Material Issue was a power pop band that made a significant splash in the music scene of the early 1990s with a sound that blended catchy hooks, jangling guitars, and an unabashed affection for the classic pop of the 1960s and 1970s. Formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1985, the group was led by the charismatic singer-songwriter and guitarist Jim Ellison, with bassist Ted Ansani and drummer Mike Zelenko rounding out the trio. They earned a cult following in the Midwestern club circuit with their energetic live performances and sharp songwriting.

Their debut album, "International Pop Overthrow," released in 1991, has since become a touchstone for the power pop genre, combining the ethos of punk with the melodicism of the British Invasion. The album's title later inspired the name of an annual power pop music festival. Follow-up albums such as "Destination Universe" and "Freak City Soundtrack" showcased the band's range and ability to craft memorable pop anthems that resonated with a wider audience. Despite a career that was tragically cut short due to Ellison's passing in 1996, Material Issue's body of work lives on, cherished by fans and influencing a new generation of power pop aficionados. The release of "Goin' Through Your Purse: Live In Chicago (2400 Trouble Makers Can't Be Wrong)" captures the raw energy of their live shows, while the 20th Anniversary Edition of "International Pop Overthrow" offers a remastered celebration of the album that first put them on the map.

Genres

Jangle Pop

Power Pop

Underground Power Pop

Latest Release

International Pop Overthrow 20th Anniversary Edition

Material Issue

Album - 22 Tracks - Released January 1, 2011