MTV20 - Pop
The videos onMTV20: Pop(one of the four DVDs compiled by MTV to  celebrate the channel's 20th anniversary), at least the earlier ones, are  technically primitive by today's standards. The songs are mostly forgettable,  and many of the artists are already forgotten. But still... go ahead and try to  watch these 15 tracks without tapping your feet or singing along. That's because  as silly as some of this stuff is--and it doesn't get much more hokey or dated  than the mechanical synth pop of Gary Numan's "Cars" (from 1980, predating the  birth of MTV itself) or A Flock of Seagulls' "I Ran" (a hit for the big-hair New  Wavers in 1982)--every song here has an irresistibly catchy chorus and, in many  cases, a video that is at the very least fun to watch (plus DVD bonus features,  including background info on the artists and a "Pop-Up Video"-style on-screen  option).That's not to say thatMTV20: Poplacks some quality material by  significant artists, like Elvis Costello's "Everyday I Write the Book" (with an  amusing video depicting Prince Charles and Princess Diana's domestic life) and  Big Country's "In a Big Country" (an inspired, majestic anthem from '86). But  who needs significant when you've got the Thompson Twins' "Hold Me Now," Naked  Eyes' "Promises, Promises," and Chumbawamba's "Tubthumping"? Why look for deep  meaning when you can party on with Lionel Richie's "All Night Long," Smash  Mouth's "Walkin' on the Sun," and Aqua's "Barbie Girl"? File this one under  Guilty Pleasures, and get ready to smile.--Sam Graham