Channel Surfing Moment! (Vol. 1)

Wed, Feb 4, 2009 at 03:37 PM EST

I am a 53 yr old (OG) who is usually mistaken by others to be in my late 30's to early 40's. During the 90's I was mourning the absence of Motown-flavored songs and artists so much that I REFUSED to listen to almost every current song on the radio. Now I've been in the music biz for several years and have had to educate myself on all of the great music that I had missed out on during my Dark Ages. I didn't know Return Of The Mack until about 1 month ago when my best buddy (28 yrs old) turned me on to it. I LOVE it... oh and in case I didn't make myself clear, I LOVE THAT SONG -the message, the groove, everything about it. Play it about every other day at least.

Natalie Sat, Mar 10, 2007 at 06:00 AM EST

Ha! LFO!! That 'Summer Girls' song is AMAZINGLY bad! "Billy Shakespeare wrote a whole bunch of sonnets" and "I'll steal your honey like i stole your bike" are so blatently the best lines!

t-fal Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 07:47 PM EST

JenC - i TOTALLY remember Splackavellie!! And he spelled it out in the song, s-p-l-a-c-k-a-v-e-l-l-i-e, SPLACKAVELLIE! Fergie should give him props, he started the whole spelling words in songs thing

Amarie Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 04:46 PM EST

Anything by SWV. "I Wish" by Skeelo.

Mel Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 01:14 PM EST

Let us not forget the glory of LFO. What a horrendous song. The lyrics are the worst part.

Joe C Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 12:19 PM EST

I grew up in the 80's, but I LOVED the 90's as well. I love the 90's channel when they play 'Do Anything' (Prince should have sued those guys) and also the LEGENDARY 'Steal My Sunshine' by Len. THere's also 'I'm too Sexy' by Right said Fred which I hated at the time but now I love. THe 90's ruled!

Ep Sato Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 12:05 PM EST

Just for some dude
"Big Booty Hoes, hum with it!"
She ain't nuttin but a hootchie mama
Hood rat hood rat hoochie mama

Keep an eye out for big perm, I mean, big worm...

Faze Craze Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 12:04 PM EST

My co-workers and I were having a 90's flashback a few days ago and resurrected "Informer" and "Hotstepper." And how about "girl I want to make you sweat, sweat til you can't sweat no more..."

Some Dude Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 10:01 AM EST

Duice "Dazzey Duks"
B-Rock & The Bizz "My Baby Daddy"
KP & Envyi "Swing My Way"
Luke "Raise The Roof"

Pretty much any bass-booty music, especially 2 Live Crew "Me So Horny"

Ep Sato Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 10:00 AM EST

This is making me want to bust a move, or get down to Nuttin' but a g thang, then wonder what happened to the rap career of Shaq n the Fu Shnickens. Can we rock, Wassup Doc?

Positive K was a great mention, and I hate to admit to it, but Marky Mark's Good Vibrations got me the hook up at my first high school dance.

BoogieRock Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 09:52 AM EST

Can I just say that I absolutely abhor "Return of the Mack"? And yet, I know all the words! Just the mere mention of the song causes it to get stuck in my head and it will not stop.

I probably shouldn't hate that song. "But I do, but I do do do!"

JenC Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 09:50 AM EST

Anyone remember "Splackavellie," by Pressha? "He ain'tcha boyfriend, he ain'tcha husband, just somebody you can call when your body needs a fix..." If I ever heard this deliciously awful gem from 1998 on the radio again, I would lose my mind!

beb Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 09:34 AM EST

I totally forgot about that Baz Luhrman song! Definitely a big fan of Natural Selection's "Do Anything" and anything by Ace of Base. I'd also throw Rythm Syndicate's "P-A-S-S-I-O-N" into the mix.

bg 17 Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 09:29 AM EST

"Everything about you" by Ugly Kid Joe. Their album version ruined it with a That's Pat intro and too much raio friendly schmaltz, but when this came on in the background of Wayne's World, I bought their indie EP and loved it to death.

Laurie Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 09:28 AM EST

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lBEVo1MYJ6U

Watch the Do Anything video. It is awesome!! They must have spent all of $14 making it.

ericalina Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 08:41 AM EST

"do anything" by natural selection is one of my FAVORITE SONGS EVERRRR. mad props to whoever mentioned that below.

my 1990s song that makes me smile every time i randomly here it is "shoop" by salt n pepa.

Kate Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 08:36 AM EST

OMG..flashback to highschool! Even my dad liked this song! Everyone brought back some good memories, so shout out to those who mentioned "LoveFool" by the Cardiagans, & "No Diggity" Blackstreet.

I grew up in the Chicago burbs, and B96 was what I listened to when my alarm clock went off, in the car, top 9 at 9. I even went to a B96 bash where Enrique Iglesias (Bailamos!) and Destiny's Child were just starting to become huge, (awesome performance's from both) but let's not forget the final act of that show..Sisqo's "Thong Song"!!! I wouldn't leave that concert till I heard that song, and my friend who came with got sick during the concert. Shameful? Perhaps.

