Material Issue - Valerie Loves Me

[@2AM_Radio]

Valerie was a girl who lived in an upstairs apartment above Jim as a kid, or young teen. Jim's mom said she used to make a lot of noise above them, even quoting while laughing in the Material Issue documentary that "Jim might haved loved Valerie but we didn't" and that she believes it was Jim's first love. "Valerie's dancing, in a room above my bed you know". The lyrics paint the picture. I once asked Bass player Ted Ansani if he knew if Valerie ever knew this song was about her. He said he didn't think so. Which always gets me thinking...Somewhere out there, there is a woman named Valerie, who might have even sung this song in her lifetime, that has no idea, its was written for her and how much of an impact she had on him. R.I.P. Jim and Patricia (Jim's mom).

[@andrewhild4428]

its soooo crazy !!! life we do things that we dont think about ... that can potentially impact other ppl ... just be yourself .. right?

[@Jezabel7818]

Yes how we do things later in life or say things because of an enormous or maybe tiny imprint another left on our ♥️, and that other has no clue how significant they really are/were

[@Jan-vw6tu]

Yes, to this day.I still shake my head in frustration. And wonder what and why. Sucks terribly

[@Sioakela]

Oh wow, his mum, Patricia Wegner passed away also! :( The documentary wasn't even released too long ago.

[@csealand]

Thank you for the information.

[@LPJack02]

RIP Jim Ellison (April 18, 1964 - June 20, 1996), aged 32 You will be remembered as a legend.

[@normrosen9404]

Age 32... God damn it

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

Saw them on NYE in Chicago in '93 Great night.

[@etoppsportcards]

Him and Josh from School of Fish. Gone too soon.

[@MsKITCATTY]

😢😢

[@georgestewart4285]

I was lucky enough to see them play on at least three different occasions in the 90's. Like most of us, i got married, had children and was all wrapped up with being a family man. Then several years ago, I found my Material Issue cassettes and found a cassette player and re-lived my twenty's. With the internet I learned that Jim had passed almost twenty years ago. I've since downloaded all of the albums on my iphone and I listen to Material Issue several times a week. The one thing I really loved about this group was Jim always told the crowd what inspired him to write each song. My favorite song is Valerie Loves Me, it seemed to mean a lot to him as well. It also makes me sad to think that such a gifted person left us.

[@patdisaster8543]

Material Issue played Laredo TX....in 1990....they saw the crowd ...punker ..skate...goth and metal kids......so they tuned down....fuzzed out an' speeded up.....we had a slam going alot of energy and fun....we were starved for live rock....at the time.

[@jkrenz77]

Got my cassette from Columbia Music where you got 12 cassettes for 1 cent. Used to order those to random houses. LOL.

[@jkrenz77]

Had NO idea he passed. How sad! 😞

[@ralphlazio505]

@George Steward - Jim passed away 20 years ago. Wow… 😞 He was young right? I didn’t know. What was the cause of his passing?

[@beerexpert3152]

@@ralphlazio505 The cause of Jim's passing was suicide.

[@stevereed1067]

Whom is still listening in 2020? Song reminds of me when I was young and had no worries of getting older. How Time Flys

[@andrewm6244]

Steve Reed as a 16 year old, this scares me

[@Desertskyobservatoy1925]

Definitely a time when we had no worries, and a little cash and imagination went a long way.

[@davidmcnamara3227]

Who.

[@kylekasallis7389]

Thats my moms cousin

[@hzam377]

Agreed!

[@briangarrett6510]

Valerie still loves me in 2024. Pure power pop in it's truest form. Love the last scene of this video. 😊

[@cisumsevolbor]

I was in a very short-lived band in 1998, called “The Capguns,” and played drums and backing vocals. We covered this song. I would have never known this song if it hadn’t been for that band. So I am glad, real glad actually, to come here now and find a few “here in 2024” comments to tap on! Hello from Cincinnati.

[@JL-iu7fk]

The love of my life loved this song which was unusual because he usually liked much heavier music, nothing like this. It breaks my heart & As I often play it sitting on his grave. Sometimes I pretend He's watching & I dance for him. We started dating before either of us could drive. He died after 25 years of always loving me & I will always love him, no drinking or smoking, 25 years was not long ENOUGH! Luckily, he'll never know what I look liked after 40.

