Today, instead of my usual pontificating, I thought I'd share with you all some of my favorite music videos of all time. I have quite a few that I love, but these few tower above the rest.
I have always been a fan of the music video format. They are these tiny short films that add a visual dimension to a song. Some artists have fully explored and expanded its possibilities.
First up is probably my favorite video artist of all time.
Madonna.
Choosing a favorite video from her is virtually impossible. She has so many truly great and iconic ones. She is a master of the pop-star-as-visual-artist-way-of-being and has a gift for provocative visual story-telling in her work.
Her video "Oh Father" is a GORGEOUS piece of film-making. It tells a story of how a woman's abusive relationship with her husband is a mirror image of a destructive relationship with her own father. The ways by which we are haunted by our past struggles is a central theme. Filmed in timeless black and white, there is seamless editing between two time-periods, Oscar-worthy cinematography, and oh-so tender moments of sorrow--not to mention the layers of Catholic and religious references sprinkled all over the place.
The final shot of a little girl dancing on her mother's grave in the falling snow is tragic, poetic, and just so beautiful. This video stands tall among her finest achievements . . .
"Oh Father" by Madonna (Directed by David Fincher)
Madonna - Oh Father
Uploaded by zocomoro. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.
Another video that I have always been crazy about is by one of my favorite bands. I love it when a video can create a sense of mystery. Radiohead's video for their song "Just" is, quite simply, a brilliant masterpiece. At the end, you, the viewer, are left to wonder and ask "Why . . . . Why . . . Why?"
The whole look of the film is well-conceived. It has the strong bones of a classic little indie film.
I will not say anything further. You'll just have to see and ask for yourself.
"Just" by Radiohead (Directed by Jamie Thraves)
Radiohead - Just
Uploaded by steveo_russianspy. - Explore more music videos.
Music videos can also create an opportunity for fun theatricality. Bjork's "Oh So Quiet" is campy, colorful, and impossibly sweet. She's always been a strong video artist and the song itself showcases her versatility. It's a big-band, old Hollywood gem of a song that is a sharp departure from her usual, more experimental, music. If you're gonna do a video, why not make one that plays to all of your strengths? Bjork is hugely talented, quirky, and adorable. For this video, I can certainly say the same.
"Oh So Quiet" by Bjork (Directed by Spike Jonzes)
Björk - It's Oh So Quiet
Uploaded by UniversalMusicItalia. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.
These are just three of my favorites. I certainly have more, but this is just a small taste of various visual delights.
Do you know of a video that I might like? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Have a fun Sunday folks. :-)
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