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Image 2 of 70 MC Hammer: He went from Oakland A's batboy to Saturday morning cartoon show, selling 10 million albums and spending every penny. MC Hammer: He went from Oakland A's batboy to Saturday morning cartoon show, selling 10 million albums and spending every penny. Photo: Entertainment Weekly

Image 3 of 70 Third Eye Blind: The group was opening for the likes of U2 and the Rolling Stones just months after releasing its 1997 hit, "Semi-Charmed Life." Third Eye Blind: The group was opening for the likes of U2 and the Rolling Stones just months after releasing its 1997 hit, "Semi-Charmed Life." Photo: Elektra

Image 4 of 70 En Vogue: Mixing the R&B girl-group tradition with hip-hop and lots of sex appeal, the funky divas became an MTV staple with the single "Free Your Mind." En Vogue: Mixing the R&B girl-group tradition with hip-hop and lots of sex appeal, the funky divas became an MTV staple with the single "Free Your Mind." Photo: EastWest

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Image 6 of 70 Pavement: The Stockton band ruled college radio with oblique lyrics, deadpan melodies and lo-fi production, unwittingly creating a blueprint for indie rock in the '90s. Pavement: The Stockton band ruled college radio with oblique lyrics, deadpan melodies and lo-fi production, unwittingly creating a blueprint for indie rock in the '90s. Photo: Matador

Image 7 of 70 Counting Crows: Led by faux-dreadlocked crooner Adam Duritz, this Berkeley roots rock group went multiplatinum with its 1993 debut, "August and Everything After." Counting Crows: Led by faux-dreadlocked crooner Adam Duritz, this Berkeley roots rock group went multiplatinum with its 1993 debut, "August and Everything After." Photo: Rolling Stone

Image 8 of 70 Green Day: In the early '90s, the band took punk rock to the top of the charts and transformed Berkeley's tiny Gilman Street club into a cause celebre. Green Day: In the early '90s, the band took punk rock to the top of the charts and transformed Berkeley's tiny Gilman Street club into a cause celebre. Photo: Warner Bros.

Image 9 of 70 DJ Shadow: This UC Davis grad broke the rules and expanded the horizons of underground hip- hop with his sample-based 1996 solo debut, "Endtroducing..." DJ Shadow: This UC Davis grad broke the rules and expanded the horizons of underground hip- hop with his sample-based 1996 solo debut, "Endtroducing..." Photo: Universal

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Image 11 of 70 Red House Painters: The San Francisco group, led by Mark Kozelek, was known for its ultra-confessional lyrics and ghostly melodies. Red House Painters: The San Francisco group, led by Mark Kozelek, was known for its ultra-confessional lyrics and ghostly melodies. Photo: 4AD

Image 12 of 70 Too Short: The West Coast's first rap star released four platinum albums before taking an early (and temporary) retirement in 1996. Too Short: The West Coast's first rap star released four platinum albums before taking an early (and temporary) retirement in 1996. Photo: Jive

Image 13 of 70 Faith No More: After dominating MTV in 1990 with the video for "Epic," the Bay Area funk metal act spent the rest of the decade in experimental mode. Faith No More: After dominating MTV in 1990 with the video for "Epic," the Bay Area funk metal act spent the rest of the decade in experimental mode. Photo: Warner Bros.

Image 14 of 70 Imperial Teen: Something approaching a Bay Area super-group, featuring Faith No More keyboardist Roddy Bottum and Sister Double Happiness drummer Lynn Perko. Imperial Teen: Something approaching a Bay Area super-group, featuring Faith No More keyboardist Roddy Bottum and Sister Double Happiness drummer Lynn Perko. Photo: Universal

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Image 16 of 70 Digital Underground: These Oakland caricatures made one of hip-hop's silliest hits -- "The Humpty Dance" -- and served as the launchpad for Tupac Shakur. Digital Underground: These Oakland caricatures made one of hip-hop's silliest hits -- "The Humpty Dance" -- and served as the launchpad for Tupac Shakur. Photo: Tommy Boy

Image 17 of 70 Metallica: The band's breakthrough decade kicked off with the release of 'The Black Album,' debuting at No. 1 in ten countries and ending three marriages. Metallica: The band's breakthrough decade kicked off with the release of 'The Black Album,' debuting at No. 1 in ten countries and ending three marriages. Photo: Elektra

Image 18 of 70 Papa's Culture: A wonderfully eclectic jazz and pop group that frequently packed local clubs. Papa's Culture: A wonderfully eclectic jazz and pop group that frequently packed local clubs. Photo: Elektra

Image 19 of 70 The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy: The political San Francisco rap duo of Rono Tse and Michael Franti (later of Spearhead) opened for Public Enemy and U2. The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy: The political San Francisco rap duo of Rono Tse and Michael Franti (later of Spearhead) opened for Public Enemy and U2. Photo: 4th and Broadway

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Image 21 of 70 The Mother Hips: Courted by producer Rick Rubin, the Chico country rock band briefly signed with American Recordings, sharing a label with Johnny Cash and the Black Crowes. The Mother Hips: Courted by producer Rick Rubin, the Chico country rock band briefly signed with American Recordings, sharing a label with Johnny Cash and the Black Crowes. Photo: Future Farmer

