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The videos on MTV20: 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 that MTV20: Pop lacks 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
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