Material Issue - "Valerie Loves Me"

[@JL-iu7fk]

2024 still loving this!

[@ge2623]

Fucking A! As you should.

[@hanskloss1331]

yes in Chattanooga Tennessee

[@1thess523]

About to do a drum cover of one of their song's just trying to figure it out 👍

[@spoiltoptics5583]

They were this good every single time I saw them play live. All three albums have hits on them, even if radio moved forward without them, because Jim knew how to write perfect pop songs. I wish Jim had held on. He left us too soon. Heartbreaking still.

[@Hawkman1972-lb7jy]

He did and he pulled the impossible trick ..he made power pop songs that were deeply sad. There was nothing happy about his music. The bubble gum fetish; the late 60s and early 70s roots; the jangly guitars…they all hid a bitter and knowing sense of doom….if course knowing what happened to him it’s to make that connection now. But I saw it then in my early 29s in the mid 90s. This was music at least as I saw it for young men who felt they weren’t getting out of life what they felt they should. And at 52 it’s still hard to listen to them because the years fall away and I realize that underneath them…I havent changed at all.

[@JL-iu7fk]

I’ve feel blessed to have been blessed with this eargasmic experience & loved sharing it with everyone I know! This song hurts on going so many levels and meanings change over time.

[@davidluevanos1941]

Underrated band, ahead of its time, people didnt pay as much attention since grunge and ska were big on the early 90's, but that song is timeless.

[@dellmotu]

agree 100%

[@davidluevanos1941]

@Dominic Brady is debatable, i mean we have bands with similar styles of pop rock like oasis, the verve, liz phair, indie bands like modest mouse and the sea and cake. all of those were pretty successful.I think all comes down to the way you promote your music, you can be a great band but if you don't have the platform to spread your music, the artist will fail. lets not forget that Ellison commit suicide and that is when the band stop, and they were just in their prime,so i believe they would of been really successful. look at nick drake with his pink moon album, i mean the man was a genius lyricist, but just the bad promotion and his health issues stop him from been successful. i mean his music didn't get popular till way later. check out that short doc. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZOYmIGcbamJqdU

[@Fasnic]

I did! Own every album and still listen to them today! One of the very best power trios.

[@flwrfan1752]

I will never forget this band.Every so often I listen to their music here on KZbin.Valarie loves me is one of my favorite songs of all time.RIP Jim.

[@robertwalla4937]

I went to high school with Jim. Glenbard North class of 1982. I moved to New Jersey and saw Material Issue at a club called the Fast Lane in Asbury Park New Jersey circa 1990. While Billy Corgan (i.e Smashing Pumpkins) got the recognition from that time, it is odd to think that another leader of an emerging band was walking the halls at the same time. Billy was a freshmen my senior year but Jim and I were the same age. I remember passing him in the halls; he wasn't in my classes nor did he play on my teams, I just remember passing him.....He signed my girlfriend's poster when I saw him in Asbury...I wish I kept it (..the poster not the girl...) though both are long gone but I remember that night...I've always played his music even before I found out we were connected. When I heard he passed I thought about those things that most of us do like..Oh, I should have talked to him or if I only new....but in the end it comes down to just saying hello to the guy walking the high school halls..RIP Jim, I sort of knew you but I don't.

[@czechking]

Robert Walla I live in Glendale hgts for over 31 years, and had to go all the fuckin wayu to east...

[@delvingdeeper7480]

I love hearing real stories like that in the comment section, long live the comment section.

[@royschafferjr128]

I remember seeing them in Chicago at the metro...

[@SeanRenet]

1982? I always thought he was younger than me

[@lovesouthfrance]

Ill be your girlfriend now after reading that. Lol

[@egobuilders415]

This is actual music.

[@pulykamell]

Material Issue are one of my favorite bands. There's also still a lot of "actual music." Enjoy it all!

[@KatAdVictoriam]

The alt-rock station here in Atlanta plays this on regular rotation. I love it and was convinced they were a Brit group circa 2006. I was floored to find out 1991 and Chicago. I've never heard of them before I caught the song on the radio. This song is so sad. This band was wayyyy ahead of the times and I wish they'd found greater success. RIP Jim.

[@Hawkman1972-lb7jy]

I listened to them relentless from 94 to 96, this album and freak city. Always loved them; they were power pop and yet they weren’t the Raspberries or the Romantics. There was a distinct sense of lament and longing running thru their songs under the Byrds and Bread and Knack melodies and progressions. There was nothing happy about their music. It was perfectly crafted and knowingly derivative and that was the point. This song, I pined for a girl named Valerie who worked in a bank in 1995 in Scottsdale, AZ when I was 23. Valeries were the main export of Scottsdale. She was tall, thin and had long, straight blonde hair and she was beautiful and never gave me the time of day. I had nothing going for myself then and just seeing her made me feel miserable about myself. I used to wonder if she’d end up like the Valerie in the song. I wonder if she did. But Jim nailed it here. The longing for the unattainable goddess out of your league and the spiteful and shameful satisfaction of knowing her beauty would eventually fade and she’d be a mortal like us. I love their music but it’s painful to listen to.

[@darrylwiggins1156]

This is such a good song.this single alone should have been their international pop overthrow.damn it.

[@KeithCamplin]

Born and raised in Chicago I remember seeing these guys live at the Metro, along with the other great rock bands of this era. This needs to be seen by more people absolutely great!

[@Mewted]

The Metro is still legend. Seeing Material Issue there would have been mind blowing.

[@tracysimons8994]

It was a fantastic show. My husband I still talk about it 30 years later.

[@jacklowe3429]

Jim Ellison, representing Addison, Illinois!

[@dustyjoe71]

It is such a well written rock song that it sounds amazingly fresh three decades later. An amazing hook that is riffy and tasty. Musical perfection.

[@darkmantis69]

For some reason, I particularly loved the transition period from 89-93 of alternative music / 80s to 90s.. seemed like a magical time of music and it was different that what was before and after.

[@JoeSTReeT-yx7kf]

Very well put thanx

[@jasonbaker2338]

My wife and I saw them in Rockford Illinois back when they were hot. Seen a lot of concerts. Would rank these guys at the top.

[@thetubesrock]

The BEST from Chicagoland in the 90s!!!

[@cotiaratv3651]

We will always be here, there and anywhere u go.

[@machbaby]

Better than the studio cut. Too bad Jim Ellison left us so soon.

[@coimbralaw]

Love the early 80’s sound of this song.

[@v.v3829]

something very surreal and special about this performance, aside from it being beyond flawless, i just cant pinpoint the "magic". Thats all but dissapeared in todays music

[@flwrfan1752]

My favorite song of all time.Such a great band.

[@andyinoregon]

I was drawn to this band because Jim Ellison's voice reminded me of The Hollies lead singer Allan Clarke. Lucky enough to meet them at Portland's Music Millenium record store where they were promoting that night's concert. Their sound was a welcome relief from all the synth-pop and grunge rock dominating the airwaves at the time.

[@thekurse]

Jim would have so loved being compared to Allan Clarke.

[@alittlebitgone]

The amazing Tragically Hip song "Escape is At Hand for the Travelling Man" is about Jim. RIPx2

[@cobyutterback]

They were so fucking good. Hands down, the most underrated power pop band, ever.

[@Hawkman1972-lb7jy]

I don’t know if they are the best but to me they are the most unique because they made such happy music sound so sad…..

[@weaselsuit]

I really enjoyed Jim's open chord sound. He was one of those guys who looked like he was doing a lot more chordally, but he always kept it very simple. This is also the first time I have seen him with a Hiwatt 1/2 stack. He always had smaller Hiwatt combos when I saw him play live. ... and a real tube overdrive on the whole night. Great sound.

[@scottmattern3437]

My band had the pleasure of opening for them in Portland, Oregon. They were awesome live and such nice guys.

[@Thunderchild-gz4gc]

Still rocking?

[@mofamba]

I remember hearing this song on the radio when it came out. I had just got dumped by a girl I adored at the time and was driving around aimlessly at sunrise in my ‘68 Plymouth. I didn’t realize it was a new song. I assumed it was an old 80’s tune. Here I am 30 years later remembering and reminiscing….

[@Hawkman1972-lb7jy]

Me too my friend

[@ibuprofenPill]

This was one of those bands I listened to after expanding my horizons beyond my teenaged heavy metal years. Along with several other bands, they filled the gap between the decline of the metal scene and before grunge really hit big. International Pop Overthrow was released my senior year of college. I remember listening on campus and in my tiny apartment after I moved back to Dallas. I was lucky enough to see them at the Dallas Bronco Bowl that year. RIP Jim Ellison.