[@notalegalalien]

you look great..

[@Sioakela]

How did he pass? So sorry. Such a beautifully written feeling

[@dudleydudley8645]

he was lucky...you were lucky

[@justsum1292]

OMG, that's so heartbreaking, sweetheart 🌹🌹🌹🌹 awww

[@luis_9351]

So....u wanna hook up or what ??

[@javiercarlos5186]

This is one of those rare songs that, no matter your favorite genre may be, is on everyone's play list

[@omaresteban7047]

Yup

[@beviaart]

that "valerie love me" at 2:29....you can sense the pain of love that is not reciprocated in his voice.

[@Scott-DJ]

... a feeling which ultimately killed him unfortunately :(

[@CharlesDourdy]

you can almost hear the straight jacket and psychiatrist couch creak.

[@brianezell5790]

Scott Muhlbaier the lead singer of this band died?

[@quinnrivera5075]

Brian Ezell he killed himself

[@krissisu1111]

Story of my life...

[@jackhandy1039]

Anyone listening 2023? You'd be pretty cool of you did.

[@tombeckner404]

every damn day!!

[@treasross8377]

Here in 2024

[@xbabalonx]

😍😍

[@paulpennington-mv7rt]

Not important. No one cares. But I found it again now and for 3 mins I can be OK.

[@andrew.hamsterdad]

2024 and beyond sweet love vibes all the way ✨️ 💖 💕

[@Itsyaboy88]

Their song Diane was written about my aunt. He took his own life in the subdivision i grew up in. Very sad.

[@wheresholiday]

My heart hurts… RIP my friend

[@MY_ONLYFAN]

LETS GO! with this JAM.. The heart never gets old.. 2024

[@BedlamAndBones]

'International Pop Overthrow' is a fucking masterpiece.

[@davidcoleman913]

Garrett Johnson I can remember listening to this when I was in college 25 yrs ago. Awesome!!

[@davidcoleman913]

Garrett Johnson agreed. I was the first of my friends to start listening to them in 1989

[@daveshuck2722]

I stole this album from a friend. Phil, I regret nothing!

[@thomashildum3444]

@@daveshuck2722 best steal ever!!

[@efrainrodriguez78]

KROQ Flashbacks, Rebel house parties...L.A in the late 90's

[@DM-ft5bv]

Efrain Rodriguez Fucking A, I grew up in LA and remember them vividly. Maybe we were at the same house parties

[@aromanmcse]

Efrain, you must've caught the rebel house parties at the tail end of things. I was going to those parties in the early 90's in LA - Harley boots, jeans, white Tshirt and a plaid button down with the sleeves cut off. haha! fun times!

[@aromanmcse]

almost forgot to mention the pompadour!!! woohoo!!!

[@jorgie110]

Don't forget the wallet chain....

[@jaimehernandez8727]

the good old days..501s crew member here in the days, the jams

[@darrylgoodwin7947]

The riff before the chorus is brilliant simplicity. I've always been jealous of it.

[@Morgancorvett]

Always my dance song!!! I’m 49 today and 28 again!!! 🤩🥳🤩

[@Kittendownloads]

My man Simple Jack oute here spitting bars.

[@l82theparty4]

Just heard this in a fast food restaurant . Lost all concentration. Here I am on you tube screaming “ Valerie loves me” ! Forgot about this one!!

[@suburbanhombre]

I remember this great track from my time living in Corpus Christi, Texas. Now today I learned that the Tragically Hip song “Escape is at Hand for the Travelling Man” was written about the relationship between Gord Downie and Jim Ellison and Gord’s grief over Jim’s death. Haunting. I’ll raise a glass to both of these great artists.

[@kylehegedus5498]

R.I.P. Jim Ellison and Gord Downie

[@dathorndike4908]

dude- I never knew that .thanks

[@shruggzdastr8-facedclown]

R.i.P. to Gord as well

[@77justluigi]

I haven’t heard this song in many many years. Oh what great times I’m still here for it. 8/29/24

[@valeriehoffman933]

i remember my very first serious boyfriend bought me this Tape, which i still have...and we saw you in concert at the Metro ..such a sad ending to your story.

