Those 90’s Songs: The Verve- Bitter Sweet Symphony

I’m sure we all have certain songs that are forever in your head. Doesn’t matter the genre or anything, they just pop up from time to time. This morning while getting ready for work I heard a strange beat in my house and then the next thing I knew, The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” started playing in my head and there I was singing along. Since the songs release in 1997, it’s been stuck in my head. The more you listen to the song too, you really start to realize how great of a song it is as well as the lasting impact it’s had. It’s also a very quintessential song of the 90’s and should be celebrated as such. One of the coolest things involving the publishing of this song actually happened recently too. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, signed over all their publishing for Bittersweet Symphony. Finally giving songwriter Richard Ashcroft the credit he deserves. Even as far back as 1999, Keith Richards was quoted as saying  “I’m out of whack here, this is serious lawyer shit. If the Verve can write a better song, they can keep the money.”

No matter what though, we can all agree this is a great song and very 90’s!

The Verve- Bitter Sweet Symphony:

 

Those 90’s Songs: Jawbox- Iodine

There are certain songs that take you back. During the 90’s there were so many great bands that were highly acclaimed but truly never got their due. Jawbox is one of those bands. They had the songs and talent but, sadly didn’t have the label support, thus causing things to not go their way. No matter what though, Jawbox left a lasting legacy of great songs and albums. This morning while on my way to work with my iPod on random, I heard a song I haven’t heard in some time and once it started, it immediately took me back to 1996. The song is “Iodine” from Jawbox’s self titled (and final) album. This song is undoubtedly one of the best songs I’ve ever heard from this band. It’s melancholy yet sweet and full of life. “Iodine” is also one of those songs that if it were released today would probably be huge.

Jawbox- Iodine (from Jawbox):

 

Those 90’s Songs: 311- Beautiful Disaster

Back in 1997, 311, released Transistor, the follow up to their break through self titled album. There was one song on the album that has always been a favorite of mine.  The song is “Beautiful Disaster” and it rocks. The intro is beyond recognizable anytime you hear the first few notes and the vibe the song emits, has this flow to it that is perfectly 90’s but, still sounds fresh today. Interestingly, “Beautiful Disaster” was the third and final single released from the album.

311- Beautiful Disaster:

 

Those 90’s Songs: The Flys- Got You (Where I Want You)

Towards the late 90’s there were so many bands on rock radio that had “that” song that you will always remember. You might not recall the name of the band or the song but, the melody or riff is something that has stuck in your head for a long time. One song that is like that for me is “Got You (Where I Want You)” by The Flys. I’ve always remembered the song title but never the band name. You might even recall the song being featured in the movie, Disturbing Behavior, starring Katie Holmes and James Marsden. No matter what, this is one of those 90’s songs that will always take you back to that time.

 

The Flys- Got You (Where I Want You):

 

Those 90’s Songs: Nada Surf- Popular

The year is 1996 and alternative rock music is at the forefront of the charts. A band from New York has released their debut album High/Low, and the first single and video is starting to really make a name for this group. The band I’m talking about is Nada Surf and the song is called “Popular.” I’m sure you remember this song. I know I do. The song and album was produced by Ric Ocasek (of The Cars) who had most recently produced Weezer’s “Blue” album. The song is interesting because of it’s structure and lyrics.  The whole song, except for the chorus, are parts made up from the 1964 teen advice book Penny’s Guide to Teen-Age Charm and Popularity, written by television actress Gloria Winters.  The excerpts are spoken in a sarcastic tone by the band’s vocalist Matthew Caws. “Popular” became a mainstay on MTV because of it’s video. The video was directed by Jesse Peretz (Foo Fighters, The Breeders, The Lemonheads, etc) and featured the band members in roles as a teacher, security guard and football coach. The plot of the video consisted of an attractive female cheerleader, taking the teacher’s lesson on popularity literally; by two-timing two different football players behind each of their respective backs, under the notion that she deserves “every boy in the whole world” by following that teacher’s “Teenage guide to popularity.” Only in the video’s ironic conclusion, is it revealed that the two players are actually friends and have both been with the attractive cheerleader.

So enjoy this classic 90’s jam!

 

Nada Surf- Popular:

 

 

Those 90’s Songs: Mazzy Star- Fade Into You

 

The song is Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You.” To this day, any time this song comes on, I feel the need to blast the hell out of it. This song is one of my all time favorites and it’s without a doubt one of the best songs of the 90’s. Plus the whole album So Tonight That I Might See, is one of the most quintessential albums of the 1990’s. “Fade Into You” is the type of song that can be perfect for many different occasions. To name a few there’s the happy I’m in love moment, the sad melancholy one, and my personal favorite, the last song of the night. It’s a perfect song. The lyrics, the music, melody, vocals, production, everything. It’s just one of those songs that when you hear it, it brings you to a place that just takes over. So take a few minutes and enjoy this wonderful song!

Mazzy Star- Fade Into You:

 

 
Mazzy Star- So Tonight That I Might See:

Those 90’s Songs: Cracker- Low

 

Those songs you heard back in the 90’s really have a lasting impression. At times I find myself randomly singing a part of some song from that time. One song that I can’t seem to get out of my head is “Low” by Cracker. The song from the bands 1993 album, Kerosene Hat, has become one of the 90’s most recognizable songs. The song itself is a catchy yet keeps with the alternative nature of the band. David Lowery’s voice is the perfect compliment to this song as well.  The memorable video had singer David Lowery losing a boxing match to comedian/actress Sandra Bernhard. I still remember that video. The song has also been featured in countless films and TV Shows like Hindsight, Rectify, The Wolverine, and The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (which on a personal note, is my favorite book and the film is pretty damn good as well). So take  a moment and revisit this classic 90’s jam.

 
Cracker- Low: