The UNTOLD STORY of NADA SURF & 'POPULAR'

[@lunchbox12000]

My mom says I'm a cat. I'm popular.

[@joeanthony7759]

It’s “catch”

[@allouttabubblegum1984]

​@@joeanthony7759I like cat better 😂

[@TravelatorH8r]

I like 😻

[@luisvilla799]

Just remember if you see Johnny football

[@ghost_to_a_ghost]

JUST loling at this comment section 😂

[@warmspell7562]

High/Low is one of my favorite albums of all time. Thank you for this video.

[@rnrtruestories]

you're welcome.

[@happyjellyfish2008]

Excellent album all the way through

[@penelopealizarin234]

In 2003 my band was on tour in Louisiana and stopped for food. After we sat, we noticed another group of what we could tell was another band also on tour. We finished eating around the same time and got in our tour vans. As we pulled out of our space behind the other van, their back door was wide open! CDs were spilling into the street but they didn’t seem to notice! We pulled alongside and yelled to them to let them know. We both pulled over and my band helped them pick up cds from the road. We exchanged cds and went along our way. That other band was Nada Surf

[@The-anti-Pick-fish]

What’s your band named ?

[@BEEZYS-WORLD]

That is an awsome story

[@penelopealizarin234]

@@The-anti-Pick-fish ChoExperiment. It was in Ol Slidel Louisiana

[@starlord1637]

Woot 😜

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

". . . we noticed another another group . . ."? Two "another"s?

[@gwts1171]

Great band. "Let Go" is a nearly perfect album. I'd like a video on Superdrag!!

[@al1976-v7m]

It's called LET GO but otherwise you are right!

[@claymccoy]

I second Superdrag!

[@vtdownthestreet]

I saw Superdrag and Nada Surf together in a small club in Burlington, VT right when Popular and Sucked Out were all over MTV. Both were phenomenal live.

[@t.sheppard5940]

Superdrag's "Slot Machine/Phaser" is the greatest opening supertrack of all time. Ah, 1996.

[@Driver8takeabreak]

Blonde on Blonde is oneo of the prettiest songs ever written.

[@SolamenteVees]

Their talent goes so far beyond Popular. Let Go is full of unforgettable, well-crafted songs. A true desert island record.

[@lancelotthanksalot7777]

I agree. It is truly a phenomenal record.

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

Then how come no one ever heard of them?

[@keithkoenig5320]

From 'LET GO' on, I have been all-in for Nada Surf. They are consistently great.

[@ronaldsprinkle720]

Treehouse is an awesome song

[@tenebrousoul9368]

I have a feeling this is going to be a *popular* video!

[@ghost_to_a_ghost]

it's got a cheerleader chiiiick 😎

[@dcut74]

never heard 'always love', man, what a great song.

[@kenterminateddq5311]

I remember Nada Surf's "Popular" video being played on MTV many times. It looked like a mini-version of teen movies that dominated the 90s. This is a cool video, mr.truestories. Thank you. 😊

[@rnrtruestories]

you're welcome.

[@adamscenna]

I saw them in Detroit on their High Low album tour. I was one of 10 people that showed up. The whole time I was thinking how so many people missed out. They still played a great show and I stayed to get an autographed 12x12 poster; bands used to tape them up in the 90’s for people to rip off the walls on the way out. Still have it. Such a great band ❤

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

You mean they just take the posters for free, or they have to pay for them?

[@adamscenna]

@@floogelhornzzz4770 these were free…. Sort of lol. They were taped up on the walls at the venue. When the show was over people would rip them down on the way out.

[@jsan2548]

“Let Go” and “The Weight is a Gift” are masterpieces in my mind.

[@Jafiveon]

I have always had a very special place for The Proximity Effect. Very underrated. It's also a very sad and emotionally heavy album so that may be why it never did well.

[@KurtChristensenPhoto]

I@@Jafiveon I love that record, but Nada Surf is definitely in their wheelhouse when they do more melodic, less crunchy/heavy songs. So while I still really enjoy that record, it has more weak spots than Let Go, or The Weight Is A Gift and Lucky. Let Go is easily in my top ten favorite records ever, and the others are up there too.

[@elosoguapo8137]

Agreed, yet what do people think are the alternative masterpieces of that time…Weezer’s blue album and Pinkerton! Who opens for the pixies? Weezer!…what?! This is a backwards ass world

[@yaledelay]

I am in the band Ifihadahifi, so I have had a few dealings with the Nada Surf guys (we put out a EP called Nada Surf) I am happy to report they are really nice dudes, and pretty great live.

[@Belaraniel]

Thanks for this, Nada Surf is one of my favorite bands and highly underrated! I always felt their label did them no favors by making Popular their first single. It was not an accurate portrayal of the band, and many people never discovered their true sound. I'm so thankful that they didn't quit and become one-hit-wonders, because their music is brilliant and evolved perfectly over the years.

[@rnrtruestories]

No problem!

[@blueyedream]

Just rediscovered this band after Popular popped into my head randomly after a 27 year hiatus. So glad I did. Their depth of work is actually pretty amazing, and they really matured their sound as they went along. Honestly now feel like they're one of the most underrated bands of the last 30 years

[@hi_fi_lo]

The span from Let Go to The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy is one of the most underrated peaks in alt-rock history

[@Ian_utero]

And this is an underrated comment! 100% agree.

[@ktothec24]

Love nada surf, they never “ fell off” to me. I’ve seen them several times live , they have a really good relationship with Seattle ( where I live ) and so they play here often, which is fortunate for me . .

[@JohnnyParrotJoe]

One of my favorite bands ever!

[@rnrtruestories]

Lots of requests for this band so here it finally is…just 2,000 requests to go…

[@savoieadam]

The weight is a gift is one of my fav records. Discovered it randomly from a music torrent site that was featuring it back in the day. I hadn’t heard of them since Popular. Was blown away and have owned several copies of that record.

[@andyherrin]

Love nada surf so much. Creeper Lagoon would be a rad video to do too man.

[@TripleS-Oz]

this band and their music has an massive impact on my life, i appreciate them, and everything they have done musically for me. thanks for covering Nada Surf! and a great video.

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome!

[@HippoOnABicycle]

I discovered Nada Surf from their cover of If You Leave by OMD being played on The OC, which I was a huge fan of. Let Go quickly became one of my favourite albums and it still is.

[@aerotiff]

Amazing cover I stumbled on back in the Limewire days. 11/10

[@scottlosey4978]

Always Love one of my favorite songs of all time.....

[@jmason61]

That's a great one

[@LemonTree9280]

Blizzard of 77 is one of my favorite songs

[@genghis_connie]

Hearing, “because, because, because” makes me want to hear the story of the band CAKE. One of the more original bands of their time, I’d say. They did the Muppets proud with their cover of ‘Manamana.’ :)

[@jakerandolph5053]

Finally, someone says it, CAKE is such an underrated band and they are one of my favorite band of all time.

[@genghis_connie]

@@jakerandolph5053 F-k yes, my friend! Cheers.🍰🍰

[@paulianhodgson]

Cake are amazing, I love their guitar sound.

[@genghis_connie]

@@paulianhodgson And trumpet! 🎺

[@BillyReplies]

"Clear Eye Clouded Mind" on the album Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy is a truly great song. Great video. I would love to see one about Magnapop, a band you mentioned in this video. They were terrific.

[@gwts1171]

Magnapop were so good!!

[@williamz7011]

Hey thanks for the suggestion. I just listened to that song for the first time. It's great

[@BillyReplies]

@@williamz7011 Great! I am glad you dig it!

[@FriendOfTheNight24]

Perfect opener

[@deborasouza6973]

Nada Surf is just great! I’d love a video on Teenage Fanclub please please please

[@paulianhodgson]

Ah yes! Flipping love Teenage Fanclub

[@Dick_Weapon]

I second that! Been a huge fan since they played on Saturday Night Live doing songs from "Bandwagonesque".

[@ZapperRS]

I'm head of the class I'm popular I'm a quarterback I'm popular My mom says I'm a catch I'm popular I'm never last picked I got a cheerleader chick

[@poindextertunes]

Man that video was SO 🔥 when it came out!

