EP-iphanies: Material Issue’s “What Girls Want” [U.S. Promo CD Single]

As you probably know by now, The Analog Kid lives for b-sides and non-album cuts. In this continuing series, I will share some of my favorite EPs and 12″ singles from over the years in their entirety. And since it’s digital, you don’t have to worry about correctly setting the turntable speed to  or 33⅓ or 45!

Material Issue were one of my favorite bands in the early ’90s. They were a true power-pop band in the age of grunge, but their live shows were every bit as intense as anything Nirvana or Pearl Jam had to offer. Jim Ellison knew how to work a crowd, and he really knew how to write songs– great songs, with killer hooks and huge choruses.

“What Girls Want” was the lead single from Destination Universe, Material Issue’s second album. The U.S. promo CD for “What Girls Want” contained a cover of Grand Funk’s 1975 #4 single “Bad Time,” and also featured an acoustic version of “Next Big Thing.” I saw them live three different times on the long tour in support of Destination Universe, including an epic show in New York City (with the Mighty Lemon Drops and Too Much Joy) in October of 1992.

Less than four years later, Jim Ellison committed suicide. I still love listening to Material Issue’s music, but the songs sound a little different to me now. The longing and heartache evident in a great tune like “Everything” make me wonder how things might have been different if the band had found the success they so unquestionably deserved. Rest in peace, Jim.

Material Issue: What Girls Want [U.S. Promo CD Single]

Mercury/Polygram Records, 1992

1. “What Girls Want” (Ellison)

What Girls Want

2. “Bad Time” (Farner)

Bad Time

3. “Next Big Thing [Acoustic]” (Ellison)

Next Big Thing [Acoustic]

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Bonus Tracks!

The first rule of The Analog Kid blog is that if you write about a song on the Analog Kid blog, you share the song on the Analog Kid blog.

Grand Funk: “Bad Time” (Farner)

From the album All The Girls in The World Beware!!!

Capitol Records, 1974

Bad Time

Material Issue: “Everything” (Ellison)

From the album Destination Universe

Mercury/Polygram Records, 1992

Everything