[@sylviarippey6488]

I had the cassette too. ❤

[@thedrummingkangaroo3263]

I met them before they played Bogarts in Long Beach, CA., nearly 30 years ago. They were so nice -- signed some concert posters, let me snap photos before & during their gig, and Jim was kind enough to pose for photos with both me & my friend Mark after the show. I was gobsmacked when I learned that he had died by suicide. The photos are in an album; the posters are in a frame; the memories of that night are in my head (and journal); and the music is in my heart. ❤

[@johndean4727]

He had more to give. 💙 in your HEART. great story. Maybe one of the best songs ever written.

[@bethstubb5544]

Yes I was at that show too. The opening band was friends of mine and the lightning guy Brad too. Brad did lighting for Material Issue, Concrete Blonde etc!! This show was awesome!! Go Big Dog!

[@arober2]

How beautifully described…

[@theirishgirl6809]

Awe, I'm a Valerie and I love this song!

[@valeriehoffman933]

same

[@_ENDURE_]

Well, then, Valeries, this one is dedicated to ya’ll.🌹✌️

[@valeriebriggs3191]

I'm a Valerie too. I just learned about this song and I love it!

[@virnied.sanchez8868]

Bittersweet memories remain forever ingrained.

[@jeffreyellis6730]

Wow! I haven't heard this in YEARS. Totally forgot about it.

[@JohnColucci88]

I found out about these guys from a documentary on Material issue, on Night Flight Plus

[@idkwhoknows8142]

Ahh! The late 80's for me. Dallas. Great, great memories only I still listen to it.

[@MiaMeezy]

RIP Jim E. Gone too some. Steve loving Material Issue

[@Kristi314159]

I worked with the drummer at VTI -- Mike Zelenko. Such a sweet and gentle soul, Smart and seriously artistic. Saw him in concert a few times- really relaxed and good drummer. Nothing but good memories.

[@little.bear344]

This song was my world during the 90's.

[@hugoprimera937]

When life was young and the future was your ostyer and not your clam.

[@Moon-it8ij]

And we had hope

[@bbjeebies]

one of my favorites!! it kills me that someone so beautiful and talented left so soon.

[@frankcalabrese7074]

bbjeebies i didnt know...fuck!!!

[@bobosputnik]

Ione Skye! Perfect for this song. What a great power pop banger. Saw Material Issue several times in Chicago and St. Louis. Great hooks and killer sound.

[@blackbird5634]

the same year i climbed out the window into a new world, and a new life. Worth every single step after that, every mistake, every misstep, all of it worth it. Climb out your window, down the drainpipe, walk away from it all. Just go. And get on with living.

[@JusticeForDutch]

Rest in Peace Jim. Hope you found peace.

[@CostanzaKramer1]

Love this song. Teddy, if your reading this, your dad's awesome!

[@JL-rc9ro]

Wow I was in high school when this came out. Still sounds good in 2018. RIP Jim

[@jiffypill]

Hung out with them after a concert in Atlanta back in the early 90's. My best friend was obsessed with them, so it was the highlight of her year. Great band ~ still love their music.

[@davidschlessinger9945]

me too

[@dkstojentin]

Such an excellent, simple song.

[@DarthD00bius]

This video makes me nostalgic for the 90s in a big way.

[@Mmgleed]

Woke up at four am with this song in my head... don't know why, haven't heard it in a while, but will always be one of my favorites

[@Scorpio_Moonshine]

I use to listen to this repeatedly on my Walkman during high school 🏃‍♀️ for track & field practice. Every time he yelled, "Valerie LOVES ME!!" I'd get so pumped.

[@danielherrera-mata3900]

this song always stoped me in my tracks whenever the infamous q101 radio station in chicago played it specially during their eventually defunct and cancelled retro hour at noon i mean the way he would scream the part after the guitar whine ,,,,,, valerie loves me,,,,,,,, classic real dope rock n roll shit

[@juliusebola9389]

@Nirvana9999 Bbhhh Robert Chase and Samantha James

[@brianloftus563]

Yur right

[@peacevibes7]

Yes! Back when Q101 Was Alternative.. before they sold out :p Bwhaha, was great, they even played Ween.