[@adammarsh956]

Nada are so underrated so many other good songs apart from their one hit! Would love to hear a video on Silversun Pickups and history and whatever happened to Fraz Ferdinand post take me out

[@astrosquirrel5038]

They’re still a spectacular band. An underrated treasure so sure!

[@jmason61]

Matt played with Juliana Hatfield in a band called Minor Alps. They have a song called Maxon that's one of the prettiest songs ever written

[@paulianhodgson]

Very cool, thanks for this!

[@astrosquirrel5038]

Minor Alps was a great project. Matt and Juliana’s voices go so well together.

[@laupert9021]

One of my favorite bands, thank you for sharing their story!

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome!

[@1manAF84]

Just a wonderful band with a GREAT discography. Supremely underrated.

[@1nittmo]

I heard a new single from Nada Surf tonight and I was excited. I'm glad Nada surf didn't throw in the towel they've long made good music that deserves to be heard.

[@lethianrock]

Love your videos man. That first Nada Surf album was really damn good. Every track on that album is 5 stars. They should've been bigger than Weezer. 🤘

[@AJeziorski1967]

My favourite song of theirs was always 'The Way You Wear Your Head' - three minutes of pop-punk perfection. Caught them live in a club in Vancouver back in about '08 and they were amazing.

[@DanPantzig]

I saw Nada Surf in 2000 opening for The Impossibles in Chicago. Nada Surf didn't play Popular, so The Impossibles did.

[@randomdude2531]

Since I first saw the video on MTV, I’ve thought “Popular” was a perfect anthem. It encapsulated the angst of the day. Since then I’ve discovered their body of work, and I am truly impressed. High/Low is a great album overall. Since then I’ve been chronicling the rest of their albums with my ear and I’m impressed. It’s also nice to see the current indie scene give them their due credit. Pom Pom Squad, a band consisting of members half Nada Surf’ members age, covered “Popular.”

[@SirAdamMeek]

I was a radio personality at 88.7 WDBM East Lansing MI Impact 89 FM where I was introduced to Nada Surf there!

[@bossyspaghetti]

Yesssss! I loved High/Low so much in highschool, before every detail about a band was on the internet, so I never knew anything about them.

[@escherpainting8622]

First time I ever heard Nada Surf was La Pour Ca, after it's English translation was quoted in a video by The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. Had no idea they were ever considered a "one hit wonder", and still to this day never heard that song. Listened to "Let Go" after about four years of only knowing La Pour Ca (guess they were a one hit wonder to me, in a way) while on a weekend trip to Paris to see Kendrick Lamar in 2022. First time I heard the chorus of Paper Boats I knew they were one of the greatest bands of all time.

[@matthewneal800]

It is a complete travesty that the Proximity Effect wasn't released in the US. I don't know how I got a copy of it, but I had one when it came out. This was one of my absolute favorite albums as a kid and I still love it. High/low was good, but it wasn't incredible. The Proximity Effect and everything that came out after cemented Nada Surf as one of my favorite bands of all time.

[@ipperz12]

Fair play to Nada Surf for persevering. I actually think their new album Moon Mirror is my favourite out of all of them.

[@jaimeflor4181]

I saw Nada Surf for something like $10 at a local venue. I never got too into their 90’s music, but I’ve had a few positive online interactions w/ Caws. I also like his side project w/ Juliana Hatfield “Minor Alps” and I’m liking their new songs.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

They have matured brilliantly. While entangled with Weezer in the beginning, their careers have diverged so much, and what I wouldn’t give for Rivers to take a page from Matthew and company. Chasing hits was never the goal, writing earnest songs and building that core fanbase seem to be the cornerstones of Nada Surf. I cannot wait for the new album to drop.

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

Thanks again, Rock n Roll guy.

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome!

[@dsholt]

Nada Surf is still killing it to this day. Go listen to "In Front of Me Now." One of my all time favorite bands.

[@astrosquirrel5038]

Agreed. They have yet to disappoint me and the new single is great!

