Brilliant. Let's combine music and film, two of the most powerful things in my life. Gotta love it. However, there are some music videos that are better than others. Sure, I can watch Chris Martin walk backwards for over three minutes, and I guess because the song is decent I will be pleased, but then there are music videos that make the song deeper. That take you to a new level. I will explain my fascinations with each of these.
My favorites:
Anthem of Our Dying Day by Story of the Year. I have to put this one on here because it was my first music video. I'm sure that I saw a music video before this one, but I remember where I was when I saw this. I remember how I felt. I had never heard the song before, but it hit me. It was dark and emotional. The music video showed all these youth coming together in this building and falling together, and that for some reason resonated with me. Not to mention I had never seen anyone play instruments that intensely (guitars at least, I had seen Travis Barker rock the drum set). My brother told me that a person's first music video defines who we are. It's a ridiculous theory, but that music video did hold a lot of significance in my life for a long time.
Only One by Yellowcard. I still think Yellowcard is amazing. This music video hit that hippie, 60's, rebel against authority side of me. Plus, it's romantic. There's this one part when the protesters put flowers in the guns, and it was the first time I had seen that. Then the smoke floods in and chaos breaks loose. The music slows down and then Ryan Key loses his girlfriend in the crowd, then as the music quickens again they reunite. Then in the midst of all the craziness he starts to dance with her, and in the end they stand together in front of a tank. Freaking great!
Knights of Cydonia by Muse. IT'S EPIC!!! Need I say more?
Tonight, Tonight by The Smashing Pumpkins. I had a phase when I loved the Smashing Pumpkins. When I saw this music video for the first time, I simply thought it was strange. Good, but strange. Then I saw "A Trip to the Moon", one of the first films ever made, and coincidentally the film in which the music video was based off of. Obviously there are differences, the Smashing Pumpkins video has a couple going to the moon instead of a group of elderly scientists (which is a change I am completely okay with), but it has the same level of special effects as the original. It is a different sounding band, so it is suitable for them to make a unique kind of video.
My Chemical Romance. Okay, I know this is cheating, but I can't just pick one. Or even two. Here, I will list the ones I like.
Helena. First of all, I love the song. The song is about a death, so it's extremely fitting that they would have the video be of a funeral. I love how the dancers come out in black while people in the audience are crying and Gerard is doing the eulogy. My favorite part though is when it slows down and everyone is praying. The girl in the casket wakes up and ballets down the isle (in a dress I totally want!) before falling back down. Then there's the final scene with the band marching the casket into a hearse with the dancers outside with umbrellas. It's very dark and dramatic and emotional and poetic. Overall, just very moving.
I'm Not Okay. It's high school. Everyone feels this awkwardness and this feeling of not belonging and My Chem portrays this in a humorous but truthful way in this video. Plus, it's set up like a movie trailer, where it leaves you wanting more.
The Ghost of You. One, I love World War II. That sounds bad, but it fascinates me. The story is set up in a "Saving Private Ryan" storming the beaches of Normandy kind of way. My favorite part though is when all the people are dancing and then soldiers and water run across the floor and the scene changes to the war. Absolutely beautiful transition, I watched it over and over again the first time I saw it. Then in the last part Mikey runs out and you can see Gerard screaming his name as he gets shot and dies. As the music fades the camera zooms into Gerard's eye and all that's left is the sound of gunfire. I admit I almost cry every time, it's that powerful.
I Don't Love You. As if the song wasn't depressing enough, let's make a video about the struggles of love and heartbreak. All in black in white. They did, and it is amazing. I love the contrast of the purity and the dirtiness, and the emotions are so obviously expressed, by the actors and by Gerard. It's a very artist portrayal of the pain the song already expresses.
Here It Goes Again by Ok Go. Can you do that on a treadmill? I don't think so. I can watch that music video again and again and still be entertained and fascinated.
Just by Radiohead. WHAT DOES HE SAY?? Sorry. It's the question we all have. I find this video very interesting because it has dialog. This man is laying on the street, and everyone wants to know why. He won't get up, he doesn't want to be touched, and he won't tell anyone why he is laying there. Finally the crowd gets frustrated and one man yells at him to tell him why. So he does. It doesn't tell us what he says, but the next shot is of everyone else laying on the ground. I don't know if it's the psychologist in me, but I find this video very intriguing.
Chasing Pavements by Adele. INCREDIBLE! It begins with a car accident and a couple is laying on the pavement. As the song progresses they dance, while laying on the pavement, through a recap of their relationship up to this point. Freaking fantastic vision and, I don't know how they did that dancing on the ground, but it was done beautifully.
Crossfire by Brandon Flowers. Brandon looks sad. Que Charlize Theron. Kill some ninjas. Brandon smiles. Done! Here is where I make a shout out to Chelsey!
A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More Touch Me by Fall Out Boy.Not really one of my favorite bands, but the music video is like a movie. About vampires. Before Vampires were even 'cool'. This music video makes it on the list because the end kicks ass. Fall Out Boy vampire slayers vs. The Academy Is... vampires. And The Academy Is... wins! Add in some pretty awesome vampire dance scenes. Yeah, it's pretty wicked!
The Way She Feels by Between the Trees. I can't really watch this without crying. It is an exact representation of the song lyrics. It....uh....resonates with me. The best part, for me, is when the dad comes into the bathroom to find his daughter and helps her. It's just really great to see that kind of love and acceptance, especially with the song, and what it means.
I have more, but this is where I will end. For now.
(Add on...)
Here are a few more I would suggest to watch. I fill not go into detail yet though.
All That I've Got by The Used, Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades by Brand New, Paralyzer by Finger Eleven, 30 Seconds to Mars (all of their videos are incredible), Love Me Dead by Ludo, Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros, Symphonies by Dan Black, Make Damn Sure by Taking Back Sunday
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