Morrissey - Our Frank (120 Minutes, taped in 1991)

This man needs no longer introduction. Though representing more mainstream root of alternative rock genre, Morrissey himself along with his videos were frequent guests on MTV's 120 Minutes. The Smiths legend was still very strong back in those days, as they were (and still are) considered as one of the most influential bands of all times. 

There is not enough space here to present the whole Morrissey music accomplishments, therefore let us pay attention on the song and video "Our Frank". It was the leading single of the third Morrissey LP, "Kill Uncle", released in 1991. The music video was taped in 1991, as well. Though working with verified producers, most of the songs on this LP were conceived with the former Fairport Attraction guitarist, Mark Nevin. And that was probably the reason why most of them, old-fashioned ballads, did not have a standard Morrissey touch. They were dominated by the sound of acoustic guitars, violins, piano, resembling the old 50's and 60's tunes. This particular song "Our Frank" is a perfect example and good representative for the whole album. It constitutes an album literary highlight as well, being an overwhelming confession of helplessness and confusion in the darkness of the modern world.

Kitchens of Distinction - Drive That Fast (120 Minutes, taped in 1991)

This time, quite underrated british band, which never had a luck to gain as much popularity as they  deserved. Founded in 1986, the band debuted in 1987 while their first release "Love is Hell" saw light of a day two years later. This particular video "Drive That Fast", one of their most well-known songs  appeared on their 2nd LP, "Strange Free World", and was tapes from 120 Minutes at the moment of its release (1991). Their catalogue was dominated by such poetic songs and powerful ballads.

Close resemblance to The Cure and Cocteau Twins styles may be clearly seen here, while Kitchens of Distinction's guitarist, Julian Swales, additionally cited Robert Fripp's and The Edge's guitar styles and experiments as his main inspiration. Trivia: band's name, "Kitchens of Distinction", was randomly chosen from the add campaign, while in their former years they used more funny name "Toilets of Distinction".

Basic data:

british band, founded in 1986, Tooting,

line-up: Patric Fitzgerald - voc,b; Julian Swales - g; Daniel Goodwin - dr,

studio discography: Love is Hell, 1989; Strange  Free World, 1991; The Death of Cool, 1992, Cowboys and Aliens, 1994; Folly, 2013.

Nizter Ebb - Ascend (from MTV's120 Minutes, taped in 1994)

At the 17th of March Depeche Mode released their fourteenth studio album and seventh after Alan Wilder's departure. Depeche Mode fans are still divided about Alan's influence on Depeche Mode music but for sure Alan was an important figure responsible for the succes of Nitzer Ebb. MTV played Nitzer Ebb videos pretty often. Here's classic MTV strap for "Ascend" with "clock" logo (VHS rip directly from the tape, SP-->XP mode).

120 Minutes of introduction

This is a place created by collectors of MTV's 120 Minutes memorabila (european edition) for everyone who remember this excellent music show.

This blog is devoted to alternative, weird music videos, MTV Europe used to play on 120 Minutes, Alternative Nation, Post Modern, XPO, Greatest Hits and so on.

This blog is also the beginning of a wider project. We want to create MTV's 120 Minutes archive that will be a data base of european edition of this famous show. Such data base shall contain not only a list of videos but also an original visual content, to the maximum extend, allowed by the copyright law.

Anyone who is interested in taking part of this project is very welcomed ;-) if you still have any MTV recordings on VHS tapes, don't hesitate and contact us. Don't let this legendary channel and show be forgotten.