I came across the Get Up Kids in 1999 when I was working at WVCW at VCU. I remember seeing the video for "Action and Action" somewhere and I was taken instantly. Weezer was on hiatus on the Kids filled that whole in my heart. I ran out and purchased "Something to Write Home About" and listened to it non-stop for weeks. I loved it so much I played the whole CD on my little radio show at WVCW. I was probably the only one that heard it.
I had never been on the Mass Pike but I loved the was they sang about it. I was lucky enough to catch the Kids a few times before their break-up. The good news is that they are back together with a new disc coming out. Keep an eye out for the old guy in the back of the room next time the Kids come to town. Just might be me.