But I must give a shout-out to the song that no matter where I am, I always get my groove on. Genuine's "Pony". You always know its that song by the opening music track. Because of this post, I'm going to go search for my 90's mix cd!!! Thanks PopWatch!

amy Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 07:32 AM EST

return of the mack is one of my fave 90s songs. i still have it on a mix tape (yes, a cassette tape) in my tape deck at work (that's right, i said TAPE deck).

KTS Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 07:26 AM EST

Have to admit I have most of the aforementioned songs on my ipod. Also have to throw in a shout out for "Sweet Divine Thing" by the Soupdragons and "I Nearly Lost You" by the Screaming Trees.

Cacciatore Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 06:18 AM EST

The 90's channel is my go to music channel. I can't explain how much I love the station. Where else can you hear the Spice Girls, Hanson, and Boys 2 Men at the same location?

Alexei Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 03:33 AM EST

Marcy Playground "Sex and Candy". Just as delightful and trippy every time.

bj Fri, Mar 9, 2007 at 01:53 AM EST

Song number 2 or the WOOOOHOOOO song my Blur. Best 2 minutes of pumping music. Yeah BLUR RULESSSSSSSSSSS

Meghan Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 10:46 PM EST

My roommate and I are actually talking about 90s music right now. I remember all of these songs mentioned, but I have to say, I would love it if any Ace of Base song came on.

Alicia W. Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 10:03 PM EST

I hated "Return of the Mack"! That guy's voice grated on my nerves. I do remember "Do Anything" by Natural Selection. I haven't thought of that song in years. I had the cassette single of that song and I'm sure I could unearth it if I searched hard enough. Thanks for bringing it up, whoever you are! Another one I listened to quite a bit was "Legend of a Cowgirl" by Imani Coppola. Very cool.

Heidi Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 10:01 PM EST

Also great: RUMPSHAKA. I wonder where those girls in the video are now? Are they still wearing their oversized early-1990s "thong" bathing suits? LOVE it.

Heidi Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 09:56 PM EST

Wow...I guess I should be embarrassed because many of the aforementioned songs are on my ipod. That includes "Return of the Mack." Just the other day my boyfriend and I argued about who sang "Return of the Mack."

A fantastic 90s gem: I gotta man by Positive K.

Daphne Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 08:03 PM EST

Hell yes! I loved that song, haven't heard it in such a long time.

kris irizarry Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 07:43 PM EST

i've always love that song. i worked at a record store when that came out and played it into the ground, much to the hipster customers' dismay.
i was surprised to read that he's british but you can hear the accent if you listen closely.
he came out with a new album last summer which is alright, just bog-standard, competent r&b/soul with a little reggae-lite flavour thrown in.
sadly, it's not called "re-return of the mack" as it clearly should have been.

bg Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 06:54 PM EST

i HATED this song...along with any spice girl song!

Markus Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 06:45 PM EST

Oh Annie. You can't think of Return of the Mack without next recalling "Too Close" by Next. And in the event you miss them, I'm sure Eddie and Jobo say hi.

jake Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 06:34 PM EST

The Meaning of the Return of the Mack song. They guy was in a committed relationship, but then his girlfriend cheated on him. So he's single again. The Mack is his alterego when he's out looking for the ladies.

Rebekah Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 06:14 PM EST

My song would definitely be "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch. When I first got my driver's license I turned the volume on my radio ALL THE WAY UP!!!

Monica Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 06:04 PM EST

OK. The "Poison" comment was mine too, but I was getting self-conscious about posting too much. I heard "Sunscreen" on 90.5 WBER. It's MY FAVORITE alternative radio station. I listen to it online at wber.monroe.edu. You won't be sorry.

Laurie Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 06:03 PM EST

My coworkers are all jamming out with me.
I agree with the previous posters No Diggity and Poison were also acceptable party songs along with Return of the Mack, even for the grunge set that I hung out with. The line is drawn at Marky Mark.....

Jill Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:56 PM EST

God bless Monica for bringing up that Baz song!! Awesome! And what the frig station was playing it in 2007 because I think I love them!

Kate Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:56 PM EST

Rush by Big Ausio Dynamite II. And I agree with Ep Sato. I wish I still had my School of Fish tape too. 3 Strange Days was an awesome song!

Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:54 PM EST

OMG. This better be on itunes because now it is in my head FOREVER. And yes, I would have flipped out just as much.

Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:53 PM EST

LOVE this post and the subsequent shout-outs to BBD's "Poison" and Baz Luhrman's "Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen."

Anybody remember that #2 single from 1991 called "Do Anything" by Natural Selection ft. Niki Harris?

Christina Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:53 PM EST

Sadly I still hear "Return of the Mack" at least once a month on my local station. They never put that baby to rest.

