I remember
We were walking up to strawberry swing
I can’t wait ’til the morning
Wouldn’t wanna change a thing
People moving all the time
Inside a perfectly straight line
Don’t you wanna curve away
It’s such
It’s such a perfect day
It’s such a perfect day
Now the sky could be blue
I don’t mind
Without you it’s a waste of time…
I forgot how much I enjoy watching good music videos. The kind that’s almost an art unto itself.
It’s not easy to make a good one (I reckon). You’re trying to tell a complicated story in a little more than 3 minutes and most of the time, people don’t have very much to say. But on the rare occasion where one does get it right, even a mediocre song can be elevated to something great. The music videos become tiny movies where the song evolves into the soundtrack of a little piece of film. Two elements sharing a dance on an empty stage.
Anyway, here’s a list of some of my favourites. I’m afraid they’re quite predictable. Most of them have some form of dancing, stop-motion, single shot takes, brilliant colours or just silly, romantic things…
Falling Water – Maggie Rogers
They say all Maggie Rogers videos are sort of the same (take a look at the Alaska or On + Off music videos) and while I agree, I just love the way she dances in this one. Half-possessed, half in total control. Hypnotising.
Carried Away – Passion Pit
Relatable. Also, Michael Angelakos and Sophia Bush make a cute couple.
Someone That Loves You – Honne
Love the direction and cinematography of this video and how it portrays night-time Tokyo, a city of pink and yellow neon, breathing new life into the tired storyline of a one-night encounter with a beautiful stranger. And the scene of the sakura billowing around the male lead at the end is just breathtaking.
Lost Things – A Fine Frenzy
Did I mention how much I love stop-motion?
Why Do You Let Me Stay Here – She & Him
Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt may be the biggest friendzone of the 21st century, but they do a mean 60s-inspired look and dance together.
Friends – Francis & The Lights feat. Bon Iver
Before I started listening to Francis & The Lights, a friend of mine told me that he had caught their live show and had never seen a more enigmatic and compelling artist in his life. He couldn’t be more right. I also never thought I’d live to see the day where Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) agrees to be in a synchronised dance with another grown man while singing a song about friendship. The bromance is strong in this one.
It Hurts! – Bad Bad Hats
Two and a half minutes of juvenility. A necessary thing.
Chateau – Angus & Julia Stone
Ever since watching Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere some years back, the Chateau Marmont has become an old and untouchable relic in my mind, shrouded in mystery and other dark things. While the cinematography and chemistry between the leads are lovely, I think I just dig this song a whole lot.
Dark Blue – Jack’s Mannequin
… And here’s a classic to round things off in style.
Words & Things 