"Popular," Nada Surf

No one expected a video mocking popular high school kids to become such a hit.  But Nada Surf did just that with its 1996 single “Popular”:

In this twisted video, Nada Surf frontman Matthew Caws plays a teacher who gives increasingly bizarre advice to his all-cheerleader class.  The advice – taken from a real 1960s guide to popularity for teenagers – echoes the thoughts of the head cheerleader (Sarah Sebestyen).  “I propose we support a one month limit on going steady,” Caws sarcastically says. “…And once you’ve dated someone else, you can date (Johnny) again.  I’m sure he’ll like it.  Everyone will appreciate it.  You’re so novel, what a good idea!”

Mere seconds later, we see our head cheerleader making out with another football player in the bleachers.  Johnny Football Hero is in the locker room showers – completely unaware of the scene outside – and sings along to the chorus.  The other football player goes to the showers, greeting Johnny Football Hero in a scene that’s still open to interpretation.  Some would argue that the football players really just wanted each other, while others would say the cheerleader was a mere prize in an ongoing competition between them.  No matter how you viewed it, it was clear that this video did not think too highly of the popular kids. 

After “Popular,” Nada Surf would continue to record albums and tour.  Their last album, “if I had a hi-fi,” was released in 2010.  


Want more 90s alternative rock?  Check out our throwbacks on Foo Fighters' "Big Me" and Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun."