By Josh Bell
Mandalay Bay Beach 8 p.m. June 30, $40 plus tax and fee. 702.632.7580
We’ve officially reached critical mass for ’90s nostalgia. Anyone who grew up during the heyday of alternative rock is probably feeling mighty old this summer, as tours playing on memories of that era are hitting venues around the U.S., including the Summerland Tour 2012, featuring ’90s acts Everclear, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit and Marcy Playground.
Headed up by singer/guitarist/songwriter Art Alexakis, Everclear had its biggest hit with 1995’s “Santa Monica,” and got airplay for other singles including “I Will Buy You a New Life” and “Father of Mine.” Sugar Ray may be best known these days for Mark McGrath’s efforts as a TV personality, but they also had their share of hits, including “Fly” and later breezy pop-rock songs like “Every Morning” and “Someday.”
Gin Blossoms’ (pictured) “Hey Jealousy” and “Til I Hear It From You,” Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Miserable” and Marcy Playground’s “Sex and Candy” help fill out the bill with familiar sounds. If the time has come for ’90s nostalgia, at least it’s in service of hearing some great songs.
