Grunge is a stupid label. But there were some great great bands to come from that scene...Mudhoney, The Fluid, Nirvana, the Melvins, Screaming Trees. Of course these bands paved the way for the Nickelbacks, Creeds and 3 Doors Downs of today. It's the way of the world kids.
And Hutch your dissertation is stupid. I'll take real over a smile or "fun" any day of the week. Sincerity is what's important, whatever the message being conveyed is.
If there's one thing in the world that pisses me it's a bunch of pollyannas telling me I should be having good time, cuz you know, life ain't all pony rides and puppy dogs.
To me life and the world are equally beautiful and fucked, equally triumphant and tragic.