[@erikknezevich3619]

Exactly where I first heard it. Best hour of the day back then.

[@jeffsampson3796]

A lot of great bands from Chicago late 80s/early 90s.

[@mithosmoon]

Such a huge talent. His voice was so pure. Such great song writing in sort of Dwight Twilley power pop tradition but also breaking landscapes for alternative rock. If there been someone for him he would be still alive and we would have been granted so many more songs 🖤

[@valeriebarajas5172]

My parents named me Valerie after this song!!! (More like my dad did)

[@justsum1292]

Oh, wow😉😉

[@MeatGD]

Wow

[@jamiemollozzi5280]

Valerie Barajas awesome parents

[@michelleeverett8125]

I hope he meant you would have a lot of love in your life, and would even be happy when you are older and have gray hair, with beautiful memories of hope and triumph, freedom, power and importance. I once loved a girl who treated me this way, and it sucked, but your comment goes to show how music can be interpreted however the listener chooses. That's part of the beauty, Valerie, right? I hope someone can shout from the rooftops "Valerie Loves Me!" and have it mean the world to them. ♥ This song was kind of a big deal when I was young, heh.

[@irishkabyle3406]

JE T'AIME VALERIE !

[@tamirshahin]

Awesome song , awesome lyrics , awesome guitar riff , awesome scream at the top of his lungs "VALERIE LOVES ME !!!!"

[@babymoondancer]

That SCREAM!! That's the best part of the song!!

[@tamirshahin]

I definitely agree , especially the last one is really the loudest and at the top of his lungs

[@babymoondancer]

That's what I meant. The last scream is my favorite part!

[@renepalacios74]

Valerie Loves Me !!! reminds me Q101 Chicago!!!

[@gerryclemons9654]

Q101 sucked. XRT gave this band airtime before anyone and still plays their music. They even plugged the reunion, "Material Reissue." This was one of the best power pop trios of all time. Jim wore his heart on his sleeve. When you listen to his songs, it's almost chilling how much they foreshadow his suicide.

[@PaulThePuppetier]

You guys probably have no idea the beauty this title possesses.

[@jaredwillebeek-lemair3455]

You have no idea the autism this comment possesses. To be honest though my channel has more

[@vnessa33]

i bet you have no idea he killed himself over valerie

[@NatureGirl62]

I fondly remember this song and am thrilled to see that it is still receiving views. How sad that the lead singer ended his life, but I am happy to see that this song carries on.

[@kellyhartman7266]

Love the Teardrop Vox. Viva Ian Curtis.

[@ABCvitaminD]

Kelly Hartman Now there's a strange parallel.

[@miguelg4006]

Viva Brian Jones

[@brettbasil]

FOREVER A FAN-THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC!!!!

[@scoop4363]

01FEB2024 - 68 years old and I love this song as much as I did when it came out during my college years. Long Live Life! And Valerie, I will always cherish that ride back from the Children’s Theatre on the bus in ‘68.

[@Mr-pi1uc]

Makes me miss 120 minutes

[@partypoker3698]

Im watching that shit rite now

[@TimBurVlogs]

Mr 1138 i was just looking thru an old vhs tape of various 120 minutes clips. That's what sent me here.

[@Gildedbutterfly1976]

Omg me too.

[@jaimeacosta233]

Word!

[@BRUTUSPLAC]

MTV Flashback Saturday evening April 20 1991 , Played After Poison - Ride the wind and BEFORE Raw Youth - tame yourself ( vhs tape no time . later Headbangers ball

[@DUIMAZE]

Jim, you had the best band in the world at that time. The music you could have produced since then... all missed by the world.

[@Whateves73]

Great song and video. Can't believe it was so long ago. RIP Jim Ellison.

[@taylorjohnson837]

This is my moms godfather and I always here crazy stories of stuff my papa and him did when they were kids. I really wish I got to meet him .

[@newyorkranger169]

OMG MZY TEACHER TOLD ME SHE WAS ONE OF THE PEOPLE IN THE BACKROUND AND I SEE HERRR OMG OMG OMG MISS MCCAN

[@lesleywarnock228]

October 2023 & I'm still going back to this old favourite ❤

[@jorgecamarena5449]

love this song, wish they made music like this again.

