NEW BLOG LOCATION:
http://perfectmusicvideos.tumblr.com/
My brother convinced me tumblr is a cooler place to host my videos. So I spent the whole night re-posting everything over there. Although I understand that some hosting sites are 'cooler' than others, I really don't understand how typing a slighting different url prefix and a slightly different layout can be that much 'cooler'. But I also don't want to be an old man stuff updating his myspace and checking his juno account so I will no longer update this page, please click over to:
http://perfectmusicvideos.tumblr.com/
AGAIN, this site is dead. the new site with new content ect is http://perfectmusicvideos.tumblr.com/
I love you
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Roy Andersson Commercials Part 2
Rating: A+ (academically speaking)
I dig through so much stuff looking for inspiration and, to be honest, I haven't found anything that got me excited in a long time. I find enjoyable or interesting stuff all the time, but it's been a long time since I saw something and thought to myself "I need to steal from that". Roy Andersson is a visual genius auteur from Sweden and I was aware of his artsy movies, but had no idea he did commercials. The fact that they aren't in english makes the subtext they are conveying that much more blunt to my eye. I suspect these might be boring to everybody else, but every bit just reads as totally original and brilliant and inspiring to me.
I dig through so much stuff looking for inspiration and, to be honest, I haven't found anything that got me excited in a long time. I find enjoyable or interesting stuff all the time, but it's been a long time since I saw something and thought to myself "I need to steal from that". Roy Andersson is a visual genius auteur from Sweden and I was aware of his artsy movies, but had no idea he did commercials. The fact that they aren't in english makes the subtext they are conveying that much more blunt to my eye. I suspect these might be boring to everybody else, but every bit just reads as totally original and brilliant and inspiring to me.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
reader poll:
Would you like this to be on tumblr instead? My brother says tumbler is a million time cooler and would make it more popular. Is that true?
La Bionda - I wanna be your lover (Discoring)
Rating: B
Technically, more a really good song than a dazzling video. I promised myself I would never pull a pitchfork and put up boring videos just because the artist was cool or whatever. But come on, feel this.
Technically, more a really good song than a dazzling video. I promised myself I would never pull a pitchfork and put up boring videos just because the artist was cool or whatever. But come on, feel this.
Friday, November 25, 2011
air - sing sang sung
Rating: B+/A-
Keeping with the french thing, here is some frenchy power. Pretty much as french as you can get. Watch if you like stuff that is "french as fuck"
Keeping with the french thing, here is some frenchy power. Pretty much as french as you can get. Watch if you like stuff that is "french as fuck"
CADBURY - CHARITY SHOP
Rating: B
This is directed by MEGAFORCE, best known for the "Is Tropical - The Greek" video that everyone liked this summer. Here they are being totally french and totally high budget once again.
This is directed by MEGAFORCE, best known for the "Is Tropical - The Greek" video that everyone liked this summer. Here they are being totally french and totally high budget once again.
BOYS NOIZE & EROL ALKAN - LEMONADE
Rating: B
As good as this sort of thing gets, it just seems like this sort of thing kimd of came and went when youtube was new and everyone was posting videos of insane basketball shots and skate boards landings off roofs. This one does nail it and the directing ect is tight. On "Americans' Got Talent" they would call this sort of video a "green 3"
As good as this sort of thing gets, it just seems like this sort of thing kimd of came and went when youtube was new and everyone was posting videos of insane basketball shots and skate boards landings off roofs. This one does nail it and the directing ect is tight. On "Americans' Got Talent" they would call this sort of video a "green 3"
Monday, November 21, 2011
A long day of timbre
Rating: B-
This style is huge in Japan. I don't get excited about it, but I also think there is something to be said for it as well. It's like graphic designers chose to approach motion while ignoring any form of video or film that ever came along previously. If you aren"t Japanese, kinda intresting for 2 minutes maybe.
This style is huge in Japan. I don't get excited about it, but I also think there is something to be said for it as well. It's like graphic designers chose to approach motion while ignoring any form of video or film that ever came along previously. If you aren"t Japanese, kinda intresting for 2 minutes maybe.
