By Bruce Warren, Program Director for XPN

120 Minutes on MTV

 Where were you when “120 Minutes” went on the air on MTV on March 10, 1986? In its time, when MTV was still relevant as a medium where you could see some really cool videos and music from alternative bands. When it started “120 Minutes” was pretty much the only place one could find alternative music. And back then before the major corporations co-opted the world of modern rock, it was actually pretty cool. Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” got its world premier on the show. That’s a classic video I will never forget.

The final show was on May 4, 2003, and featured former hosts Dave Kendall and Matt Pinfield. Kendall’s video picks included:
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nine Inch Nails - Head Like A Hole
Jane’s Addiction - Been Caught Stealing
R.E.M. - Driver 8
Pixies - Here Comes Your Man
Sisters Of Mercy - This Corrosion
Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus
Massive Attack - Safe From Harm
Siouxsie And The Banshees - Kiss Them For Me

Matt Pinfield’s video picks included:
Blur - The Universal
The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony
Porno For Pyros - Tahitian Moon
Radiohead - Just
Supergrass - Alright
Oasis - Supersonic
Descendants - I’m The One

With the coming of YouTube and MySpace you don’t really need TV anymore to see old and new videos. But you know, as cool as it is surfing around YouTube for the memories you miss, everytime I do a search for a band’s video I ask myself: Where are Matt Pinfield, Dave Kendall, and J.J. Jackson when you really need them?

Check out this amazing site for videos that made it on 120 Minutes during its heyday.