[@chuckppyro3137]

Great story! Thanks for the upload👍

[@rnrtruestories]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lancelotthanksalot7777]

I once saw Nada Surf in this dingy New Brunswick bar called the Court Tavern. A dark basement as many of these places are. Their bassist was out sick so a bassist from another band stepped in. This was around the time of the proximity effect. Matthew hung out with everyone as he usually does after the show. It was really unforgettable.

[@brandonpage7087]

I discovered them because of Popular, but i actually first heard Popular, in the late '90s, when no one liked it anymore, & i was in highschool by then, & the song really spoke to me. I understood it right from the start, & definitely dug all the humor & sarcasm, in the song, lol. I also really love the track "inside of love", from their comeback album Let go. I'm glad they were able to make a comeback, as they are truly more than just their first hit, & definitely not Weezer rip-offs. Sucks that they had to deal with so much BS, over the "popular" video, & being dropped from their label, & everything. Again, i ask if you could cover Fishbone, sometime in the near future. Also, Better than Ezra, too.

[@j.dovales8713]

I never really got into Nada Surf, but Cost Of Living released an album in the mid 80's called Day Of Some Lord that was given to me by a friend that knew Daniel Lorca. That record just kicks ass, Matthew Caws is a great songwriter, if you get the chance i would advise you check it out.

[@lancelotthanksalot7777]

They are one of my favorite bands of all time. They consistently put out amazing records. There are really amazing songwriters and artists people say this all the time, but I genuinely believe there are one of the most underrated bands of all time.

[@donafox6888]

Yes, and Matthew's voice has become more angelic over the years.

[@anthonyaiello4343]

My wife is good friends with their longtime manager. I never got into any of their music except the album Let Go--which is one of the greatest goddamn albums ever recorded.

[@chuckppyro3137]

How bout a story on Jimmies Chicken Shack?

[@rnrtruestories]

yeah, that would be a cool story.

[@happyjellyfish2008]

Please do 🙏 😊​@@rnrtruestories

[@lethianrock]

👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀 Yes yes yes yes yes please

[@airforcex9412]

Nada Surf is my all time favorite band. Their current music is even better.

[@mattburke4073]

"Popular" was on several of my mixtapes back in the day. I'd love to hear a story on the band Revis. They had great songs like"Caught In The Rain" and "Seven".

[@t.sheppard5940]

There's a live version of Straight Jacket Labels from around 2003 thats incredible, but the crowd is clueless.

[@allanvanuga9196]

Great video.

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks!

[@change1ing]

I hated that song growing up cuz I thought it was an actual anthem for preps/jocks, but getting older I realized how ahead of the time that song actually was!

[@AnimeLover4Life3395]

By time i was in high school they were long gone, but i still feel in love with their music and wish i could of seen them live

[@iricandescence]

They were just on tour in the US all of last month they start a European tour this week. I've seen them twice. You have a chance is all ik

[@TheGentlemanScholar]

The Proximity Effect was a lifeline to me. A straight up lifeline. 13:41

[@exsleepyink]

One of my favorite bands of all time. Such beautiful songwriters. They’re insanely talented and the emotions run very deep. Popular is definitely not a great representation of their overall catalog.

[@paulthomasbranda7591]

Home base is the bathroom where the lights are bright. (Proximity Effect❤)

[@richardslifer1052]

Great album. 👍

[@nickk7425]

I used to love the "popular" music video and song when I was a little kid. Always wondered what ever happened to these guys....

[@death265]

Popular is a great song, but that whole album rocks! My two favorite songs from it are Zen Brain and Ice Box.

[@jeremyb7206]

Saw them at what I believe was named the Odeon in the flats in Cleveland in the late 90's. Great album, great times.

[@OpunktSchmidt1301]

I'm going to see them live in december. It will be a blast! 😃👍🏻🎵

[@shaimann425]

i still listen to them often, "popular" isnt even one of their best songs imo, they have so much more

[@jamesfaragoza5782]

Inside of love is a great song

[@adammarsh956]

Their song The Plan is a classic too and Stalemate

[@michaelmathes1991]

I have all their stuff and waiting to get their new one this year.