Violet Dark Spring of the Numinous Orb (2011)
Rating: C-
There is a huge trend in art and music videos right now that is essentially creating screen saver art. Or it is someone at the beach with a very blown out 70's film stock look. Or an 80's VHS tape look to it. Maybe it is a reaction to the premiere of the HD medium. I mostly shrug my shoulders at it, and think of it as those 70"s acid movies kids used to watch while doing ludes. It's probably the biggest trend right now, sadly. Here is a pretty good example of the type of screen saver that would play in an art gallery that you were hanging around for the free Trader Joe's wine.
There is a huge trend in art and music videos right now that is essentially creating screen saver art. Or it is someone at the beach with a very blown out 70's film stock look. Or an 80's VHS tape look to it. Maybe it is a reaction to the premiere of the HD medium. I mostly shrug my shoulders at it, and think of it as those 70"s acid movies kids used to watch while doing ludes. It's probably the biggest trend right now, sadly. Here is a pretty good example of the type of screen saver that would play in an art gallery that you were hanging around for the free Trader Joe's wine.
Gil Scott-Heron - New York Is Killing Me (Chris Cunningham Remix)
Rating: A-
in the 90's, we all had our hopes up for Chris Cunningham. Then he disappeared into some pretentious london club scene for a decade, probably on ludes or something. Rumor has it, he would just watch his Windowlicker video on loop, alone, luded out, mumbling o himself what a genius he could have been and how sad he was about various vodka marketing campaign choices. Anyway, he made 2 videos in the last year and they are enjoyable. Here is one of them. It is a 4 minute song with a 6 minute outro.
in the 90's, we all had our hopes up for Chris Cunningham. Then he disappeared into some pretentious london club scene for a decade, probably on ludes or something. Rumor has it, he would just watch his Windowlicker video on loop, alone, luded out, mumbling o himself what a genius he could have been and how sad he was about various vodka marketing campaign choices. Anyway, he made 2 videos in the last year and they are enjoyable. Here is one of them. It is a 4 minute song with a 6 minute outro.
ACOMMUNICATION
Rating: C
A great example of the kind of video art that presents an interesting idea that needs to be perfected into a music video. Ideas start as boring video art, develop into interesting video art, then appear in music videos, immediately followed by there ultimate incarnation, the car commercials.
A great example of the kind of video art that presents an interesting idea that needs to be perfected into a music video. Ideas start as boring video art, develop into interesting video art, then appear in music videos, immediately followed by there ultimate incarnation, the car commercials.
ACOMMUNICATION from Fran et Jim on Vimeo.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
BOOMBOX
Rating:D+
Not a visually stunning masterpiece, so it's extremely skippable. However.
There was this extremely outgoing gay kid in my high school. He was very into how scary the Blair Witch project was and did an awesome impression of the scene in The Cable Guy where Jim Carey fights Mathew Broderick at Medieval times and sings his own sound track to the fight while fighting. In front of a pep ralley of 3000 people, he did a solo dance that he himself had choreographed to Michael Jackson's 'Beat It'. The gymnasium howled with the sound of thousands of homophobic mid-westerners, but Tony had that intense, Flashdance look on his face and did the whole dance with bravado and poise and as the performance went on, slowly people stopped being assholes and by the end he got a giant cheer. It was kind of one of the most awesome things I had ever seen. (and yes, it's essentially the ending of Napoleon Dynamite, but that movie didn't even exist yet and this was real life with people I know). Anyway, that kid went on to literally star in the Broadway production of West Side Story and I like to pretend that this video is that kid's Michael Jackson Pep Rally Moment.
Although it's probably not, because the world has become a lot less homophobic in the last 10 years and he is probably just some random dude that likes dancing around a whole bunch.
Not a visually stunning masterpiece, so it's extremely skippable. However.
There was this extremely outgoing gay kid in my high school. He was very into how scary the Blair Witch project was and did an awesome impression of the scene in The Cable Guy where Jim Carey fights Mathew Broderick at Medieval times and sings his own sound track to the fight while fighting. In front of a pep ralley of 3000 people, he did a solo dance that he himself had choreographed to Michael Jackson's 'Beat It'. The gymnasium howled with the sound of thousands of homophobic mid-westerners, but Tony had that intense, Flashdance look on his face and did the whole dance with bravado and poise and as the performance went on, slowly people stopped being assholes and by the end he got a giant cheer. It was kind of one of the most awesome things I had ever seen. (and yes, it's essentially the ending of Napoleon Dynamite, but that movie didn't even exist yet and this was real life with people I know). Anyway, that kid went on to literally star in the Broadway production of West Side Story and I like to pretend that this video is that kid's Michael Jackson Pep Rally Moment.
Although it's probably not, because the world has become a lot less homophobic in the last 10 years and he is probably just some random dude that likes dancing around a whole bunch.
SINK OR SWIM
Rating: A+
I used to try to make kinda darkish comedy stuff sometimes. Then I found this guy and was like 'oh, that is what I was trying to do only 100 times better than I ever could have, and far more concise. Clearly, I am a total poser' Probably the best video maker on the internet and I can compare his total genius to The Perry Bible Fellowship in it's prime. I usually don't care about the wider-success of others (and only vaguely of the success of myself) but it's almost infuriating that every video he posts doesn't have 60 million views. Watch all his videos immediately.
I used to try to make kinda darkish comedy stuff sometimes. Then I found this guy and was like 'oh, that is what I was trying to do only 100 times better than I ever could have, and far more concise. Clearly, I am a total poser' Probably the best video maker on the internet and I can compare his total genius to The Perry Bible Fellowship in it's prime. I usually don't care about the wider-success of others (and only vaguely of the success of myself) but it's almost infuriating that every video he posts doesn't have 60 million views. Watch all his videos immediately.
SINK OR SWIM from BLACKMAGIC ROLLERCOASTER on Vimeo.
Gentlemen Drivers - Valdor
Rating: A+
Another joyful nightmare from Allen Cordell.
My boss tells me I am a television producer and that I will soon be programming for an HD channel he is leasing. He also pays me in cash and makes me eat at Denny's almost every single day, sometimes more than once in a day when we travel. Programming a network is basically my dream and if it were to come through, the first thing I would do is contact this director and offer him unlimited money to make any show he wants. As far as if my tv empire will becomes reality or not, I certainly hope so and my boss seems pretty sure of it, but it sounds somewhat incredible to me sometimes. Especially when it is being discussed ina Dennys over pancake puppies. As a strangely wise gas-station attendant once muttered to himself, 'only time will tell'.
Another joyful nightmare from Allen Cordell.
My boss tells me I am a television producer and that I will soon be programming for an HD channel he is leasing. He also pays me in cash and makes me eat at Denny's almost every single day, sometimes more than once in a day when we travel. Programming a network is basically my dream and if it were to come through, the first thing I would do is contact this director and offer him unlimited money to make any show he wants. As far as if my tv empire will becomes reality or not, I certainly hope so and my boss seems pretty sure of it, but it sounds somewhat incredible to me sometimes. Especially when it is being discussed ina Dennys over pancake puppies. As a strangely wise gas-station attendant once muttered to himself, 'only time will tell'.
Gentlemen Drivers - Valdor from Allen Cordell on Vimeo.
Michel Gondry - high budget ad for third-rate booze
Rating: B- (would be higher if it was on the web in HD or if it wasn't advertizing a comically nauseating product.)
This is your typically solid Gondry. Shameful that it isn't in HD and hilarious that it is for a brand one notch below Andre's Champagne and one notch above Boone's Farm.
This is your typically solid Gondry. Shameful that it isn't in HD and hilarious that it is for a brand one notch below Andre's Champagne and one notch above Boone's Farm.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Russ Chimes - MIDNIGHT CLUB EP (Part 1: Never Look Back)
Rating: A
Amazing short film by Samar Keshavarz. Part 1 of a trilogy and one of the best things to exist.
Amazing short film by Samar Keshavarz. Part 1 of a trilogy and one of the best things to exist.
Dioscuri Part II
Rating:A
These are some friends of mine and they are insanely talented. They make these elaborate stop-motion animations that involve wood carving each frame, and fire and models and mixed media. It takes them years to get 10 or 15 minutes of material, and then they project it in a theater and play the film-score to it live, on lots of instruments including harps and samplers and bass guitars. One of the most incredible shows I have ever seen. However, they made the decision to not put any of it on the internet aside from this short clip that doesn't do it a fair degree of justice. I understand the argument to keep the live show 'special' but I respectfully disagree with the philosophy. Here is the gorgeous snippet.
