Recently, Black20’s own Pat Driscoll took a weekend down on the Jersey Shore. In that time, he heard Eve 6’s “Inside Out” performed three times by three different cover bands in the span of 24 hours. It was surprisingly rocking.

The Jersey Shore may not be good for much, but for cover bands they are America’s pace car. So, taking their lead, it’s time to stop with the Bon Jovi and Def Leppard, and officially move the era of nostalgia to the mid 90s.

Here’s our suggestion for your set list. Keep in mind, the key to this is not to do the huge anthems, but the songs that people remember and feel special for remembering. Also key: rock hard and score with ladies.

Set List

“Unsung” – Helmet

You want to wake people up and let them know what they’re in for. The opening bass line of “Unsung” will do that for you instantly. To quote the crazy lady in the drug store down the street, “You need to know who you’re talkin’ to. You’ll learn right after I kick the shit out of your ass.”

“Lump” – Presidents of the United States of America

Hammer the drums. It’s the only way to make going to this song after Helmet work. Huge bonus points if you strap on instruments that are missing strings. The crowd should be smiling and feeling a little silly, which is good for where you’re about to take them.

“Hey Jealousy” – Gin Blossoms

Placed third by design to elicit the first real sing along of the set and to let the crowd know exactly how this night is gonna go down.

“Roll To Me” – Del Amitri

You probably don’t remember you know it, but as soon as it starts, you will then remember how awesome it is and you’ll probably end up downloading it.

“The Way” – Fastball

A great song with a perfect chorus. Extend the silent part between the dirgy guitar solo and the chorus for at least fifteen secnonds. You will own that audience.

“Sucked Out” – Superdrag

If you’re really cool, you can actually hold the mic out to the audience and let them sing “Who sucked out the feeling!!!!!!” That’s totally up to you.

“Stars” – Hum

This is a big, triumphant song, and will probably turn into a sing along at the chorus. Feel free to cut the vocals and point the mic at the crowd.

“Flagpole Sitta” – Harvey Danger

There was a band who played this song and pulled out the “Bulls on Parade” wah during the “And rage against machines” line. We’re not usually one to endorse ripping off someone else’s stuff, but you’re already a cover band, so go for it. It works.

“Molly (Sixteen Candles)” – Sponge

In order to perform this song, it’s imperative that your frontman not be your guitar player. This song will require him to spastically run around the stage and lean into the audience as much as possible. This is the song that gets him laid.

“Somebody To Shove” – Soul Asylum

Sure there are more popular Soul Asylum songs, but none is better equipped to close out a set. Your lead singer and guitar player should stand back to back while closing it out and if instruments get broken well, that’s the price you pay for rock n’ roll.

First Encore

“Possum Kingdom” – The Toadies

You’ve been called out for an encore, and you need a riff that is going to play well with the dark. Feel free to let the intro go a little longer than normal to really work the crowd into a nostalgic frenzy before turning the lights on and getting into it.

“No Rain” – Blind Melon

Do not try this if you can’t get Shannon Hoon’s vocal range. But if you can, it’ll be a nice, gentle come down.

Second Encore

“Hey Man, Nice Shot” – Filter

You tried to let them off easy, but they're still calling for more, begging to keep suckling at the teat of yesteryear. This is the last song, and another that builds like a stormcloud. You shouldn’t have anything left in the tank after these vocals, so say goodnight and go meet your groupies.