The Alternative Number Ones: Gene Loves Jezebel’s “Jealous”

In The Alternative Number Ones, I'm reviewing every #1 single in the history of the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks/Alternative Songs, starting with the moment that the chart launched in 1988. This column is a companion piece to The Number Ones, and it's for members only. Thank you to everyone who's helping to keep Stereogum afloat.

I remember exactly where I was the first time I heard "Jealous," Gene Loves Jezebel's only big hit on the Billboard Modern Rock Songs chart. I was on my way to see The Wizard, the kids' road movie where Fred Savage has to take his autistic-savant little brother across the country to compete in a Nintendo tournament. The release of this movie was a major event for me. If you went on opening night, you'd get a free issue of Nintendo Power magazine! I didn't even have a Nintendo -- parents' decision, not mine -- but I was still, for some reason, very invested in this movie. Like: I might have to be content with playing Frogger on my parents' Apple II, but I was going to get a good look at Super Mario Bros. 3 and the Power Glove before they were even out. Nobody could tell me shit.