These are some friends of mine and they are insanely talented. They make these elaborate stop-motion animations that involve wood carving each frame, and fire and models and mixed media. It takes them years to get 10 or 15 minutes of material, and then they project it in a theater and play the film-score to it live, on lots of instruments including harps and samplers and bass guitars. One of the most incredible shows I have ever seen. However, they made the decision to not put any of it on the internet aside from this short clip that doesn't do it a fair degree of justice. I understand the argument to keep the live show 'special' but I respectfully disagree with the philosophy. Here is the gorgeous snippet.
Looploop
Rating:C
I struggled. I felt like this one wasn't good enough to post, but also was good enough that I would regret not posting it. Maybe I am just getting jaded and nothing is good enough anymore. You watch enough of this stuff, it all starts looking the same, ya know?
I struggled. I felt like this one wasn't good enough to post, but also was good enough that I would regret not posting it. Maybe I am just getting jaded and nothing is good enough anymore. You watch enough of this stuff, it all starts looking the same, ya know?
The Meth Project "Desperate" (Dir. Darren Aronofsky)
I feel like Darren Aronofsky is always making creepy videos for his person collection, and the meth project came along and asked if they could use them for there project and Darren was like "oh yeah, I guess they would work for that too."
It's nice to see an anti-drug commercial that doesn't just sell kids smugness.
It's nice to see an anti-drug commercial that doesn't just sell kids smugness.
misc notes
There is a scene is J. Edgar hoover when J Edgar asks "Do you know the story of how I got this job?" and the other guy answers, "sure, everyone knows that story, you were called into an office and asked to sit in a chair..." and then the scene cuts.
How could a story that classic not get spread all around the office?
Oh, and I should mention, I get a lot of my material from other blogs, of course. thecuriousbrain.com is where I cull about half of these, so if you just can't get enough, check it out.
Also, I tend to just post a single video from a brilliant director as an example. So if you like one video, that is also a lead on lots more internet time wastage.
How could a story that classic not get spread all around the office?
Oh, and I should mention, I get a lot of my material from other blogs, of course. thecuriousbrain.com is where I cull about half of these, so if you just can't get enough, check it out.
Also, I tend to just post a single video from a brilliant director as an example. So if you like one video, that is also a lead on lots more internet time wastage.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
DEVENDRA BANHART "FOOLIN"
Rating: C
Another from Isaiah Seret. I think it is sort of trying too hard to be edgy for edgy's sake, but Dhara gives it the thumbs up and she went to art school and has a degree in sculpture, so what do I know.
Another from Isaiah Seret. I think it is sort of trying too hard to be edgy for edgy's sake, but Dhara gives it the thumbs up and she went to art school and has a degree in sculpture, so what do I know.
KISSES OVER BABYLON by Isaiah Seret
Rating: C
This is by Isaiah Seret, who I find to be decent but Dhara find to be incredible. This 10 minute music video is boring to me, but epic to her. If you have 10 minutes to give to an epic, building video, maybe this is what you are looking for.
This is by Isaiah Seret, who I find to be decent but Dhara find to be incredible. This 10 minute music video is boring to me, but epic to her. If you have 10 minutes to give to an epic, building video, maybe this is what you are looking for.
Sapporo - Legendary Biru
Rating: B-
As if existing solely to undercut the artistic beauty of Macros Brambilla's incredible work, "Civilizations", here is a piece that apes the same style. Rather than explore the broad, epic and timeless theme of civilization, this one shills a mediocre beer.
As if existing solely to undercut the artistic beauty of Macros Brambilla's incredible work, "Civilizations", here is a piece that apes the same style. Rather than explore the broad, epic and timeless theme of civilization, this one shills a mediocre beer.
Civilization by Marco Brambilla
Rating:A
Marcos Brambilla is sort of a god when it comes to video art and after seeing this standard of work, it's hard when you end up at any video-art show not to openly snicker. Most of the stuff he does can only be seen in high-end galleries or MOMA, which is annoying. This is a small segment from a longer video that usually plays on a giant screen. Pretty much everything by this guy is mandatory viewing. He also directed Demolition Man.
Marcos Brambilla is sort of a god when it comes to video art and after seeing this standard of work, it's hard when you end up at any video-art show not to openly snicker. Most of the stuff he does can only be seen in high-end galleries or MOMA, which is annoying. This is a small segment from a longer video that usually plays on a giant screen. Pretty much everything by this guy is mandatory viewing. He also directed Demolition Man.
