20 Music Videos That Defined The 90s

16. Beck - "Loser" (1993)

Beck 600x300 Before the word's appropriation by SubPop Records for their notorious t-shirts, there was this strikingly low-budget video for lo-fi folkie Beck Hansen's surprise hit which was basically a string of meaningless babble ("Drive-by body pierce") with a shambling hip-hop beat, sung in a lackadaisacal drawl. The media naturally affixed Beck with the "slacker" label, which he has been fighting to shake ever since. Kind of a shame his song "MTV Makes Me Want to Smoke Crack" wasn't his follow-up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgSPaXgAdzE

15. Fiona Apple - "Criminal" (1995)

Fiona 600x300 A tiny, surly chanteuse with a bottomless contempt for the inner workings of the machine that made her successful (her famous "this world is bulls**t" acceptance speech being a prime example), Fiona Apple was the perfect icon for the cynical 90's era. The video itself is a sleazy affair which comfortably straddles the line between perfume ad and underage porn. It might make you feel somewhat shameful watching it, but you could say the same about virtually anything from the 90's. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFOzayDpWoI
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Hi there, What Culture-ers! I'm William Graff, a 40-year old freelance writer from the wilds of Capitol Hill in beautiful Denver, Colorado. I enjoy many things such as beer, Doctor Who, The Simpsons, record collecting, stand-up comedy, long aimless walks, and of course the Broncos, which is required by law if you live here. I appreciate all feedback for my writing, but I prefer cash and/or deleted Smiths singles in lieu of praise. Rock on!