Image 22 of 70 Cake: Quirky hits like "The DIstance" and an ironic cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" made this Sacramento group unlikely radio stars. Cake: Quirky hits like "The DIstance" and an ironic cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" made this Sacramento group unlikely radio stars. Photo: Capricorn

Image 23 of 70 Tupac Shakur: He made his name with L.A.'s Death Row Records, but Tupac Shakur was a product of Marin's meanest streets. Tupac Shakur: He made his name with L.A.'s Death Row Records, but Tupac Shakur was a product of Marin's meanest streets. Photo: Death Row

Image 24 of 70 Rancid: Rising from the ashes of the ska-punk outfit Operation Ivy, the band's sound updated the Clash's reggae rock to fit the world of suburban California. Rancid: Rising from the ashes of the ska-punk outfit Operation Ivy, the band's sound updated the Clash's reggae rock to fit the world of suburban California. Photo: Epitaph

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Image 26 of 70 4 Non Blondes: The San Francisco band scored a hit with 1993's "What's Up?" Linda Perry went on to write and produce hits for Pink and Christina Aguilera. 4 Non Blondes: The San Francisco band scored a hit with 1993's "What's Up?" Linda Perry went on to write and produce hits for Pink and Christina Aguilera. Photo: Interscope

Image 27 of 70 Engine 88: After releasing singles on its own label, the noise pop group jumped to Caroline for its 1995 debut, 'Clean Your Room.' Engine 88: After releasing singles on its own label, the noise pop group jumped to Caroline for its 1995 debut, 'Clean Your Room.' Photo: Caroline

Image 28 of 70 American Music Club: AMC belongs to an exclusive, unenviable club of bands that spent entire careers amassing critical acclaim and commercial indifference. American Music Club: AMC belongs to an exclusive, unenviable club of bands that spent entire careers amassing critical acclaim and commercial indifference. Photo: Warner Bros.

Image 29 of 70 NOFX: Originally from Los Angeles, the punk band relocated to San Francisco and released the gold album "Punk in Drublic" in 1994. NOFX: Originally from Los Angeles, the punk band relocated to San Francisco and released the gold album "Punk in Drublic" in 1994. Photo: Fat Wreck Chords

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Image 31 of 70 The Loved Ones: The Bay Area mod revival band, fronted by Bart Davenport, later splintered into club favorites the Supernaturals, the Kinetics and Mover. The Loved Ones: The Bay Area mod revival band, fronted by Bart Davenport, later splintered into club favorites the Supernaturals, the Kinetics and Mover. Photo: HighTone

Image 32 of 70 Paris: Boasting politically charged rhymes, Oscar Jackson Jr. broke out of the Bay Area with the controversy-baiting single, "Bush Killa." Paris: Boasting politically charged rhymes, Oscar Jackson Jr. broke out of the Bay Area with the controversy-baiting single, "Bush Killa." Photo: Priority

Image 33 of 70 Primus: The odd prog-rock trio led by bassist Les Claypool scored a hit with "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" and composed the theme song to South Park. Primus: The odd prog-rock trio led by bassist Les Claypool scored a hit with "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" and composed the theme song to South Park. Photo: Prawn Song

Image 34 of 70 Invisibl Skratch Piklz: Individually and as a crew, the members of the Piklz won countless competitions and influenced a generation of aspiring turntablists. Invisibl Skratch Piklz: Individually and as a crew, the members of the Piklz won countless competitions and influenced a generation of aspiring turntablists. Photo: Urb

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Image 36 of 70 Dance Hall Crashers: The East Bay ska band, which was originally formed by members of Operation Ivy, used to employ No Doubt as its opening act. Dance Hall Crashers: The East Bay ska band, which was originally formed by members of Operation Ivy, used to employ No Doubt as its opening act. Photo: MCA

Image 37 of 70 Charlie Hunter Trio: Guitarist Hunter, a Berkeley High graduate with a custom built 8-stringed instrument, was a prominent figure on the local jazz scene. Charlie Hunter Trio: Guitarist Hunter, a Berkeley High graduate with a custom built 8-stringed instrument, was a prominent figure on the local jazz scene. Photo: Prawn Song

Image 38 of 70 Hieroglyphics Crew: The East Bay hip-hop collective founded by the rapper Del tha Funkee Homosapien also launced Souls of Mischief. Hieroglyphics Crew: The East Bay hip-hop collective founded by the rapper Del tha Funkee Homosapien also launced Souls of Mischief. Photo: Heiroglyphics

Image 39 of 70 Mr. Big: Holdovers from the hair metal era, they tasted mainstream success with the power ballads "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart" and became superstars in Japan. Mr. Big: Holdovers from the hair metal era, they tasted mainstream success with the power ballads "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart" and became superstars in Japan. Photo: Atlantic

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Image 41 of 70 Pansy Division: One of San Francisco's prominently out punk acts, they shared the stage with mainstream artists like Rancid, Green Day and Supergrass. Pansy Division: One of San Francisco's prominently out punk acts, they shared the stage with mainstream artists like Rancid, Green Day and Supergrass. Photo: Lookout

