I liked the Gin Blossoms - kinda of a more bar band/rock sound vs REM.
Their song “I Found Out About You” was VERY good with some tasty lead guitar...and it hit REAL close to my heart. Nice video, too. “Allison Road” was another good song.
I think I have their “Hits” CD somewhere around here - gotta find it and re-discover their songs.
They used to play outdoors at the Tempe New Year’s Eve block party. You could here them all over downtown.