Rabbit by Miike Snow
Rating: B+
Just a good video, nothing too weird. You could teach a class on how to follow the rules, every shot has all the major tropes; animals, kids, costumes, race, beautiful women, authority figures, sub-titles, dancing ect. It even has a beginning, middle and end. Very solid, bread and butter. Good song, too.
Just a good video, nothing too weird. You could teach a class on how to follow the rules, every shot has all the major tropes; animals, kids, costumes, race, beautiful women, authority figures, sub-titles, dancing ect. It even has a beginning, middle and end. Very solid, bread and butter. Good song, too.
You, The Living
This one takes patience and you have to be sort of in a quiet the mood. If you commit to it, it's devastating beautiful and totally unique. It's by Roy Andersson, who is a cult Polish director. he also directed "songs from the second floor" which is kind of a must see for people that love long, unmoving shots with extremely wide angles lenses and incredibly elaborate sets/lighting. Every scene is more like an epic classical-era painting that moves. He is a genius from another planet (although, arguably, sometimes pretty boring in terms of plot, if we are going to nitpick obscure art films). Watch it for the eye candy with the sub's off or spend a few minutes on youtube going "huh". Also, it's kind of a sin to watch it not in the theater, ya know?
Open your Heart
Rating: A+
Michel Gondry coming out with a video used to be a pop culture event. Now, they slide by without anyone even noticing. What up with that? I watched this video so many times when it first came out and it is just perfect.
Michel Gondry coming out with a video used to be a pop culture event. Now, they slide by without anyone even noticing. What up with that? I watched this video so many times when it first came out and it is just perfect.
REVOLUTION
Rating: C
See, now here is that same effect put to a better use. So incredibly simple, so much potential.
See, now here is that same effect put to a better use. So incredibly simple, so much potential.
The Coloured Fields
Rating: C-
This video isn't awesome, don't watch it. I am posting it here because the effect could have been incredible if utilized more creatively and it might be something cool to explore the next time I need an idea.
This video isn't awesome, don't watch it. I am posting it here because the effect could have been incredible if utilized more creatively and it might be something cool to explore the next time I need an idea.
Friday, November 11, 2011
WEB BECOMES HER
Why do I find this video right after I give my parents the URL to my blog? NSFW. Mom and dad, don't watch this one. It's art.
Kid Cudi & Cage – Maniac (Dir. Shia LaBeouf)
Rating:A+
I kind of hate Kid Cudi. Bone was repping Cleavland just fine before you came along with your backpack, buddy. But this 10 minute art film holds up as a legitimately improved take on 'A Clockwork Orange'. I had a very similar idea for a video that I was soon to go into production with, but more based on the suicidal blaze of glory scenario that everyone likes to play on GTA. Now I have to scrap that. Snoozin' and losin'. Although, these guys did it better than I would have. It's pretty frigging perfect, and it isn't even ruined by Kid Cudi's usually obnoxiously twee persona. He's usually The Benny Goodman of rap (which isn't a compliment).
It's also really, really good to see Cage get a vehicle worthy of him. finally. It's been a long fight, buddy. And you chose to take Cudi along for the ride. If it makes you happy, I guess I'll let you have it.
I kind of hate Kid Cudi. Bone was repping Cleavland just fine before you came along with your backpack, buddy. But this 10 minute art film holds up as a legitimately improved take on 'A Clockwork Orange'. I had a very similar idea for a video that I was soon to go into production with, but more based on the suicidal blaze of glory scenario that everyone likes to play on GTA. Now I have to scrap that. Snoozin' and losin'. Although, these guys did it better than I would have. It's pretty frigging perfect, and it isn't even ruined by Kid Cudi's usually obnoxiously twee persona. He's usually The Benny Goodman of rap (which isn't a compliment).
It's also really, really good to see Cage get a vehicle worthy of him. finally. It's been a long fight, buddy. And you chose to take Cudi along for the ride. If it makes you happy, I guess I'll let you have it.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Futurecop! - Transformers
Rating: A+
simply, my favorite video. I have been watching it every once in awhile for a year or two and every single time, it makes me really happy.
simply, my favorite video. I have been watching it every once in awhile for a year or two and every single time, it makes me really happy.
