Before I get to the actual review of this album, I need to take an issue with the theme.

Not only is the title misleading, it makes no sense. First, rock has only been around since the 1950s. Second, MTV started in 1981. So this should say something about rock in the MTV era. But since pretty much everything here is from 1990-96, the title is meaningless. It should be called MTV: Some Good Yet Overplayed Alternative Songs From The Early 1990s.

Now then, this collection purports to round up big alternative hits during the grunge/alt-rock explosion of that decade. Because of the usual licensing, nothing worthwhile is present (such as Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Nirvana, Dave Matthews, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and so forth). You have one-hit wonders, early tracks by names you know, and a sense of fun pervading all the songs.

Beck's quirky "Devil's Haircut" opens things up with a bang, followed by Garbage's "Stupid Girl," which breezes by, and "I'll Stick Around," Dave Grohl's "tribute" to Courtney Love. This stuff was among the best of mainstream rock of the middle of the decade, once the alternative label had ceased to exist.

"Santa Monica" by Everclear makes an appearance, as does Candlebox's underrated "Far Behind," and Counting Crows turn in "Round Here." Following these is "Hey Jealousy" by the Gin Blossoms and "Cannonball" by the Breeders, which hooks the listener on first listen with a buoyant beat and great vocals.

"Right Here, Right Now" by Jesus Jones makes an appearance, followed by a live version of "Epic" by Faith No More. Jane's Addiction turns in "Been Caught Stealing," while the Chili Peppers offer "Higher Ground," their excellent cover of the Stevie Wonder classic. A better Peppers song would have been welcome, but this one will do.

Next up is The Cult's "Fire Woman," which is the only misstep -- it sounds good, but it should have been replaced with the far superior "She Sells Sanctuary." The disc then winds down with R.E.M.'s "Orange Crush," "New Sensation" by INXS and the Pretenders' "Brass in Pocket," the only song on here before 1988.

So what you ultimately have is the playlist for the 90s Sirius/XM satellite radio station but without any of the big names, hip hop or electronica that defined rock in the 90s. Still, for a primer of 90s rock music, this isn't too bad if you happen across it.