Pop culture depicts high school as a much sexier and well groomed experience than it actually is. Because of this, we live vicariously through the teenagers we see on screen; weirdos like Enid and Rebecca, angry loners like Patrick Verona, smart speed addicts working a CD counter like Corey and sadistic nymphomaniacs like Kathryn Merteuil.
The soundtrack to their debauchery is always filled with angst and indie-pop charm (and songs you're embarrassed to admit you like most of the time. No shame Loungers!). Here is The High School Mixtape:
'I Want You To Want Me' – Cheap Trick
'Kids in America' – Kim Wilde
'Malibu' – Hole
'Calypso'– Spiderbait
'If You Leave' – OMD
'Dammit' – Blink 182
'Kiss Me' – Sixpence None The Richer
'Every you, Every me' – Placebo
'Don't You Forget About Me' – Simple Minds
'Cruel to be Kind' – Letters to Cleo
'What Do I Get' – Buzzcocks
'Operate' – Peaches
'Overdrive' – Katy Hall
'Smile Like You Mean It' – The Killers
'Just a Girl' – No Doubt
'Dice' – Finley Quaye
'Liar' – The Cranberries