Sometimes I truly wonder how certain songs pop in my head. Out of the clear blue a part of a song just appears in my mind and from that point, it’s on. Yesterday while working from home, the song “How’s It Going To Be” by Third Eye Blind just suddenly happened to come through. It’s strange. I wasn’t listening to anything in that realm either but, it was a nice change of pace. After the song popped in my head, I went back and listened to their debut album. I forgot how many good songs are on that one and that’s not just the singles. The album still holds up to this day.
There are so many 90s songs that pop up at random times. Most of them these days I keep finding in movies and I chuckle at the scenes these songs are used in. Plus it is pretty fun to go back and look into the band and song history of these songs. The other evening while searching for something mindless to watch before bed, I noticed the first American Pie was on so, I watched it. The movie still has some funny moments and it’s good for a nostalgic laugh. And then, this song came on and I immediately knew I had to include it in this topic. Who else remembers the song “Flagpole Sitta” by Harvey Danger? I’m sure you don’t necessarily remember the name of the song or the band but, when you hear the song, it all comes back to you. It’s quite interesting too that this song is still highly requested on radio stations today but, many people still don’t remember who the band is that sang it nor the actual name of the song.
It’s strange how sometimes, certain songs just pop in your head out of thin air. This morning, while just getting ready for to start the day, the Blur song, “Song 2” just randomly started playing in my head. It’s such a simple song but, it sure does get you going the moment you hear it. Interestingly, the song was written as sort of a joke towards the bands label. Not surprising though. And, it’s also worth noting that this song appears on the fifth (yes, 5th) album of Blur’s career. Still, since 1997, this song has been quite the rock anthem. So, now that I have you attention, enjoy this 2 minutes and 2 seconds of Woohoo!
This is a strange week for songs popping in my head. For some reason this morning when I awoke, I had the riff for “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz playing in my head. So, naturally, I put the song on and I was immediately taken back to 1993. I still think the video for this song is pretty cool with all the lights and camera angles. The great Mark Romanek did a killer job on the video, that’s for sure. The song though, it’s one hell of a good jam. The moment the song starts, it’s no wonder “Are You Gonna Go My Way” is one of those 90’s songs that will always take you back to that time.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
AUDIOECLECTICA 