Kyle Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:47 PM EST

Are we forgetting the talent that is ... Lou Bega?

me again Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:27 PM EST

The night isn't complete unless I've requested BBD's "Poison."

Shawn Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:21 PM EST

I DJ at a strip club, have for ten years, and Return of the Mack is still an everynight kind of song...so is Egypt Egypt

Stephanie Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:16 PM EST

I have heard "Tubthumping" a few times whenever sports bloopers are shown.

Vicky Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:14 PM EST

Oh man. B96. Grew up with that station. I can barely tolerate it now. I never got to go to the B-Bash either mere!! When I first became a hardcore fan of the top 9 at 9, B96 would always always play Fun Factory's (yeah I know, who???) "Celebration." You turn that on and I'd probably start singing in a matter of seconds.

stephanie Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:14 PM EST

Oh no! "Return of the mack" "there it is!" "Return of the mack" "Aw mhy gawd!" lol! It was like a dance club version of a Ohio Players song, but in fun way. I heard that he would have had more of a singing career, but he was arrested in an airport or something? Is that correct?

Monica Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:11 PM EST

AND how about Baz Luhrman's "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)." I heard it on the radio the other day and I almost died.

toonces Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:08 PM EST

I just had to comment that this was such a hysterical post. I listen to "Adult Alternative" when I can't be bothered to hook up my mp3 to the stereo to lull me while I brush my teeth and catch the end of Golden Girls. This was so funny

90's songs? I like 'Love Me Tonight' by cynthia. That, or 'High On You' by Survivor

Monica Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:07 PM EST

OK, Mark Morrison's "Return of the Mack" is classic, but perhaps some attention should be given to his lesser known "Horny." No one could make that up!

Ep Sato Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:02 PM EST

Here's a good one. Anyone remember "3 Strange Days" by School of Fish? I loved that track but sold off the cd years ago. Good idea then (before Ipods made virtual libraries a reality and when you'd actually get money from the used cd shop) a horrible idea now (that I want the cd back and can't find it)...

Matt Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:02 PM EST

Howe about Live and Learn by Joe Public. Love that New Jack Swing

Tiki Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 05:02 PM EST

I seriously listen to 'Return of the Mack' once a week. Glad you've brought some attention to it. What 90s song would send me over the edge? Anything from the live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, 1990.

Elizabeth Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:57 PM EST

A co-worker used to freak out over "Faded" by Soul Decision. Weird.

Simon Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:55 PM EST

Love that song! The mid 90s were my university years, so this song was always played at frat parties. It's on my "Chillin'" playlist on the iPPod. Also, it was a fav of my buddy, Cam, who used to think that the song was about him (Mack - k and then reverse it = Cam).

ABC Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:54 PM EST

This song is soooo good. Total bummer though is that iTunes doesn't carry it.

Ep Sato Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:52 PM EST

Wasn't B96 home of No Panty Thursdays? I think Popwatch should institute a similar no underwear rule now that it's Thursday.

I loved that song and watched the video daily in the summer of 1996, which found me working as the assistant manager of a Gadzooks boutique in Madison Wisconsin.

As for the 90's I still go ape poopooo whenever someone plays "electric relaxation" from a Tribe Called Quest. I've many great late night high school "grind" dances associated with that song.

Was that TMI?

Lee Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:52 PM EST

My brother gave me the Return of the Mack CD for Christmas several years ago. I had never even heard of this song, but it was a fave of my brothers, which is very weird b/c he's very white, and I mean that in all senses of the word.

ajajajaj Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:51 PM EST

Oh hells yes mid-90's...

From the same year:
"Ooh, Aah (Just a Little Bit)" by Gina G
"Jellyhead" by Crush
and "Lovefool" by the Cardigans

Sara Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:51 PM EST

This is embarrassing, but Wrexx N Effexx "Rump Shaker". Love that you gave props to B96. That was my favorite station until grunge hit and I switched to Q101.

K Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:38 PM EST

I'd definitely put "How Bizarre" on my list.

j.fo Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:35 PM EST

this song rules. it's been too long since i heard it!

in my random channel surfing yesterday, i came upon the video for "don't disturb this groove" by the system on vh1 classics. if you want to talk awesomely bad videos, do *not* miss this one!

step Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:25 PM EST

I would have freaked out just as hard, for that 'No Diggity' song by Blackstreet. Awesome.

mere Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:24 PM EST

AH B96!! i felt so cool in the 90s waking up to go to middle school and rocking out to eddie and jobo. it was always my dream to go to the bee bash...never happened

Ceballos Thu, Mar 8, 2007 at 04:22 PM EST

I'm definitely with you on this song! I flipped out just seeing you'd devoted an item, so there's no telling what would've happened if i'd actually heard it.

I'd also add "watch.my.flow" to the list of my favorite repetitive outbursts during the chorus.