[@lou1502]

It's chemistry, anybody can make a band, when the right people meet that's what happens. When one leaves it is gone.

[@jld593]

So I saw them on their International Pop Overthrow tour in Raleigh in '89 . Was there with comedians Lord Carrett and then opener/mc and William and Mary student, Patton Oswalt...and only 25-30 people in a small bar. We LOVED them because they were great, but also because they still gave it 100%, with a crap crowd, something we understood when we had the same. The drummer was totally cool in chatting with him, afterwards. Loved, saddened by this band. Great memories.

[@Hawkman1972-lb7jy]

I saw them once, they played an acoustic show in Tempe around Xmas if 94. I swear that Danielle brisabrau, the girl that played Archie Bunker’s adopted kid, opened up. And now that i type this I think she sang a version of that oldie by Brenton Wood, gimme little sign. The things we forget we remember……

[@ncatty23]

from descendents, social distortion LehighValley Hardcore being homeless 1986,87,88,89,90 they help tear drop my sorry ass to sleep on my walkman alot.Thankyou u just dont know!!! Thank You

[@joydivision1911]

This songs is the shit....I love Chicago bands!!!!!

[@hanskloss1331]

damn the guitar is CRUNCHY 😊

[@zetroreyes]

The shows at the Metro were the SHIZ-NIT!! Those were the best.

[@gabrielsegura6205]

great version! 90´s !

[@albertflores1237]

My favorite band. Was lucky enough to see them a few times

[@lorac31]

This song brings back so many wonderful memories. The good old days. It's so crazy how a certain song can take you back to that very same place when u first heard it, for me it is 15 years ago! Wow! Thanks for this video :)

[@karengill3930]

They will always b a place in my heart 4 Ellison. What a fabulous talent he had. His stage presence was like no one else ever

[@agiangola]

The greatest 3:30 in the history of live performances

[@ThePhog]

THANK YOU for uploading this. The quality is outstanding and a GREAT performance.

[@poopologist96]

Wow, a 2nd great live video by Material Issue! They were a great live band, very in synch with each other. I like they don't preen excessively for the audience and let their playing do the proverbial talking. They should have been much more successful than they were, a shame listeners didn't take to them much more than they did.

[@tpmcginnis]

Fantastic Power Pop! This version of the song kicks serious tail. This band was tight live! It's probably very hard to find now, but their CD of a concert at Metro in Chicago, with Nash Kato announcing them onto the stage, is a true classic. Jim had a lot of rocking left to do. As with all suicides, it was unfortunate, unnecessary, and sad. But the music lives on..............Thanks for this clip!

[@Hawkman1972-lb7jy]

I had that !!!! And I got rid of it and I could kick myself! Didn’t they do a cover of an old sing together ?

[@sylviasono7805]

this song reminds me of valerie...

[@barbistanik943]

They have been on my mind for a while! He took my hat off my head and tan down the hall in St Louis. Sad.

[@avilioquillama4325]

Fantástico tema de los inicios de los 90.hasta ahora los escucho y lo disfruto

[@Zadian]

As strange as this is to say, without this song I wouldn’t be married to my wife.

[@ge2623]

Damn song. LOL.

[@MikeLongo]

fantastic gig! RIP Jim.

[@barthchris1]

Ahh, the good old days! Music sucks now!

[@deputywill1114]

I was fortunate to see Matierial Issue headline with John Mellencamp opening for them at the Riviera in Chicago.

[@okrajoe]

International pop overthrow... remember those cool long CD boxes

[@lovesouthfrance]

Totally

[@jr1638]

AMAZING🎙🎸❤

[@drclueful]

luv the campfire chords and the entwhistle bass

[@Jpdildine]

exactly like it sounded behind my apartment at 1st and John in champaign

[@camelcash99]

i saw these guys in st louis at mississippi nights on the landing. actually hung out with jim. very deep person. miss him.

[@AmericanBornGrappler]

The Jam!!! 💯

[@OmnislashPunk]

This song makes me feel special cause my name is Valerie :D

[@WestVirginiaPatriot]

Fantastic!

[@thekurse]

So damn good.

[@gl8466]

Cool guitar sound.

[@robroy8614]

great version :)

[@tonguepetals]

Such a Smithseque beauty. So good. I loved these guys.

[@SmithsnMoz]

Nothing like the Smiths..but ok..😆

[@SmithsnMoz]

😆😆😆...

