What makes a good music video? An awesome song obviously, but a visual component has been added- thereby making the visuals more important than the audio itself.
Visual creativity is a much different form of artistic expression altogether, but the meshing of the two can be one of the most gratifying and mesmerizing experiences that exists (for cheap). Movies and trailers wouldn't nearly be as moving without the complement of music.
I will never understand why anyone would resort to filming a live performance, but I guess they're all entitled to at least one of those... as long as it's stylistically edited. What I truly appreciate is an artist who is willing to reach out to graphic designers and visionary filmmakers in order to make something that is truly original and imaginative.
I've compiled a list of some of the videos that have impressed me the most... in alphabetical order-
Animal Collective- Bluish
Take your pick with this band. They collaborated with avante-garde director Danny Perez in 2010 to make a 50 minute visual album called Oddsac, which was out of this world. I was tempted to share a segment from it, but I decided on this instead. While some of AC's stuff has a harsh sound and feel to it, Bluish is both aesthetically pleasing and harmonious.
Bonobo- Cirrus
Wow, I don't even know how to describe this video. It is exceptionally well-made and unlike anything I've ever seen before. An incredible concept that somehow manages to transcend space and time, lulling you into a trance-like state that ends abruptly when the song does. It may be weird and confusing at first, but repeated exposure will help you understand I'm saying.
Daft Punk- Around the World
In order of all-time preference, I would automatically put this at the top. It may very well be one of the most brilliant music videos ever made, in my humble opinion of course. The choreography was designed to be in lockstep with every beat, riff and synthesized note. Each costume represents one of the instruments that make up the song as a whole. Daft Punk and Michel Gondry have made something that has stood the test of time, and will continue to do so well into the future.
Delorean- Stay Close
There is something so nostalgic about this video. Not only is it expertly edited in such a way that even most ADD among us would enjoy it, but it reminds me of how much I enjoyed vacations at the beach. What this video manages to do is trigger a slew of sensory memories that remind me of a worry-free existence. The smells, the sand, and the waves... makes me wish I was there!
Tame Impala- Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
Another masterpiece that is extraordinary. While I love the song, I couldn't stop thinking about the time and effort that went into making something like this. The artists involved in such a project are undoubtedly talented, but their patience and due diligence impressed me the most after my first viewing. I understand how this can be 'too much' for some people, but the animation here is spectacular to watch over and over again.
Woodkid- Iron and Run Boy Run
This is a two-for-one special here. If they weren't available in the same video, I wouldn't have included both. If I were to pick one that I prefer though, it would probably the Run Boy Run... only because it's a little more recent in my mind than what precedes it. While the videos are similar, I wouldn't say the songs are. I'll let you be the judge of that, but that takes nothing away from how artistic and inspiring they both are in their own right. Woodkid is just getting started too, I'm looking forward to what's next.
Yeasayer- Ambling Alp
This is one of the most 'feel-good' songs that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to in my lifetime. There is something so catchy and mood-altering about it, but the video is eccentric to say the least. There's some nudity, odd behavior, mind-blowing imagery, and a nonsensical storyline. Suffice it to say, I love it... but the song is so uplifting to begin with anyway. I understand how subjective music can be, but how could you not enjoy it too?
Realizing what an undertaking this post has become, I've decided to add more at a later date
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