten album experienced even greater commercial success.

This album reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and spawned four major singles: “Alive,” “Even Flow,” “Jeremy,” and “Oceans.” The hit “Jeremy” became a favorite on MTV, winning the prestigious Best Video of the Year award. Pearl Jam’s accolades included multiple Grammy nominations, an eventual induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the album being certified Diamond in the U.S. for selling over 13 million copies.

Moreover, Pearl Jam has maintained a robust and enduring career following their breakout, while the Spin Doctors faced some commercial setbacks with their follow-up album and eventually parted ways with Epic Records after their third studio release.

Chris Barron’s Insightful Interview on the Rolling Stone Now Podcast