[@valeriegarza1995]

I Like This Song(:

[@jnestor71]

this is a fucking good version!

[@deni1149]

Hey Tina..You thought I could forget this!! 1996......

[@Joyjoy-ih1ie]

Never would have known he killed himself. One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, so much love and great beat.

[@karengill3930]

I saw them at the Metro 2 wks b4 he died. I was devastated. I went to every show I could. Loved being on the floor at the Metro right in front of him. I'll never forget it as long as I live

[@punkrockefeller]

thanks 4 posting this gem! luv the hippy dennis at the intro!

[@theepirate]

I love it.

[@fugahsi]

fucking brilliant! Will never go out of style! Por vida!

[@dire12343]

Rip bro... the world is a shitty place at times.. im sorry u felt that was the only way out

[@jdessell]

They totally should have played The Wonders in the movie That Thing You Do.

[@rabbruce8232]

That album Destination Universe is 👌

[@brooksrountree2709]

This is a hot cut , trap history Damn,,

[@Crackmandan]

That's awesome dude!

[@BasswipeNC]

Thier first two albums were fantastic.

[@Hawkman1972-lb7jy]

Yes, but the the third is a power pop masterpiece, produced by bubble gum and Sweet kingpin Mike Chapman…..

[@foryzdp]

He left us 20 years ago.... TODAY :(

[@danoconn]

Can someone tell me where i can find the documentary on these guys called Out of Time?

[@georgemangen2013]

Its on tubi for free

[@pencaps]

Awesome

[@Love1Liz]

This was my babes song.. She would sing it to me :)

[@909ARSENAL]

Dope...

[@punkrockefeller]

dam jim, why did u have 2 leave so early?

[@jeffreyhart500]

I saw them play for free at an outdoor show during NIU's Homecoming sometime in the late 90s. Last concert that I went to, cuz he killed himself soon after. I got tired of saying "I saw (artist, band) right before they committed suicide."

[@socalevo9]

how in the hell did you find this lol thanks for the upload

[@dublbz1]

2:40!

[@VLuchansky]

That's, of course, Fender Telecaster Deluxe. Check it on Wikipedia, for example. It always had 70's large head.

[@edwardmcdermed8797]

I sold Jim the Tele deluxe in this video.

[@joeyd.589]

I've never seen so many popular bands cover this song?

[@deni1149]

I only try and put on what you like,Like "Valarie loves Me" its a personal favorite..for a personal Friend...and I miss dancing to it with her...............

[@workingtheworld68]

Wow! (John, have you heard this?)

[@obviouslisa]

@ElGorcho listen to the studio version. power pop. this performance is also missing the screaming lead guitar note in the chorus, which is essential.

[@karengill3930]

Does anyone have any video of when they played with the Pretenders or with the Replacements at Grant Park?

[@mudimba]

I saw them open for the Pretenders in Boston. The crowd was dead and I could tell the band was frustrated by that. Even so, I thought they sounded great.

[@deni1149]

@ncatty23 Ya I know,was homeless to for awhile,songs like this carried us through bad nights.......

[@TheHustle1]

remember them i do and i'm 12 why because the bassist is my dad

[@karengill3930]

Ur very lucky. Do u know Phil Anotti?

[@AkeoT9]

Dennis from it's always sunny is playing bass

[@briancarlson7099]

Wanna hear something funny........my old room mate's best friend was the bass player for Material Issue. Carlsinner sayn wat up all my ISU peeps!!!!!

[@brysimm404]

A power pop band that could really rip it up 👍

[@69Curtdog]

The bass players Pompadour is amazing.

[@solardive1]

Why isn't anyone making a documentary on this band?

[@anthonyserra4546]

They are! It is coming out next year

[@deni1149]

@LieuFang I totally agree with you,H.R. band Rocks!!!!

[@digitalbobby42]

I only hope that she remembers me...

[@Thunderchild-gz4gc]

I doubt she really cared

[@kvhmusica5754]

💔💯😔

[@TheHustle1]

Wanna hear something even funnier? the bass players son is in my band!

[@WillieD7]

The Hustle If we're keeping on with tangential relations, the bass player's brother was my friend's college roommate during our freshman year.

[@dereklampe1015]

Wish I had Ted's hair

[@brooksrountree2709]

Is this shit fucking fantastic or what that some power trio shit