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:

 

 

Advertisements

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:

 

 

Those 90’s Songs: Local H- Bound For The Floor

I woke up this morning with Local H’s “Bound For The Floor” in my head. I have no idea how or why but, I’m sure glad I did. This is one of those 90’s songs that when you hear it, you can’t help but crank it up and then sing along. The track was released in 1996 on Local H’s album As Good As Dead, which is quite a damn good album. “Bound For The Floor” has gone on to be the bands most popular single since it’s release. This song is another wonderful example of a great song and from a legendary time.

Local H- Bound For The Floor:

 

Local H- As Good As Dead:

Those 90’s Songs: Warren G- Regulate

Oh 1994, you brought us so many wonderful things musically that are forever remembered and revered. One such thing that I’ve always loved is the song “Regulate” by Warren G featuring Nate Dogg (R.I.P.). I still remember hearing this song and seeing the for the first time and thinking it was so good and cool. It was also so different from all the rock and metal I was into. “Regulate” is one of those songs that is so fondly remembered. It’s also one of those songs that when it’s played while you are out and about, you can’t help but to sing along. The “G-Funk Era” was quite cool and brought with it a vibe that just fit in perfectly with Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle and so many other great hip hop records at the time. So sit back and enjoy this sweet sweet jam.

Warren G featuring Nate Dogg- Regulate:

 

Those 90’s Songs: The Verve Pipe- The Freshmen

I was thinking the other day while being nostalgic about the 90’s about all those bands that had “that one” song you heard and thought, “oh this isn’t bad” or ” hmmm maybe I’ll check out the album.” There are tons of those songs that take you back to that time and that is what this new topic is all about.

For the first entry into this, I thought it would be fun to revisit the song “The Freshmen” by The Verve Pipe, not to be mistaken for The Verve.  First recorded in 1992, the song was later re-recorded and became the band’s breakthrough hit in early 1997. The track reached number one on the Alternative Rock charts along with number 5 on the Hot 100 charts. It’s one of those songs that is instantly recognizable and definitely takes you back over 20 years. I know many of you have heard it and some of you probably have the song on a mix cd of some sort. Anyways, take a trip back and enjoy this 90’s classic.

 

The Verve Pipe- The Freshmen: