Blog: PopMatters

Often written off as a one-hit wonder, Nada Surf proves to be a band with depth, tenacity, and an enviable work ethic. Nada Surf was thrust into the spotlight of a booming alternative music scene back in 1996, when the band's quirky debut single, "Popular", became, well, popular. Two years later, when the Brooklyn-based trio turned in its sophomore album, The Proximity Effect to record label executives at Elektra, the executives were none too pleased. The album lacked a "Popular", they said; it had no catchy single that would spur interest in the record and generate sales....