Material Issue was a power pop power trio from Chicago, Illinois. Their trademark was a brand of dense, rich, manic, and powerful pop tunes. Their lyrics revolved heavily around themes of love and heartbreak, having a phalanx of girl's-first-name-titled songs. Singles such as "Diane" and "Valerie Loves Me" remain staples of rock radio. Formed in 1985, Material Issue was the brainchild of frontman Jim Ellison (who also played guitar, provided lead vocals, and wrote all Material Issue songs).