Tonight I’m hanging out with Zach F and Alex van O, two kids I went to middle school with. Zach lived in the same building as me, and I think Alex and I were in a play together. Rad, no? Now we’re adults (really!) and don’t have to sneak Bailey’s and Southern Comfort out of our parents’ liquor cabinets to get our drink on, so I guess that’s what we’ll be doing.

But right now, at work*, without much of anything to do, I’m watching videos of songs that were popular in 1995 (give or take a bit) on youtube.

1. Erasure – Always
First off is the inspired and highly influential video for “Always,” by Erasure. Holy crap, have you seen this thing?

Oh God, it’s the best. Can someone please explain this shit to me? And can someone track down a higher tempo, dancier version?

2. Collective Soul – The World I Know
This one is very moving and intense. It cracks me up.

So much suffering! Oh noes! Goodbye cruel world!

Lulz just kidding! Saved by a pigeon! I heart life!

3. Goo Goo Dolls – Iris
This one sounds almost exactly the same. I think it came along a little later. It was in that Nick Cage/Meg Ryan Wings of Desire ripoff that some bitches dragged me to in 11th grade. Oh, the indignity.

4. Blur – Country House
When I was in eighth grade, we got ‘cable.’ About four channels of it. One of which was MTV Asia. This was, I believe, at the peak of the Blur vs. Oasis rumble. Man, those were exciting weeks.

I still like this video. It’s dated (of course), but still cute. And it presses all my nostalgia buttons.

I want that board game.

5. James – Laid
This one actually came out when I was 10 or 11. My brother had it, and I saw it advertised in Sassy (where else?). I freakin’ loved it.

She only what when she’s on top? Yeah, I don’t think I really got this one.

6. Blur – Boys and Girls
How could I possibly forget this? This is actually my favorite Blur song. For obvious reasons.

OK, I’m going to listen to “Always” over and over while I change my clothes. I suggest you do the same.

*I’m actually not at work anymore. But I started writing this there, and that’s what counts, right?