Diane

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Diane" by Material Issue, a standout track from their 1991 debut album International Pop Overthrow, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this power pop gem. This song, with its infectious melody and bittersweet lyrics, hides a darker edge beneath its sugary surface. According to a 2014 post on The Delete Bin, "Diane" shifts from a seemingly admiring tone to one of resentment and possession, with the line "I’ll pull you out and I’ll pin you down, Diane" revealing a twist that undercuts the typical power pop narrative. This thematic complexity, blending love with obsession, sets it apart from the genre’s usual lightweight fare. The song’s music video, directed by Nigel Dick, features the band performing against a white backdrop with geometric shapes, interspersed with still photos of a woman, adding a visual layer to its storytelling, as noted on IMDb. Its success helped propel the album, with "Diane" reaching the top ten on the Billboard Modern Rock chart, a feat celebrated in a 2021 Rock and Roll Globe article commemorating the album’s 30th anniversary.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s reception and legacy. A 2023 Pitchfork review describes "Diane" as portraying a woman with "a helicopter and a submarine," painting her as an elusive dream girl, which amplifies the song’s larger-than-life vibe. The track’s enduring appeal is evident in its continued play at the International Pop Overthrow festival, a power pop showcase named after the album, founded in 1998 by David Bash as a tribute to the band’s influence. Fans on Reddit have shared personal stories, with one user recalling waking up in 2023 singing "Diane" and playing the album on their morning commute, highlighting its nostalgic pull. The song’s raw emotion and universal theme of unrequited love, as explored in a 2023 Old Time Music article, ensure it resonates across generations, with covers by various artists paying homage to its lasting impact.

Material Issue began in 1985 in Chicago, Illinois, as a power pop trio led by frontman Jim Ellison, who played guitar, sang lead vocals, and wrote most of the band’s songs. Ellison, a passionate songwriter with a knack for crafting hook-heavy tunes about love and heartbreak, formed the band while attending Columbia College Chicago. There, he met bassist Ted Ansani in 1986, and the duo’s chemistry laid the foundation for the band’s sound. Drummer Mike Zelenko joined later that year after responding to an ad in the Illinois Entertainer, completing the lineup. The trio honed their craft in Chicago’s vibrant music scene, drawing inspiration from Midwestern power pop legends like Cheap Trick and Shoes. In 1987, they released a self-titled EP on their own label, Big Block, named after Ellison’s love for 1970s muscle car engines and operated out of his parents’ home in Addison, Illinois. Their early track "Sixteen Tambourines" appeared on a 1988 CMJ New Music Report compilation, catching attention with its high-energy, hook-laden style. By 1991, after extensive Midwest touring and demo recording, they landed a deal with Mercury Records, releasing International Pop Overthrow, produced by Jeff Murphy of Shoes, which sold over 300,000 copies.

While Material Issue is no longer active following Ellison’s tragic death in 1996, their legacy endures through fan communities and surviving members’ projects. The band’s official website is not currently active, but fans can explore their history on the International Pop Overthrow festival site, which honors their influence. On Facebook, the Material Issue page shares updates about reissues and festival appearances, while the Material Issue Fan Group offers a space for Zoo Freaks to connect, share memories, and discuss the band’s music. The band does not have an official Instagram account, but fans often post tributes using hashtags like #MaterialIssue. Similarly, no official X account exists, though posts like those from DJ Jake Rudh in 2023 and 2024 celebrate the album’s anniversary, reflecting ongoing fan enthusiasm. Ted Ansani remains active in Chicago’s music scene, with his website tedansani.com carrying the band’s legacy, while Mike Zelenko performs with bands like The Ladies and Gentlemen. Fan sites like Jittery White Guy Music also keep the spirit of Material Issue alive, offering reviews and reflections for dedicated listeners.