[@avasierra6926]

Me too

[@gabrielswayze4506]

@@avasierra6926 Me too...

[@noabsolutelynot]

i'm sure if you dig hard enough you can find some really similar early punk revival bands

[@noabsolutelynot]

come to think of it, there's a power pop band called calva louise that has a similar style, but it's definitely different.

[@stephenulmer3781]

Where did the time go? This is 30 years old? Wow 😱

[@Jpdildine]

material issue was the start of the Chicago band revolution. the pumpkins? blech. urge? great! mi? uterly fantastic. Jim Ellison will always be remembered

[@tywag]

+Jim Dildine In the 80s there was Naked Raygun leading the charge before the Wicker Park 'next big thing' bands popped up.

[@billfuhry2112]

Shit, man. MI always reminds me of you - I think you introduced me to them. But I didn't expect to find this comment from you. Damn, man you must have made this comment soon before you passed. Depression is a fucking pig. Rest easy, dude.

[@TimBurVlogs]

Bill Fuhry sad to hear it. Jim was a friend of my dad.

[@royschafferjr128]

Jim Dildine I grew up in Chicago and I know these guys as well as naked ray gun and al jurgonson from ministry

[@thecoug1544]

Still one of the best songs and videos of all time. RIP Jim.

[@uncommonnonsense8914]

it's shame he's not with us anymore, but at least he left a gem of a song to be enjoyed for many and so long.

[@mochahooligan]

Jim was a great guy. I am happy that i actually got to meet him LONG ago and hang with him a couple times. He used to play at a little place called Batteries not Included in the Chitown. Great little place and lots fun times.

[@insectdilemma]

Rest in peace, Jim Ellison You deserved so much better

[@stephaniegonsalves2263]

I had this album which I bought for this song. I dragged my sister and our roommate to see Material Issue at the Cattle Club in Sacramento, California. Good times, great band to hear live.

[@chuckpotockimusic2288]

R.I.P. Jim Ellison

[@johndean4727]

Ii didnt know. I am schocked he had so much more to give 💙

[@lovedicedtomatoes9653]

Such a great song and Valerie is a babe.

[@Oniro99]

Saw these guys play it at the Hard Rock in Chicago for New Years eve…it was fucking amazing

[@ernestnorrman2824]

When?

[@Will-eb7fr]

+Ernest Norrman If I were to hazard a guess I would say New Year's Eve 2015

[@SubaruDave]

2023 I’m 54 and still rockin this song, cuz Valerie loves me…

[@Nycholletta]

53 2024. I still love this somg!

[@roycewilliams3086]

This is a classic MI track. For all the MI fans out there--there's a book tentatively scheduled for release next year. Has interviews with Mike and Ted, Jeff Murphy and others, and some writings from myself, as well. Here's to the little band with big dreams.

[@babymoondancer]

Cool! I think their story is interesting enough to be a good stage musical as well.

[@thelastmotel]

I met Jim after a show in Vegas in '91 (Sneakers IIRC). He was a very interesting and charismatic guy. I ran into him again about 4 years later in Chicago, and while still a very strong presence, he came across as very drained. I learned about his death a year after it happened, and the same day that I read a review of Telecommando Americano which said, "The songs feel like a suicide note" (The review was written by a journalist who hadnt heard that Jim had passed.)

[@rexhatesyourguts]

My dad was best friends with Jim.. Jim even wrote a song about my dad's sister dying. He was a very nice man.

[@olympian3]

imagine, in 91 the music you make is what is popular on the radio and you're a massive star, and only a few years later you're insignificant to the public.... sad that he couldn't handle the comedown. It must have been excruciating for him

[@jeffrichards5106]

Such a great song, one of my favorites of all time.

[@ryanmccain1158]

Loved this short lived band. I don't remember how I came across them back in the day but I remember living to the tape over and over again.

[@spankynater4242]

I remember how I was introduced to them. I had moved to Denton, Tx in the early 90s, and found the laternative rock station KDGE, and they were big on that channel. The Very First Lie was the song that introduced me to them.

