Now that "alternative" rock has been mainstream of about 15 years, what exactly is it the alternative to

Question

Alternative began in the '80's as, literally, an alternative to vacuous mainstream rock. Has it not now become the thing that it, by definition, opposes? It should be stripped of its label and be given a more accurate one. Does anyone have some suggestions? I'd make a suggestion, but I think the Nickelback fans wouldn't like it very much.

Answer 1

This one's easy - "Pop Rock". The artists will hate it, but that's exactly what it is. When everyone sings like Kurt Cobain or Eddie Vedder, it's no longer an "alternative".

Answer 2

I'm big alternative rock fan. But I think that alternative rock can be seperated into two groups. Your mainstream bands, like Nickelback, Good Charlotte, The Killers, etc and than those bands that one could say is still on the fringe of mainstream. I personally, listen to a local college radio station (The River 89.9 FM) and they play a wide range of music from several genre's and what I like most is that they support the local bands.
But you're right, alternative music has become mainstream, but since the '80's that the type of music that sells and you can't blame the bands to want to make money by creating the music and songs that are the 'in' thing at the moment.