There are some bands that just never get a fair shake. Groups whose critical acclaim and unbelievable songs seem never to reach an audience outside of core fans and record store clerks. Bands whose greatest legacy is in their influence of OTHER bands.

THE GO-BETWEENS, at least on OUR shores, have always been one of those bands.

It could be argued that, sans Go-Betweens, there would BE no indiepop scene. You see, the Aussie band has been doing it since their first record in 1981. Their trademark sound, led by the great duo of Grant (GW) McLennan & Robert Forster has long influenced a stream of fantastic bands.

Last night, Grant McLennan died in his sleep. It won't even make a small blurb in your local paper. Yet the shock waves to the world of indie music are far and wide-reaching. Already tributes are pouring into the Go-Betweens website from bands like Teenage Fanclub, Belle & Sebastian, The Church, etc., as well as record labels like Jeepster and March.

What makes Grant's untimely death all the more shocking and hard to cope with is that, after almost a 10-year hiatus, the Go-Betweens reformed in 2000 and have been putting out arguably their best music to date in the years since.

Rest in peace, Grant. Thanks for the stellar music. Our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the Go-Betweens.