Destroyer - Savage Night at the Opera
Rating: A
An great example in how simple can also be perfect. I can lose myself in this video and this song every couple of days and it is always a wonderful experience. It's kind of genius. Although when Dhara watched it, she was like "It would have been cooler if at the end the guy did something more interesting, like what if he showed up and someone was hanging themselves and he got there just in time to save them or even, something like. dramatically chose not to save them?
So that sort of ruined a great piece of art for me a little bit.
An great example in how simple can also be perfect. I can lose myself in this video and this song every couple of days and it is always a wonderful experience. It's kind of genius. Although when Dhara watched it, she was like "It would have been cooler if at the end the guy did something more interesting, like what if he showed up and someone was hanging themselves and he got there just in time to save them or even, something like. dramatically chose not to save them?
So that sort of ruined a great piece of art for me a little bit.
100 YEARS / STYLE / EAST LONDON
This is the music video effect I am totally obsessed with and that I am basing one of my nest videos on. This is, by far, the best execution of this tricky effect that I have seen to date.
Mound by Allison Schulnik
Rating: B
Some people really, really love claymation. I usually find it a bit creepy. I also find anime really unpleasantly weird, incidentally. But to the claymation luvers and likers, this is a pretty technically excellent example of the form.
Some people really, really love claymation. I usually find it a bit creepy. I also find anime really unpleasantly weird, incidentally. But to the claymation luvers and likers, this is a pretty technically excellent example of the form.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
God's Eye View - Brian Carroll
Rating: B
As far as I am aware, the first supercut to go for artistic might rather than kitsch or novelty value. As interesting as it is obsessive-compulsive.
As far as I am aware, the first supercut to go for artistic might rather than kitsch or novelty value. As interesting as it is obsessive-compulsive.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
tUnE-yArDs Bizness - Full Version
Rating:A
How did this video get made in SF in collaboration with Mekanism and I totally missed out? As far as I know one of the only other decent music video directors in The Bay. It is exactly the sort of music video I like to make (dancing, colors, kids, silly faces, sets, artsy) and I would kill to hang around the director and work as even a grip or something on one of her projects. Just a fun video and a notably fun song.
How did this video get made in SF in collaboration with Mekanism and I totally missed out? As far as I know one of the only other decent music video directors in The Bay. It is exactly the sort of music video I like to make (dancing, colors, kids, silly faces, sets, artsy) and I would kill to hang around the director and work as even a grip or something on one of her projects. Just a fun video and a notably fun song.
Eskmo – “We Got More” (Dir. Cyriak Harris)
Rating: B-
Personally, I am not blown away by this video for some reason. Although, on paper, the idea seems really cool. I bet my lukewarm opinion is just me being weird and that you will love it. If you don't, then I have amazing instincts. If I'm wrong, you get to see a music video you like for the first time, how great is that first time, ya know?
Personally, I am not blown away by this video for some reason. Although, on paper, the idea seems really cool. I bet my lukewarm opinion is just me being weird and that you will love it. If you don't, then I have amazing instincts. If I'm wrong, you get to see a music video you like for the first time, how great is that first time, ya know?
Eskmo 'We Got More' (Official Video) from Ninja Tune on Vimeo.
IS TROPICAL - THE GREEKS
Rating: A
You've probably seen this one, but if you haven't, don't miss it. Just some good clean fun from France.
You've probably seen this one, but if you haven't, don't miss it. Just some good clean fun from France.
須藤元気（Genki Sudo)「WORLD ORDER」の"MACHINE CIVILIZATION"
Rating:A
These guys are totally unique in the way only the Japanese seem to be able to achieve. Aside from the breathtaking and far-out approach to dance in a video context where they design the moves for the camera and aside from their generally mighty, hypnotic power, it's an interesting fact that the lead singer was a great boxer in Japan before he became a suit wearing pop singer/dance leader. They have a half dozen videos in this exact style to explore, and it's impossible to watch just one of these things. They do every video in a different country, probably showing that all over the world, there is order.
These guys are totally unique in the way only the Japanese seem to be able to achieve. Aside from the breathtaking and far-out approach to dance in a video context where they design the moves for the camera and aside from their generally mighty, hypnotic power, it's an interesting fact that the lead singer was a great boxer in Japan before he became a suit wearing pop singer/dance leader. They have a half dozen videos in this exact style to explore, and it's impossible to watch just one of these things. They do every video in a different country, probably showing that all over the world, there is order.
