MUSIC BUZZLIST: TOP 5 MUSIC VIDEOS OF 2011
Visually Striking Musical Moments from the Sublime to the Decidedly NSFW
Nothing stirs the heart like a good tune. And nothing captures the imagination like a good music video. 2011 saw some great directors team up with some of the most inovative musical artists. They offered one of the richest spectrums of music videos in recent years. From the funny, provocative, challenging, sexy, and cool, there was plenty to get your eyes and ears around. To list all of our favorites would take longer than reliving the entire year, so after much consideration and incredibly hard work, this Buzzine Top 5 represents some unsung heroes, some viral monsters, some wonderful creatures, and some dirty beasts. We apologize to those artists who we overlooked, but come on -- take a look at these beauties...
Beastie Boys - "Make Some Noise": A return to the future from the past to the present. Or something. The stellar cast of the "Make Some Noise" video contained too many A-list comedy names to mention. The unadulterated, juvenile-yet-adult fun harkened back to the fight to party. This was exuberant, celebratory, self-effacing and, what's more, it totally killed. The extended thirty-minute "Fight for Your Right (Revised)" just increased the joy. The Hot Sauce Committee never had so much spice.
Colourmusic – "You for Leaving Me": Devilishly funked rockers Colourmusic showed what happens when there's just the right amount of chefs in the kitchen -- a not-so-subtle message about always checking the ingredients before a children's party. A simple idea executed perfectly showed that big budgets aren't necessary if a concept is strong. The track rocks, the images are fantastically unhinged, and never had there been such a flagrant disregard for hairnets and/or hygiene during commercial food preparation..
UNKLE & Nick Cave – "Take the Money and Run": Despite the hyper-real shine on the film stock, here is the muddiest video of 2011. Referencing American Psycho, exploring the abhorrent exaggeration of indulgences -- misogyny, elitism, inhumanity, torture, and grotesque excesses are all displayed implicitly and explicitly. Miss the point and viewers may be offended. Get the point and this is a perfect articulation against an ugly economic status quo. Provocative, dark, unsettling, and dangerous. Like all good rock 'n' roll. Unmissable.
Oh Land - "White Nights": Pop music to the very core. Oh Land displayed a heart of purity and fun. Dreams within dreams and themes that rippled like dominoes through the surreal, unfolding mind. African dancers, waterfalls, unicorns, feathered head-dresses, geometric twists on perspective. If the track was the sound of happiness, the video is a visual display of innocence, awe, and wonder. The perfect example of counter-cynicism without being overly sugared.
The National - "Conversation 16": Released as the final single from 2010's High Violet album, this track and accompanying video arrived with presidential authority. Funny, slightly off-kilter, and with a non-too-discreet subtext. There were familiar faces in unusual roles and lightness of touch from the deadpan comedy gold of Matt Berninger, the perfect quasi-straight guy. With a linear plot and musicians taking acting roles, there was something of the classic '80s music vid brought up to date with sweet, very hip nonchalance.
Honorary Mention
Duck Sauce – "Big Bad Wolf": Depending on viewer sensibility, this is the best or the worst video of 2011. Deeply funny, if you find it funny. Deeply offensive, if you find it offensive. First off, the track will make your feet bleed. Secondly, the images may just make your brain hurt if you don't shy away from the decidedly NSFW content. If the measure of a good dance video is how successful it is in spreading new moves, then surely Duck Sauce is ahead of the game. Or maybe they're out back in an alleyway trying to get away with something.
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