Not a lot of posting happening on a Saturday night, most webbies are busy getting their funs on. Bully for them. Me, I always seem to have a free moment on this popular night, so here's my inaugural post for the "Saturday Night Shut-in Club," where I will broach a music topic and dazzle you with my limited knowledge and pedantic presentation.

In a welcome turn of events, my 4-week-old took a break from her nightly 45-minute scream-fest which kicks off once her mom leaves the room and ends when mom is done gently putting the 3-year-old to beddy-bye. So, baby girl decided to nap in my arms instead of wailing — awesome — and I took advantage by watching a bunch of music videos On Demand.

I was instantly disturbed by all the teens they showed in the "young lovin'" videos made by the alternative, indie and punk bands. You would think these not-in-the-popular-crowd kids would have made a point to cast authentic looking, alterna-teens in their little narratives, but oddly, most did not. The majority of these actors were chiseled and tanned "One Tree Hill" model types who threw on some Hot Topic clothes, some fake tats and a healthy dose of black eyeliner to fit the part. Ugh.

This got me thinking, "What is the most realistic video portraying teens in a boy meets girls story?" The answer: "Used for Glue" by the almighty and short-lived Rivals Schools . The beauty of this 3-minute mini masterpiece is the fact that the song is not a love song. It's epically rocking and a love motif is not expected. The band Rival Schools is playing a happenin' summer party where normal kids are just chilling, skating, drinking and eyeing each other up for some possible hook ups and procuring of digits.

The girl is cute: no make-up, no fancy clothes, just an air of sweet normality and hope. The boy, pretty much the same. That's the set-up, now behold the majesty:

Perfect ending, right? Great kiss, great song, great vibe, great connection... simple and honest elation. This brings me back to the too-few nights of my youth where something magical like this actually happened. Where the stars align and a girl surprisingly takes you up on the offer of one of your warm cans of Busch and you chill out together innocently while everyone else buzzes about around you and you just tune them out. You're both in a giddy haze, time stops, and you just connect . Ahhh... thank you beer for the assist!

So that's my favorite romantic music video? How' about you? Comment? Since we're all in the loving mood now, here's a quick list of my favorite indie rock love songs (plus one classic rock gem):

• "Sweet Avenue" by Jets to Brazil
• "Always Love" by Nada Surf
• "You Are The Everything" by R.E.M.
• "The Dress Looks Nice On You" by Sufjan Stevens
• "Think (Let Tomorrow Bee)" by Sebadoh
• "Skyway" by The Replacements
• "Chesterfield Kings" by Jawbreaker
• "The Way" by Bonnie Prince Billy
• "The Reasons" by The Weakerthans
• "Let My Love Open The Door" by Pete Townshend

More Music and Pop Culture Musings on www.usedwigs.com

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GrittyMcScruff says:

Ive never seen any of these videos so I don't have much to offer...but Sweet Avenue is a pretty great tune.

Posted 3 months ago | Delete

Wade says:

skyway, nice choice

Posted 3 months ago | Delete