MTV Turns 30, Everyone Feels Old

It was 30 years ago today that MTV burst onto the pop culture scene. 

For many people of a certain age their memories of the network are defined by the MTV of their youth. As the decades passed MTV has morphed from a somewhat cutting edge, although corporate owned, music channel to a trashy reality television juggernaut.

Mokena Patch's editor Paul Dailing has compiled a list of his favorite MTV moments. The Guardian's music blog also has a pretty solid list of 30 great MTV moments.

I thought I would take a stab at listing my own MTV memories. Although, I must admit that the MTV of my junior high years was marked with a preponderance of boy bands and manufactured pop artists. However, I am nevertheless nostalgic for the days when Carson Daly reigned over the Times Square studio as throngs of teens waited to catch a glimpse of NSync or Eminem.

Favorite Performance: Nirvana Unplugged

One of the networks brightest ideas was a series of unplugged concerts where the excess of arena shows were tripped to an acoustic guitar and a microphone. The definitive grunge band gave the definitive performance.

Greatest Legacy: The Angsty Teen

MTV has always been a contradiction of sorts. One minute showcasing the cool kids on spring break in Cancun, and the next giving airtime to Daria's droll sarcasm. If anything, the network should be commended for showing a wide spectrum of teen life. Youth is about finding your identity while fighting against an urge to conform. At its best, MTV made you feel like everyone had their own place.

Worst Legacy: Trashy Reality Television

MTV was a pioneer in the genre when the Real World launched in 1992. What started as a compelling social experiment devolved into The Hills. I blame MTV for creating a television genre that would later allow the Kardashians to flourish on E!, a crime that can never be redeemed.

Best Music Video: A-Ha "Take On Me"

This one has everything a good music video needs: special effects, a storyline with no relation to the song and '80s hair.

So what are your favorite or least favorite MTV moments?