Spank Rock - #1 Hit (Director's Cut)
Rating: A
At risk of putting two geniuses right next to each other in my blog, this is Allen Cordell. Also a top tier director. Everything he has done has been incredible and he is, in some ways, like a contemporary Chris Morris' Jam. Or maybe he is comparable to the movie Crispin Glover made with all the mentally handicapped people, I don't know, I never saw it. But I imagine it would make me feel the way this guy can, although I suspect this guy has more fun with it. Although this guy was also not in Back to The Future, so the score there is 1 for Crispin Glover, and 1 for Allen Cordell. I never knew a music video could be genuinely creepy but his videos sort of scare me. Well, maybe the Blackhole Sun video by Sound Garden was pretty freaky when I was 15, but other than that.I hated it the first time I watched it and then watched it 4 more times in a row.
At risk of putting two geniuses right next to each other in my blog, this is Allen Cordell. Also a top tier director. Everything he has done has been incredible and he is, in some ways, like a contemporary Chris Morris' Jam. Or maybe he is comparable to the movie Crispin Glover made with all the mentally handicapped people, I don't know, I never saw it. But I imagine it would make me feel the way this guy can, although I suspect this guy has more fun with it. Although this guy was also not in Back to The Future, so the score there is 1 for Crispin Glover, and 1 for Allen Cordell. I never knew a music video could be genuinely creepy but his videos sort of scare me. Well, maybe the Blackhole Sun video by Sound Garden was pretty freaky when I was 15, but other than that.I hated it the first time I watched it and then watched it 4 more times in a row.
Cinnamon Chasers - Luv Deluxe
Rating: A+
The best music video of the past 5 years. Maybe the best music video ever. Saman Keshavarz is the director. He is only 25 years old and already has a body of work behind him. Check out every video he has ever made, especially Russ Chimes Midnight Club. I watch one of his videos at least once a week and every time I get really inspired to go make good work.
The best music video of the past 5 years. Maybe the best music video ever. Saman Keshavarz is the director. He is only 25 years old and already has a body of work behind him. Check out every video he has ever made, especially Russ Chimes Midnight Club. I watch one of his videos at least once a week and every time I get really inspired to go make good work.
Com Truise - "Brokendate"
Rating: B-
I hesitate to include this one, because I find it sort of boring. But I can't deny that it has an admirable visual tone in the style of an 80's VHS cop movie. If you have patience and are really into an interesting tone and 80's revival music, it might be up your alley.
I hesitate to include this one, because I find it sort of boring. But I can't deny that it has an admirable visual tone in the style of an 80's VHS cop movie. If you have patience and are really into an interesting tone and 80's revival music, it might be up your alley.
Jack Ladder and The Dreamlanders - 'Beautiful Sound'
Rating: D-
don't even watch this one. I am including it as a reminder that the worst kind of director thinks one visual effect is enough to carry a video. This video might as well be people running there finger over a screen and swiping things away like an ipod interface for cliche, trendy visual effect of the moment. I can imagine the director and DP on set, lining up there shots with a full lighting kit and models and made up, thinking they are legit commercial producers, networking there way to the top. This video has a few moments of genuine visual interest and is also a thesis on exactly what is wrong with bad videos.
don't even watch this one. I am including it as a reminder that the worst kind of director thinks one visual effect is enough to carry a video. This video might as well be people running there finger over a screen and swiping things away like an ipod interface for cliche, trendy visual effect of the moment. I can imagine the director and DP on set, lining up there shots with a full lighting kit and models and made up, thinking they are legit commercial producers, networking there way to the top. This video has a few moments of genuine visual interest and is also a thesis on exactly what is wrong with bad videos.
soulwax 'machine'
Rating: B
If you got your hopes up in the 90's that Chris Cunningham was going to be a groundbreaking visual genius and then were disappointed to realize all he actually inspired were annoying Vodka Ad's and mediocre Will Smith movies (and how hard is it to screw up a Will Smith movie, he's an American Treasure.) Here is a video that makes you wish there were more sort of darkish industrial videos in the world. You also might like it if you ever had a trip-hop phase or if you freaked out over the Pi soundtrack when that came out in the late 90's and were like "what, music made from computers and keyboards, what mad genius is this I hear?"
