Adding yet another item to the list of reasons I wish I lived in the UK, Blur announced a few days ago that they will be reuniting for London’s Hyde Park gig next July. While I realize that many here in the States will probably greet that news with a response along the lines of, “What, that ‘Woo-hoo’ band is getting back together – who cares?”, there was actually quite a bit more to Blur than their US hit, “Song 2.”

The band, who haven’t played a show as a four-piece since 2000, was at the forefront of the mid-90s Britpop scene. The combination of Graham Coxon’s guitar work and Damon Albarn’s uncanny ability to nail the mundanity of suburban culture in his lyrics was magic at times and definitely one of the key influences in my life-long affair with Britpop.

So, in honor of Blur’s reunion let’s take a look back one of my favorite videos, 1994’s “Parklife.” Featuring a guest appearance by Quadrophenia’s Phil Daniels, this was the esscence of Blur at the time – funny, clever, and catchy as all hell. (Plus, in 6th grade I had a huge crush on Damon and I think this video had a lot to do with it…)

Ever since the first Music Video Time Machine post, I’ve been searching through crazy places in my brain looking for something really good to post myself. Well, I finally found something:

I had this song on an old Maxell tape that someone made for me when it was first being played on the radio. I never had a clue who released this song, nor did I care - I was like 11. But after re-discovering the song for this post I looked into it. It’s by a group called Smart E’s. After seeing that promotional video and listening to the song again, I’m not sure why looking into who did it even occurred to me.

- Krissy

Eiffel 65: I heard the guy third from the
left did all the work.

You know you remember every one of them!

La Bouche
Nikki French
Real McCoy
Cici Peniston
Alice DeeJay
Eiffel 65
Sonique

And I bet you danced a little too.

- Kali

**Wanna share a favorite music video? Find it on YouTube, send us the link here, and we’ll feature it in the next Music Video Time Machine.**

The Roots saw the future of rap video

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Sure it’s a cliché, but sometimes it happens to be true. And oh my, did I ever find truth in that cliché while watching the Yo! MTV Raps marathon that’s been running on digital channel MTV Jamz for the past few weeks. Thank Baby D’s “I’m Bout Money” clip for providing this revelation. Now, there is absolutely nothing remarkable about this video. It’s every cash, hos, bling clip you’ve ever seen. But what I do find remarkable is that I remember The Roots parodying this exact video — 12 years ago. “What They Do” was a perfect send-up of mid-90s rap video excess. There’s something sad about the fact that it’s still just as relevant over a decade later.

- Amirah

**Wanna share a favorite music video? Find it on YouTube, send us the link here, and we’ll feature it in the next Music Video Time Machine.**

The Roots - What They Do

They like to party

Who could forget the Vengaboys? Many of us tried and failed, especially when Six Flags resurrected “Who Likes To Party” for their own commercial purposes. Or if you ever saw the fateful karaoke of “Boom Boom Boom Boom” that Art Brut posted online, enough said. But go onto YouTube and type in their name, and sure enough over 1000 results show up from Asian guys singing in their cars to the “two girls in a bedroom singing” skit to even the Simpsons dancing to it (20th Century Fox has removed this clip now). Now relive the good old days of the Vengaboys; just promise me to still avoid Aqua.

- StEvO

**Wanna share a favorite music video? Find it on YouTube, send us the link here, and we’ll feature it in the next Music Video Time Machine.**

Vengaboys - Boom Boom Boom Boom