Image 42 of 70 The Conscious Daughters: Female rap duo from Oakland, whose 1993 debut, 'Ear To The Street,' was championed by militant rapper Paris. The Conscious Daughters: Female rap duo from Oakland, whose 1993 debut, 'Ear To The Street,' was championed by militant rapper Paris. Photo: Scarface

Image 43 of 70 Hardkiss Brothers: The techno trio hosted underground parties, ran an independent label and delivered the classic 1995 dance album, 'Delusions of Grandeur.' Hardkiss Brothers: The techno trio hosted underground parties, ran an independent label and delivered the classic 1995 dance album, 'Delusions of Grandeur.' Photo: Urb

Image 44 of 70 Tribe 8: One of the Bay Area's pioneering queercore groups, known for its raucous (and frequently topless) live performances. Tribe 8: One of the Bay Area's pioneering queercore groups, known for its raucous (and frequently topless) live performances. Photo: Alternative Tentacles

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Image 46 of 70 E-40: Self-made millionaire and pivotal influence on the Bay Area rap scene. His sexy, slow-inflected drawl made "1-Luv" a radio staple in 1995. E-40: Self-made millionaire and pivotal influence on the Bay Area rap scene. His sexy, slow-inflected drawl made "1-Luv" a radio staple in 1995. Photo: Stik Wid It

Image 47 of 70 Smash Mouth: With family-friendly hits like 1997's "Walkin' on the Sun" and 1999's "All Star," this bowling-shirt-clad San Jose quartet got a huge boost from Hollywood. Smash Mouth: With family-friendly hits like 1997's "Walkin' on the Sun" and 1999's "All Star," this bowling-shirt-clad San Jose quartet got a huge boost from Hollywood. Photo: MCA

Image 48 of 70 The Mermen: The experimental surf music outfit featuring guitarist Jim Thomas drew comparisons to Dick Dale and Sonic Youth. The Mermen: The experimental surf music outfit featuring guitarist Jim Thomas drew comparisons to Dick Dale and Sonic Youth. Photo: Atlantic

Image 49 of 70 Swingin' Utters: This Santa Cruz punk band's 1995 release, "The Streets of San Francisco," clinched the best debut album gong at the BAMMIES. Swingin' Utters: This Santa Cruz punk band's 1995 release, "The Streets of San Francisco," clinched the best debut album gong at the BAMMIES. Photo: Fat Wreck Chords

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Image 51 of 70 Negativland: They merged U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" with the foul-mouthed outtakes of "American Top 40" announcer Casey Kasem. Negativland: They merged U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" with the foul-mouthed outtakes of "American Top 40" announcer Casey Kasem. Photo: SST

Image 52 of 70 Tony! Tone! Toni!: Oakland R&B family trio slicked up Motown for a new generation with such Top 40 hits as "Feels Good" and "Pillow (Lay Your Head on My)." Tony! Tone! Toni!: Oakland R&B family trio slicked up Motown for a new generation with such Top 40 hits as "Feels Good" and "Pillow (Lay Your Head on My)." Photo: Jive

Image 53 of 70 Jawbreaker: In 1995, the influential punk band signed to DGC, home of Nirvana and Sonic Youth. Jawbreaker: In 1995, the influential punk band signed to DGC, home of Nirvana and Sonic Youth. Photo: Communion

Image 54 of 70 Reader's pick: Brian Jonestown Massacre Reader's pick: Brian Jonestown Massacre Photo: TVT

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Image 56 of 70 Reader's pick: Luniz Reader's pick: Luniz Photo: Virgin

Image 57 of 70 Reader's pick: Limbomaniacs Reader's pick: Limbomaniacs Photo: Relativity

Image 58 of 70 Reader's pick: The Donnas Reader's pick: The Donnas Photo: Lookout Records

Image 59 of 70 Reader's pick: Sister Double Happiness Reader's pick: Sister Double Happiness Photo: Reprise

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Image 61 of 70 Reader's pick: Thinking Fellers Union Local #282, Reader's pick: Thinking Fellers Union Local #282, Photo: Matador

Image 62 of 70 Reader's pick: Broun Fellinis Reader's pick: Broun Fellinis

Image 63 of 70 Reader's pick: Consolidated Reader's pick: Consolidated Photo: Nettwerk

Image 64 of 70 Reader's pick: Cracker Reader's pick: Cracker Photo: Virgin

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Image 66 of 70 Reader's pick: The Trashwomen Reader's pick: The Trashwomen Photo: Estrus

Image 67 of 70 Reader's pick: The Meices Reader's pick: The Meices Photo: London

Image 68 of 70 Reader's pick: Stone Fox Reader's pick: Stone Fox Photo: Wolfgang\'s Vault

Image 69 of 70 Chris Isaak: The retro styled singer became famous for cavorting on the beach with a near-naked supermodel in the video for his hit "Wicked Game." Chris Isaak: The retro styled singer became famous for cavorting on the beach with a near-naked supermodel in the video for his hit "Wicked Game." Photo: Warner Bros.