we’ll probably just work it out
Once a year I purposefully watch music videos. Occasionally, I stumble across something spectacular and try to spread it around, but I typically wait until the Best Of 20XX lists are released by music/mp3 bloggers who know what they’re talking about. There are a few lists already surfacing, but Pitchfork’s gets the gold.
The shining standouts: RJD2 (bottom page 4, alphabetically listed), Blonde Redhead (page 1), Feist (page 3), Health (page 3, at least I love it), and The Wrong Trousers (page 4).
What is so wonderful about this list is that 1) all of the videos are linked to video-hosting websites, and 2) more than a few are fan videos. Artists who support RIAA initiatives to start bringing down any YouTube videos that include copyrighted material (even if it is fair-use) are just as behind the times as dial-up connections and zip drives. As an artist, having your music video posted to YouTube is one of the most important and viral ways of extending the fan base. Most musicians understand this, but some are still living in the past.
And, regarding 2), when I saw the “music video”, if you can call it that, of The Wrong Trousers playing “Video Killed the Radio Star”, my jaw dropped for the entirety of the home-video-style recording. A double bass, a mandolin, a harp - what’s not to love?
It turns out this group is amazing and has their own MySpace page, naturally. Somehow the band reminds me of Kings of Convenience or what translating Charlotte’s Web into music would sound like. Somehow. I really like it, though. But I am also a sucker for a good harp. And who isn’t?
But, if you aren’t going to take the time to watch all 50 videos, then I must absolutely recommend “Work It Out” by RJD2. I love music videos that use live street scenes, particularly from New York. It’s just amazing how some people try to avoid interacting with performers who are being recorded; the passerby acts as if the person is some lunatic with money and time to waste. The girl at 2:32 is a perfect example - covering her other ear while on the cellphone, totally ignoring the guy except being sure to step out of the way and avoid any further internet-worldwide humiliation. Great video, anyways.
December 16th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
I liked Blonde Redhead for about a minute then upon realizing that she did that for the entire video, I promptly got bored with it.
Feist is wonderful as always. The video has some lipsync issues and some coreographic disasters but overall it’s well made and the song is adorable.
This Health band sounds interesting, I’ll have to give the album a listen.
Wrong Trousers…wow….that was amazing. What a great take.