Video Hangover: New Radicals - "You Get What You Give"
Every week, we dig in the archives for videos that we find noteworthy, memorable, or just unbelievably stupid. And then, Jon McMillan breaks 'em down for you. Why Video Hangover? Because when you watch as many videos as we do, you're going to feel it afterwards.
"You Get What You Give"
New Radicals, 1998
Stay the hell away from our mall, Marilyn Manson!
A person isn't safe anywhere these days
This Gregg Alexander character was always a bit of a wiseacre, so it's tough to know exactly how to interpret his social critique. The mallrats are supposed to be all "radical" and "angry about stuff," but generally come off as whiny, over-privileged assholes with really bad taste in hats. Maybe I'm getting old, but I felt bad for the adults, who end up assaulted, berated, and humiliated. But that's how life is, right? One minute you're walking through the mall in your suit, looking forward to the lunch special at the Panda Express, and the next thing you know you're being locked in a dog cage by N'Sync's backup dancers.
One guy, no cup
Make sure you all turn on your webcams so you can document your reactions to what happens at the 3:05 mark (and post them on YouTube). I, for one, will never look at soft serve ice cream the same way again.
I predict a (really lame) riot
A scooter in the atrium? A popcorn fight? A freaking New Radicals concert? If this is the blueprint for asserting individuality (albeit in a totally conformist, mall culture kinda way), then count me out. They could have spray painted anti-capitalist slogans on the glass elevator, or at least looted a Gap. Instead they settle for -- a peach-tights-and-sweater makeover? Then again, it's kind of hard to blame the kids, based on the source material. As generational calls-to-arms go, "You Get What You Give" isn't exactly "Blowin' in the Wind."
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Posted at 1:16 PM in Video, Video Hangover
Tags: New Radicals
I fucking hate this song.
Score = 0
The New Radicals were on the bill of some local-radio station-sponsored "bands that don't go together but they're popular right now so we'll make you see them all" show I went to back when this song was at the height of its popularity. Lucky us, they played said song in the middle of their set.. and then played it again as an encore. Quality.
Score = 1
This video makes all teenagers look like huge assholes.
Score = 0
I must admit this song is on my "guilty pleasures" list.
One boy, no cup...bwha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Score = 0
Watch the chick get destroyed in the mosh pit around 3:40. Its a really odd slo-mo decision.
Score = 0
polite white shite riot
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As far as the late 90s one hit wonders that are cherished by certain indie types, this is near the bottom of the list. "Drinking In LA" is tons better. Even "Steal My Sunshine" is better.
Score = -1
agree on the guilty pleasure... the video is a tad on the sucky side though.
don't forget his guilty (ha!) for the guilty pleasures by ronan keating: life is a roller coaster, lovin each day etc...
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ahhahahahha
that guy LOOOOOOOVES the soft serve hahahahahhaha, if he only knew...
Score = 0
steal my sunshine definitely competes for late 90s wasteland of style: white wife beaters, raver sunglasses, obligatory "our band records how much fun we have on the road" handycam footage, dreds = the funny one, etc. but the kid in the shirt that says "SKA" makes this one the winner.
but, yeah, if i was 11 drinks in, i'd rather hear "steal my sunshine".
Score = 0
OMG Gregg Alexander is singing! Let's run away! Now!
I wonder if that guy @ 3:05 is now doing scat porn.
Score = 0
the kid's shirt that says "ska" is a moon records shirt. pretty legendary nyc ska/dub/reggae label from new york city.
and i'm sure this band never played this song in the middle of their set and then for an encore. during the bands final shows, they wouldn't even play this song. the lead singer was an asshole...who never cared what you thought.
Score = 2
The video is pretty stupid, but damn, I love this song
Score = 1
Didn't Marilyn Manson say he'd kick the crap out of that lead singer if he ever met him face-to-face?
Score = 0
definitely the eatons centre in toronto.
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I totally have the dreamer's disease.
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This album is very good. I've been listening to it a lot lately. Give it a shot. Every song is good.
Score = 0
Yeah, serious red herring with this song and video... the album actually has some really good shit on it. it's not radio friendly at all... very fucked up shit. check it out if you get a chance.
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to Megan-
I hope your dreamers disease clears up soon. I too had that same affliction in late 99 and some good antibiodics really did the job.
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@greg- 3 cheers for moon ska. i was really excited when i randomly found their offices in manhattan. they had a crazy black-and-white tile floor, if i remember correctly.
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I always liked the song.
As I understand it, Gregg Alexander quit recording together because he couldn't stand the record company suits--and a lot of his anti-corporate anger came out in his over the top lyrics and videos, even if he was being facetious about his attacks on the artists.
According to Wikipedia, Alexander then worked with artists such as Ronan Keating, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Enrique Iglesias, often collaborating with producer/songwriter Rick Nowels. His most successful song as a producer/songwriter was the 2003 Grammy Award-winning "The Game of Love" by Santana and Michelle Branch.
Score = 0
I love this song and video. it show the world as it has become and I am so happy that the video came out and should stay out. if u narrow minded rdnecks dont like it, than dont listen to it or critize it. u have no song out so what is your issue other than the fact that u r rednecks. all I can say is that rock on with the video you get what u give
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I can't get enough of this song! Here it is ten years later, and I still LOVE IT! Why is that?
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I have fallen in love with an unknown person Gregg Alexander because of that song. Totally non-conformist not like plenty of hollywood celebrities who will die if there was no camera on their face
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