The Old MTV and Music Videos of the 90′s

Once upon a time there was an MTV, an MTV that was so good, it was the main reason you begged your parents to get you cable. MTV was a just and understanding network; it gradually ushered the 90′s kids to adulthood, spent afternoons with us at the most awkward part of our lives, and at the same time humiliated us by making us watch the Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls. Don’t you miss the old days when watching Nadya Hutagalung all day was what we would call a day well spent?

The reason why her show was called "MTV's Most Wanted"

Fast forward to the year 2000. Suddenly there was college, the internet became huge, and well, no more slacking off at home watching cable. MTV waited for you, but all you did was get on with your life (how could you?).

A few years later, you decided to see your old friend. You prayed that they finally kicked that annoying bastard Mike Kasem and that other short haired Indonesian girl out.

That was when the horrifying truth punched you in the face. Gone was everything you liked about MTV, replaced by shows which had nothing to do with music. Reality shows became big, and MTV became a shell if its former self. In short it became crappy.

For some reason, even the music videos shown from this point onwards were simply not as inspired as how they were in the 90′s. Now call me a guy who’s probably just getting old, but think about it:  Aren’t you getting tired of how hiphop videos are made at present? It’s all about booty shaking, drugs and acting all gangsta or something. Do you still enjoy emo music videos filled with men wearing eyeliner and crying about everything? Aren’t you tired of Katie Perry singing about how she kissed a girl and how she liked it?

Let us revisit the time when Mariah Carey had clothes on and music videos were awesome and didn’t rely on tits, ass and lesbian references for popularity.

Presidents of the United States of America – Peaches

Yes, there was a time when you could get away with a song about fruit. You have to admit that this video is automatically great with the presence of ninjas. This example shows the simplicity of music videos of the past, and you can’t help but think how much they enjoyed making this one.

Run DMC – It’s Like That

This one may bring back memories of your older brother dancing like an idiot to this song. This is probably one of the most popular “dance-off” videos made in the 90′s.

TLC – Waterfalls

Besides having the “Predator” camo effects, this video shows the harsh realities of life, mainly the dangers of life on the streets and AIDS. Really great video, especially the first half.

Radiohead – Karma Police

Shit shit shit, I almost forgot to include this song. This video mainly shows a car chasing a sweaty fat man. What is the karma here? Fat man gonna get run over as karma? Or is it the car/car driver trying to run over the helpless man but gets burned instead? Excellent song and video.

Migraine Boy

I know I know, not a music video, but this showed the quirkiness of MTV at the time. Good stuff!

Jamiroquai – Virtual Insanity

I remember this video being stuck at #1 for a very long time. I hated it at first but it grew on me after a while. Good moves by Jamiroquai and moving floor+furniture… almost makes me ignore the hat.

U2 – Discotheque

Yeah U2, “The Biggest Band in the World”. Say what you want about this song but this video is great; kind of like an homage and at the same time a parody of the 70′s Village People.

Blur – Song 2

Song 2, also known as “that 2 minute song”. This one rocked so much even when it only took random stuff, a strong fan and the band throwing themselves to carpeted walls with the help of a harness to produce the video.

So that’s all I can remember for now. Point is, music videos were really great when they didn’t follow a shit formula. Those days may be missed, but they will never be forgotten.