Bands that were awful and then got awesome?
 

Someone had to start this one.

Someone might disagree, but I'm saying Labradford.

The first LPs were not so good (although not "awful" by any means) but since "E Luxo So" the things started to move up rapidly.

My Bloody Valentine

agree with that

That's who was in my head. BUt I dont know if they were awful. I'd say they were mediocre.

Can't think of any.

for some reason i feel inclined to say black dice. they started out as second rate teenage noisecore thugs, and become a wonderful experimental trio dabbing in everything from idm, post punk, synthesizers, hip hop, ambient, etc..

also, magik markers. those who still hate them will disagree obviously, but once again, a second rate noisecore band who seemed they were making noise for noise sakes. but then 'boss' came out, and they were able to maintain thier noise and hardcore backbone, while incorprating great guitar melodies, 70s psych rock influences, nice rhythms, hooks, and in my opinion thier secret weapon, elisa's lyrics (very poetic, wierd, etc..) and her voice which i think is unique as they come. anyways, from what was a totally run of the mill, guaranteed a spot on the no fun lineup, generic noisecore band, s now a psychedelic/hardcore/noise rock band with lots of potential me thinks. im sure plenty of you will disagree.

yeah, I'd agree on Black Dice. I remember a friend of mine had a lot of their early shiz, and was all about it and I couldnt get into it. By the time I saw them in 2002 they were getting far more interesting...

i wonder who supported sonic youth last time on the DDN gig in berlin. 2 guys one medium build, playing a synth and one thurstonesqe thinny guy playing stomboxes and I think kaoss pad. it wasnt that good...it wasnt wolf eyes I know for sure :) btw the concert chronology doesnt mention them at all

was it perhaps robedoor? theyre a duo and play wierd instruments and make tribalistic psych noise, and i know theyve been suporting sonic youth here and there. if it was, you should definitley give them another shot, theyre really good.

radiohead?

a lot of people dont like pablo honey or the bends.

Have thought about this some more......

...still can't think of any.

There are plenty of groups who started out okay and got a lot better, but I can't think of any that were AWFUL and it ended up being great...

Pavement. OH I WENT THERE

Ween were AWFUL then got awesome then got boring.

i did not see them play, but i seem to remember it was Birds of Delay.

The Bends is one of their best albums!

...

birds of delay supported sonic youth?!?!?!?!?!?!?! BOD are dilletantes and poseurs if ever any existed!

The difference between dinosaur jr's first album and YLAOM is a stunning accomplishment.

Radiohead