[@poindextertunes]

“Why did they break up?” “Because, because, because…”

[@GaryDGuitar]

Moon Mirror is a banger of an album

[@justinwilliam4644]

Not into nada sird, except i loved "BLONDE ON BLONDE". song is amazing!!!

[@roycrowley2674]

Nada surf started putting out gold on proximity effect and after.

[@dlwseattle]

I watch all this guys videos but i feel that a grand misstep was made by not even mentioning Doug Gillard from Guided by Voices being a big part of their band for the past 14 years and playing on the 3 most recent albums

[@MarkHower-ne5zc]

Thinking the same thing. Gillard is fantastic with GBV too!

[@dlwseattle]

@MarkHower-ne5zc can't argue with that

[@MrSilentStorms]

Nada Surf and Weezer came about around the same time, Weezer got worse and Nada Surf got perfect. Nada Surf forever!!!

[@jr2904]

Weezer is fine, they gave us some great albums even into the 2010s

[@raynebirkin6726]

I saw so confused with the “if i had a hi-fi spelled backwards” comment 😂 cause i read it backwards and it didn’t make sense. I figured it out eventually lol

[@fussreise]

My favorite band ever...

[@avengedking]

Can you do a thing on the Norwigen band TNT?

[@chrisschwanger8248]

"Popular " is a high-school blue print

[@happyjellyfish2008]

"I need a map, I need a map, I need a map to get me out of this town"

[@craigrock8444]

Have ever heard of the band Cry Of Love? Man they were good and i loved his vocals. He had some pipes but i guess once on the road he found that lifestyle was not for him. Think he has passed on now. Just curious. Thanks

[@ronjames4151]

I saw them in the marquee with less than jake at the beginning. Ltj an awesome band

[@soppingclam]

wicked background

[@TheShreddDude]

Love Nada Surf

[@cynthiamigliore2627]

I love the song Spooky by Nada Surf

[@Ms21272]

The I think the album The stars are indifferent to astronomy was recorded in Shoreline Washington. The studio is under a house across the street from my in-laws. I wish I knew at the time. I would’ve gone over and Said hello.

[@kyledutton6550]

Killian's Red is one the best songs ever.

[@40beretta1]

haha... there is still the push for Why Privledge; How many of these "Story's"... shows how many of these band members we indeed Privledge. Front man grew up in Paris and went to Columbia. Principle was correct... Today its encouraged and those to male athletes will be in the women's lockroom

[@leonmellingen3633]

Do you think you can do Addis Black Widow?

[@jonbourgoin182]

Having what is essentially a spoken word song become so...ahem, popular, was really something. I can't recall anything that's been done like it before or since. If I'm wrong please correct me.

[@randall9000]

One I can think of, Somewhere Down The Crazy River by Robbie Robertson in 1987

[@rnrtruestories]

King missile comes to mind

[@Androth12]

Honestly the only song I ever like from this band. They were a 1 hit wonder to me.

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

They were pretty big, they played Pinkpop festival Netherlands.

[@bradwinfield5672]

🤣

[@austintrousdale2397]

+: Extra motivation to check out much more Nada Surf’s back catalog -: No mention of “Popular” being covered by Pom Pom Squad a couple of years ago? 🙁 PPS got Mr. Caws to sing on it and PPS opened for Nada Surf on tour.

[@collothen]

You should do one on the band The Flys. They had a song called "Got you(Where I want You" :)

[@rnrtruestories]

Already done please search my channel

[@raingirlcat2245]

I like eating flies. Yummy yummy in my tummy.

[@egads3696]

Ima go watch " disturbing behavior".dont know why but theres that.

[@temu2044]

High speed soul 🖤🖤🖤

[@rjohnson573]

Lol I was 11 when that song dropped and I got it. We all got it

[@ChairmanMeowNZ]

I saw them live in New Zealand in a small venue, vocalist Matthew was eyeballing me. Maybe he liked my Mohawk not sure 🤨

[@McFlurryMachineIsDown]

I always enjoy nada surf ..way more than Weezer.

[@thehand6948]

Didn't they cover "where is my mind"? Pretty sure it was on a Samsung commercial around 2016-17