REM were fantastic...not sure if they come under 80's or 90's though. Losing my Religion is still banging in my car
Ritual de lo Habitual is a seminal album. I used to shag two wild art students when that Album first came out, good memories.
The Kettle Whistle album has a live version of Jane Says that is utterly brilliant, it has steel drums playing in the background, go find and listen straight away it'll be worth it.
One of my favourite music scenes was the Alternative Rock one in Boston/Massachusetts in the 90s led by the mighty Pixies of course...