Anyone who is in my generation has seen, i'm sure, their fair share of music videos. By the time we were kids it was the norm for any new single from any semi-popular band to have a music video accompany it and be played non-stop on MTV, or if it were on the controversial side, only once or twice at night (after 9, I believe).
Being a very visual person and always being interested in film, as well as music, Music Videos have always interested me. I usually remember the ones I like; they're ingrained in my memory like few other art medium can be. So as a new feature for Imaginary Sounds, I've set out to collect quite a few of my absolute favorites and post them here in sections throughout the week.
Today's section is highlighting those videos that blur the lines between music video and--well, just video; either by having cinematography that very closely resembles that used in movies, longer length than the average music video, or just using themes touched on more prominently in movies.
Beastie Boys - Sabotage
dir. Spike Jonze
This is a classic music video if there ever was one. The boys take on a host of 70's cop drama cliche's backed by one of the most bad-ass songs they ever wrote. I can't really figure out though, if the song is only bad ass because of the music video. Really--I've never listened to it separate. Watch for the great uses of dummy stunts.
Health - We Are Water
dir. Eric Wierheim
This video is a recent release by the noise band Health, and quickly shot to the top of my list for favorite videos of all time. It's in this category for 2 of the 3 reasons mentioned. The cinematography is unusually beautiful and extremely well edited (props to Eric Wierheim of Tim & Eric, Awesome Show! fame), and the concept and the finished project look like they would fit wonderfully in any over the top horror film. It's not territory covered by most music videos. Oh yeah--bloody, gory video is extremely bloody and gory.
The Arcade Fire - My Body Is A Cage
dir. Sergio Leone, re-edited by J. Tyler Helms
This fan-made video for the My Body is a Cage is quite literally cinematic; instead of using techniques and concepts from film, it's actually clips from Sergio Leone's classic spaghetti western "Once Upon a Time in the West" re-edited to the song. It's a great testament to how a story can be reinterpreted to fit a medium, and fits the song well. Spoiler warning though--if you haven't seen the movie, it will ruin the ending for you.
The Dead Weather - Treat Me Like Your Mother
dir. Jonathan Glazer
Anywhere, Suburbia in the middle of the afternoon. Two of the most bad ass musicians I can think of having a no-holds-barred shootout. I'd almost say this is a video that really pays off in the end, and though it does, I think you've got plenty of eye candy to keep you entertained.
Michael Jackson - Thriller
dir. John Landis
The mother of all cinematic videos and the bar at which all other music videos have been held since; Thriller is iconic. I mean...what am I supposed to say here that hasn't already been said about this video? That the whole zombie theme holds a new meaning nowadays? Aw...too soon?
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