[@lancecollins9278]

Such an incredible time capsule of a song. I can remember 1991 like it was yesterday, the parties where everybody leaves too soon. And now my hair has turned so grey. But the memories I have you know...I can remember when I had love on a string and could have had anything. Seriously.

[@nja3224]

This song was the first material issue song I heard, went out for lunch and bought the CD at J&R Music World in lower Manhattan, where I spent many a lunch hour and emptied my wallet in the process. Loved that place, love this song.

[@VC2THEMAX]

My name is Valerie& my boyfriend just showed me this tonight.. 3

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

I heard this song on college radio in 1991 and for years looked for it here and could never find it. Even earely KZbin and Google searches produces nothing in the early days. All I remembered was someone singing "Valerie loves me" in a pained expression, and a screechy guitar. I finally found it a few years ago.

[@MarqueeLongbow]

I forgot how good this whole album is!

[@grubber]

VALERIE LOVES ME! one of the biggest reasons I love this song is because I love hearing him scream that

[@justsum1292]

I love this song. I think of you, Chloe, when this plays. F

[@justsum1292]

It's all too familiar for me, Loving someone, but being number 2, or 3 , or 173rd, at best. ☹️☹️ Because they want to live single, and "date", but then, want the "one that got away" back. Even though they are happy for their memories and all of the people they met... The things they've done, places gone... But when looks fade, and too old to get by on looks alone, it'll be too late. Who will want u then? Could have had 100 percent of my heart, but now, only a part. Xoxo

[@tron944]

Q101 Chicago had a "Breakfast With Q101 Concert" at 8am back in 91'or 92', Material Issue and Mathew Sweet and others played their hits, it was F$%$%ing awesome! And yes we all screamed "VALERIE LOVES ME!" during the chorus, miss those days.

[@PAClark101]

This is their best song. It had a late 80s, Modern Rock flair.

[@spankynater4242]

Naw, it's pure early 90s.

[@HarkWhoGoesThere]

Just saw the documentary. The last third was really hard to take. 💔 RIP Jim.

[@Mechanix07]

RIP my dude 🙏 😪

[@narutofoxpuppy]

I just learned today my history teacher is Married to Ted Ansani. I guess that be hard to believe but she is. She was showing us this music video during our history class. She is very proud of her family. His kids all play instruments. She says music is a big part of their family. Their daughter even started a band. XD

[@RabbitPunching]

wow,, been a long while since i heard this song, absolutely love this, reminds me of my senior year in high school

[@dannylopez4507]

such an awesome nostalgic vibe song !!! it reminds me of when i was young and the 90s being out and about late with friends , the 90s where awesome ,

[@darrylwiggins1069]

I love this song. Simply timeless.

[@Asphaltsquadron]

Song reminds me of playing shows at the Whiskey or Roxy (Hollywood) in the early 90s'. They used to play it thru the p.a. while we were setting up, or tearing down. Great memories, didn't have a care in the world back then.

[@Gildedbutterfly1976]

I miss the early 90s. 😪

[@diamonddave8693]

Where have you gone Jim Ellison! What a talent. Jolting’ Jim has left and gone away

[@hugoprimera5810]

East LA college,miss those times FUCK!!!!

[@chelleglenney156]

I was a Senior in highshool about to go to college... This song was me. And now I'm almost 50 and yes, I look back on how easy everything was for me back then and I miss it. But I'm not lonely in an apartment so far so I guess we will see. lol

[@sanchito2649]

I friggin' love this song! Reminds me of KROQ in the 1980's LA. So many memories of such a great time. I just wish it got the credit it merits. Portland radio doesn't play it unless requested!

[@1ring2rule3pigs]

K-R-O-Q.......K-Rock!

[@jotacalvo]

Wow. I haven’t heard this since '92. Moved from Jax FL in '91 before we had an "alternative" radio station to Denton TX with 94.5 The Edge in Dallas. This was in heavy rotation. Fantastic memories.

[@5ertyfyd]

Love this song. Wonderful memories

[@lostboybob]

Heard this song and Diane one evening about 20+ years ago driving home on the radio, had to pull over and write it down so I wouldn't forget. Great tune great band, so sorry about Ellison the singer, tragic.

[@noelsolo61]

I needed to listen this song today.