If you got your hopes up in the 90's that Chris Cunningham was going to be a groundbreaking visual genius and then were disappointed to realize all he actually inspired were annoying Vodka Ad's and mediocre Will Smith movies (and how hard is it to screw up a Will Smith movie, he's an American Treasure.) Here is a video that makes you wish there were more sort of darkish industrial videos in the world. You also might like it if you ever had a trip-hop phase or if you freaked out over the Pi soundtrack when that came out in the late 90's and were like "what, music made from computers and keyboards, what mad genius is this I hear?"
I LOOK & MOVE
Rating A+
Everyone loves stop motion, but there is an amazing amount of boring stuff out there. This video from Russia just oozes with creativity, even haters gotta give it up right here. Short and sweet and guaranteed to make you smile for one second and then move on with your life. Doesn't that sound nice? There are a few other little animations on these guys' page, but this video is the eyegasm.
Everyone loves stop motion, but there is an amazing amount of boring stuff out there. This video from Russia just oozes with creativity, even haters gotta give it up right here. Short and sweet and guaranteed to make you smile for one second and then move on with your life. Doesn't that sound nice? There are a few other little animations on these guys' page, but this video is the eyegasm.
Battlesnake - The Cheshire Cat
Rating:B-
The first video to explore that effect made famous by the "camera attached to a sword" video that hit big on youtube (google it, it's pretty amazing). It's nice when the first to the party actually does some decent work exploring the effect, Although I would have liked to see a little more going on in this video. Still, a semi-fun little video.
The first video to explore that effect made famous by the "camera attached to a sword" video that hit big on youtube (google it, it's pretty amazing). It's nice when the first to the party actually does some decent work exploring the effect, Although I would have liked to see a little more going on in this video. Still, a semi-fun little video.
Scissor Sisters - Invisible Light
Rating:A+
Who cares about Scissor Sisters outside of a gay discotheque, right? Well, this video is by CANADA, who are basically at the top tier of music videoing right now. They did that amazing and popular El Guincho - Bombay video last year that was so original it was from another planet . This video is just as good and in an era where almost every visual motif has been played out to death, they can consistently deliver stunningly original images. Pretty much everything they have done is at least worth checking out, click on there video and spend a half hour being converted.
Who cares about Scissor Sisters outside of a gay discotheque, right? Well, this video is by CANADA, who are basically at the top tier of music videoing right now. They did that amazing and popular El Guincho - Bombay video last year that was so original it was from another planet . This video is just as good and in an era where almost every visual motif has been played out to death, they can consistently deliver stunningly original images. Pretty much everything they have done is at least worth checking out, click on there video and spend a half hour being converted.
Mechanical Bride - Young Gold
rating B.
pretty, indie rock style. fluffy and cute if that's your style.
pretty, indie rock style. fluffy and cute if that's your style.
Orifice Chorifus
Rating: B-
totally not my thing, but it is something and certains wil be all 'like woah'.
totally not my thing, but it is something and certains wil be all 'like woah'.
Gravity - excerpt
Rating: B
I find this to be a very interesting, at time transcendentally beautiful, at other times headache inducing work of art. I'd love to see it smoothed out and developed a little bit with more attention paid focal distance from subject and keeping the central point of focus for the eye in one consistent place on the screen. As someone who has made videos like this, I can tell you, it was probably and quite literally, a serious headache to work on. A fascinating and frustrating near breakthrough masterpiece.
I find this to be a very interesting, at time transcendentally beautiful, at other times headache inducing work of art. I'd love to see it smoothed out and developed a little bit with more attention paid focal distance from subject and keeping the central point of focus for the eye in one consistent place on the screen. As someone who has made videos like this, I can tell you, it was probably and quite literally, a serious headache to work on. A fascinating and frustrating near breakthrough masterpiece.
The Naked And Famous - The Sun (NSFW)
Rating: C+
Posting this one is such a borderline call, especially since I like things SFW. If you went to art college, you might luv this one, so I am including it for those. It has some moments.
Posting this one is such a borderline call, especially since I like things SFW. If you went to art college, you might luv this one, so I am including it for those. It has some moments.
Splitscreen: A Love Story
Rating: B-
Shot entirely on a phone and winner of some contest. It could use some story to it, but undeniably eye candy. I'm really not hard to impress when it involves clever split screens.
Shot entirely on a phone and winner of some contest. It could use some story to it, but undeniably eye candy. I'm really not hard to impress when it involves clever split screens.
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