These are the Alternative Rock Hits for 1996 that reached #1. This is the second of three Rock Charts; this one started in September 1988. The distinctions are fuzzy to me.
Swallowed – Bush, seven weeks at #1; also #2 on the mainstream rock charts (M) for two weeks, and #27 as an album cut on the pop charts
Standing Outside A Phone Booth with Money in My Hand – Primitive Radio Gods, six weeks at #1. Also, #32 M, and #10 as an album cut on the pop charts. I was largely unfamiliar with it. I love the sample from the 1964 B.B. King song “How Blue Can You Get
Champagne Supernova – Oasis, five weeks at #1. Also, #8 M, and #20 as an album cut on the pop charts. My working theory is that a number of folks own one Oasis album, and that it’s (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? It is true of me.
Salvation – The Cranberries, four weeks at #1. Also #25 M and #21 as an album cut on the pop charts. Some folks thought the song was too preachy. I own the first three Cranberries albums. This song is from the third one, To the Faithful Departed.
Ironic – Alanis Morissette, three weeks at #1. Also #18 M and #4 pop.
Mother Mother – Tracy Bonham, three weeks at #1. Also #18 M and #32 as an album cut on the pop charts.
Pepper – Butthole Surfers, three weeks at #1. Also #19 M, and #26 as an album cut on the pop charts. The group has existed since 1981? I continue to be mildly amused that, when I read aloud the word Butthole, my Microsoft Surface Laptop changes it to ****
What I Got – Sublime, three weeks at #1. Also #11 M and #29 as an album cut on the pop charts.
The rest are #1 for one week
1979 – Smashing Pumpkins. Also #1 for two weeks M, and #12 pop.
Counting Blue Cars – Dishwalla. Also #2 M for four weeks and #15 pop.
Who You Are– Pearl Jam. Also #5 M and #31 pop.